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But it’s not just the headliners that make this venue so popular, nor is it the reasonable prices (some shows are still free with fair admission). It’s also the atmosphere. The county fair’s bucolic, decidedly un-hip charms—a refreshing reminder of the rural roots so many “hip” San Diegans share—enhance the music and overall concert experience. The vibe is pure Americana. People there still dare to be square, and audiences witness quite a visual juxtaposition: cow and pig barns to your right, the scenic Del Mar coastline to your left.
At this year’s fair, June 10–July 4, you can actually catch some acts on the pop scene radar, including last season’s American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, the decent young country singer whose debut album, Some Hearts, has sold more than 2 million copies since its November 2005 release. Underwood isn’t the only “Idol” headlining the fair this month. Bo Bice, the retro Southern rocker who was runner-up to Underwood, also appears. Like all good Idol winners and finalists, Bice, who unlike some recent music phenoms actually has some talent, has parlayed his appearance into big bucks: His debut album, The Real Thing, entered Billboard’s 200 chart at number 4 and has been certified gold.
Also coming to the grandstand this year is Melissa Etheridge, whose recent fight against breast cancer has only deepened her love for life and music. Etheridge’s performance of “Piece of My Heart” at last year’s Grammy Awards was a demonstration of raw courage. Still bald from her chemotherapy treatments, Melissa sang that night with grit and passion, showing the world what can be accomplished post-cancer diagnosis.
Also returning to the grandstand this year is Smash Mouth, the San Jose bar band that had huge novelty hits with “All Star” and a fair remake of the Neil Diamond–penned Monkees hit “I’m a Believer” (from Shrek). Smash Mouth’s most recent claim to fame was lead singer Steve Harwell’s costarring role on VH1’s bizarre reality show, The Surreal Life. Harwell will probably make some sort of self-deprecating comment about his dubious new status as a reality-TV star, especially since The Surreal Life only recruits B-list celebrity has-beens.
The fair lineup also includes Ozomatli, Sinbad, Lifehouse, a Reggae Day featuring Third World, Viva El Mariachi Festival, CeCe Winans, Restless Heart, Tracy Lawrence and fair stalwarts Styx, Heart, Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates and KC & the Sunshine Band.
For more information about concerts at the San Diego County Fair, call 858-755-1161 or visit sdfair.com.
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