Singing Through The 1960s: The Fair Announces the Return of Two Fan Favorites and a Debut

Chevrolet Music Series to Open with Chubby Checker  

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone to Return for 13^th Appearance 

Tommy James and the Shondells to Make NYS Fair Debut

The Great New York State Fair is pleased to welcome back two fan favorite musical performers and introduce an old “new” act to its entertainment line-up this summer – and all three acts have “Flower Power” in common. The 1960s will be well-represented at the Fair this summer!

First, Chubby Checker will ‘twist again like he did last summer’ to kick off the Chevrolet Music Series on Opening Day of the Fair. Chubby Checker is set to take the Chevy Court Stage at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 23! This will be his fifth performance at The Fair, and second in as many years. While he is best known for “The Twist,” the first number one song of all time from the Billboard’s Hot 100, he released singles through the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and most recently in the early 2000s.

Then, on Monday, August 28, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will return to Chevy Court to play through their repertoire of hits, including “I’m Henry the VIII I Am,” “I’m Into Something Good,” and “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter.” Peter Noone and company is scheduled to perform at 1:00 p.m. in what will be their 13th appearance  at the Fair!

Next up in the 1960s showcase, Tommy James and the Shondells, who are entering their 51st year in the music business! On Tuesday, August 29, Chevy Court audiences can look forward to hearing hits including “MONY MONY,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and “Crimson and Clover” when Tommy takes the stage at 1:00 p.m. The music of Tommy James and the Shondells have been featured in more than 60 films and 50 television shows, and continue to be covered by artists spanning multiple genres today, including Kelly Clarkson, Billy Joel Armstrong, Carlos Santana, Cher and more.

All concerts in the Chevrolet Music Series are free with Fair admission. Tickets will be $6 for adults. Those who are 65-years-old and older and 12-years-old or younger get in for free every day.

“This is the best value in entertainment, and we are going to have so much fun singing along with living legends this summer at the Great New York State Fair,” said Interim Fair Director Sean Hennessey. “It’s funny, as a general practice, we try not to schedule performers for back-to-back appearances from one Fair year to another, but when we have opportunities to see music icons like Chubby Checker and Peter Noone, it’s easy to make exceptions. Plus, how can you not be excited about Tommy James? Even the Generation Z-aged employees in our office recognize his timeless songs even if they don’t know they started with him!”

The 2023 Fair starts Wednesday, August 23, and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. The Chevrolet Music Series schedule features daily performances at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1) and the Experience Stage at Chevy Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway).

Below, please find Chevrolet Music Festival performers announced thus far:

Chevy Court:

Experience Stage at Chevy Park:

As concerts are announced, Fair staff will update schedules on the Fair’s website at pages dedicated to Chevy Park and Chevy Court.

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States, and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Guests are invited to see photos from the Fair on Flickr and ideas are always welcome. New Yorkers are encouraged to send suggestions via email to statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.

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