Corbin Bleu, Chapman, Jars of Clay highlight DuPage Co. Fair music

Even though the official theme of this year's DuPage County Fair is "Something to Crow About," the unofficial theme should be "Something for Everyone."

Fair organizers pride themselves on booking scores of events, concerts, demonstrations and listings that appeal to every single person in DuPage and beyond. And this year's music lineup shows they are up to task.

The grandstand evening entertainment will rotate between country on Wednesday with Little Big Town, Christian music with Jars of Clay and Steven Curtis Chapman on Thursday, and teen pop on Friday with Corbin Bleu, one of the main stars of Disney's international hit film "High School Musical."

And although the grandstand won't host a traditional concert Saturday night, Pink Floyd classics will fill the air during a laser light show.

The fair is always experimenting by bringing new sounds to its stages, which formerly included mostly country. Now that teen pop has become a staple after previous performances by stars like Ashlee Simpson and Jesse McCartney, the fair is taking a chance on Christian music this year.

Wilbert Hageman, chairman of the DuPage County Fair Association, says he's confident Jars of Clay and Champman will be a hit ­- and it's not only because Wheaton is home to many churches and renowned Christian school Wheaton College.

"We've had a lot of interest, and so far it has really come from all over DuPage County," Hageman said.

Inside the fair's entertainment tent, the eclectic music theme continues.

Of course, there will be cover bands.

And yes, local performers from DuPage County will sing barbershop harmonies, jam out on their guitars and even make music with household items like washboards and spoons.

Still, other bands like the Banjo Buddies Dixieland Trio and the Monument Quartet will travel from across the country to perform for visitors.

"This year with the economy the way it is, people kind of have to stay close because they are conscious of gas prices," Hageman said. "So we try to satisfy all the different age groups musically, book local people who have a good following and really include something for everyone."

Here's a closer look at the musical entertainment at this year's DuPage County Fair. For details and tickets, call (630) 668-6636 or visitdupagecountyfair.org.

WEDNESDAY

10 a.m. Steven Keefe's Family Jug Band; Keefe will revive the 1930s musical trend of the jug band, using spoons, PVC pipes and washboards as instruments; entertainment tent; free.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Banjo Buddies Dixieland Trio; In addition to their Dixieland specialty, this trio plays standards from the 1920s, '30s, '40s and '50s; north of Memorabilia Tent; free.

2 p.m. Steven Keefe's Grandpa Ukulele; A St. Charles musician, Keefe creates an interactive show with this native Hawaiian instrument; entertainment tent; free.

7 p.m. The Green Light Go's; this West Chicago-based band will play rock 'n' roll covers from bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Cheap Trick; entertainment tent; free.

8 p.m. Little Big Town; This country group has earned Grammy and Country Music Nominations for their 2005 album "The Road to Here" and have scored chart-topping singles with songs like "Boondocks" and "Bring it on Home"; grandstand; $10 for bleacher seats, $25 for infield and $40 for VIP.

9 p.m. The Dain Bramage Band; the six men in this suburban-based band play hits from the 1960s to today; entertainment tent; free.

DuPage Co. Fair music

THURSDAY

10 a.m. Steven Keefe Family Jug Band; entertainment tent; free.

12 p.m. Steven Keefe's Grandpa Ukulele; entertainment tent; free.

2 p.m. Flipside; this teen band from Glen Ellyn brings an alternative sound to the stage; entertainment tent; free.

5 p.m. Without Direction; hailing from the southwest suburbs, this alternative rock band is new to the fair this year; entertainment tent; free.

7 p.m. Chorus of DuPage; hear old-school men's barbershop songs done a cappella in four-part close harmonies; entertainment tent; free.

7:30 p.m. Jars of Clay; with their greatest-hits album just released, fans of this Christian band are likely to hear favorite songs like "Flood"; grandstand; see prices below.

8:30 p.m. Steven Curtis Chapman; Chapman broke a record after winning 51 Dove Awards for his Christian music that includes singles like "For the Sake of the Call" and "The Great Adventure; grandstand; $10 bleacher; $25 infield; $40 VIP and includes Jars of Clay.

9 p.m. Ten and Counting; This teen band from DuPage County is also new to the fair this year; entertainment tent; free.

FRIDAY

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Banjo Buddies Dixieland Trio; north of Memorabilia Barn; free

4 p.m. Monument Quartet; This foursome from Tennessee plays Christian-influenced music with a country sound; entertainment tent; free.

8:30 p.m. Dealin'; These west suburban natives perform rock 'n' roll cover tunes, entertainment tent; free.

7 p.m. Justin Stein; A native of Glencoe, this 17-year-old singer, composer, dancer and actor will perform a fusion of pop, rock and R&B.

7:30 p.m. Joey Page; This Radio Disney star will perform songs like "Who I Am."

8 p.m. Corbin Bleu; A star of Disney's "High School Musical" and its two sequels, he will perform well-known tunes from the films and songs from his debut album "Another Side"; $10 for bleacher seats; $25 for infield and $40 for VIP for all three acts.

SATURDAY

10 a.m. Monument Quartet; entertainment tent; free.

11 a.m. The Happiness Club; Teens and children from Chicago create their own songs, rap and dances; grandstand; free.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Banjo Buddies Dixieland Trio; north of Memorabilia Barn; free.

1 p.m. Clash of the Choirs; See the five final choirs from Christian station WYLL AM's competition sing it out for the top spot; grandstand; free.

8 p.m. Laser Spectacular; Featuring the music of Pink Floyd; grandstand; free.

9 p.m. Flipside; entertainment tent; free.

SUNDAY

1 and 2:30 p.m. Route 66 A Cappella Quartet; this all-female group sings favorites like "Sweet Home Chicago" and "Proud Mary"; entertainment tent; free.

2 to 5 p.m. Mariachi Morelos Band; this band will roam throughout the fair performing traditional Mariachi music; free.

7:30 p.m. Grupo Costa Alegre Band; formerly known to fairgoers as Simberos, the band changed their name but not their high-energy Hispanic music; entertainment tent; free.

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