Award-winning singer and songwriter John Mayer to entertain at Illinois State Fair

American Idol Phillip Phillips to open the Aug. 11 show

[March 29, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- Acclaimed blues rock musician John Mayer will perform at the Illinois State Fair this year. The seven-time Grammy Award winner will take the Grandstand stage Aug. 11 as the headline act for a concert that also will feature Phillip Phillips, the reigning "American Idol" champion.

"The state fair strives to bring nationally known entertainers to Springfield, and artists of this caliber can only further its reputation as a venue for the biggest names in the music industry," said Amy Bliefnick, state fair manager. "This is an exceptional booking, and I can't wait to welcome John and Phillip to the fairgrounds."

Mayer is best-known for his hit singles "Your Body Is a Wonderland," "Daughters," "Waiting on the World to Change" and "Say," all of which earned him Grammys for best male pop vocal performance. He has recorded three No. 1 albums, including his most recent release, "Born and Raised."

Phillips was crowned "American Idol" champion in May of 2012. His debut album, "The World from the Side of the Moon," was released just six months later and already has been certified Gold.

Tickets for the Aug. 11 show, which range in price from $40 for a Tier 3 seat to $65 for a VIPit pass, will go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. They can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet.

The 2013 fair begins Aug. 8 and continues through Aug. 18. Additional information about the Grandstand lineup is posted on the Illinois State Fair's website at www.illinoisstatefair.info.

[Text from Illinois State Fair file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]