GEDDES --
Last Sunday Lady Antebellum won "Top Vocal Group" and "Song of the Year" at the Country Music Awards. Their latest song has become a hit on Top 40 radio stations as well. On Thursday, the New York State Fair director announced they would be performing a free concert at Chevrolet Court on September 1st.
"I mean they're the hottest country group in the nation - if not the world and we're excited to have them at Chevy Court for free," said Fair Director Dan O'Hara.
Syracuse area fans couldn't believe such a big name would be a free show and some were already making plans.
"I think Chevy Court is going to be absolutely packed - it's going to be a great concert they're a really good trio act, really looking forward to it," said Dan Cantone.
Last year the State Fair doubled the number of free acts appearing at Chevy Court and drew some massive crowds for acts like Shinedown. Rock bands Blues Traveler and Kansas will also be on the free Chevy Court stage this year.
"Some people quite frankly just can't afford to go to a grandstand show but we want to make sure they have the same quality entertainment," said O'Hara.
The Fair's grandstand shows cost money but typically feature big acts. So far The Fair has booked pop star Justin Bieber, R & B singer Rihanna, country stars Rascal Flats and Canadian rock legends Rush for the 2010 Fair run. Bieber's show is already close to selling out.
93Q DJ Mike Cauchon says he can't believe how the fair lineup is coming together and believes this could be one of the biggest concert seasons Central New York has seen in a long time.
"We all expect some pretty decent acts to come to the fair but right off the bat hitting us with Rihanna, hitting us with Justin Bieber, Lady Antebellum... These are huge acts that everyone in the world knows about and some of them are free? it's mind blowing," says Cauchon.
There are still 19 free acts to be announced and the Fair Director that should happen over the next few weeks.
