Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

George Koepp, Sauk Co. Fair vice president, 608-355-3974 (school ag room); or 608-522-4442 (home)

Tickets Now On Sale for Dierks Bentley July 9 Sauk County Fair Concert

BARABOO, WI (June 2, 2004)—Tickets are now on sale for the July 9 concert by Dierks Bentley at the Sauk County Fair at the Fairgrounds in Baraboo. Tickets are $20 for general seating or $30 for standing-only stage side. For the first time, tickets can be ordered online through www.saukcountyfair.com or www.ticketweb.com. Tickets can also be ordered by calling the Fair office at 608-356-8707 and leaving a message.

Bentley opened this past year for George Strait and Kenny Chesney. In February, a recorded tribute album to country music’s Charlie and the late Ira Louvin was one of the most critically acclaimed and earned a Grammy. Bentley performed on the album with other top artists, including Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton and the late Johnny Cash. Bentley also received a CMT Flameworthy Video Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year. In May, the Academy of Country Music named him Top New Artist.

Originally from Phoenix, Bentley moved to Nashville at age 19, took a job with The Nashville Network and immersed himself in the music scene. Taking what he learned, Bentley played all sorts of places: the hushed writer's nights around town, the beer-soaked backyard parties and barbecues and an ever-revolving lineup of local bars. As his songwriting improved, he recorded a demo, which led to a publishing deal. In 2003, Capitol Nashville released his self-titled debut album, which featured his successful first single, "What Was I Thinkin'?"

Denny Dean and the Cadillac Cowboyz from the northwestern Sauk County area open for the Bentley concert, which begins at 6:30 p.m. In addition to Bentley, other grandstand entertainment includes:

Tuesday, July 6, 7 p.m.—Farm, Hot Farm, MFWD & Antique Tractor Pulls featuring Pam “Fabulous Farm Babe” Jahnke; $6 Adults, $3 Kids 6-12; and 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 7, 7 p.m.—Wisconsin Singers, with opening act of Kris Pickar's School of Dance from Sauk-Prairie– $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12

Thursday, July 8, 7 p.m.—Flying A Rodeo Company – $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12

Saturday, July 10, 7 p.m.—Pullers Inc. Hot Farm, Truck, Smoker Tractor & Garden Tractors–$10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12

Sunday, July 11, 1 p.m.—Champion Demo Derby: Heats & compact cars, Monster Truck demo & free rides -- $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12— and 6:30 p.m. Champion Demo Derby: Trucks, consolation & finals, Monster Truck demo & free rides -- $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12

The July 6-11 Fair coincides with a week of activities in Baraboo, which start with the Great Circus Parade on July 3 and include fireworks, craft show, food stands and more. Admission onto the Fairgrounds remains free and daily free events include the Magic Mike Show, 4-H Activity Center, Barn Yard Theatre, 4-H/FFA project displays, live animals and judging, educational exhibits, commercial vendors and nightly music in the Litscher Pavilion. To learn more, click to the Fair board Web site at www.saukcountyfair.com.

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