HUTCHINSON, Kan. – It’s time to start planning your trip to the Kansas State Fair to catch the 2016 Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand lineup. Lynryd Skynyrd, Jake Owen with special guest Old Dominion and the Hit Makers Reunion including Restless Heart, Voice of Lonestar Richie McDonald, Suzy Bogguss and Billy Dean are the first acts secured for the 2016 Kansas State Fair. This year’s fair runs Sept. 9-18 in Hutchinson.
Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand tickets go on sale May 6 at 8 a.m. and can be purchased at the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office by calling 1-800-362-3247 or at www.kansasstatefair.tix.com.
Unless otherwise noted, Grandstand tickets include gate admission when purchased through Aug. 20, 2016.
Fair Fan Club
Want to buy your tickets before everyone else? Those who join the Fair Fan Club have the opportunity to purchase up to two tickets to each concert prior to the public on-sale date. In addition, Fan Club members receive advance notification of upcoming concert announcements. Memberships are on sale now. Dues are $100 per fair and can be purchased online; by phone at 1-800-362-3247 or 620-669-3600; or at the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds. Fair Fan Club members can purchase concert tickets first, starting at 8 a.m. on April 22. For more information on joining the club, visit bit.ly/FAIRFANCLUB.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Friday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $90/$65/$50*
The legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd began in Jacksonville, Fla. over 41 years ago. The group rocks on with original member Gary Rossington joined by Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlock, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Johnny Colt, Peter Keys, Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase.
The rock and roll powerhouse continually tours and lives out the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd. 2014 marked the eighth year for their annual Simple Man Cruise, a four day voyage filled with the best music in Southern Rock including an outdoor beach show featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd for the first time in the cruise’s history.
With over 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” having over two million downloaded ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers in Lynyrd Skynyrd remain a cultural icon that appeals to all generations.
For more information on Lynyrd Skynyrd, please visit www.lynyrdskynyrd.com.
Jake Owen with Special Guest Old Dominion – Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $75/$45/$35*
From fans to music critics, everyone is eagerly embracing Jake Owen’s talented, fresh sound. With five No. 1 hits – two-time platinum anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” Platinum-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away,” Jake Owen is both well received and well known in the country music industry. Known for his thrilling performances and laid-back style of country, Owen showcased a much different side on his acclaimed single “What We Ain’t Got.”
His latest album Days of Gold (RCA Nashville), produced by Joey Moi, is the follow up to the Gold-certified, chart-topping Barefoot Blue Jean Night, which has sold over five million copies. Additionally, Owen has earned ACA and ACM Awards, Grammy and Teen Choice Awards nominations.
Now, Owen is bringing his signature show to Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour. He is currently in the studio with award-winning producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman working on his next album and recently released the playful, boundary-pushing lead single “Real Life.”
To learn more about Jake Owen, please go to www.jakeowen.net.
Old Dominion
Old Dominion has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in country music blending old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit. The group consists of singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers. They have spent seven years honing their craft, each making a name for themselves in Nashville by penning songs for the likes of Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney and more.
Nominated for two Academy of Country Music awards for Vocal Group of the Year and New Vocal Group or Duo of the Year, they recently celebrated their debut single “Break Up With” reaching the top of the charts for two weeks. It doesn’t stop there. Entertainment Weekly called “Meat and Candy,” Old Dominion’s first released full-length album a “deceptively smart, occasionally cheeky, stellar debut.”
Old Dominion is currently headlining the Meat and Candy Tour and watching their second hit, “Snapback” gain traction and climb up the charts. More recently, they made their national television debuts on Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Today Show. In April, Old Dominion will rejoin Kenny Chesney for the second year in a row on his 2016 tour.
For more information on Old Dominion, please visit www.olddominionband.com.
Hit Makers Reunion – Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $34*
Restless Heart
John Dittrich, Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg, Dave Innis, and Larry Stewart make up Restless Heart. These men have enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history: placing over 25 singles on the charts – with six consecutive No. 1 hits, four albums certified Gold by the RIAA and they have won a wide range of awards from many organizations including the Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Group trophy.
Their record-shattering string of hits, such as “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” “Fast Movin’ Train” and “When She Cries” have audiences everywhere singing along. And, their story is far from over, Restless Heart still has a lot of history left to make.
Richie McDonald
Recognized as one of country’s best singers and a polished and engaging entertainer, McDonald is the face and voice of Lonestar, ranked among the genre’s preeminent groups. As one of the industry’s most successful songwriters, he has penned some of the era’s most memorable songs and earned a mantle full of awards and nominations.
Suzy Bogguss
Suzy Bogguss first joined the church choir at five years old, then added piano, drums and guitar to her repertoire. Soon she was singing in musicals, though it never occurred to her that her future was on stage. But the long list of industry awards including her Grammy – prove that on stage is exactly where she belongs.
Billy Dean
From Billy Dean’s insightful songwriting to his clear and distinctive voice and masterful instrumental gifts, he’s earned not only ACM awards, CMA awards and a Grammy, but also countless devoted fans along the way. His appeal reaches beyond the music world. He has appeared on numerous TV shows as well as made-for TV movies. Billy transcends genres and generations alike – he is loved by the entire family.
* Concert tickets, unless otherwise denoted, include general gate admission when purchased through Aug. 20.