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U.P. State Fair acts announced

Buckcherry

ESCANABA — The U.P. State fair has announced the grandstand entertainment lineup for this years fair. Acts include county musician Josh Turner, rock bands Hairball and Buckcherry, as well as tribute bands Heart to Heartbreaker and Crazy Babies. Other acts and grandstand attractions have yet to be scheduled.

The schedule for fair week is:

Tuesday: Announcement pending

Wednesday: Hairball

Thursday: Tribute Thursday

Friday: Josh Turner

Saturday: Buckcherry

Sunday: Announcement pending

Midway:Announcements pending

Plans are still moving forward for the 2020 U.P. State Fair taking place Aug. 17-23, fair officials said.

“Both the U.P. State Fair Authority and the Delta County Chamber of Commerce are working alongside local, state, and federal authorities and fair partners to ensure that a safe and healthy plan is in place for the event. The collaboration from these different groups has been critical to develop best-practices that prioritize the health and safety of the public and ensures that the plan follows all local, state, and federal laws,” officials said in their announcement this morning.

“Once the established health and safety plan is in place, all involved groups will have to agree to requirements and restrictions. If the fair is approved to move forward, those in attendance may see some of these changes reflected in the fair experience, such as more hand-washing stations, vendors adhering to personal protective equipment standards, and social distancing requirements.

“The U.P. State Fair Authority has made the public’s health and safety its top priority. All decisions made will be with the public’s welfare and protection in mind. In addition, the authority will act in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s executive orders.”

Theme for this year’s fair is “Clearly the Best Fair Yet.”

Hairball

Hairball will take the stage at the U.P. State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The tribute rock band pays homage to some of the best arena acts in the world, including Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, and Aerosmith. The Minnesota-based act once began as comedy but evolved into a serious effort to keep the music of classic arena bands alive.

2020 finds Hairball celebrating its 20th year of rocking hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Vocalists Bobby, Kris Vox, and Joe Dandy lead the band through a 2 hour plus performance. The band also includes HBK on the electric bass, Billy on the drums, and Happy on the lead guitar. Together, they pride themselves on nailing some of the most memorable rock acts in history while adding their own style and flair that they’ve cultivated over decades of tireless performing.

Heart to Heartbreaker and Crazy Babies

Heart to Heartbreaker and Crazy Babies will take the stage at the U.P. State Fair on “Tribute Thursday,” Aug. 20.

The two acts will occur in succession with Heart to Heartbreaker performing in the grandstand from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by Crazy Babies – Ozzy Rebourne from 9 to 11 p.m.

Heart to Heartbreaker pays homage to the legendary women who changed the status quo of rock and roll. Vocalists Diva Montell, Lisa Lamanna, and Jeri Maria bring the nation’s most renowned female rock personalities to life on stage. Band members Adam Wald, Eric Staffa, Jeff Burke, and Steven Deyoung deliver the musical sounds you are used to hearing.

Primarily featuring the music of Heart and Pat Benatar, the characters fully embrace the legends that they emulate. Fans will also see acts capturing the sights and sounds of Cher, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, and other rock icons from throughout the decades.

Crazy Babies – Ozzy Rebourne is the one and only nationally recognized Ozzy Osbourne experience, paying tribute to one of the world’s most famous rock personalities. The Ozzy Rebourne experience provides a realistic look, sound, and high energy of an actual Ozzy Osbourne concert. Fans will hear all genres of Ozzy’s solo catalog along with hits from his huge Black Sabbath career.

Hailing from Detroit, Boyd “Ozzy” Quinton brings Ozzy Osbourne to life as the lead vocalist. Band members Keith “Rock” Holstein, Rob “Blasto” Johannis, and Charlie Smaldino replicate the incomparable energy and sounds of Ozzy’s music. The Ozzy Rebourne experience is sure to be a roller coaster of rock and roll fun as fans are taken on a journey of different eras of Ozzy Osbourne’s career.

Josh Turner

Country music star Josh Turner will take the stage at the U.P. State Fair on Friday, Aug. 21.

Turner is one of country music’s most recognizable hit-makers. From his 2003 platinum-selling debut Long Black Train to his 2017 Billboard No. 1 release, Deep South, he has scored multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM awards nominations and received six Inspirational Country Music Awards. He was also one of the youngest members to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, recently reveling in his 150th performance on the famous Opry circle.

Turner’s rich, deep voice and distinctive style have made him a favorite among country music fans. He has sold more than 8 million units, topped more than 1.5 billion in global streaming, and populated radio with such memorable hits as “Hometown Girl,” “Would You Go With Me,” “Your Man,”“Time Is Love,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Long Black Train.”

In his most recent project, Turner adds an exciting new dimension to his already acclaimed career. His newest album I Serve A Savior was released in October 2018 and consists of several standard gospel songs, as well as new renditions of “Long Black Train” and “Me and God.”

Buckcherry

Buckcherry will take the stage at the U.P. State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 22.

The Los Angeles-based lineup has been bringing fans rock music since the release of their self-titled album in 1999. They are known for their big, bold sounds and anthemic songs, making them wildly popular among rock and alternative fans across the globe. Hits including “Lit Up,” “For the Movies,” “Crazy Bitch” and “Sorry,” along with Grammy nominations, international touring, and Platinum sales have all solidified Buckcherry’s place in rock and roll history.

Buckcherry’s eighth and most recent studio album, Warpaint, was released in 2018. With its familiar, raw sound and refreshing boldness, the album was created with fans in mind. When asked what inspired Warpaint, Buckcherry frontman and vocalist Josh Todd said “”I want to connect with people, host the party, and give people a night they’re never going to forget.”

Todd is joined by band members Stevie D. and Kevin Roentgen on guitar and backing vocals and Kelly LeMieux on bass and backing vocals.

Grandstand entertainment at the U.P. State Fair is free with paid admission. A limited number of Gold Circle tickets for up close seating are available by contacting the presenting sponsor, Island Resort and Casino at 877-475-7469 or online at the website islandresortandcasino.com.

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