Borealis reality check

Who's Who among the fair's headliners

By Mike Dunham
mdunham@adn.com

Published: August 27th, 2009 11:23 PM
Last Modified: September 1st, 2009 10:05 AM

When you hear that a famous band is playing in Alaska, someone who's last hit was in the age of LPs if not wax cylinders, the first question that leaps to mind is: "How many of the original members are left, anyway?" Some ensembles with well-known names have completely replaced their personnel several times over the years.

With that in mind, we've check out the big acts playing in the Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer over the next 11 days to bring you the tale of the tape:

Today

David Archuleta

Original members: The man himself. Hey, he just started a year ago and won't be eligible for Dinosaur Rocker status until 2045.

Claim to fame: "American Idol" runner up in 2008. His first album debuted in the number two spot on the Billboard charts when released in November.

Tickets: $45 general admission only.

Saturday

Bill Engvall

Original members: The man is a troupe of one.

Claim to fame: Comic is best known for his numerous appearances on "The Jeff Foxworthy Show," "Delta" and, of course, "The Bill Engvall Show."

Tickets: $35 general admission only.

Sunday

The Beach Boys

Original members: Two, singer Mike Love (cousin to the Brian Wilson and his brothers) and bass player/vocalist Bruce Johnston, who joined the band after it ignited, but was included when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on account of his crucial contributions, like singing on "California Girls." His songwriting credits include the grammy-winning "I Write the Songs."

Claim to fame: "Good Vibrations" and numerous other number one and top 10 hits.

Tickets: $35 general, $55 reserved seating.

Special note: The Beach Boys will perform twice, at 4 and 7:30 p.m.

Monday

Bucky Covington

Original members: Him.

Claim to Fame: County-pop crooner is another "American Idol" finalist from 2006. His first release reached number one on the country charts.

Tickets: $15 general, $25 reserved seating.

Tuesday

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Original members: It's hard to have a name like "Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver" without Doyle being present.

Claim to fame: The mandolin master has been wowing bluegrass fans for decades. He's released 34 'grass and gospel albums and the Quicksilver ensemble has won "best vocal group" seven times at the International Bluegrass Music Awards.

Tickets: $19.50 general; $29.50 reserved seating.

Special note: The opening act will be Alaskan contemporary bluegrass star Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen. They're also scheduled to play -- free with fare admission -- in the Borealis Plaza Tent at 9 p.m. on Tuesday (and other times and places during the fair), meaning that the musicians who open for Lawson may be the only people at the fair who can't stick around to hear him play.

Wednesday

Battle of the Bands

Original members: All of them.

Claim to fame: The four best bands from two nights of semi-finals will compete for the crown.

Tickets: Free with fair admission.

Thursday

Beatlemania

Original members: None... of the original Beatles, that is. The tribute band from L.A. features look-alike performing the Lads from Liverpool.

Claim to fame: Never challenge any of these men to a karaoke contest.

Tickets: Free with fair admission.

Special note: Beatlemania also will perform at the Woodlot Stage from 7-10 p.m. Sept. 4-6.

Friday, Sept. 4

Seether

Original members: Two, lead guitarist/vocalist Shaun Morgan and bass player Dale Stewart -- not bad for a quartet that started as a trio named "Saron Gas."

Claim to fame: Five million albums sold worldwide by this South African post-grunge group.

Tickets: $35 general admission only.

Special note: Seether's opening act will be Alaskan rockers Static Cycle, back home after a national tour on the heels of their first album release.

Saturday, Sept. 5

Rodney Atkins

Original members: The man himself.

Claim to fame: Four number one country hits from his platinum album "If You're Going Through Hell" and a number one single, "It's America" this year.

Tickets: $35 general; $45 reserved seating.

Special note: Orphaned shortly after his birth, Atkins has become a celebrity spokesperson for adoption. He recently helped celebrate the opening of the "Rodney Atkins Youth Home" at the orphanage where he once lived, Holston Home in Greenville, Tenn.

Sunday, Sept. 6

Creedence Clearwater Revisited

Original members: Two, bass player Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford. John Fogerty hasn't performed with his Creedence Clearwater Revival partners since the 1980s.

Claim to fame: Invented "Swamp Rock" without ever seeing a bayou.

Tickets: $35 general admission only.

Monday, Sept. 7

Alaskan Classics

Original members: Nothin' but. Lulu Small at 2 p.m.; Joann & Monty at 3 p.m.; Mr. Whitekeys at 4 p.m.

Claim to fame: These Alaskan musicians are household names in some places -- places like Alaska.

Tickets: Free with fair admission.

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• Find Mike Dunham online at adn.com/contact/mdunham or call 257-4332.

AT&T Concert Series at the Borealis Theatre

On the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. except as noted. Ticket prices are in addition to fair admission. Tickets are available online at alaskastatefair.org or by calling 1-907-745-4827. Concerts take place outdoors rain or shine.

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