It’s not “Just A Dream,” the Central States Fair is beyond excited to announce that Diamond Selling, Multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning rap superstar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, actor and music mogul, Nelly will kick off the Central States Fair concert series on Thursday, August 24.
Nelly has continually raised the bar for the entertainment industry since stepping onto the scene in 2000 with his distinctive vocals and larger-than-life personality. “Cruise,” his collaboration with Florida Georgia Line, received Diamond status and Nelly is one of only seven rappers to achieve this honor.
Nelly entered the spotlight with the release of “Country Grammar” in 2000. This album spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and generated the massive hits “Ride With Me”, “Country Grammar”, and “E.I.”. Nelly’s momentum continued with the 2002 release of Nellyville. The album debuted at #1 on top of scoring Nelly his first two Grammy Awards for “Hot in Here” and “Dilemma” [feat. Kelly Rowland].
“What a way to kick of the Central States Fair Concert Series.” says Fair Manager Ron Jeffries. “We are always excited to bring a new genre of music to the fair, and Nelly will lead a whole new audience to our grandstands and the fair experience.”
In addition to Nelly as a performer, Ellie Mae - newcomer from NBC’s the Voice and Team Blake will also be performing. As a songwriter, Ellie Mae writes what she knows: country life, family, love and loss and Coors Light. She is currently embarking on her first national tour in 2023.
This completes the Central State Fair Concert lineup:
· Thursday, August 24: Ellie Mae opening for Nelly
· Friday, August 25: Chase Rice with Matt Koziol
· Saturday, August 26: Sawyer Brown with Neal McCoy and special appearance by Rowan Grace