Coal miner’s daughter hits the San Diego County Fair

This year’s San Diego County Fair music schedule runs the gamut from burnt-out rockers to tribute bands to fresh young faces from the star factory “American Idol.”

Most of the concerts are worth checking out if you’re planning a day at the fair anyway (and are included in the price of admission). But there are a few shows I’d go check out as the main attraction, with the rest of the fair merely deep fried trimmings on my evening.

Here are three shows I’d check out:

Loretta Lynn (June 19, 2009, 7:30 p.m.)

If I could choose one show to see at the fair this year, it would be the great Loretta Lynn. This coal miner’s daughter from Butcher Hollow, Kentucky found a new generation of fans with her collaboration with Jack White on the “Van Lear Rose” album back a few years back. She’s written more than 160 songs and released 70 albums. She has had 17 no. 1 albums and 16 no. 1 singles on the country charts.  But it’s her tried, true and tested voice that strums my heart strings every time.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuC_l3ymXhM

Smokey Robinson (July 4, 2009, 9:30 p.m.)

What’s more American than Motown? And who, besides Berry Gordy himself, is more Motown than Smokey Robinson? Throw in a few fireworks and you have my attention. Smokey’s an icon. Whether working with his own group the Miracles or penning tunes like “My Guy” for Mary Wells, “My Girl” for The Temptations or “Ain’t That Peculiar” for Marvin Gaye, Robinson has left a large chapter in the American songbook.

Cash’d Out (June 18, 2009, 8:30 p.m.)
Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats (June 19, 2009, 9 p.m.)

Both Cash’d Out and Lee Rocker recall an era gone by, but their music still rocks half a century after Johnny Cash and the original rockabilly music first hit the charts. Standup bass player extraordinaire, Stray Cats co-founder Rocker keeps the slap happy bass style of the ’50s alive. Locals Cash’d Out nail the Johnny Cash thing. I’ve seen them many times and they are pretty flawless in interpreting the Man in Black’s music.

SDNN writer Stephi Rae is looking forward to seeing David Cook (June 18, 2009, 7:30 p.m.):

‘Idol’ chat: Q&A with Season 7 champ David Cook

Here’s an excerpt from Stephi’s story: Auditioning on a whim for “American Idol” in August 2007 got David Cook further than he had ever imagined. Originally there to support his younger brother Andrew, David was then encouraged to try out as well. Thanks to his rich, raw vocals and devotedly powerful performances, millions of fans watched as rocker David Cook took the title as “American Idol” for Season 7, winning with 56 percent of the votes.

Read more of Stephi’s Q&A with David Cook.

SDNN’s politics editor Hoa Quach is looking forward to Creedence Clearwater Revisted (June 30, 2009, 7:30 p.m.):

Creedence Clearwater Revisited clearly rocks

Here’s an excerpt from Hoa’s story: He wakes up at 6:30 a.m. to take in the day - not a trait I expect of a rock star.

Then again, I suppose I’m not the normal southern/swamp rock fan: I don’t think of Woodstock or the bitter breakup of Creedence Clearwater Revival or anything else that a normal CCR fan would think of.

Read more of Hoa’s Q&A with drummer Doug Clifford.

Related links: SDNN’s Music page | San Diego County Fair 2009 Guide | Eight great things to love about the Fair

Grandstand Stage schedule

For more info on all the shows, check out the official fair Web site.

June 12, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Heroes of Woodstock: Jefferson Starship, Canned Heat, Melanie, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Tom Constanten of the Grateful Dead, hosted by Country Joe McDonald

Free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating ($22-33). Dinner package with premium seating is available ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 13, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Melissa Etheridge: Live and Alone

This show requires a separate ticket ($30-$87). Dinner package is available ($151).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 14, 2009, 7:30 p.m.  — Los Tucanes de Tijuana

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 16, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Phil Vassar

Free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($15-$23).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 17, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Bret Michaels

Free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 18, 2009, 7:30 p.m.  — David Cook

This show requires a separate ticket ($24-$57). Dinner package is available ($121).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 19, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Loretta Lynn

Free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33). Dinner package is available ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

A limited number of reserved seats are available.

June 20, 2009, 7:30 p.m.  — David Archuleta with Kina Grannis and Aja Alycean

This show requires a separate ticket ($24-$57).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 21, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Banda El Limón with Los Creadorez

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 23, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — The Guess Who with Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33). Dinner package is available ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 24, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Bill Engvall

Free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33). Dinner package is available ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

A limited number of reserved seats are available.

