2019 Entries Now Open
The State Fair of West Virginia’s 2019 livestock, horse show and home, arts, and garden competitions are now open.
Each year, the competitive exhibits department looks for unique contests to add. Competition highlights for 2019 include: Old Timer Hog Showmanship, Barn Quilt painting and the Draft Horse Pull.
“Our mission surrounds agriculture here at the State Fair of West Virginia and is highlighted through various competitions. Exhibitors enter prize winning tomatoes, geraniums, hogs, cattle and more. The competitions are a great place for exhibitors to show their skills and talents,” stated Agriculture Competitions Manager Taylor Davies.
Please visit https://statefairofwv.com/fair/competitions/ for more information or to register. Home, Arts and Garden entries close July 1st. Livestock and Equine entries close July 10th. Competitions kick off August 3rd in the West Virginia Building.
The State Fair Event Center is a 200 acre multi-purpose meeting and exposition facility providing a wide variety of event rental opportunities and hosting over 300 events annually. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.
Justin Moore with Special Guest Ashley McBryde
State Fair officials announced that country-music star Justin Moore will return to the stage for the 95th Annual State Fair of West Virginia on Thursday, August 8, 2019 with Ashley McBryde.
Tickets for the August show with Justin Moore and Ashley McBryde will go on sale to the public Friday, May 24 at 10 am!
Ticket prices and details on how to order can be found at www.statefairofwv.com . Tickets will only be available via Etix at https://statefairofwv.com/entertainment/ or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) Monday through Friday 9 am – 6 pm or Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. Tickets will not be sold at the State Fair Box Office until later this spring.
JUSTIN MOORE
“It’s crazy to think about, the fact that the fans have stuck with me through a decade in this business is overwhelming. I am so thankful for their support as well as Country radio’s. Let’s do this thing again in 10 more years” said seven-time chart topping singer/song-writer Justin Moore, as he joined industry friends and family at an event in Nashville to celebrate multiple career milestones.
An inaugural artist signed to The Valory Music Co. in 2007, under the Big Machine Label Group umbrella, the Arkansas native has sustained a hearty run of hits across four studio albums. The event honored PLATINUM certifications for JUSTIN MOORE and OUTLAWS LIKE ME as well as the GOLD certification of OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Additionally, the catchy “Bait a Hook” achieved PLATINUM sales status for the Big Machine Music writer, who penned the track alongside Jeremy Stover and Rhett Akins.
ASHLEY MCBRYDE
Dubbed as one of Rolling Stone’s “Artists You Need To Know,” citing she’s “an Arkansas red-clay badass, with the swagger of Hank Jr. and songwriting of Miranda Lambert,” McBryde fearlessly lays it all on the line, and it’s that honest all-in approach that has led to NPR critic Ann Powers to ask if McBryde could be “among the first post-Stapleton country stars?” McBryde’s album will showcase an artistic vision that will prove her to be one of the genre’s keenest working storytellers, bringing unwavering honesty back into a pop-preoccupied genre. Pulling tales from every corner of her human experience, McBryde sings with fire and fury, laughing and swigging that brown stuff along the way.
Her first EP, the self-released 2016 Jalopies and Expensive Guitars was just a taste of what McBryde can do, and, on her full-length debut, she will meld her songwriting chops with the vision of producer Jay Joyce, peppering her tales with a touch of guitar-driven rock fury. McBryde isn’t afraid to tell the truth, get raw and real and use the spirits of country, fold and rock when it serves her greater purpose. And that’s to tell the stories that shake us, make us and tell us a little more about what it’s like to be human.
Alabama Returns to State Fair of West Virginia
State Fair officials announced today that country-music super group Alabama will return to the stage for the 95th Annual State Fair of West Virginia on Friday, August 16, 2019. This show is presented by the WV Lottery.
Tickets for the August show with Alabama will go on sale to the public on Friday, March 22 at 10 am! A fan club presale will begin on Wednesday, March 19.
“We could not be more excited that Alabama will make a stop here at the State Fair of WV on their 50th Anniversary Tour,” CEO Kelly Collins stated. “What better way to celebrate 95 years of traditions, than with the biggest country music group of all time?”
Ticket prices and details on how to order can be found at www.statefairofwv.com. Tickets will only be available via Etix at https://statefairofwv.com/entertainment/ or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) Monday through Friday 9 am – 6 pm or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will not be sold at the State Fair Box Office until later in the spring.
