The top acts visiting the Alaska State Fair this summer include platinum-selling rockers Foreigner and veteran comedian Bill "Kids Say the Darndest Things" Cosby. Other performers include 3 Doors Down and Phillip Phillips.
The Alaska State Fair announced the performers for its 2013 concert series Thursday. The fair, Alaska's largest annual festival held in Palmer, is aiming to improve the series after last year's record-breaking ticket sales.
Foreigner is leading the series. The band has sold 70 million records, but they may best be known for the hits "Feels Like the First Time," "Cold as Ice" and "Jukebox Hero." The show begins 7 p.m. Aug. 22. Tickets are $70.
Bill Cosby previously visited the state in September 2010. Cosby is alive and kicking despite the blogosphere's attempt to digitally kill the longtime comedian. His career spans five decades and all forms of media. To watch Cosby's stand up, purchase tickets for his Aug. 25 show. Tickets are $80 for reserved seating and $40 for general admission.
Country duo Love and Theft is set to perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 26. The fair describes the duo's music as honest and soulful with "sing-along choruses." The twosome was nominated for their first CMT Music Award for the music video to the song "Angel Eyes." Tickets are $30.
Continuing its tradition of delivering popular alt-rock acts, the fair is hosting Mississippi-based rock band 3 Doors Down. The song "Kryptonite" helped the band sell six million copies of their debut album. It was named the number one song of the year and earned a grammy nomination. The band has released five more albums since their quick climb to stardom. Reserved-area tickets for the Aug. 30 show are $65 and general admission tickets are $35.
Season 11 "American Idol" victor Phillip Phillips rounds out the concert series with a Sept. 2 show. His performance will center on acoustic-driven rock. The song "Home" was the 21-year-old, Georgia-bred guitarist's debut single. Reserved tickets are $55, general tickets are $35.
Concert tickets go on sale Friday and are available through alaskastatefair.org. The concert series runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 2. All shows will take place at the Borealis Theatre on the fairgrounds.