Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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Six-ish degrees of separation

The summer is heating up and the degrees are rising. Check out these connections between the main stage performers playing at the Kentucky State Fair, August 20-30.

Six ½ degrees of Gavin DeGraw and Kelly Clarkson

1. Gavin DeGraw’s hit, “I Don’t Want to Be,” was the theme song for television teen drama, “One Tree Hill.”
2. Actor Chad Michael Murray, the star of “One Tree Hill,” portrayed the protagonist Nick Jones in the 2005 thriller “Wax House.”
3. Alongside Murray, Paris Hilton tested her acting skills in “Wax House.”
4 1/2. Hilton’s BFF is Nicole Richie, whose father Lionel Richie, was included on the soundtrack for “40-Year-Old Virgin” with his song, “Hello.”
5. The 2005 cult comedy hit “40-Year-Old Virgin” stars comedic actor Steve Carell.
6. Carell screams out Kelly Clarkson’s name while getting his chest waxed.

Ten degrees of Taylor Swift, Gloriana and Kellie Pickler

1. Taylor Swift’s debut single in 2006 was “Tim McGraw,” named after the country singer.
2. Tim McGraw starred in the 2008 holiday film “Four Christmases” with actor Jon Voight.
3. Jon Voight’s daughter is Angelina Jolie.
4. Jolie starred in “The Good Shepherd” with actor Billy Crudup.
5. Crudup graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where Gloriana band member, Tom Gossin attended before pursuing a career in music.
6. Gloriana lead singer, Cheyenne Kimball, won “America’s Most Talented Kid” in 2002, hosted by Mario Lopez.
7. Lopez auditioned to be Bob Barker’s replacement on the game show “Price is Right.”
8. Tyra Banks made a guest appearance on the “Price as Right,” as one of Bob Barker’s beauties.
9. Tyra Banks starred in the film “Coyote Ugly,” in which LeAnn Rimes made a cameo appearance.
10. Kellie Pickler sang LeAnn Rimes’ “On the Side of Angels” at her high school graduation.

Six degrees of Keith Urban and Pat Green

1. Country superstar Keith Urban is married to Aussie actress Nicole Kidman.
2. In Nicole Kidman’s first wedding, Emilio Estevez was Tom Cruise’s best man.
3. Estevez was married to Paula Abdul for two years.
4. Abdul was the judge on “American Idol” when Kyle Ensley made it to the top 25 in season 7.
5. Ensley was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity – as was country singer, Pat Green.

Tickets are available at the Freedom Hall & Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at (502) 361-3100 or 1-800-745-3000, or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com using ticketFast.

For more information on other exciting Kentucky State Fair entertainment and events, visit www.kystatefair.org.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

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Free Concert Lineup at the 2009 Kentucky State Fair

The economy doesn’t have to dip into your fun budget, at least not with these free concerts at the Kentucky State Fair. There is something for everybody in our musical line-up to please your ears, as well as your wallet. The following concerts are free with paid admission to the Kentucky State Fair. All free concerts will be held at Cardinal Stadium beginning at 8 p.m.

Peter Frampton with special guest The Afters – Thursday, August 20The beginning of the Kentucky State Fair concert series begins with British rock legend Peter Frampton. Frampton’s career began as a member of the 1960s groups Humble Pie and The Herd. Since 1971 he has been a notable Grammy award-winning solo artist. Recently, Frampton won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for “Fingerprints.” Best known for his live shows and albums, Frampton will treat the audience to his signature guitar riffs and hit songs “Baby I Love Your Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do.” Joining Frampton in concert is The Afters. The Texas-based band has recorded two albums, including the title track, “Never Going Back to OK” in 2006. It became the most played song on R&R magazine's Christian CHR chart for 2008.

The Commodores – Friday, August 21
The Commodores were Motown’s biggest act for two decades. The Grammy Award winners are still creating new albums and fresh hits, 37 years after being first discovered. The Commodores are best known for their mega-hits “Brick House,” “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady.” The Commodores will show the Kentucky State Fair that they are still as funky as when they started.