Alabama
It’s the kind of story you read about in books and watch on the big screen at the movies. For the band ALABAMA, it’s not just a story; it’s their life. It is a classic American tale of rags to riches. From humble beginnings picking cotton in the fields to international stars that went on to sell 73 million albums while changing the face and sound of country music.
It’s been over 40 years since Randy, Jeff and Teddy, left the cotton farms of Fort Payne, Alabama, to spend the summer playing in a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina bar called The Bowery. Having grown up working in the fields, the cousins were no strangers to hard work. They didn’t flinch when it took six long years of working for tips and living hand to mouth playing in the bar.
Of the early days and their humble beginnings, Jeff says, “I don’t think we thought too far ahead. We were more concerned with paying our bills at the end of the week and playing music.”
Finally, word of mouth earned the major label deal they’d been dreaming of. In 1980 the band broke through with their first Top 20 hit “My Home’s In Alabama.”
ALABAMA is the band that changed everything. They brought country music to the mainstream and from side stage to the main stage. ALABAMA introduced rock style guitars, lights, pyrotechnics and sounds to the country audience.
“We were renegades in sneakers and T-shirts,” says Teddy. “We had long hair and played loud and some of the country folks resisted us for a while. But then of course they did accept us and then after that, our success made it lots easier for other bands to try it in country music,” concluded Gentry. Bands benefitting from that breakthrough include Zac Brown Band, Florida Georgia Line and Eli Young Band.
They have also inspired many of today’s brightest country stars including Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan as well as pop and rock stars from Ed Sheeran to Jon Bon Jovi.
“I was part of a benefit concert at the Ryman,” he says, “and I look over there’s Jon Bon Jovi. He walked over and said hello and it turns out he’s a fan of our music.”
ALABAMA’s reach goes far beyond their impact on other artists; their music is timeless and can be heard today as a part of every cover band’s set list in nearly every college town in America.
Not long ago, Teddy was witness to a scene that reminds us that their legacy of song remains as fresh as it ever was.
“I was in Nashville,” he says, “walking by this club full of young people–I’m talking 18 or 20. The band started playing ‘Dixieland Delight’ and everybody in the place started singing and sang all the way through. I had to smile at the longevity of the songs. Half the crowd at our shows is young people, under 25 years old. So I think that’s a tribute to the fact that we spent a career putting out good songs that stand the test of time.”
While their music continues to stand the test of time, their numbers and stats are beyond compare. The and has sold over 80 million albums. They have charted 43 #1 singles including 21 #1 singles in a row, a record that will likely never be surpassed in any genre. They have won over 178 CMA Awards, Grammy Awards, ACM Awards and counting. They’ve earned 21 Gold ®, Platinum ® and Multi-Platinum ® albums and were named the RIAA’s Country Group of the Century. They are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and have a start on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They are also world-class philanthropists who have raised over 250 Million dollars for charity.
The band continues to perform to legions of loyal fans, selling out venues night after night. They were honored with the ACM Career Achievement Award at the Ryman Auditorium in the Fall of 2015 and were named “Album Of The Year” at the 2015 Dove Awards for ANGELS AMONG US” HYMNS & GOSPEL FAVORITES.
ALABAMA continues to thrill fans as their 50th Anniversary Tour Rolls throughout 2019 in the US and Canada. ALABAMA is and always will be the greatest country band in American history.
The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 95 years with “Summer’s Greatest Adventure”, on August 8-17, 2019. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.
Cody Jinks to Perform at the State Fair of West Virginia
State Fair Officials are excited to announce that Cody Jinks will perform on Friday, August 9, at the 2019 State Fair of West Virginia! Tickets for this show will go on sale Friday, February 8, at 10 am.
“Cody Jinks is one of the most dynamic up-and-coming singers in the industry today,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “We are excited to be bringing him to the stage as one of the first announcements for the 2019 concert series. Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks!”
Ticket prices and details on how to order can be found at www.statefairofwv.com. Tickets will only be available via Etix at https://statefairofwv.com/entertainment/ or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) Monday through Friday 9 am – 6 pm or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will not be sold at the State Fair Box Office until later in the spring.
