George Jones

A legendary country music singer and a rising star will combine forces to entertain at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair in 2010.

Fair officials have announced the signing of veteran entertainer George Jones and newcomer Chris Young to perform Thursday evening, September 23rd, at 7 p.m.

According to Fair Manager Bill Johnson, Young will open the concert with about a 45-minute show and be followed by George Jones and The Jones Boys.

The Fair has partnered with Thunder Country 105.5 to bring this concert to Centreville.

Johnson said, “We had many requests from our concert goers to bring back an original country artist and we felt George Jones exemplifies traditional country.”  And he noted, “The Fair’s window of opportunity to sign a traditional artist – and the community’s chance to enjoy his extensive professional career – is shrinking as time passes.”  Bill_Johnson audio clip – :32

Chris Young

Johnson expects that Jones will attract an older audience while Young, the winner of “Nashville Star” competition in 2006, will appeal to the younger set.  Bill_Johnson audio clip – :18

Johnson said the announcement of the performers for the 2010 Fair “comes at a great time for everyone to purchase concert tickets prior to Christmas for stocking stuffers.   It provides an option for family and friends to purchase the gift for someone difficult to buy for.”

Tickets will go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday (December 11th).  They will be available at the Fair office or by calling the office toll-free at 888-873-0550.  They will also be available at Star Ticket outlets – Meijer, specifically – or by calling 800-585-3737, or online at www.starticketsplus.com.

For further information and updates, visit the Fair website at www.centrevillefair.com.

For additional insights about next year’s Fair and the process to select the entertainment lineup, click on the following link to hear an interview with Bill Johnson, recorded by Bruce Snook of the River Country Journal:  Bill_Johnson_interview (6:19 – 5.79 MB)