Shinedown with special guest Rev Theory – Saturday, August 22
Having toured with rock sensations Seether, Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, the Florida-bred rock band Shinedown will unleash “The Sound of Madness” and other audience favorites at the Kentucky State Fair. The platinum-album selling band is best known for their songs “45,” “Save Me,” “Devour” and “Second Chance.” Shinedown also covered Lyrnyd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” in memory of friend and Pantera guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell. With three studio albums under their belt, Shinedown has a hard-rocking future ahead of them. Special guest Rev Theory will be performing off their sophomore album “Light It Up.”

An Evening with the Oak Ridge Boys – Sunday, August 23
It wouldn’t be the Kentucky State Fair without hearing the Oak Ridge Boys’ hit “Elvira.” The Oak Ridge Boys will be returning for their 33rd Kentucky State Fair to perform their classic hits, “Trying to Love Two Women” and “Bobbie Sue.” The Oak Ridge Boys will add fresh tunes to their show, introducing their new album, “The Boys Are Back,” featuring a fusion of new rock sounds and music from their country, gospel roots.

Jeremy Camp with special guest Southeast Worship Band – Monday, August 24
Jeremy Camp grew up the son of a pastor and has been sharing his spirituality through music since his first album, “Stay” in 2002. Camp has won numerous awards to match his 16 No. 1 songs. “Speaking Louder” is Camp’s new album, debuting in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. Performing with Camp is Louisville’s own Southeast Worship Band. Based out of Southeast Christian Church, the Southeast Worship Band plays nearly every worship service delighting the congregation.

Gary Allan with special guest Candy Coburn – Tuesday, August 25
Joining the concert line-up at the Kentucky State Fair is country superstar Gary Allan. His latest album, “Living Hard” was released in 2007 with hits, “Learning How to Bend,” “Watching Airplanes” and “She’s So California.” Allan has had major success since 1996, with his debut album, “Used Hearts for Sale.” Allan has proved to be a country music mainstay with his 2007 greatest hits album jetting to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums charts. Special guest Candy Coburn is returning to the Kentucky State Fair. The up and coming Coburn will play songs from her albums “Rev it Up” and “Enjoy the Ride.”

Bobby Vee, Johnny Tillotson, The Shirelles and Peter & Gordon – Wednesday, August 26
Tease your beehive and slick your duck-tail because Bobby Vee, Johnny Tillotson, The Shirelles, and Peter & Gordon are going to take you back in time. Bop along and remember way back when with Bobby Vee’s hit “Susie Baby” and Johnny Tillotson’s “It Keeps Right on a Hurtin.” Introduce your kids to the Shirelles, the first female group to make it to No. 1 on the Billboard charts with hits like “Mama Said.” Peter & Gordon represent the British invasion, recording hits written by Paul McCartney like, “A World Without Love.” This show will make you believe rock n’ roll is here to stay.

Pam and Mel Tillis – Thursday, August 27
Pam and Mel Tillis are keeping it all in the family with their father-daughter country act. Mel Tillis is a country music icon having won CMA’s Entertainer of the Year award. He is known for his outlaw country hits “I Ain't Never,” “Good Woman Blues” and “Coca-Cola Cowboy.” Daughter Pam Tillis is a music star in her own right becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2000. Her hits include “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life),” “Maybe it Was Memphis” and “Shake the Sugar Tree.”

The Wallflowers – Friday, August 28
After the success of “Bringing Down the Horse” in the early 90s with songs, “One Headlight” and “6th Avenue Heartache,” The Wallflowers have continued to be a pop-rock force in the music industry. Releasing six albums and recording various singles produced for commercials, movies and television shows such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” The Wallflowers will bring their versatile style to the Kentucky State Fair.

