Democrat-Herald

After an all-country line-up in 2006, classic rock will return to the Linn County Fair this year.

Rocker Eddie Money, whose records span the '70s and '80s, will kick off the fair with a show at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19.

Then it's back to country, with singer and songwriter Phil Vassar performing Friday, July 20, and "American Idol" alum Josh Gracin taking the stage on Saturday. Both concerts will begin at 8:30 p.m.

"Every year we try to bring the best entertainment to Linn County Fair and this year is no exception," said Tom Ordeman, the Linn County Fair mainstage chairman. "Eddie Money should please the River Rhythms crowd. Phil Vassar is well known for his song writing and incredible live performances, and Josh Gracin is one of the hottest new talents to come along in country music."

Money's hits include "Two Tickets to Paradise," "Baby Hold On" and "Gimme Some Water." His latest album, "Wanna Go Back," is scheduled to come out on March 13.

Vassar, who has released four albums, got on the Nashville map in 1999 with "Carlene." He's had hits with "Just Another Day in Paradise," "In a Real Love" and "American Child." "Last Day of My Life," the first release off his greatest hits album, reached No. 2 on the charts.

Vassar has written chart-topping songs for Tim McGraw ("My Next 30 Years"), Jo Dee Messina ("Bye, Bye") and Collin Raye ("Little Red Rodeo"). He's also been a judge on "Nashville Star," the country version of "American Idol."

Gracin is the Marine who finished fourth on the second season of FOX's hit show.

His self-titled debut album was released in 2004. The album's second single, "Nothin' to Lose," reached No. 1 on the country charts.