6 York Fair concerts to see: Andy Grammer, Steppenwolf, more

From Sonny and Cher in 1972 to Lady Antebellum last year, the York Fair has always packed its concert lineup with nationally known acts.

This year — the 250th anniversary of the fair — is no different.

Well-known and up-and-coming country, rock and pop acts will take the stage, starting Saturday, Sept. 12 at the York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave., York.

Take a look back at past York Fair entertainment here.

Here are six of the main stage concerts to see at the fair.

Brantley Gilbert and A Thousand Horses

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

Cost: $30, $35, $44

Top songs: "Bottoms Up" and "Country Must Be Country Wide" (Brantley Gilbert); "Smoke" ( A Thousand Horses)

Why go: Country acts Brantley Gilbert and A Thousand Horses kick off the York Fair concert lineup on the main stage. Gilbert is known for his No. 1 single "Bottoms Up" from his third studio album "Just As I Am," released last May. A Thousand Horses has only released two singles to date, but its first single "Smoke" was nominated for a CMT Music Award this year.

John Kay & Steppenwolf and Foghat

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15

Cost: $20-$35

Top songs: "Born to be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride" and "Rock Me" (John Kay & Steppenwolf); "Slow Ride" and "Fool for the City" (Foghat)

Why go: Were you born to be wild? John Kay & Steppenwolf and Foghat, responsible for some of the top hits of the '70s, will bring back classics like "Born To Be Wild," "Monster" and "The Pusher" at this rock show.

Cole Swindell and Clark Manson

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16

Cost: $35 for Pit, $20-$30 for Plaza and Grandstand seating

Top songs: "Chillin' It" and "Hope You Get Lonely Tonight" (Cole Swindell); "Track 9," "Love It When You Drive" (Clark Manson)

Why go: Up-and-coming artist Cole Swindell is more than just a country singer. Known for his 2013 breakout hit "Chillin' It," Swindell has also written songs, including Luke Bryan's "Roller Coaster" and "Beer in the Headlights." He also co-wrote Florida Georgia Line's hit "This Is How We Roll." Clark Manson, another up-and-coming country act, will round out the show with a set list of feel-good, summertime songs.

Andy Grammer and American Authors

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18

Cost: $15-$30

Top songs: "Honey, I'm Good" and "Keep Your Head Up" (Andy Grammer); "Best Day of My Life" and "Believer" (American Authors)

Why go: You might remember Andy Grammer from his 2011 hit singles "Keep Your Head Up" and "Fine By Me." But if you listened to pop radio at all this summer, you definitely know him from his biggest hit to date, "Honey, I'm Good." This pop-rock singer is definitely an artist to watch, especially now that he'll be a contestant on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" this fall. Maybe he'll show the crowd a few moves at the concert.

Alabama

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19

Cost: $39-$54

Top songs: "If You're Gonna Play in Texas," "Angels Among Us" and "Tennessee River"

Why go: Alabama is a staple of the York Fair. The Southern rock and bluegrass band has performed at the fair a record 23 times, starting in 1981, but it's been about 13 years since their last York Fair show.

Enter to win Alabama concert tickets here.

Lauren Alaina

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20

Cost: Free

Top songs: "Georgia Peaches" and "Like My Mother Does"

Why go: Other than the fact that it's free, the Lauren Alaina concert is the show to go to for "American Idol" fans. The 20-year-old country singer was the runner-up on the 10th season of the reality singing show in 2011 and has since released her debut studio album "Wildflower." Who knows? She could be the next Carrie Underwood. Underwood also performed at the York Fair in 2006 and 2007 after winning the fourth season of "American Idol" in 2005.

To purchase tickets, or for more information about the fair, visit yorkfair.org.

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