Illinois State Fair officials have announced more grandstand acts for 2013. (Photo by Carrie Muehling/WJBC)

By Carrie Muehling

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Fair manager Amy Bliefnick has announced additional grandstand acts for the 2013 event.

The Band Perry, Billy Currington, Gary Allan, Thompson Square, Styx and REO Speedwagon will join previously booked acts Toby Keith and the Million Dollar Quartet.

“The progress that has been made is exciting,” Bliefnick said.  “Coupled with the previously announced booking of country superstar Toby Keith and the return of the Million Dollar Quartet, we are well on the way to delivering the kind of top-notch entertainment that fairgoers have come to expect.” 

Grandstand shows will begin Aug. 9 with Currington, a country singer and songwriter. His signature song, “People Are Crazy,” earned him Grammy nominations in 2010 for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.

The Aug. 10 show will feature Illinois-based classic rock as Styx, REO Speedwagon and Head East share the stage.  

The cast of Million Dollar Quartet will give a free concert Monday, Aug. 12.  The musical, which currently is running at the Apollo Theater in Chicago, was inspired by the famed 1956 recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.  New Odyssey, a talented trio that plays 30 different instruments during its show, will open for the Million Dollar Quartet.

The Band Perry will perform Aug. 13.  Their self-titled, platinum, debut album charted five hits, including the number one singles “All Your Life” and “If I Die Young.  “Better Dig Two,” the first single off the group’s soon-to-be-released sophomore CD, has soared to the top of the charts as well, giving the red-hot band three number one singles in just two years.

Acclaimed country artist Gary Allan and Thompson Square, the Academy of Country Music’s reigning Top Vocal Duo, will headline a concert Aug. 16 that also features rising stars Frankie Ballard, The Farm and Brushfire.

Illinois State Fair officials also announced the 2013 Illinois State Fair theme, “Where Illinois Comes Together.” The 2013 fair will begin Thursday, Aug. 8, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 18.

Carrie Muehling can be reached at carrie@wjbc.com.