Cody Jinks
Rolling Stone said it best about Cody Jinks: “Rule Changing Country Music”
With his smooth baritone and lonesome, dark-hued country songs, the Saving Country Music Album of the Year award winner is proving that Country Music empowered by credibility has made its way to the masses. This did not happen overnight for Jinks, who has spent the better part of the last 10 years playing numerous empty bar rooms to a never ending financial loss. “Yeah, I’ve been pretty good at losing money. Not the greatest feeling in the world to be gone from home for long stretches of time, only to walk in the door broke. But I never gave up. Never even had that thought.”
His latest critically-acclaimed album I’m Not The Devil smashed his Personal Chart Records, Breaking Top 5 On Billboard Country And Independent Album Charts. Pandora called I’m Not The Devil “a gift from above for country fans of all stripes.”
Get your tickets early, because Cody Jinks is selling out everywhere he goes.
The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 95 years with “Summer’s Greatest Adventure”, on August 8-17, 2019. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.
Third Annual WV Craft Brew Festival Tickets on Sale Now
Tickets are now on sale for the Third Annual WV Craft Brew Festival. The annual fundraiser for the State Fair of WV Endowment and Lewisburg Rotary Club will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 3:30 pm – 9 pm at the State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg!
Tickets are now on sale at the State Fair Box Office, by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849), or by visiting www.wvcraftbrewfest.com. Tickets are also being sold at the Greenbrier Valley Visitor’s Center and City National Banks in Lewisburg. Only 200 VIP tickets will be sold for this event.
“The WV Craft Brew Festival is a joint effort and fundraiser for the State Fair of WV and Lewisburg Rotary Club’s scholarship funds,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “Between the two organizations, we have awarded well over $400,000 in scholarships to kids from the Greenbrier Valley and across the state. We hope to continue to grow that number.”
On top of local brews and ciders from West Virginia and Virginia, the WV Craft Brew Festival will feature unique foods and a day full of music. Musical performers include, Folk Soul Revival, Empire Strikes Brass, The Tillers, and Short & Company.
The Quality Inn, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and the Hampton Inn will offer guests a 20% discount at all 3 hotels if they mention the Brew Fest. They will provide complimentary shuttle service from the hotels to hotel guests and allow locals to ride for $5.00.
The mission of this event is to support and expand the ever-growing craft beer movement in West Virginia, while also supporting the local community. Proceeds from this event will go toward the scholarship and endowment funds for the State Fair of West Virginia and Lewisburg Rotary Club.
For more information including tickets prices, please visit the State Fair of West Virginia Event Center’s website at www.wvcraftbrewfest.com.
The State Fair Event Center is a 200 acre multi-purpose meeting and exposition facility providing a wide variety of event rental opportunities and hosting over 300 events annually. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.
TobyMac and Cole Swindell Added to State Fair of WV Concert Series
TobyMac and Cole Swindell Added to State Fair of WV Concert Series
State Fair Officials announced today that TobyMac and Cole Swindell have been added to the 2019 State Fair of WV Concert Series. TobyMac with special guest Aaron Cole will take the stage on Saturday, August 10, while Cole Swindell will play on Thursday, August 15!
Tickets for both shows will go on sale at 10 am on Friday, March 15, 2019.
“We are extremely excited to be able add TobyMac and Cole Swindell to the 2019 Concert Series,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “Both are at the top of their game in their respective genres and will make great additions to our 95th celebration.”
Ticket prices and details on how to order can be found at www.statefairofwv.com. Tickets will only be available via ETIX at https://statefairofwv.com/entertainment/ or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) Monday through Friday 9 am – 6 pm or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will not be sold at the State Fair Box Office until later in the spring.
TobyMac
Trusting his instincts and leaning into his faith spurred this veteran artist to make the most personal album of his career with The Elements. “I let go of worrying about the charts and if I’m good enough – things that come along with the business of artistry,”
TobyMac says of his new approach. “The most important thing to me now is when I walk into a studio to record a song ‘does it make you feel something?’ And, is there a reason for it to exist in this world?”
Processing life as an artist, husband and father of five has continually fueled his work and made TobyMac one of the most successful innovators in any genre of music with 7 GRAMMY® Awards, 6 Gold Records from his solo career, an American Music award, twice named Artist of the year at the Dove awards, BMI songwriter of the year and numerous other accolades to his credit. “I just need U.,” the lead single from The Elements, spent 12 weeks at the top of the charts making it the fastest charting single of his career. “I knew it was something fresh for me from a lyrical standpoint,” he says. “I knew it was intriguing and said exactly what I wanted to say. There’s depth and maturity to it. At some point, you have to look up and say, ‘If I’m not offering people some wisdom from the journey that I’ve been on, then I might as well hang up the cleats.’ It’s my responsibility to offer people wisdom from the road I’ve traveled. That’s what I’m supposed to do. I have to depth to offer right now.”
