Rapper Lil Wayne to headline Grandstand at Illinois State Fair
Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 14, fair officials announced Wednesday.
That leaves one Grandstand slot open: August 18, the last day of the fair.
It also brings diversity to the fair lineup which up until now had lacked a rap or R&B performer.
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On Tuesday, it was announced that '90s rockers Gin Blossoms ("Hey Jealousy") would play a free show on the Grand Central Stage at the Reisch Pavilion on Aug. 8, the opening night of the fair.
The Grandstand does not stage a show on opening night because of harness racing.
Lil Wayne has racked up more than 100 million in records sales and won 11 BET Awards and eight NCAAP Image Awards.
In addition to his rap career, he founded Young Money Entertainment, which ignited the careers of Drake and Nicki Minaj.
“This concert is going to be one for the record books,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark, via a press release.
Tickets ($60-$75) go on sale Friday at Ticketmaster.
Here is the rest of the Grandstand lineup:
Aug. 9
Country music star Keith Urban will be performing with special guest MacKenzie Porter.
Aug. 10
The state announced in March that rock metal group Mötley Crüe will be headlining the first Saturday night of the fair.
Aug. 11
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit was the first act announced in January and will perform Aug. 11 with special guest Ashley McBryde.
Aug. 13
Country singer Jordan Davis was announced in February and will perform on Aug. 13 along with special guests Ashley Cooke and King Calaway.
Aug. 15
The popular music group the Jonas Brothers will be performing several of their hits during the second week of the fair.
Aug. 16
On the second to last night of the fair, Chicago rockers The Smashing Pumpkins perform. The opening act will be PVRIS (pronounced as Paris).
Aug. 17
Country music star Miranda Lambert will be performing on the final night of the fair. Gavin Adcock, who performs at the Schuyler County Fair in Rushville performing with Gary Allan on June 29, will be opening for Lambert.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Lil Wayne will perform at the 2024 Illinois State Fair in Springfield
