As large acts leave, here’s a look at big-name performers who played at the Jackson County Fair

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – For the first time since the 1960s, larger acts will not be a part of the Jackson County Fair in 2024.

Due to budgetary reasons, fair officials have decided to cut the larger acts for the 2024 fair, which runs Aug. 4 to Aug 10. The cost to bring in national talent has skyrocketed, so the focus now is on affordable family experiences, Fair Manager Denise Owens previously said.

Related: Big rock, country concerts are no more at the Jackson County Fair

Larger acts have been a staple at the fair for more than a half-century, when former Fair Manager Herman Gumper had a vision to bring concerts to the fair to attract fairgoers.

His plan was to bring in name entertainment, and Gumper had a knack for picking fair performers who were just about to hit the big time. This meant people in Jackson County got to see top-notch acts right in their backyards.

Costs of putting on these bigger concerts, however, has increased to take up about 70% of the fair’s total budget, Owens said, adding that prior to 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, they would only account for around 50% of the budget. This year’s budget is about $1.8 million, according to Jackson County documents.

While many Jacksonians will miss seeing talent grace the Grandstand this year, here is a look back at some of the performances, from big-name stars to comedy acts that rocked the stage through the decades.

Related: Peek Through Time: Big-name entertainment rocks Jackson County Fair

1960s

Starting where it all began, the larger acts in 1960, were Bob Crosby and his band, Ralph Marterie and his orchestra and the June Taylor Dancers.

As the 1960s rolled on, George Gobel, Brenda Lee, Bobby Vinton, Roger Miller, Lassie, The Marvelettes, Gentle Ben, Tex Ritter, Hank Thompson, June Carter and Johnny Cash performed at the fair.

1970s

Performances included Hee-Haw, Charley Pride, Oliver and rock band Paul Revere & The Raiders.

The decade was also filled with acts from rock bands like The Association, Focus, Sha-Na-Na, Rare Earth, Rufus and Styx.

Dottie West, Bob Seger and Lynn Anderson also performed, as did Bob Hope, Leif Garrett, Loretta Lynn, Hager Twins, Willie Nelson and Pablo Cruise.

1980s

The 1980s opened with stars like Kenny Rogers, Dottie West and Bob Hope.

Early on in the decade featured performances from country artists Mac Davis and Barbara Mandrel, rock bands Chicago and Night Ranger, as well as a performance from musician and comedian Weird Al Yankovic.

Also performing were Jefferson Starship, Cheap Trick and Eddie Money.

Willie Nelson also made three appearances to the fair this decade, and people caught performances from The Beach Boys, Hank Williams Jr., Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakam and REO Speedwagon.

The decade closed out with shows from Alabama, Willie Nelson and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.

1990s

The decade opened with performances from Alabama, Clint Black, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Dwight Yoakam, Joe Diffie, Travis Tritt, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn.

Boy bands included All 4 One, Boyz II Men and Color Me Badd. Air Supply and Sugar Ray also performed

2000s

Brooks & Dunn, Lonestar, Reba McEntire and Lynyrd Skynyrd played. And, before Beyoncé became the solo-artist she is today, she visited the fair with her former group Destiny’s Child.

Country music acts included Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich and Josh Turner.

Pop and R&B star Rhianna made a visit to Jackson, along with singer and songwriter Sheryl Crow. Bands Switchfoot and Smash Mouth also rocked the stage.

The decade closed with performances from Alice Cooper, Phil Vassar, Little Big Town and Raven.

2010s

Performances were stacked with throwback acts, country music performances and comedy shows like Rodney Atkins, Bucky Covington, RunKidRun and Styx.

Country artists Willie Nelson, Lee Brice and The Band Perry performed as did boy bands Boyz II Men, Color Me Badd and All-4-One.

The decade also had performances from The Beach Boys with Rare Earth, Vanilla Ice, Nelly, Skillet, Foreigner and Flo Rida. Comedy acts from Impractical Jokers, Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham took the stage as well.

2020s

The Jackson County Fair was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but concerts and activities started again the next year.

The 2021 fair featured country star Toby Keith, Christian music band MercyMe and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. In 2022, comedy acts were performed by Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy, and fans heard music from Collective Soul, Switchfoot, Hank Williams Jr. and Granger Smith.

The Steve Miller Band and country artist Russell Dickerson were brought to the fair in 2023. “The Voice” finalist and then Grass Lake High School student Brayden Lape also got to perform for his hometown.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Jackson” daily newsletter.