Fair offering a smorgasbord

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 17, 2001 | by The Gazette

At just 17, Jessica Andrews has two albums to her credit and won the Academy of Country Music Awards Top New Female Vocalist in 2000. Her latest album, "Who I Am," was recorded - and influenced by - time she spent on the road with such country greats as Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood and Faith Hill.

Ruben Ramos, Darren Cordova and Tobias Rene (www.rubenramos.com, www.darrencordovaycalor.com, www.tobiasrene.com)

Sept. 1, Events Center, $10-$14

Carrying on a family tradition that dates back 80 years, Ruben Ramos (aka El Gato Negro) is one of the most popular Tejano musicians, having recorded more than 30 albums. More than 10 years since his first recording, Darren Cordova is a household name in the Spanish music scene. At just 35, Cordova is the youngest recipient of the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards and New Mexico Entertainers awards' Lifetime Achievement Award. Backed by an eight-piece band, Tobias Rene has sold out venues in more than 20 cities in three states. The New Mexican musician has recorded one CD, "Por Primera Vez."

Mariachi Festival, Sol de Mexico with Jose Hernandez (www.mariachi-sol.com)

Sept. 2, Events Center, $10-$14

Formed by Jose Hernandez in 1981, Mariachi Sol de Mexico is a 14- piece orchestrated, mariachi group. They've performed in the Hollywood Bowl and in Washington, D.C., for President Clinton.

Kansas www.kansasband.com

Sept. 3, Events Center, $10-$14

Kansas broke onto the music scene in 1974 with its self-titled release. The classic-rock band has had eight gold albums, two triple platinum albums, one platinum live album and a million-selling gold single, "Dust in the Wind."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Colorado State Fair

WHEN: Opens Saturday and runs through Sept. 3

HOURS: 2-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays- Sundays, plus Labor Day (carnival rides until midnight)

TO GET THERE: Take I-25 south to exit 97-A in Pueblo. Head right (north) on Abriendo Avenue to the first stoplight. Turn left (west) on Northern Avenue to Beulah Avenue. Turn right (north) on Beulah and head four blocks to fairgrounds.

ADMISSION: $6; kids 6 and younger free when accompanied by an adult.

CARNIVAL RIDES: Individual tickets, 75 cents; daylong unlimited pass, $15; ride band good for all 17 days, $50.

PARKING: $3-$10. A free shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the Midtown Shopping Center. Hours are 2 p.m.-midnight Mondays- Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-midnight Sundays and Labor Day.

DISABLED ACCESS: Disabled parking available along Beulah and Arroyo avenues. Vans may unload passengers at Gates 2, 5 and 9

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (800) 444-FAIR or www.coloradostatefair.com

SPECIAL DISCOUNT DAYS

Saturday-Sunday: Military Weekend ($2 off admission with military ID)

Aug. 20: Loaf 'N Jug Family Day ($3 off admission with coupon from participating stores)

Aug. 26: AT&T Broadband Customer Appreciation Day ($2 off admission with coupon from inside billing statement)

Aug. 27: Pepsi Day ($2 off admission with Pepsi's Mountain Dew Code Red product)