STATE FAIR WILL HOST ROCK, COUNTRY, OLDIES BANDS AUG. 15-25 IN SEDALIA

SEDALIA -- What do the Kentucky Headhunters and the Beach Boys have in common?, Musically, not much, but both groups will entertain at the 1991 Missouri State Fair Aug. 15-25.

State Fair Director Roger Alewel announced the grandstand entertainment for the fair, a line up that features an agenda of acts diverse enough to please even the pickiest listener. Performers range from country music rage Garth Brooks to the Christian crusader Carman to the rock-n-roll legacy of REO Speedwagon.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

The opening night of the fair will feature hot country talent Garth Brooks ("Friends in Low Places" and "The Thunder Rolls") in his first-ever performance at the Missouri State Fair.

The winner of six awards at the Academy of Country Music 1991 Awards Show, including Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, his concert appearances so far in 1990 have broke 14 fair attendance records.

Opening for Brooks will be Patty Loveless ("I'm That Kind of Girl" and "Timber, I'm Falling in Love"), the Music City News Awards Best New Country Artist in 1988.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16

The second day of the fair will belong to Randy Travis (Forever and Ever, Amen" and "Point of Light") in his fair debut.

The recipient of countless country music awards - including a two-time winner of the Music City News Entertainer of the Year - Travis' appeal extends far beyond so-called country music fans.

Alan Jackson ("Don't Rock the Jukebox"), honored as the Top New Male Vocalist at the Academy of Country Music 1991 Awards Show, will open the show for Travis.

SUNDAY,AUGUST 18

The Beach Boys will bring fun in the sun with an afternoon concert. For more than a quarter century, the group has provided America with good music, good times and good vibrations.

Sunday evening, traditional country returns to the stage with Ricky Van Shelton ("Hole In My Pocket"), the 1990 TNN/Music City News Awards Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.

His new album, "Backroads," and his stage show, mix his smashes with oldies that range from "Great Balls of Fire" to The Beatles' "Yesterday."

Lorrie Morgan ("Out of Your Shoes" and "Five Minutes") will open for Van Shelton.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20

Carman, a dynamic contemporary Christian singer, storyteller and comedian will take the stage. Carman's crowds have grown tremendously in the past five years. His latest album, "Revival in the Land," was 33 weeks atop Billboard's contemporary Christian albums chart. The opening act for Carman will be Willie Davis.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21

Rock legend REO Speedwagon ("Can't Fight This Feeling") will appear. Known as one of America's greatest bands, REO has produced 15 albums over the years, including six platinum and four gold. The band recently released a comeback album titled "The Earth, A Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken."

The Marshall Tucker Band, with their own authentic sound, is the opener.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

The energy of The Kentucky Headhunters ("Dumas Walker") will be unleashed. Deemed the Top New Group by the Academy of Country Music in 1990, their sound, which runs the gamut from country and blue grass to heavy metal, blends the work of such artists as Bill Monroe, Cream, B.B. King and Led Zeppelin.

Travis Tritt ("Help Me Hold On"), a fresh arrival on the country music scene, will open for The Headhunters.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

Huey Lewis and the News will be-bop the grandstand with their rock-n-roll sound that appeals to all ages of people.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

The final grandstand performance will feature George Strait (Love Without End, Amen" and "Ocean Front Property"), presented by Bud Light. Voted the Country Music Association's 1990 Entertainer of the Year, Strait will perform with his Ace In The Hole Band.

Opening for George Strait will be another newcomer to the country music scene, Doug Stone ("In a Different Light").

All concerts begin at 8 p.m., with the exception of the Beach Boys, which will be an afternoon show. Tickets are priced from $8 to $17. Entertainment for Aug. 17 and the time for the Beach Boys Show will be announced later.