Advance State Fair tickets go on sale online at 10 a.m. Aug. 3

Three homegrown talents will return to North Carolina to take the stage during the 2009 State Fair. They are part of 11 nights of entertainment featuring contemporary Christian, country and R&B concerts in Dorton Arena.
Youngsville native Jason Michael Carroll kicks off the concert series on Thursday, Oct. 15, and will perform songs from his newest studio release, “Growing Up is Getting Old,” along with his chart-topping hits “Alyssa Lies,” “Livin’ our Love Song” and “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead.”

Albemarle native Kellie Pickler will bring her Southern charm to the stage Saturday, Oct. 17, performing songs off her self-titled sophomore album.

The top-10 finalist from Season 5 of “American Idol” has recorded a string of hits including “Red High Heels,” “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “I Wonder,” and “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind.”

Singer-songwriter Eric Church will wrap up the 2009 N.C. State Fair Sunday, Oct. 25. The Granite Falls native will perform hits from his “Sinners Like Me” debut album and his sophomore effort, “Carolina.” Church’s down-home sensibilities shine on hits such as “How ‘Bout You” and “Guys Like Me.”

“North Carolina has proven to be a real talent pool when it comes to music,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We’re proud to bring these up-and-coming young performers to the Dorton stage.”
Award-winning Christian rock group Third Day will present songs from their latest album, “Revelation,” on Friday, Oct. 16.

Rising star Jamey Johnson takes the stage on Monday, Oct. 19, playing hits such as his 2009 Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year “In Color.” Johnson earned three Grammy nominations in 2009.
Motown legends The Temptations will perform Tuesday, Oct. 20, and will sing such classics as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”

Dove Award-winning Christian singers Jeremy Camp and Natalie Grant will appear in concert together on Friday, Oct. 23.

Country-music star Blake Shelton’s baritone voice will fill the arena as he performs his hits “Austin,” “Home,” and “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” Saturday, Oct. 24.

The artists for Sunday, Oct. 18, Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 22, will be announced at a later date. Go to www.ncstatefair.org for updates.

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $5 to $15 and can be purchased online only at www.ncstatefair.org beginning Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. Any concert tickets remaining after the start of the Fair can be purchased at the Dorton Arena Box Office. Remaining tickets will likely be limited, so purchasing online and in advance is recommended.

Entertainment Lineup
Thursday, Oct. 15: Jason Michael Carroll - $5
Friday, Oct. 16: Third Day - $15
Saturday, Oct. 17: Kellie Pickler - $10
Sunday, Oct. 18: Nat & Alex Wolff - $10
Monday, Oct. 19: Jamey Johnson - $5
Tuesday, Oct. 20: The Temptations - $10
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Julianne Hough - $5
Thursday, Oct. 22: Zac Brown Band - $5
Friday, Oct. 23: Jeremy Camp/ Natalie Grant - $10
Saturday, Oct. 24: Blake Shelton - $10
Sunday, Oct. 25: Eric Church - $5