Classic rock bands to play Sept. 19 in Highland
Classic rock bands Blue Öyster Cult and April Wine fever will rock the Highland Speeway next Saturday.
Both bands, along with special guest StrikeForce, will be performing at the first-ever Highland Speedway Jam, starting at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 19.
Blue Öyster Cult (often abbreviated BÖC) is an American rock band from Long Island, N.Y., whose most successful work includes the hard rock and heavy metal songs (Don’t Fear) The Reaper, Godzilla and Burnin’ for You. Since the release of their debut album in 1972, the band has sold more than 24 million albums worldwide, including 7 million in the United States.
April Wine is a Canadian rock band formed in 1969. Originally based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the band enjoyed international success in the 1970s and ’80s, releasing more than 20 albums since 1971.
A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to the Madison County Fair Association.
The state recently cut all funding for state fairs, leaving many fair associations scrambling for new revenue sources, said Gene Cox, who is the second vice president of the Madison County Fair Association.
“We stand to lose about $200,000, in state funding,” he said.
Cox said if the concert is a success, the fair board will consider holding concerts like this as an annual fundraising event.
With two outstanding bills to pay, the 2015 Madison County fair “was a success,” President Wayne Steiner said on Tuesday.
“I will have a better financial picture after the fair board meets on Sept. 16,” he said.
Prior to the fair, Steiner believed the fair had enough money in its coffers to survive the next three years “even if they made only a dime” at this year’s event, which was held July 21-26 at Lindendale Park in Highland.
But, after that, it was anyone’s guess.
Lawmakers had until July 1 to craft a budget deal.
If they didn’t, Rauner had prepared a list of state funding cuts, which included county fairs, to balance the budget. His office says there is no other option.
Democrats in the state legislature have approved a budget that’s about $4 billion dollars short, which the governor has said he planned to veto.
Gov. Rauner did just that, and the budget still remains in limbo.
Among Rauner’s most recent cuts, included:
▪ Suspending funding to county fairs for premiums and fairground rehabilitation projects; and
▪ Suspending funding for agricultural extension and 4-H clubs for premiums at agricultural shows.
Ticket information
Doors at 5 p.m. Music starts at 6:45 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.
Tickets are are available through metrotix.com through 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18.
VIP tickets are $45.
Box Seats are $35.
General Admission is $30.
On-site box office will only be open for tickets sales the day of the show, beginning at noon. Cash and credit cards accepted.
No coolers, cans, bottles, camelpacks or backpacks.
No outside food or drink allowed. Concessions (including beer) will be available for purchase on-site.
Free parking is available at nearby lots.
This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 5:17 AM with the headline "Classic rock bands to play Sept. 19 in Highland."