THE BEAT
Ohio State Fair's entertainment lineup runs gamut
PrintFrom rides to livestock, pork loin to elephant ears, art to bungee jumping -- the Ohio State Fair, as usual, offers satisfaction for most any taste.
And as the biggest gol-durn fair in the entire world (to paraphrase a Critic Crony), that variety extends to the entertainment -- with 2012 no exception.
This year's big-time fair-closing show at Crew Stadium is already sold out, so if you were hoping to check out country stars Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, bummer. There's plenty more country music during the fair, though -- shoot, Billy Currington plays on Day Two, Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson join forces, The Band Perry ... -- not to mention (OK, we will mention) non-country music as well. There's geographical classic rock (Boston and Kansas); great adult pop from Gavin DeGraw and Colbie Caillat; R&B for the young (The-Dream) and old (Isley Brothers); and something for the kids (Victoria Justice).
Some shows require tickets; these include fair admission. Some shows are free with paid admission to the fairgrounds. Check out ohiostatefair. com for details.
The 2012 Ohio State Fair entertainment schedule includes:
* Jim Gaffigan/Billy Gardell (comedy), 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, $28.
* Billy Currington/Kip Moore, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 26, $27.
* Chicago/The Doobie Brothers, 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, $38.
* The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 28, $25.
* All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir, 1 p.m. Sunday, July 29, free.
* Gavin DeGraw/Colbie Caillat, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 29, $28.
* Casting Crowns/Sanctus Real, 7 p.m. Monday, July 30, $25.
* Cab Calloway Orchestra, 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, free.
* Merle Haggard/Kris Kristofferson, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, $28.
* Boston/Kansas, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, $30.
* The Band Perry/Dustin Lynch, 7 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 2, $28.
* The-Dream/Miguel, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, $20.
* Victoria Justice/Max Schneider, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, $30.
