N.C. State Fair announces 2012 concert schedule

The 2012 State Fair boasts an impressive lineup of concerts, featuring a variety of talented country, contemporary Christian, pop rock and R&B artists and bands, as well as a special fundraising concert showcasing local college a cappella groups.

Thursday, Oct. 11, three local university a cappella groups will perform in the Varsity Vocal Showcase Presented by Mattress Firm. Groups from Duke, N.C. State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will perform. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the performing groups.

Friday, Oct. 12 will bring some of Christian music's brightest stars to Dorton Arena. Matthew West and Sanctus Real, both Grammy nominees and Dove Award winners, will be taking the stage. Matthew West is known for his No. 1 hit singles "More" and "The Motions," while Sanctus Real is known for many singles, including "The Face of Love" and "Lead Me."

Country artist Jake Owen will be performing on Saturday, Oct. 13. Owen, who entered the country music scene in 2006, rose to fame quickly with hits like "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," "Alone With You" and "Don't Think I Can't Love You."

The American Music Award's New Artist of the Year for 2011, Hot Chelle Rae will take the stage on Sunday, Oct. 14. The internationally acclaimed pop rock group is known for its upbeat hits "Tonight Tonight" and "I Like It Like That."

North Carolina's own country star, Scotty McCreery, will be performing on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 15 and 16). Although the Monday show was previously announced and almost immediately sold out, fans who weren't able to get tickets still have a chance to see McCreery live in concert. The American Idol winner will be performing some of his most popular hits, including "I Love You This Big," "The Trouble With Girls" and "Water Tower Town."

Jason Michael Carroll, another North Carolina native, will be performing Wednesday, Oct. 17. The rising country star has recorded many Top 40 country hits, including "Alyssa Lies" and "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead."

R&B artist Brian McKnight will be performing Thursday, Oct. 18. He has been nominated for 16 Grammy Awards and is best known for his "Back at One" album, which sold more than 3 million copies.

Michael W. Smith is one of Christian music's most legendary artists. Smith has released 20 albums since 1983 and has become well-known as a singer, songwriter and worship leader both in the U.S. and around the world. Some of his hits include "My Place in this World," "Friends" and "Healing Rain." He will perform Friday, Oct. 19.

Country star Billy Curr-ington will take the stage on Saturday, Oct. 20. Currington is well-known for his lighthearted tunes, as well as the unique influences of R&B and beach music in his songs. Currington will likely be performing many of his top hits, including "People are Crazy" and "Pretty Good at Drinkin' Beer."

Corey Smith, known for his distinct mix of country, rock and blues, will be closing out the 2012 N.C. State Fair concert series on Sunday, Oct. 21. Smith, a former high school teacher, has released six albums, but is best known for his most recent album. "The Broken Record" features his most popular song to date, "Twenty One."

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

Tickets will go on sale Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. online at www.ncstatefair.org.