BLACKBERRY SMOKE ADDED TO THIS YEAR'S DU QUOIN STATE FAIR 

Du Quoin State Fair officials add to their lineup of entertainment by announcing Blackberry Smoke will play the grandstand on Saturday, Aug. 25.

In a release from the Fair’s main office, the band is described as “a blend of classic rock, blues, country, and folk” — the release said their albums are “full of variety” and should offer something to everyone who attends the show.

The release quotes an interview guitarist/vocalist Charlie Starr did with GRAMMY.com. "It's so good it just can't get old," Starr said. "[Southern rock is] always a welcome sound to people's ears."

Blackberry Smoke has played with the likes of ZZ Top, George Jones, Marshall Tucker Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Tickets for all announced grandstand entertainment go on sale May 19. Blackberry Smoke tickets will range from $17 to $23.

Blackberry Smoke will round out a line up featuring classic rock staples Cheap Trick, as well as country act Brothers Osborne.

Having Rockford-native Cheap Trick is a nod to celebrating the state’s history.

“Southern Illinois will be a key player in the state’s Bicentennial celebration,” State Fair Manager Luke Sailer said in a news release. “It seems only fitting to welcome this highly successful Illinois band to help our state mark such a historic occasion.”

Fans of early-aughts alt-rock will be drawn to the Gen-X Tour featuring Buckcherry, P.O.D., Lit and Alien Ant Farm Aug. 31.

Buckcherry has been performing for nearly a decade, the release announcing the show states. Buckcherry is a Grammy-nominated band and has collaborated with AC/DC, Rob Zombie, Bon Jovi, and Gretchen Wilson. The band is best known for hits such as “Sorry”, “Bring It on Back,” “Tight Pants,” and “Lit Up.”

Not to leave out the softer side, The Du Quoin State Fair will also host the POP2K Tour featuring O-Town, Aaron Carter, Ryan Cabrera and Tyler Hilton Aug. 23.

O-Town rose to fame in 1999 on the reality TV show "Making the Band," and had hits including "All or Nothing" and "Liquid Dreams" during the three seasons they were on the show. The band reunited in 2014 and members are working on their fourth album.

The theme for this year’s fair, which will run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 3, was announced earlier this month. “Celebrate Illinois: 200 Years of Amazing!” was selected to honor the state’s bicentennial.