TobyMac admits that in the past he’s been “the king of the features,” as he usually includes multiple special guests on his albums, but The Elements is different. “I do truly love collaboration,” he says, “but these songs are so personal, it was hard for me to imagine someone else singing the lyrics.”
Among the most personal songs on the record, and one of TobyMac’s very favorites, is “Scars.” “I love ‘Scars.’ It is a different melody for me. It was kind of cool to keep it real low key,” he says. “It’s the closest song to me on the record. I had a few people in mind when I wrote it, but subconsciously I started focusing on my first-born son. For the first time in my life I found myself sending ships of out the harbor–up to now our family and home have been the harbor. The people I love the most are going out there facing all the pain, struggle and temptation this crazy world brings. It can be so hard to watch. I’m very aware of the scars that come with life’s journey but sometimes we insulate those from our children—so to see them go out and there and do this real world is painful. I wanted to let him know that I’m here for him and even bigger than that, God is there for him. You are not alone—so lift your head up my son—to where your help comes from.”
“Starts with Me” is one of those very personal offerings, and yet he knew it would be even stronger with another voice. He invited Aaron Cole to join in and each man shares their unique perspective on race and family legacy. “I think that coming from both perspectives is important,” he notes. “We say some bold things about how we’re all reared, and about the households we were raised in. The type of things that were passed down to us from generation to generation. We weren’t shy about saying exactly what we both experienced, but at the end of the day we agreed on the importance of confession, repentance, and forgiveness. And it has to start with me. I really believe that individual change leads to societal change–relationships with people who are not like us is where the change begins. These relationships are not the sole answer, but they will lead us to the answers. That is how we will change the culture.”
For everyone out there in the world braving the elements, TobyMac has served up a musical invitation to stand firm and let go of the worry that can beat a soul down. To find strength in faith and love in family. “I want to write songs that move people toward each other, out of isolation and into dialog, I want to encourage people to rise up against the elements.”
Cole Swindell
In just over four years since he made his debut on Warner Bros. Records, Swindell has racked up an impressive and incomparable record-breaking EIGHT No. 1 singles (the only solo artist in the history of the Country Aircheck/Mediabase to top the charts with first seven singles); 10 No. 1 singles as a songwriter; one 1 billion+ audience reaching single (“You Should Be Here”), six Platinum singles; one Gold single; a Platinum-certified debut album; a Gold-certified sophomore album (You Should Be Here) and over 1 BILLION on demand streams as well as numerous SONGWRITING honors and awards including being the reigning NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year (2016), winning two CMA Triple Play Awards in both 2015 and 2016 (for penning three No. 1 songs in a 12 month span) and Music Row’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year during his debut (2015). The Georgia native released his current and 9th career single “Break Up In The End,” the first single from his third album, All of It, for Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville on August 17. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country album chart and No 7 on the Billboard Top 200.
Swindell performed the hit single on this summer’s ABC Television special CMA Fest and performed it when he headlined the NBC’s Citi Concert Series on TODAY on August 17. Swindell debuted his current new single “Love You Too Late” LIVE on Dancing With the Stars on ABC Television and he will perform it on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 10. Swindell will close out the year performing the post-game concert at this year’s highly touted TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game on New Year’s Eve in Jacksonville, FL. His performance will conclude with fireworks at midnight to ring in 2019.
Last year, Swindell performed his 7th career No. 1 single “Flatliner,” which features his mentor/friend and 2017 WHAT THE HELL WORLD TOUR mate Dierks Bentley, on the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards telecast live on CBS and again on the ABC Television “CMA Fest” special. He also realized a career goal with performing “Stay Downtown” on both The Ellen Degeneres Show and the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Since launching his career in 2014, Swindell has toured with the biggest superstars in country music including Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley and has sold out all four of his Down Home Tours in support of each of his Down Home Session EPs (I, II, III and IV).
The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 95 years with “Summer’s Greatest Adventure”, on August 8-17, 2019. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.
