Comedy, Country, Christian, Oldies and 80s Rock at State Fair

Wisconsin State Fair officials are excited to announce five of the 11 shows for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage during this year’s Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular. The 2012 Fair will be held Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 12 in West Allis.

Back by popular demand, Jeff Dunham and his cast of characters will bring “Controlled Chaos” upon their return to the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage the opening day of the Fair, Thursday, August 2 at 7:30pm. The challenges posed to Dunham by his diverse characters including Walter, Bubba J, Peanut, José Jalapeno and chmed the Dead Terrorist are among the reasons Dunham’s Comedy Central specials have been some of the most watched in the cable channel’s history. It’s also no wonder that he was named “the most popular comedian in
the United States” by Time Magazine. Tickets for Jeff Dunham’s performance will be $49, $39 and $29.

Billy Currington’s most recent album, Enjoy Yourself, captures what country fans will be doing in the stands on Friday, August 3 when the music kicks off at 8pm. With an impressive ten Top 10 hits, of which six hit number one, combined with Currington’s charm, it is clear why crowds have fallen in love with him. His latest hit, “Like My Dog,” follows other chart-toppers including “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” and “People
Are Crazy.” Up and comer David Nail will take the stage prior to Billy Currington. Nail’s latest, The Sound of a Million Dreams, is cinematic in its scope, with lyrics and melodies awash in imagery as demonstrated in “Let it Rain,” the album’s first hit single. Tickets for the Billy
Currington and David Nail concert will be $35 and $25.

The Happy Together Tour returns to the Fair with an updated lineup for 2012. The show will feature The Turtles with Flo and Eddie, The Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz,
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams. The evening will return fans to the music of the 60s and fond memories from younger days. The Happy
Together Tour 2012 wraps up the first weekend of the Fair on Sunday, August 5 at 7pm. Tickets for the concert will be $35 and $25.

Contemporary Christian sensation Chris Tomlin will perform on Wednesday, August 8 at 7:30pm. Tomlin’s 2004 album, Arriving, spawned number one songs “Indescribable,” “Holy
Is the Lord,” and “How Great is Our God.” Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship, released in 2009, peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 and at number one for Holiday albums. Tomlin’s release in 2010, And If Our God Is for Us, generated hits “Our God,” “I Will Follow,” and “I Lift My Hands.” Self-taught guitar player, Wisconsinite and Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award winner Chad James will open the show for Tomlin. Tickets for the Chris Tomlin and Chad James concert will be $35 and $25.

It will be all about rock on Saturday, August 11 at 7:30pm when the triple bill of Tesla, Great White, and Slaughter hit the stage. Tesla, who will headline, are best known for hits
including the classic 90s power ballad “Love Song,” the cover “Signs,” and “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out).” Great White launched hits in the 80s including “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “Face the Day,” and “Save Your Love.” Slaughter, which will be first to take the stage, turned up on the music scene in 1990 and, over the years, have toured with likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue
and Alice Cooper. Among their popular songs are “Fly to the Angels,” “Up All Night,” and "Stick It to Ya.” Tickets for Tesla, Great White, and Slaughter will be $35 and $25.

All tickets are reserved seating and INCLUDE FAIR ADMISSION when purchased prior to entering the Fair Park.

Tickets for these shows go ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 at 10AM. Tickets will ONLY be available online at WiStateFair.com. Service fees apply to all online orders
and purchasers will have the option for print-at-home or mail order.

The Wisconsin State Fair will continue its policy of Bag Searches upon entry to the Fair Park and the Parental/Guardian Youth Admission Policy will be in effect for the 2012 Fair. Fairgoers entering the Fair after 5pm must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required.

The 161st Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 12, 2012. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com or join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/wistatefair and Twitter at twitter.com/wistatefair.