Illinois State Fair August 14-23 8pm, except as noted Grandstand Illinois State Fairgrounds 782-1979 $15-$30

Southern rock legend Lynyrd Skynyrd opens the Grandstand on Friday night with special guest Bo Bice, who isn’t the only American Idol to shake the stage. Pop sensation Kelly Clarkson hits the arena with her huge pipes on Saturday night with guest Eric Hutchinson. Country acts Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson and Chuck Wicks perform on Sunday, while country legend Montgomery Gentry croons on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. with supporting acts Kellie Pickler (another AI alum – the one with the colossal personality), James Otto and Candy Coburn. Saturday, Aug. 22 you won’t want to miss girl bands Heart, the famous rocking sister duo, and The Bangles, the 80s pop group who had everyone singing and walking like Egyptians. For classical music lovers, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra plays a free concert Monday, Aug. 17.