Sound of music fills the air over fairgrounds

The sweet – and cutting-edge – sound of song will emanate from every corner of the fairgrounds during the 2008 State Fair of Texas, September 28 - October 19.

The Killdares will burn up Gate 7 with their explosive, Celtic rock mixed with a hint of Texas twang. Although bagpipes and rock ‘n roll might seem unlikely bedfellows, the Dallas-based band has carved out their own niche in the world of power pop and showed that traditional Celtic music can cut like a knife when combined with screaming electric guitars, fire-driven fiddling and a pounding drum beat. They’ll perform on the Gate 7 stage at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.

With a powerful voice and talent on fire, country rocker Candy Coburn will astonish fairgoers with her on-stage energy, heartfelt songwriting and signature green guitar. Born in Kentucky and raised in Missouri and Texas, Candy finds her inspiration in the country, gospel and rock genres and in entertainers including Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow and Dolly Parton. She’ll perform on the Bud Light True Music Stage on the hour between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. throughout the Fair.

And fairgoers will think they’ve been whisked off to the Scottish Highlands as they listen to the North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums and Silver Thistle Pipe and Drums, two Texas bagpipe and drum bands performing at this year’s Fair. In their traditional Scottish dress, the pipers will blow audiences away with their sound while teaching about the great tradition of Scottish music and culture. The North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums will perform at the Fair on Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Oct. 4 and Oct. 5. Silver Thistle Pipe and Drums will be at the fairgrounds on Oct. 11, Oct. 12, Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. The bands will perform at Marine Corps Square at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and at the Tower Building at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Contact: Public Relations, 214-421-8715 or pr@bigtex.com.