Billy Currington with special guest Heidi Newfield – Saturday, August 29
One of the newest artists to tear up the country music charts is Billy Currington. Signed in 2003, Currington already has a slew of hits including, “Must be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” “Good Directions” and “Don’t” from his new album, “Little Bit of Everything.” Special guest Heidi Newfield will share the stage singing her hit, “Johnny and June” from her debut solo album “What Am I Waiting For.” Newfield was previously known for her lead vocals in the country group Trick Pony, but is now touring and entertaining fans as a solo act.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

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Get the Good Dish on What’s Going on at the Fair

American Idol champion Kelly Clarkson will grace television screens all this week. Clarkson will help Jay Leno have a memorable last month on the Tonight Show by performing tonight. Clarkson will also be dancing with Ellen when she heads on over to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Thursday, May 14 to play “I Do Not Hook Up.” An American Idol connection: Judge Kara DioGuardi co-wrote her latest hit song. If your life would suck without Kelly Clarkson, then be sure to pick up your tickets for her concert August 20 with special guest Gavin DeGraw at the Kentucky State Fair! Trust us, our lives would suck without her soulful voice too.

If you plan on watching the Food Network before flipping on Leno tonight, then catch the greased sauce pans of the Gourmet Garden at the Kentucky State Fair. Whether you are the queen of the kitchen or the master of the grill, all amateur chefs are invited to enter in the cooking competitions at the Gourmet Garden. Put your best dishes to the test in the Evan Williams® Bourbon Cooking Competition, Hidden Valley® Dressing’s “Fresh Taste for the Family” Recipe Contest, Kentucky Beef Cook-Off Contest, or the The Great American SPAM® Championship.

For those who prefer something sweet from the oven, compete in the Ghirardelli® Chocolate Championship, Pillsbury® Refrigerated Pie Crust’s Pie Baking Championship, or Fleischmann’s® Yeast “Bake for the Cure” Baking Contest.

To find out more information about these hot culinary contests, check out our expanded article on the Gourmet Garden stage, as well as other KSF events, in the May 15 issue of the Front & Center e-newsletter. Front & Center is your guide to all of the exciting events at the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky State Fair. If you aren’t already signed up for the e-newsletter, all you have to do is join the Kentucky Future Events Club.

We’ve even made this easy on you too. Just go to www.kystatefair.org and click on the logo that says KENTUCKY FUTURE EVENTS CLUB. Then just drop in your contact info. I promise we won't come knock on your door and demand a four-course meal while you and the fam are playing cornhole this weekend. But you can get some way-cool ticket promotions, pre-sales, etc. Seriously, it's the best deal in town. Sign up for the Kentucky Future Events Club and stay tuned for more Kentucky State Fair and Kelly Clarkson news.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

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Where The Grass is as Blue as the Ribbons We Give Out

Are you tired of the fact that Pabst has a blue ribbon and you don’t? This year all of that can change. Enter your best at this year’s Kentucky State Fair and feel like a winner even if you can’t knock down a single milk jug on the Thrillway. The Kentucky State Fair is home to over 30 entry departments and thousands of categories to compete in. Bring your best knitting, baking, goats, and even your Elvis Tribute lamp to be eyed and prized by our judges and crowds from around the globe.

This year is easier than ever to enter. All categories, excluding large livestock, can now be entered in online. Just visit www.kystatefair.org. Then click on “Competitions” on the navigation bar and then click “entry information”. Download the rules and regulations of your category, sign up, and even pay your entry fee. You can also still call or write in for the free 2009 Kentucky State Fair Premium Catalog to be mailed to you. That address and phone number is:

Entry Department

P.O. Box 37130
Louisville, KY 40233-7130
(502) 367-5190

Just remember that all entry applications must be submitted by the respective deadlines. All livestock, poultry, and pigeon entry applications must be postmarked by July 10. Rabbit applications must be postmarked July 18. All other general entries must be postmarked by July 1, with late entries accepted until July 10. Just make sure you’re looking at a 2009 calendar and not the antique 1925 Norman Rockwell one you’re planning to enter in our competitions.

