Rock music to dominate lineup at this year's State Fair

FALCON HEIGHTS (AP) -- Minnesota State Fair officials have announced this year's musical lineup and -- no surprise -- an eclectic mix is planned, although rock music dominates this year's lineup.

The selection differs from those of previous years, which had more country acts, said entertainment director Chris Tahti.

''It features some elements in bands that people have been screaming for in the past,'' she said.

Def Leppard leads off at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. Midwest heroes REO Speedwagon and Styx follow at 8 p.m Friday, Aug. 25.

There will still be country music, but less than in the past. LeAnn Rimes, who secured country-crossover status with 1997's ''How Do I Live,'' will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, along with the Clark Family Experience. Classic country stars Roy Clark and Glen Campbell will perform at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.

At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, Weird Al Yankovic will bring his accordion antics to the stage. Jeff Foxworthy will perform with fellow country comedian Bill Engvall at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.

Christina Aguilera will perform at 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28. Her self-titled album has been on the Billboard 200 chart for 42 weeks and currently ranks No. 25.

Unlikely pair Sawyer Brown and K.C. and the Sunshine Band will marry country, rock and disco at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28.

The Goo Goo Dolls will unleash their guitar-heavy sound at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The fair will welcome alternative-funk trio Semisonic home at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. The week will end in rock with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kansas at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3.