Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will perform at the Illinois State Fair on Sun., Aug. 11 with special guest Ashley McBryde kicking off the evening.
The band’s latest album, “Weathervanes,” combines a storyteller at the peak of his craft with a band who has earned its place in rock and roll history. The songs on the album have been described as those that make you cry alone in your car while others make you sing along with thousands of strangers. Such high praise is backed up by multiple Grammy award nominations, including Best Americana Album.
“Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will add a unique flavor to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “We are excited to book an Americana icon and look forward to a powerful performance from the band.”
Ashley McBryde has earned some of the industry’s biggest accolades, including a Grammy, CMA and ACM awards in addition to being inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The Arkansas native’s latest critically acclaimed album The Devil I Know is available now.
Ticket sales for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit go on sale Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster. Tickets for all other announced show are on sale via Ticketmaster.
Seems like a post to allow the dreaded banned punctuation. Ha.
State Fair music line ups starting to remind me of when I was a kid and the Fair attracted decent music acts and not washed up 70s and 80s has-beens. Good work Team Pritzker.
==Listen to “If We We’re Vampires” and try not to cry
Elephant for me, but yeah. Good get for the fair.
- George Ryan Reynolds - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 11:29 am:
A good get for the State Fair. Well done. As my father was in the hospital six years ago, I was listening to Isbell’s “The Nashville Sound” album while waiting for the nurses to let us back in the room. He passed away unexpectedly that night. If Isbell plays “If We Were Vampires” or “Anxiety,” I would be a blubbering mess, and no one wants to see that.
Wow cant believe how cheap the tickets are. The fair has really upped their game last few years.
- lake county democrat - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 12:11 pm:
Sure beats Confederate Railroad! It is interesting that they booked one of the few liberal stars in country music (his putdown of Jason Aldean is classic).
Was thinking this might be a good time to visit the Southern Illinois family, but realized later in the week I’m going to the Poi Dog concert in Chicago and that might be a bit much given I have another hip replacement this summer.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 12:25 pm:
Looks like I might be headed to the fair for the first time in a long time. Also seeing both Salt Shed shows. Good on the Fair folks for upping the ante
- Rayne of Terror - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 1:11 pm:
We saw him at the Corncrib in Bloomington in the summer of 22 I think and it was phenomenal. I’m so excited to see the rest of the state fair lineup now.
- James the Intolerant - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 1:22 pm:
If he’s good enough for John Prine, he’s good enough for me.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 1:47 pm:
==If Isbell plays “If We Were Vampires” or “Anxiety,” ==
Bring some tissues, these are staples at his shows. You won’t be the only one needing them
I will continually say I am not a fan of the time and money we spend on the ISF (1 and 2) but having worked with Rebecca Clark when she joined the Department of Agriculture, her skills cannot be surpassed. I expect nothing less than her making the ISF the best fair of any state. (I also think she’d make a great Ag Director some day.)
- Josh Evans - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 10:31 am:
see you there!
- Gruntled University Employee - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 10:32 am:
Yes, very cool. Jason was the only member of the Drive By Truckers that could actually, sing.
- Steve Z - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 10:35 am:
Thanks for the head’s up
- Red Ranger - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 10:43 am:
Seems like a post to allow the dreaded banned punctuation. Ha.
State Fair music line ups starting to remind me of when I was a kid and the Fair attracted decent music acts and not washed up 70s and 80s has-beens. Good work Team Pritzker.
- SteveM - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 10:53 am:
Great choice, not sure I’ll make it down as I’m seeing him at the Salt Shed in a few weeks, but I know he’ll put on a good show
- Count Floyd - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 10:58 am:
Jason is the best. If you have Max check out the doc about him “Running With Our Eyes Closed”.
- Peters Piece - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 10:59 am:
Bought tickets for May at Red Rocks then he decides to schedule the Salt Shed and now the State Fair? Awesome.
- Montrose - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 11:07 am:
This marks the first time in years I have considered going to see an act at the State Fair.
- Left of what - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 11:07 am:
He kills it live. Seen him four times
- High Socks - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 11:18 am:
Listen to “If We We’re Vampires” and try not to cry
- Osborne Smith III - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 11:20 am:
Interesting choice that should draw in a few folks.
I was amused by all of the “Who?” comments on the Facebook announcement this morning.
- workingfromhome - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 11:22 am:
That’s quite a get.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 11:26 am:
==Listen to “If We We’re Vampires” and try not to cry
Elephant for me, but yeah. Good get for the fair.
- George Ryan Reynolds - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 11:29 am:
A good get for the State Fair. Well done. As my father was in the hospital six years ago, I was listening to Isbell’s “The Nashville Sound” album while waiting for the nurses to let us back in the room. He passed away unexpectedly that night. If Isbell plays “If We Were Vampires” or “Anxiety,” I would be a blubbering mess, and no one wants to see that.
- Regular democrat - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 12:05 pm:
Wow cant believe how cheap the tickets are. The fair has really upped their game last few years.
- lake county democrat - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 12:11 pm:
Sure beats Confederate Railroad! It is interesting that they booked one of the few liberal stars in country music (his putdown of Jason Aldean is classic).
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 12:20 pm:
Was thinking this might be a good time to visit the Southern Illinois family, but realized later in the week I’m going to the Poi Dog concert in Chicago and that might be a bit much given I have another hip replacement this summer.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 12:25 pm:
Looks like I might be headed to the fair for the first time in a long time. Also seeing both Salt Shed shows. Good on the Fair folks for upping the ante
- loyal virus - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 12:32 pm:
all the banned punctuation
- Rayne of Terror - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 1:11 pm:
We saw him at the Corncrib in Bloomington in the summer of 22 I think and it was phenomenal. I’m so excited to see the rest of the state fair lineup now.
- James the Intolerant - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 1:22 pm:
If he’s good enough for John Prine, he’s good enough for me.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 1:47 pm:
==If Isbell plays “If We Were Vampires” or “Anxiety,” ==
Bring some tissues, these are staples at his shows. You won’t be the only one needing them
- Mamacita - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 2:02 pm:
Sounds like we need to plan a spot for a group cry during IWWV.
- Lurker - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 2:47 pm:
I will continually say I am not a fan of the time and money we spend on the ISF (1 and 2) but having worked with Rebecca Clark when she joined the Department of Agriculture, her skills cannot be surpassed. I expect nothing less than her making the ISF the best fair of any state. (I also think she’d make a great Ag Director some day.)
- XonXoff - Tuesday, Jan 30, 24 @ 2:47 pm:
Saw him at The Rust Belt a couple years ago and enjoyed it a lot.
== Bought tickets for May at Red Rocks then he decides to schedule the Salt Shed and now the State Fair? Awesome. ==
I’ve never been to the Salt Shed but have seen many shows at Red Rocks. I think you’re in good shape here.