If you just have to share your blueberry pie recipe with the world or need to defend your champion watermelon title, we are here for you. Just give us a call at 502-367-5000 or visit www.kystatefair.org.

Even if your green thumb is as black as the cakes you try to bake, you can still join us for summer fun at the Kentucky State Fair, August 20-30. Stop by and see who the blue ribbons are going home with this year.
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Premium books, tickets and how to get 'em early...

So down to the good stuff, the Competitive Entry premium books are at the printers. We can't give you a deadline of when they will arrive on your doorstep, but just be on the lookout. I'll pull out my "how to be a spy like Jason Bourne" moves and I'm positive we will get them to you as soon as possible.

Also, do yourself a huge favor and check out the Kentucky Future Events Club. Go to http://www.kystatefair.org/ and click on the logo that says KENTUCKY FUTURE EVENTS CLUB. This brings you to this page, http://www.kyfairexpo.org/ticketoffice/futureeventsclub.htm - drop in your contact info. I promise we won't come knock on your door and demand a four-course meal while you and the fam are playing cornhole this weekend. But you can get some way-cool ticket promotions, pre-sales, etc. Seriously, it's the best deal in town. It's FREE and in this economy, the Kentucky State Fair is all about being easy on the wallet.
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In the meantime...

The Fair planning is in absolute full-swing mode. I don't know what we're more excited about - getting to announce all of this cool stuff or actually attending this cool stuff, August 20-30! But, in the meantime, check out our sister Facebook page for the Kentucky Exposition Center. Big things will be popping off on there in the near future, so you are going to want to get on board NOW!

Look up "Kentucky Exposition Center" or just click the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Louisville-KY/Kentucky-Exposition-Center/73124891551?v=wall&viewas=41118990
Also, check out twitter!
@kystatefair and @kyexpocenter!
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"...this ain't Hollywood, this is a small town I was a dreamer before you went and let me down..."

TAYLOR SWIFT “FEARLESS TOUR 2009” WITH SPECIAL GUESTS KELLIE PICKLER AND GLORIANA
Tickets on Sale May 1 @ 10 a.m.

After 11 days of Kentucky State Fair food, fun and fair action, country singer-songwriter Taylor Swift takes the stage with Kellie Pickler and Gloriana on the last night of the Fair. Pennsylvania-born Swift has emerged on the country/pop music scene as a successful crossover act, with her self-titled debut album producing five hit singles on the Billboard charts and being certified three-times Multi-Platinum. At only 19 years old, Swift has hit it big with “Tim McGraw,” “Teardrops on My Guitar” and “Love Story.” Swift picked up two 2009 Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards – one for album of the year as a performer and producer for “Fearless” and another for the Crystal Milestone award for selling more albums than any other artist in 2008, for the international success of "Love Story" and for attracting younger listeners to country music. Fellow country artist Kellie Pickler rose to fame after finishing sixth place on American Idol in 2006. Her debut album generated three top 25 singles, with “I Wonder” reaching #14. Country music newcomer Gloriana released its first single, “Wild at Heart” in 2009. Band member Cheyenne Kimball has achieved independent success as the winner of TV show America's Most Talented Kid at the age of 12 and the subject of a MTV show called “Cheyenne.”

The normal who, what, when and where!

Sunday, August 30, 2009 – 7 p.m.
Freedom Hall – during the Kentucky State Fair
$27, $47 and $57* (Reserved Seating)
*Price includes admission to the Kentucky State Fair and a $2 facility fee.

Tickets are available at the Freedom Hall & Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at (502) 361-3100 or 1-800-745-3000, or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com using ticketFast.

For more information on other exciting Kentucky State Fair entertainment and events, visit www.kystatefair.org.
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Win Tickets to Keith Urban and Fun with Song Lyrics

Song lyric of the day - "...and i want to be free, wind in my hair, salt on my skin, sun in the air..." That's the title track of Gavin DeGraw's new album, Free. Check out the video posted at the bottom!

