DU QUOIN -- The 2000s were the dawn of reality TV, flip phones, myspace, and frosted tips/chunky highlights. Music was also a defining aspect of that decade, and some of those hitmakers will be performing on the Du Quoin State Fair grandstand stage on Thursday, Aug. 30 as part of the Pop2K tour.
O-Town's success began in 1999 on the television reality show "Making the Band." The band garnered hits such as "All or Nothing" and "Liquid Dreams" during the three seasons they were on the show. In 2014, the band reunited to make new music. They've started on their fourth album and the first single of it, "Empty Space" is sure to be a hit.
Aaron Carter was a teenage heartthrob in the 2000s, known for his catchy pop songs off his three multiplatinum albums. He also starred in shows/movies such as "Lizzie McGuire," "7th Heaven," and "Supercross." Carter comes from a highly talented musical family. He is the little brother to Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys fame.
Ryan Cabrera is known for hits such as "On the Way Down," "True," and "Shine On," but his fans are sure to love his new music too. Critics say his fifth album, Wake Up Beautiful, has an organic pop feel. "House on Fire" and "All We Have" are two of the songs on the album that really shows that he doesn't hold anything back.
Tyler Hilton's music inspiration comes from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Robert Johnson, and Elvis Presley (who he got to play in the 2005 hit movie "Walk the Line"). In 2000, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion for music, but also dabbled in acting. In addition to "Walk the Line,"
Hilton also appeared on "One Tree Hill" and acted in music videos for Taylor Swift and Gloriana. He's come a long way since he first started writing songs and believes his new album is his best yet.
"We strive to have a diverse grandstand lineup each year, and I think adding the Pop2K tour to our already announced acts gives a little something for everyone, whether you like pop, rock, or country," said Assistant State Fair Manager Tibretta Reiman.
Back by popular demand, Dueling Pianos International will take over the Grandstand on Monday, Aug. 27. This is sure to be a fun-filled night as world-class dueling piano players entertain fairgoers with a dynamic performance. The show is known for being fun, comedic, and interactive for a show all ages will love. This Grandstand performance is included with the cost of admission with General Admission seating the night of the show.
In an effort to introduce a new audience to the thrill and excitement of horse racing, the Du Quoin State Fair will reintroduce Twilight Harness Racing at the Grandstand on Wednesday, Aug. 29.
Harness racing is an essential component of the fair. Du Quoin's oval track has been home to some of the state's greatest horse races, including the Hambletonian and World Trotting Derby.
"The first night horse show in Du Quoin took place in 1924 under newly installed electric lights," said State Fair Manager Luke Sailer. "As a new generation of fairgoers enter the fairgrounds gates, Twilight Racing serves as a great way to showcase Illinois agriculture and celebrate our state fair history."
The 2018 Du Quoin State Fair will have two days of harness racing. Tuesday, Aug. 28 will have an 11 a.m. post-time; meanwhile, Twilight Harness Racing on Wednesday, Aug. 29 will kick off with a 6 p.m. post time.
Ticket prices have been announced for the already announced 2018 Grandstand concerts. An on-sale date has not yet been announced.
Grandstand schedule:
Sunday, Aug. 26: Cheap Trick. Tier 3 seating, $21; Tier 2, $24; Tier 1, $27
Monday, Aug. 27: Dueling Pianos International free show. General admission seating.
Tuesday, Aug. 28: Brothers Osborne. Tier 3 seating, $29; Tier 2, $32; Tier 1, $35.
Wednesday, Aug. 29: Twilight Harness Racing. Free. General admission seating.
Thursday, Aug. 30: The POP2K Tour featuring O-Town, Aaron Carter, Ryan Cabrera and Tyler Hilton. Tier 3 seating, $10; Tier 2, $10; Tier 1, $10.
Friday, Aug. 31: Gen-X Tour featuring Buckcherry, P.O.D., Lit and Alien Ant Farm. Tier 3 seating, $19; Tier 2, $22; Tier 1, $25.
In the coming weeks and months look for many more exciting announcements about the 2018 Du Quoin State Fair, including additional concert announcements and other fair events. Don't miss any of the big announcements -- connect via social media. The Du Quoin State Fair is Aug. 24-Sept. 3.
