Iconic Pop Groups To Kick Off 2018 Illinois State Fair Concert Series

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The ultimate party band is headed to the 2018 Illinois State Fair!  After nearly 40-years of hits and millions of albums sold, Boy George and Culture Club with Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey will perform on the grandstand stage on Friday, August 10th. 
 
"There's no better way to kick start the Illinois State Fair than with the ultimate 80's party in the grandstand," said State Fair Manager Luke Sailer. "Culture Club is one of the music industry's most iconic bands.  Their unique blend of music and stunning stage presence is sure to wow fairgoers."

Culture Club has been called one of the most influential groups of the 1980s.  The British band, led by iconic front-man Boy George, has sold more than 50-million records worldwide.  The group is best known for songs such as, "Karma Chameleon," "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me," "I'll Tumble 4 Ya," and "Time (Clock of the Heart)," which is featured on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of 500 songs that shaped rock and roll.

The Thompson Twins provided the soundtrack for so many lives in the 1980s.  Now, with a new band, Tom Bailey is once again performing those hits live, including a scheduled stop at the 2018 Illinois State Fair.   Fairgoers will be treated to great songs from the past, such as "Hold Me Now," "Lies," and new music, like "Come So Far."

Keeping with tradition, the Illinois State Fair will offer a FREE concert in the Grandstand on Monday, August 13th.  On Senior Night, fairgoers will be treated to an interactive Dueling Piano show by Dueling Pianos International.  Fairgoers will be wowed by their showmanship, vocal ability, and improvisational skills. 

While additional acts have yet to be announced, tickets for the concerts listed below will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Saturday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m., and at the Emmerson Building on the state fairgrounds on Monday, April 16. 

Friday, August 10:  Boy George and Culture Club with Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey
Tier 3 - $22 / Tier 2 - $27 / Tier 1 - $32 / Track - $32 / VIP - $42

Saturday, August 11:  Halestorm & Mastodon
Tier 3 - $28 / Tier 2 - $33 / Tier 1 - $38 / Track $38 / VIP - $48

Sunday, August 12:  Foreigner with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Tier 3 - $25 / Tier 2 - $30 / Tier 1 - $35 / Track $35 / VIP - $45

Monday, August 13: Dueling Pianos International
Free Concert

Friday, August 17:  Brett Eldredge
Tier 3 - $29 / Tier 2 - $34 / Tier 1 - $39 / Track $39 / VIP - $49

Sunday, August 19:  Brantley Gilbert
Tier 3 - $35 / Tier 2 - $40 / Tier 1 - $45 / Track $45 / VIP - $55

The Illinois State Fair will once again offer Stage Side Parties for each of the Grandstand concerts. An additional $30 ticket will provide fairgoers access to an exclusive pre-show party that includes a food provided by the Illinois Pork Producers Association, entertainment, giveaways and early entry into the concert.  New this year, the fair will provide each stage side ticket holder with a parking pass for that night's concert if the tickets are purchased prior to July 31st.  The Stage Side Party is only available to those who have purchased a concert ticket to attend that night's concert - BOTH concert & party ticket will be required to enter the party tent.   These tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster once tickets go on-sale.

Stay up-to-date on all of the 2018 Illinois State Fair announcements by connecting with us on social media. The Illinois State Fair is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  We look forward to seeing you at the 2018 Illinois State Fair, August 9-19th in Springfield.