Not joking, when this song plays on my iPod, YouTube videos, car CD rack, or just acapella in the shower - I suddenly transform to the Freedom Hall stage rocking to my favorite 19,000 fans, playing on my sweet baby grand with a funk you can't fake.
So, you know mine, now it's your turn. Twitter us (@kystatefair for the tweet lingo), Facebook us, MySpace us your favorite lyrics from your favorite Kentucky State Fair Main Stage Concert Series performer.

You're not friends with us on all three networks, well, there's no better time than right now to sign up. Seriously, do it now, add a new tab on that web browser of yours. Windows Users- CTRL-T and Mac Folks - Apple Key-T!

Throughout the next few months and as the summer weather warms up our creative minds, we will be posting various promotions, important information, deadlines, et cetera on our pages. Well, like below!

Keith Urban/Pat Green ticket interest is already buzzing through the fiber-optic phone lines and e-mail servers. Through various radio stations, the Fair has set up opportunities for you (yeah, you in the barcalonger surfing the web to find the best April Fool’s Pranks on YouTube) to win Keith Urban packages.

In Frankfort ---
Froggy 104.9 will be giving away numerous tickets during their Live Action Broadcasts.
In Louisville ---
97.5 WAMZ will have their Beat the Box Office game
In Lexington ---
Keep it tuned to 98.1 the Bull for tons of KU promotions including a very “Door Number 1 vs. Door Number 2-like” game called the Mooo Crew 5,4,3,2,1 Giveaway
In Owensboro ---
Climb aboard the “Urban” Outfitter with 92.5 WBKR for tons of ticket options
In E-Town ---
Two weeks of contests make 94.3 the Wolf the Keith Urban party headquarters for all of you E-townians.

So, do us a couple favors turn to your favorite station to listen out for ticket giveaways and send us your favorite song lyrics by your KSF artists.
Gavin DeGraw singing an acoustic version of Free
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ysF9Q9IWGA
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Brighten Your Day with new Fair Music

My favorite Christmas song goes, "the weather outside is frightful..." and today just feels like one of those days. Whether you are gloomed about the 15-year series finale of ER tomorrow or confused about the Dharma clan on LOST or just flat tired of rain and cold weather, you can smile a little brighter because we are working hard at making the Kentucky State Fair your summer fun headquarters.

Various Main Stage Concert Series performers have had recent album releases.
Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted
Keith Urban - Defying Gravity
Gavin DeGraw - FREE

Pick 'em up, download them, borrow them, whatever you need to do listen to them. Seriously, I want you and me to sing together in the crowd (with our cell phones raised high) come August!!!
Until then, read a quote from the genius animator Walt Disney, "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

This is what we try to do at the Kentucky State Fair.
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Scouring the Networks

With the first Main Stage concert announced and already on sale, the Kentucky State Fair planning/execution is in full swing - actually it’s been in full swing for weeks, just "VH1 Behind the Music" kind of style. If you are cross-networker, don't forget to check out our Twitter and MySpace pages.

twitter.com/kystatefair
www.myspace.com/364300733

We do the thing online all day! It's your fair at the 2009 Kentucky State Fair, so just let us hear your opinion!
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Kentucky State Fair Concerts

Kelly Clarkson with special guest Gavin DeGraw
8 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2009
Freedom Hall
Tickets: $47 and $52 (Reserved Seating)Price includes admission to Kentucky State Fair and $2 facility fee

Journey and TBA
8 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009
Freedom HallPrice(s) to be announced

Keith Urban LIVE with special guest Pat Green
8 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2009
Freedom Hall
Tickets: $52 & $67 (Reserved Seating) Price includes admission to Kentucky State Fair and $2 facility fee

Taylor Swift "Fearless Tour 2009" with special guests Kellie Pickler and Gloriana
7 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2009
Freedom Hall
Tickets: $27, $47 and $57 (Reserved Seating) Price includes admission to Kentucky State Fair and $2 facility fee