Hold a fair in a city and it’s still a country fair that attracts country music fans and country music bands. This year’s no exception for the Puyallup Fair today through Sept. 26.
Country bands are steaming through sold-out concerts, with album sales up double digits over last year, and many stars releasing new albums this fall, including Brooks &Dunn’s second collection of greatest hits.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn perform Sept. 23, part of a line-up that includes the Neville Brothers, Kenny Rogers, ZZ Top, Reba McEntire and, for a little levity, Bill Cosby.
“We do a lot of little things to make coming here a little different. It took us years to build up an excellent reputation and I think we’ve reach that. And country fans go to country fairs,” said fair spokeswoman Karen LaFlamme.
Wynonna has been here the most often – six times – including appearances in The Judds. Randy Travis is provided a fishing partner “who takes him to a secret spot every time he’s here,” LaFlamme said.
With pop music stumbling along and a lot of financial numbers disappointing, country music seems to have stepped into the void.
Some new acts have help kick-start collective album sales by going gold, and with ticket prices generally below the concert average, country acts are elbowing their way onto the tour stages.
Once the Puyallup Fair wraps up its three-day professional rodeo, musicians move in with the Neville Brothers leading the way on Monday.
The quartet doesn’t need flash-and-dash to win over audiences. The siblings’ music carries the concert and their blend of R&B, jazz, soul and funk. Their new album, “Walkin’ in the Shadow of Life,” has an October date with fans.
Newsboys (Tuesday): The Nashville-based band is a high-profile contemporary Christian music group that started in Australian church basements and pubs.
Kenny Rogers (Wednesday). The photographer, author and actor with 60-some albums is a cross-over success, with awards from five associations.
ZZ Top (Thursday). The little old band from Texas has the record for a major rock band keeping its original musicians intact, creating ZZ-identified music.
Styx/REO Speedwagon (Sept. 17). The two have successfully coexisted as headliners for a long run of rock ‘n’ roll concerts after 30 years as archrivals.
Bill Cosby (Sept. 18). His comedy has been a point of reference for generations; his sense of humor has no need to abuse to amuse.
Reba McEntire (Sept. 19). It’s hard to go wrong with a concert by the much-respected McEntire, who has sold about 50 million country albums.
‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (Sept. 20). He’s still on a roll with musical parodies, trapped forever between absurdity and polka medleys.
Audio Adrenaline (Sept. 21). The band that rocks and rolls for Christ performs with Jeremy Camp, who has a sophomore album out this fall.
Maroon5 (Sept. 22). Maroon5 performs with pop-rockers The Pale, which has played in several high-profile Seattle clubs.
Irish Rovers, Spirit of the West, Ennis Sisters (Sept. 24). For almost 40 years the seven-musician Irish Rovers have been ambassadors for Irish music. Spirit of the West is touring with its 12th album, “Star Trails.” The Ennis Sisters have picked up Best Country Group at the Canadian Radio Music Awards as well as a Juno Award for Best New Country Artist.
Los Lobos, Julieta Venegas (Sept. 25). Latin-based Chicano music built around accordion and guitar will be delivered by one of the best bands playing the Tex-Mex brand of rock ‘n’ roll. Venegas has an MTV award for Best Female Performance.
Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins, The Jenkins, Blaine Larsen (Sept. 26). The Jenkins, a mother-and-two-daughters trio, bring traditional Kentucky bluegrass harmonies and contemporary themes.
When: 7 p.m. Monday through Sept. 25 and 3 p.m. Sept. 26
Tickets: Limited free tickets, or tickets from $15-$49.50; some tickets include fair admission, some do not.
Information: 206-628-0888; www.thefair.com; hotline 253-841-5045
When: 7 p.m. Monday through Sept. 25 and 3 p.m. Sept. 26
Tickets: Limited free tickets, or tickets from $15-$49.50; some tickets include fair admission, some do not.
Information: 206-628-0888; www.thefair.com; hotline 253-841-5045
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