I used to think the big music bookings at the Deschutes County fair existed in a funny little bubble, unaffected by the kinds of acts that are popular at other venues. But given the two Les Schwab Amphitheater headliners we know about for 2010 — Merle Haggard and the Steve Miller Band — perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps the fair, with its focus on aging classic rockers and not-quite top-tier country acts, has its finger on the pulse of what Central Oregonians want. Perhaps the fair was ahead of its time.
Anyway, buckle up, because here are the big names playing the 2010 Deschutes County fair:
July 28: Neal McCoy
July 29: Joe Diffie
July 30: Styx (!)
July 31: “Weird Al” Yankovic (!!!)
All shows start at 7 p.m. and are free with a ticket, which you can get by listening to 99.7 FM (for McCoy/Diffie) and 98.3 FM (for Styx/Yankovic). (You also have to pay for admission to the fair.) More info here.
An aside: One of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had in this job was attending the Alice Cooper show at the fair in 2008. (Here’s my review.) The fairgrounds’ event center was rowdy, raucous and packed to the gills with more than 10,000 people cheering wildly every time Alice “choked” a woman or “stabbed” a baby, all fake and in good fun, of course. 10,000 people. That’s more than have ever attended a show at Les Schwab Amphitheater. Ever.
Tags: "Weird Al" Yankovic, Deschutes County fair, Joe Diffie, Neal McCoy, Styx
Interesting. I saw Weird Al some years ago. I’m sure there was a little bit of nostalgia because I loved him so much when I was but a wee pup, but I’m still counting it as one of my favorite shows I’ve seen. Actually wouldn’t mind seeing him again.
Also, I’m still bummed I miss that Alice Cooper show. He’s kind of a hard sell because his bad / good ratio isn’t terribly strong, and his 80′s run killed off a lot of the punk/alternative following, but those albums he did back when it was a band are still pure gold. Killer, Love it to Death and Billion Dollar Babies are all personal favorites.
Yeah, I wanna see both Weird Al and Styx, really. But not because they’re awesome and I’m stoked to see them. Because I think it’ll be fun and/or funny. The latter is fine. The former would be even better.
The Cooper show wasn’t great. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great. I grew up in the ’80s, so my favorite song of the night was “Poison.” The rest was OK. He got stronger as the night went along.
As you see in my review from back then, though, there was a lot more to it than the music that left a bad taste in my mouth.
Hmm, yeah, I can see why the Cooper show bothered you. With kids, you never really know which ones can see through the shlock and which ones are picking up on misogynistic themes or what have you.
As for Weird Al; yeah, you should definitely see him. Granted, there’s no way I would have enjoyed his concert so much as an adult if I hadn’t loved him so much as a young one, but I still love the early albums and I’ll argue all night long that the Compleat Al is a brilliant mockumentary. Very much looking forward to seeing him again. Styx? I hope you and everyone else who goes to that has a great time and I look forward to the review.
I took the kids to the Weird Al show at the Fairgrounds in Salem a few years ago and, I must say, it was one of the most entertaining shows I’ve been to (and I’ve been seeing shows for 30 years). Great stage show and music…good times!!
Also, I recorded the Salem show….search the internet, you’ll find it
I was pretty close to the stage for the Cooper show, and it rocked….I’ve never been to a cooler free show. The parents bringing the kids in makeup was creepy, but that’s not my issue. The show was great.
I’d agree with Scott in that you could put ‘Styx’ in my eye before I’d go watch that show. Probably an important concert to review however.
I’m from Portland and have already booked a hotel room so I can go the this fair and see Weird Al! But how do I get tickets since I am unable to listen to your local radio station?
Hmm, Karen, that is a good question that I asked in an email to the station about Neal McCoy tickets, but not even a courtesy of a reply.
Bad business, but I gess they don’t care if we are not in hteir listening area
My family, including my 10 & 12 year old kids, all LOVE Weird Al. He takes the bad rap for playing polka versions of pop rock songs, the accordion, and for being, well…weird! But he is a talented, creative, funny, & entertaining guy who knows how to laugh at life:)) Dori Donoho gave us 4 VIP tix and we are PSYCHED!! (and just for the record, I would MUCH rather see Weird Al than Steve Miller ANY day…)
An old friend of mine plays drums for Weird Al and we recently made contact having not seen each other for the past twenty plus years. I am taking my eight year old to see Al as he enjoys listening to his parodies of the may hits. I think is going to be something to see.
Does anyone know whether it’s too late to get some “Weird Al” tickets. I missed getting free ones…or is the radio station still giving any away?