Preparations Underway for East Texas State Fair

TYLER — The 96th East Texas State Fair is weeks away, opening on Thursday, September 22 and running through October 2. Of course, there’ll be carnival rides, exhibits, fair food, and animals — along with the third annual concert series. “The East Texas State Fair is a fun, family tradition. We created a concert series in 2009 and have watched it grow in popularity ever since,” said Heather Pickett, director of presentation and development. “The 2011 concert line-up features many local and almost-local favorites. We look forward to great crowds at each of the concerts. As always, the concerts are free with your Fair admission!”

The 2011 concert series kicks off Friday, September 23rd, with 13-year-old blues guitar virtuoso and Shreveport native Matthew Davidson. On Saturday, September 24th, says Pickett, East Texas’ own JB and the Moonshine Band will have the crowds on their feet. Feliz Cumpleanos to La Invasora on Sunday, September 25th, as the fair celebrates the 10th birthday of La Invasora with an all-day music festival of Tejano and Latino bands. The Monday Gospel tradition continues on Monday, September 26th, with The Sounds of Smith County, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Gospel Choir.

Pickett says This Day Forth will rock the stage on Tuesday, September 27th. Alternative band Truffula Tree performs Wednesday, September 28th. It’s “more than blues,” says Pickett, with Something Blue on stage Thursday, September 29th. Austin’s Brad Dunn and Ellis County take the stage Friday, September 30th. Oklahoma boy and former Cross Canadian Ragweed front man Cody Canada and his new venture Cody Canada and The Departed wrap up the concert series as the headliner on Saturday, October 1st.