What to know about who’s playing at the SC State Fair

The fair’s music lineup is slightly thinner than last year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t worthwhile concerts happening.

Alabama and Lynyrd Skynyrd are sure to be big draws to the Pepsi Grandstand stage, and there are the requisite country, Christian and roaming musical acts. There were seven Grandstand acts last year and six this year. However, the number of free concerts has doubled from two to four.

The fair begins Wednesday and runs through Oct. 23. Here’s what you need to know about the performers:

Pepsi Grandstand Stage

Alabama

Type of music: Country

Claim to fame: “Song of the South”

Good to know: The band has been around since the 1970s, and yes, the members actually are from Alabama.

See them: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. $40

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Type of music: Southern rock

Claim to fame: “Free Bird”

Good to know: A 1977 plane crash killed three band members, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. Since then, the band has lost vital players in Billy Powell, Ean Evans, Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson and Hughie Thomasson

See them: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. $30

Aloe Blacc

Type of music: Folk/soul/pop

Claim to fame: Sang and co-wrote the 2013 hit “Wake Me Up” with Avicii

Good to know: The rapper-turned singer replaces Rachel Platten, who canceled her fair show

See him: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12. Free

Dustin Lynch

Type of music: Country

Claim to fame: “Where It’s At”

Good to know: Lynch opened for Keith Urban’s recent “Light the Fuse” tour

See him: 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Free

for King & Country

Type of music: Christian pop

Claim to fame: “Fix My Eyes”

Good to know: American Songwriter called the duo “Australia’s answer to Coldplay” (Note: They are now Nashville-based.) They also played in Columbia at Winter Jam in 2015

See them: 7 p.m. Oct. 21. Free

Kirk Franklin

Type of music: Gospel

Claim to fame: Franklin’s album, “Whatcha Lookin’ 4,” won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album

Good to know: Franklin released his 12th studio album last year

See him: 4 p.m. Oct. 23. Free

Related: Steak sundaes, cinnamon roll pops and other new foods at SC State Fair

Other acts to watch for

Look for these groups on the fair’s smaller stages or around the grounds.

Branch and Dean: Country music duo

Matt’s Family Jam: A family band that plays multiple genres

rePercussion: A high-energy drumming group that mixes comedy and percussion

Circle City Sidewalk Stomper Clown Band: Clowns playing trumpets, trombones, saxophones, bass and snare drums

Related: 3 new rides coming to SC State Fair

This story was originally published October 7, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "What to know about who’s playing at the SC State Fair."