Aryn Sanderson
asanderson@mustangdaily.net
In case you need another reason to spend your summer under the Central Coast sun, the California Mid-State Fair is ready to give you three: Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and John Mayer. Throwback sensation Huey Lewis & The News, the pop-punkers known for the “Back to the Future” theme song “The Power of Love,” will also hit the main stage. These big names lead the 2013 Mid-State Fair lineup, revealed Feb. 1.
Mid-State Fair tickets go on sale Friday.
Vivian Robertson, chief executive officer of the Mid-State Fair, works closely with the fair’s booking agent. Robertson said finalizing the lineup decision is an intricate process, focusing on “diverse genre.”
“It’s all about routing and availability, very similar to plotting out and working on a giant puzzle,” she said. “We buy the best entertainment available and are nationally known for stellar entertainment.”
Last year’s standouts included classic rock band Journey, R&B crooners Earth, Wind & Fire and country sensations Zac Brown Band and Alabama. This year’s lineup isn’t finalized just yet, with many nights still being booked.
“The four concerts announced thus far have garnered great response,” Robertson said. “We have booked the very best available that are routed our way, and fans seem to be excited.”
English senior Veronica Flores is one of those excited fans. She’s ecstatic to see some of country music’s finest on the list.
“It really sells it for me when they get such good country artists to come,” Flores said. “I don’t really like fairs all that much, but I’m willing to go just for the concerts.”
Flores says her toughest decision won’t be whether or not she’ll attend the Mid-State Fair, but rather which concert she’ll choose.
“Really, it’s a hard decision,” she said. “I’m excited to see Tim McGraw or Rascal Flatts. I’ve seen Rascal Flatts before, and they’re so great live, but Tim McGraw’s a huge deal. And when they have great opening acts that we’ve heard of — they’re big artists, too — it just makes me that much more excited.”
The fair’s supporters are stars in their own right. “Somethin’ Bout a Truck” country heartthrob Kip Moore opens for Tim McGraw. The Band Perry, best known for chart topping hit “If I Die Young,” will return to the Mid-State Fair as support for Rascal Flatts. John Mayer’s opening act, “American Idol” winner Philip Phillips, is best known for his smash hit “Home” — the highest-selling coronation single from any “Idol” winner in the reality show’s past 11 seasons.
Huey Lewis & The News will also hit the big stage. This year marks the 13th anniversary of the band’s anthemic album “Sports,” so fans may hear the band perform many of its classic hits.
Both Tim McGraw’s and Rascal Flatts’ cheapest tickets clock in at $50 a pop. John Mayer tickets are slightly less expensive, with the cheapest seats going for $45, and Huey Lewis & The News’ cheapest tickets also go for $45.
As for how much the Mid-State Fair will spend financing the concert performances this year, the answer is still up in the air.
“This is the million-dollar question,” Robertson said. “Until all 10 days of grandstand entertainment is booked, it is hard for me to say.”
The Mid-State Fair will take place July 17 – 28. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.