SACRAMENTO, CA – The California State Fair today announced the partial lineup for its 2010 State Fair Concert Series.

“The State Fair is all about family, fun and value. At a time when most concert tickets in this region are $75 or more for lawn seats, we’re delighted to offer fairgoers the chance to see great shows at great prices,” said State Fair CEO & General Manager Norbert J. Bartosik.

No other Fair in North America has a FREE concert series with big name artists, but California State Fair officials are committed to making sure their concert series always has shows that are free with Fair admission.

General viewing of all concerts is free with State Fair admission but a limited number of reserved seats will be sold at an additional price of $10-49 each. Reserved seating in the Gold Circle area will go on sale Thursday, April 15 through www.tickets.com.

“This region has been hit very hard with foreclosures, furloughs and huge economic challenges. And we understand that not everyone can afford a stadium concert ticket,” Bartosik said. “We’re lucky enough to have an intimate outdoor venue where nearly every seat is a great seat and half of them are free.”

Here is the lineup so far:

• THE FAB FOUR: Wednesday, July 14, Reserved Seating $10
• SLAUGHTER: Thursday, July 15, Reserved Seating $10
• THE FAMILY STONE, Featuring Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson, Original founding members of Sly & The Family Stone: Saturday, July 17, Reserved Seating $10
• LITTLE BIG TOWN: Monday, July 19, Reserved Seating $15
• RICK SPRINGFIELD: Wednesday, July 21, Reserved Seating $10
• HOWIE MANDEL (Comedy Show): Thursday, July 22, Reserved Seating $10
• MARTINA MCBRIDE: Friday, July 23, Reserved Seating $49
• LONESTAR: Monday, July 26, Reserved Seating $15
• VILLAGE PEOPLE: Tuesday, July 27, Reserved Seating $10
• EDDIE MONEY: Wednesday, July 28, Reserved Seating $10
• PAUL RODRIGUEZ (Comedy Show): Thursday, July 29, Reserved Seating $10
• FOGHAT: Friday, July 30, Reserved Seating $10
• “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC: Sunday, August 1, Reserved Seating $20

Up to four additional acts may be added to the lineup. All shows will start at 8:00 PM on the Golden1 Stage, unless otherwise noted.

A special presale for this lineup will be available for Cal Expo eNewsletter subscribers and Facebook fans on Tuesday, April 13. Concert fans are encouraged to sign up for the State Fair eNewsletter via www.bigfun.org as well as the State Fair Facebook Fan Page at facebook.com/CaliforniaStateFair to get the best seats and the most updated information. Fan club perks include the chance to win free Fair tickets, backstage concert passes, and other great State Fair prizes!

“The special presale has become a really popular perk for our Fair fans. No other venue gives you the chance to sit in the front row to a great show for less than $50!” Bartosik said.

NEW DATES, NEW ADVENTURES!
For the first time in more than 100 years, the California State Fair has moved off its traditional Labor Day schedule to a July event. The new dates are Wednesday, July 14 to Sunday, August 1, a 19-day summer schedule that will no longer conflict with the busy back-to-school season.

In addition to the new dates, Fair organizers are also excited about the new adventures they’re planning to unveil. The 2010 theme is “Your Passport to Adventure!” and the event will feature some all new attractions and exhibits that celebrate travel, adventure and more.

For instance, families will be able to embark on a prehistoric adventure in the ‘Days of the Dinosaur’ Exhibit featuring over a dozen life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Or they can get up close with live birds, alligators & tortoises in the all new Jungle & Reptile Experience. And even ‘Get Animated’ in Expo Center, where we’ll showcase the unique and entertaining world of animation. More event details will be announced soon. Discount State Fair tickets will go on sale April 15 as well, through the Fair’s website at www.bigfun.org.

For the most updated information about the 2010 Concert Series and other State Fair news, please visit the State Fair web site at www.bigfun.org or call (916) 263-FAIR. Media inquiries should be directed to media@calexpo.com or 916-263-3275.

The 2010 California State Fair will be held from July 14 to August 1 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, Calif.