The Oklahoma State Fair is proud to present a selection of talented and entertaining performances at the Chesapeake Energy Stage and the Jim Norick Arena this year. Our 2012 talent line-up brings to the stage a wide range of musical styles, from country to rock, and everything in between.  Performances at the Chesapeake Energy Stage are free with outside gate admission.  Performances scheduled after the Xtreme Bulls Tour, being held in the Jim Norick Arena, are included with the purchase of an admission ticket to the bull riding.

“This year’s free concerts will greatly enhance the State Fair experience, and we are thrilled to offer these performances to our fairgoers,” said Tim O’Toole, President and CEO, Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.  “Everyone will have the ability to come and see a show they will truly enjoy.”

The 2012 State Fair is sure to delight fairgoers with a variety of performers, from familiar favorites to energetic newcomers.  In addition to these acts, the Oklahoma State Fair will host the Centennial Rodeo Opry, as well as the returning, much-anticipated Elvis Extravaganza.

“Thanks to our sponsor, Chesapeake Energy, we have the opportunity to bring various genres of talent to the 2012 State Fair,” said Scott Munz, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations.  

American Texas Country artist and outdoor enthusiast Kevin Fowler will take the Chesapeake Energy Stage on Opening Night –Thursday, September 13. Fowler released his debut album, Beer, Bait, and Ammo, with no recording contract, which quickly sold over 30,000 copies in Texas.  He has since released five studio albums and can boast three charting singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including “Pound Sign (#?*!), a top 40 hit.  Fowler has written singles for other big country music names including Sammy Kershaw, Mark Chesnutt and Montgomery Gentry.

Outside gate admission to the State Fair, on this day (Opening Day), is only $2.

On Friday, September 14, the Chesapeake Energy Stage will be taken over by Australian soft rock duo Air Supply.  Members Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met on the first day of rehearsal for an Australian musical, and became instant friends over a shared love for The Beatles and singing.  The pair has seen a succession of hits, including US Top Five singles “Every Woman in the World” and “All Out of Love.”  In 2008, Air Supply was ranked the 83rd best musical act of all time in the 50th anniversary edition of Billboard Hot 100.  Their music has been featured in well-known films such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Wedding Date and Bad Company.

On Saturday afternoon, September 15, country dynamo Candy Coburn will take the stage.  Candy Coburn, appearing at 2:00 p.m., will liven things up with her signature, custom-designed green guitar and infectious energy.  Candy considers writing and recording “Pink Warrior,” the inspirational Susan G. Komen for the Cure anthem, her biggest accomplishment.  Her newest single, “Don’t Walk Away,” was recently released in January, 2012.   Fans will enjoy this country darling’s true-to-life lyrics both during her afternoon performance and as she opens for Neal McCoy that Saturday night.

Neal McCoy will appear on the Chesapeake Energy Stage at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 15.  A familiar name in country music, McCoy has released ten studio albums and 34 singles to country radio over the course of his career.  In 1994, McCoy released back-to-back number one hits “No Doubt About It” and “Wink.” More recently, McCoy released his latest album, featuring fellow country stars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert singing backing vocals on his single “A-OK.”  Candy Coburn will be performing prior to Neal McCoy taking the stage on Saturday night.

On Sunday afternoon, September 16, Conjunto Atardecer will spice things up on the Chesapeake Energy State at 3:00 p.m.  Conjunto Atardecer is a popular Mexican Duranguense music group, known for being one of such groups to actually be from the state of Durango. After almost a decade in the spotlight, the group has maintained its fresh and youthful style that will be sure to entertain audiences.

Monday, September 17, Christian rock band The Afters will perform for fairgoers.  The band began under the name ‘Blisse,’ but upon realizing another band with that name already existed, dubbed themselves ‘The Afters.’  Their 2007 single, “Never Going Back to Ok,” topped the R&R CHR chart in 2008 and was ranked as the most played song on U.S. Christian CHR radio.  They later won Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year in 2009.  The Afters’ newest album, Light Up the Sky, is a showcase of their passion for making music.

In addition, Elvis fans will be all shook up when the Oklahoma State Fair plays host to the National Elvis Extravaganza.  What usually happens in Vegas will take the Chesapeake Energy Stage with this national Elvis impersonator contest on Tuesday, September 18 and Wednesday, September 19.  This is a regional qualifier for the national “Elvis Idol” contest that will be held later this year in Florida.

On Thursday, September 20, Michigan-formed rock band Pop Evil will take over the Chesapeake Energy Stage.  In 2009, the band gave fans the chance to choose their next single, “Breathe,” which hit number 29 on the Active Rock charts.  As University of Michigan fans, the group’s song “In the Big House” shares many of its lyrics with the Michigan Wolverines football team fight song.  Pop Evil has toured with well-known rock artists including 3 Doors Down, Papa Roach and Escape the Fate.

Fairgoers will be transported back “in time” on Friday, September 21 when funk and dance-pop ensemble Morris Day and the Time comes to the Chesapeake Energy Stage.  The group was founded by music legend Prince, and went on to produce four albums over the course of their main career.

The spirit of the ‘80s will take over on Saturday, September 22 as Eddie Money lights up the Chesapeake Energy Stage.  Starting out as a police officer, Money left the NYPD after two years to pursue a career in music. His first album, self-titled Eddie Money, featured two of his most memorable hits “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.”  His famous single, “Take Me Home Tonight,” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  In 2008, he appeared with his daughter on the TV show Don’t Forget the Lyrics! to raise money for charity.

The Centennial Rodeo Opry will perform Sunday, September 23.  This collection of local talent includes such favorites as Cameron Newby, Amanda Earhart and many others.  Their special blend of classic music will no doubt delight fans on the Chesapeake Energy Stage.  This showcase will continue the Opry’s educational mission of enriching Oklahoma’s legacy of country and western music, while cultivating and developing the performance skills of local talent.

2009 Top New Male Vocalist Jake Owen will be performing on Friday, September 21 following the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour stop.  Jake has toured as an opener for many country acts including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. His two most recent singles, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and “Alone With You” have both taken the number one spot on the country music chart.  He established the Jake Owen Foundation in 2010, which was created to support children battling cancer and other diseases.  Jake Owen is sure to delight fairgoers when he takes the Jim Norick Arena stage Friday night.

Gary Allan will wrap up the bull riding extravaganza, giving a memorable performance in the Jim Norick Arena on Saturday, September 22. Throughout his country music career, Allan’s seven studio albums have produced 24 charting hits.  His latest album, Gary Allan – ICON, is a greatest hits collection showcasing the singer-songwriter’s talent and was released on March 6, 2012.

“We are excited about our entire talent line-up for 2011” said O’Toole.  “This year’s Chesapeake Energy Stage and Rodeo Stage will provide excellent concerts for every type of musical taste.”