Fair concerts offer music for all ages

From oldies to country, this year’s Northwest Montana Fair concert offer something for a variety of musical tastes.

Tuesday’s concert, Cruising the Oldies, features live performances by hit makers of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Country star Chris Young takes the stage Wednesday night.

Both shows are sponsored by Kalispell Toyota.

 "Each year, we evaluate the programs, shows and events that collectively make the fair fun for everyone,” said fairgrounds manager Mark Campbell.

“Our Tuesday night concert will feature great music from the ’50's through the ’70s that isn't performed often in our region. We've hand-selected four different performers that contain original group members, have a connection with the Flathead area and charted with numerous songs that everybody remembers and will enjoy. This show will be more than two hours of hit after hit."

Those hits include “I Met Him on a Sunday” and others by the Shirelles, whose original lead singer, Shirley Alston Reeves will perform. The Fleetwoods’ classics include “Come Softly to Me” and “Mr. Blue,” among others.

Johnny Tillotson’s “It Keeps Right on A Hurtin’” has been recorded by more than 100 artists. He had several other chart-toppers, including “Heartaches by the Number.” Bryan Hyland’s early hits included “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” and “Sealed with a Kiss.”

Reserved tickets for Cruising the Oldies, which include access to the Party Pit, cost $27. General admission tickets cost $22 for adults and $12 for children ages 6 to 12. Children age 5 and under are admitted free of charge.

Gates for the Tuesday concert open at 6 p.m. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

 Young was chosen as the country music artist for Wednesday’s concert “based on the strength of his music,” Campbell said.

“He has a deep, rich, voice that respects the traditions of country music while appealing to the more modern listener, too. Chris is a quality person, and we're pleased to introduce him to all of our friends at the fair."

Young’s hit songs include “The Man I Want to Be,” “Gettin’ You Home,” “Voices” and “Neon.”

Reserved tickets for Young’s performance cost $30. General admission tickets cost $25 for adults and $14 for children ages 6 to 12. Children ages five and under will be admitted at no charge. If purchased and printed prior to arriving at the fairgrounds, concert tickets include admission to the fair.

The gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

 For more information, stop by the fairgrounds office, call 758-5810 or visit www.nwmtfair.com.