Get down to country at this year's fair

It's an eclectic mix of performers for this year's Budweiser Pavilion Concert Series at the Kern County Fair.

Of course, as in years past, one genre stands out: country.

Since last month, the fair has revealed shows weekly, presenting an assortment of artists across various genres.

Four of the 12 acts this year are known among country fans.

Josh Turner, known for hits like "Long Black Train" and "Why Don't We Just Dance," is up first performing Sept. 19.

The next night, on Sept. 20, the country music continues with Sawyer Brown, who's known for singles such as "Step That Step," "Some Girls Do" and "Thank God for You."

On Sept. 23, country fans can return for Scotty McCreery, an "American Idol" winner who released the single "I Love You This Big" after his 2011 win.

Tyler Rich wraps up the country lineup on Sept. 26. The California performer went platinum with the single "The Difference."

Rest assured, the fair's other performers run the gamut of musical genres from rap to Christian and rock to R&B.

The fun kicks off opening night with Kool & The Gang on Sept. 18. Anticipate a crowd ready to sing and dance along with the R&B/funk act playing classics like "Jungle Boogie" "Ladies' Night," "Celebration," "Get Down on It" and "Cherish."

Expect a bit of soul with mega group Super Soul Groove, which will perform Sept. 21.

Singer-songwriter Lupillo Rivera will play Sept. 22, likely offering songs from his Grammy award-winning 2010 album "Tu Esclavo y Amo."

On Sept. 24, Christian artist Jeremy Camp will perform. The singer-songwriter's music includes ballads and up-tempo songs with rock influence.

Reggae performer Shaggy will play Sept. 25. The audience will surely sing along to his hits including "It Wasn't Me," "Angel," "Oh Carolina," "Boombastic" and "In the Summertime."

On Sept. 27, rock fans will turn out to hear Boys Like Girls. The band is known for its songs "The Great Escape" and "Two is Better Than One."

Rapper E-40 will take the stage Sept. 28, playing "Tell Me When to Go," "U and Dat" and some other songs whose names we wouldn't run in a family-friendly publication.

Mexican-American singer Graciela Beltran will close out the performances when she plays Sept. 29. Beltran, who got her start at age 6, has a massive catalog, having released at least one album a year between the years of 1987 and 2009.

All concerts start at 8 p.m. in the Budweiser Pavilion at the fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. Each is free to attend fair admission. Seating is first come, first served.

The Kern County Fair will run from Sept. 18 through 29. Discount admission tickets are on sale now at kerncountyfair.com.