June 25, 2009, 7:30 p.m.  — The B-52s

Free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33). Dinner package is available ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 26, 2009, 7:30 p.m.  — Switchfoot

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 27, 2009, 7 p.m. — 5th Annual Gospel Festival: Israel & New Breed with Tonex and more

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 28, 2009, 7:30 p.m.  — Intocable with Patrulla 81

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 29, 2009, 7:30 p.m.  — Clint Black

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33). Dinner package is available ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

June 30, 2009, 7:30 p.m.  — Creedence Clearwater Revisited

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33). Dinner package is available ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

July 1, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — KC and the Sunshine Band

Free with Fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33). Dinner package is available ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

July 2, 2009, 2 p.m.  and 7:30 p.m. — The Music of ABBA

Free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available ($22-$33). Dinner package is available for the 7:30 p.m. show ($99).

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

Jul 3, 2009, 8 p.m. — Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Limited reserved seating is available, $22-33.

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

July 4, 2009 — Smokey Robinson with Navy Band Southwest and Fireworks

7:30 p.m., Navy Band Southwest

9 p.m., Fireworks

9:30 p.m., Smokey Robinson

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

Dinner package: $141.00, all ages.

Tickets are $22-$77

July 5, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Kelly Clarkson

This show requires a separate ticket. Prices are listed below.

Location: Heineken Grandstand Stage

Parking: $10.00 on site; free off site

Dinner package: $146.00, all ages.

Concert with fair admission, all ages (Prices include fair admission, but do not include Ticketmaster fees):  $30-82

Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series

All shows start at 9 p.m. on the Chevrolet Paddock Stage and are free with fair admission with no reserved seating. Parking at the fair is $10, free for off-site parking. For more info, contact the fair at (858) 755-1161.

June 16, 2009 — Eve 6

June 17, 2009 - Foghat

June 18, 2009 — Super Diamond

June 23, 2009 — Original “P” Parliament Funkadelic

June 24, 2009 — Patty Smyth and Scandal

June 25, 2009 - Poco

June 30, 2009 — Marshall Tucker Band

July 1, 2009 — Iron Butterfly,

July 2, 2009 — Pure Prairie League

Coors Light Rock-On Stage

All ages are welcome to attend; those 21 and older may watch the concert from the beer garden portion of the stage area. All shows Coors Light Rock-On Stage are free with fair admission with no reserved seating. Parking at the fair is $10, free for off-site parking. For more info, contact the fair at (858) 755-1161.

June 12, 2009, 9 p.m. — Led Zepagain (Tribute to Led Zeppelin)

June 13, 2009, 9 p.m.  – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Tribute to Journey)

June 14, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – So Long Davey

June 14, 2009, noon-6 p.m. — MTV3’s Latin Battle of the Bands

June 16, 2009, 8:30 p.m. — Radio Star

June 17, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – Iron Maidens (Tribute to Iron Maiden)

June 18, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – Cash’d Out (Johnny Cash Tribute)

June 19, 2009, 9 p.m.  – Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats

June 20, 2009, 9 p.m.  – Blasphemous Rumours (Dépêche Mode Tribute)

June 21, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – Tommy and the High Pilots

June 23, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – Colin Armstrong

June 24, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – Eileen Carey

June 25, 2009, 8:30 p.m. — Nothing Ever Stays

June 26, 2009, 9 p.m.  – Politik (Tribute to Coldplay)

June 27, 2009, 9 p.m.  – No Duh (Tribute to No Doubt)

June 28, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  - Bayadera

June 29, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – Danielle Tucker

June 30, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – Pullman Standard

July 1, 2009, 8:30 p.m.  – Goodnight Caulfield

July 2, 2009, 8:30 p.m. — The Bolts

July 3, 2009, 9 p.m. — Stepping Feet (Dave Matthews Tribute)

July 4, 2009, 9 p.m.  - Mishavonna

July 5, 2009, 8:30 p.m. — Wild Child (The Doors Tribute)

Solid Gold Series

All shows start at 2 p.m. on the Chevrolet Paddock Stage  and are free with fair admission with no reserved seating. Parking at the fair is $10, free for off-site parking. For more info, contact the fair at (858) 755-1161.

June 18, 2009 — Super Diamond

June 25, 2009 — Tommy James and the Shondells

July 2, 2009 — The Music of ABBA

Chris Nixon is SDNN’s music editor. You can reach him at chris.nixon(at)sdnn.com.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, June 11th, 2009 at 8:39 pm and is filed under Arts & Entertainment, Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.