The Stanislaus County Fair continues to add to its headline entertainment line-up, the latest announced as the funk and soul group Con Funk Shun to perform at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds on Monday, July 14.
Drake Milligan
Country music artist Drake Milligan will bring his infectious energy and chart-topping hits to the Modelo Free Variety Stage at the fairgrounds on Friday evening, July 11.
Milligan burst onto the national music stage entering the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart at #5 after dominating iTunes with his debut album, Dallas/Fort Worth, charting back-to-back number one hits on the iTunes Country Songs Chart, number one on iTunes All-Genre Chart and reclaimed the number one spot on iTunes Country Albums Chart.
A student of classic country music with the swagger of early rock, the Fort Worth native cites George Strait and Elvis Presley as musical heroes and his unique twist of traditional country has been embraced by fans, peers and the media alike.
Milligan has performed on the Kelly Clarkson Show, The Grand Ole Opry, Stagecoach and CMA Music Festival.
Con Funk Shun
Known for their chart-topping hits and vibrant performances, Con Funk Shun will be headlining in this year’s concert series.
“This concert series is about providing the community with top-tier musical acts, and Con Funk Shun’s timeless sound is the perfect addition to our lineup,” said Fair spokesman Jose Piña.
The R&B funk group, which has been pleasing fans for over 50 years, originated
with Vallejo founding member Michael Cooper along with high school classmates, Louis McCall, Karl Fuller, Cedric Martin, Danny Thomas, Paul “Zebulan” Harrell, and newfound talent, Felton Pilate. Eventually, the group found a home in Memphis in the mid-1970s when they booked a performance backing Stax Recording Artist, the Soul Children. Soon they were recruited as the background band for Rufus Thomas for the Golden Globe nominated Wattstax Benefit Concert/ Documentary. While in pursuit of a recording contract, the group adopted a new name inspired by the group Nite- Liters’ song, Con Funk Shun.
The newly re-named act attracted the attention of Mercury Records, and soon released their debut album featuring their first single “Sho’ Feels Good To Me.” Con Funk Shun went on to release a total of 11 albums, and eight top ten Billboard hits including the No. 1 hit single “Ffun,” “Chase Me,” “Shake & Dance,” “Baby I’m Hooked” and more.
Ash Ruder booked
Ash Ruder, a recording artist from Turlock, will be performing at the Fairgrounds on July 12.
Post her time competing on ABC’s American Idol, Ash Ruder, a songstress is making waves in the ocean-less city of Nashville. Upon releasing her first single “The Valley,” CMT spotlighted Ruder as the coveted Next Up Now Artist and went on to premiere her dreamy 1970s styled music video with the network. Buckle up!
Her music will take the audience on a California road trip: the sea salt air, a coastal breeze, sunny and 75 degrees. She’s touch of twang, a whole lot of heart, and gives listeners the chance to see the world through sepia-colored glasses.
Los Nuevos Ilegales
Los Nuevos Ilegales, one of the most dynamic groups emerging from Culiacán, Sinaloa, will take the Modelo Variety Free Stage at the Fairgrounds on Sunday, July 13.
The “Nuevos Ilegales,” originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, were formed by Carlos Iván Solís García, the group’s leader and lead vocalist, along with his brother Juan Francisco Solís García, who plays drums.
The two decided to start the band in October 2015, inspired by their shared love of music. It didn’t take long before their corridos and songs could be heard all over Culiacán, even crossing borders and winning over audiences not only in Mexico but also in the United States and throughout Latin America. Hits like “Dicen de Mí,” “Yo Fui el Elegante,” “El Doble R,” “El Tapón,” and many more have contributed to the group’s growing success over the years.
Their new EP, titled “Vamos Pa’ Delante,” features 8 tracks “Reyna la Falsedad,” “Van Quedando Atrás,” “Nada Que Perder,” “Vamos Pa’ Delante,” Aquí Yo Vengo,” “Hoy Estoy Aquí,” “Ahí Les Encargo” and “El Coyote.”
Hunter Hayes
Country musician Hunter Hayes will be performing on the Model stage on Tuesday, July 15.
Hayes has charted his own path, moving from his country roots into the genre-bending world that he was destined for. On his album, Red Sky, the singer-songwriter has crafted memorable melodies and instantly catchy hooks albeit with a top-notch musician’s discerning ear. His music is both a reflection of his influences, and a product of his prodigious multi-instrumental talents, reflected by the fact that he plays every instrument on his records.
The Louisiana native has garnered over 2 billion on-demand global streams since the release of his debut album, along with six gold and platinum-certified singles.
In addition to his headlining shows, Hayes has also toured with superstars like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and has headlined sold-out shows across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. With over 50 award nominations and wins, including five Grammy nominations, Hayes is just getting started.
"Taking Back Sunday"
The Stanislaus County Fair has booked “Taking Back Sunday” for a show on Thursday, July 17. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable night of high-energy music from one of the most influential rock bands.
Taking Back Sunday released its eighth studio album 152 in late 2023, and often refers to themselves as the “luckiest guys you will meet.” Their new album, featuring 10 intensely vulnerable and absorbing new tracks was delivered with fresh ambition and a newfound purpose.
Their hits include “Cute Without the “E’,” “You’re So Last Summer,” “This Photograph” and “MakeDamnSure.”
The 2025 Stanislaus County Fair runs July 11-20. Discounted Fair admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands, and the Fair season pass will be on sale beginning Saturday, April 26. All concerts are free with a paid general admission ticket.
Arena events are available at additional cost. Visit www.stancofair.com to find information on fair entertainment, local exhibits, and livestock.
