All’s fair for spicy, classic music lovers

Claudia Figueroa

Orange County Fair-goers might dance to the beat of conga drums at

this year’s “Hot! Hot! Hot!” salsa-themed event, but music fans from

around the county also will be shakin’ to classic sounds of the past.

Beginning July 14, the fair’s entertainment lineup will feature

singers and musicians ranging from Jose Feliciano to “Weird Al” Yankovic,

and Freddy Fender to Rain, a Tribute to the Beatles.

Opening the two-week concert series will be Feliciano, who hit it big

in the 1970s with “Senor Bolero” and a folk/Latin rendition of the Door’s

“Light My Fire.” Feliciano will perform with Electric Light Orchestra

Part II, who will play new material, as well as its 1970s and ‘80s hits

“Don’t Bring Me Down” and the film soundtrack “Xanadu.”

World Class Rockers, which will perform a variety of rock rhythms on

July 15, features former Eagles member Randy Meisner and Ron Wikso of

Foreigner.

They may look and sound like the Fab Four, but aside from

“Beatlemania,” Rain, a Tribute to the Beatles, is just about as real as

it’s going to get. They will play July 16.

On July 17, Jaci Velasquez will perform “On My Knees,” “God So Loved,”

and songs from “Heavenly Place,” which launched the 20-year-old Christian

singer’s career in 1996.

Early rock ‘n’ roll fans will get a chance to see the Everly Brothers

perform such classic tunes as “Wake Up, Little Susie” and “Walk Right

Back” on July 18. And classic rock enthusiasts may also catch John Kay

and Steppenwolf performing the anthem “Born to Be Wild” on July 19.

This year marks a turning point for Isaac Hayes, who will perform July

20. After a short absence from the music scene, Hayes took on the role of

Chef in the animated cartoon series “South Park,” for which he received

an Academy Award nomination for Best Song score.

Hayes is enjoying the resurrection of his 1970s hit “Shaft,” with the

recent release of the movie sequel.

Paul Rodgers will perform blues tunes, including “Can’t Get Enough of

Your Love,” on July 21.

Another artist making a comeback is Taylor Dayne. The Long Island-born

pop diva will present songs from her latest album, “Naked Without You,”

on July 22.

Fender will play a mix of Tex-Mex, country, blues, Cajun and

traditional ranchero July 23.

And Yankovic returns to the fair July 24 to perform “Amish Paradise,”

“My Bologna” and other rock ‘n’ roll parodies.

On July 25 soap opera fans from the eighties will catch Rick

Springfield (aka Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital) take the stage with

his famed “Jessie’s Girl,” and July 26 will showcase rock bands Poco and

Firefall.

Charo will sing “La Salsa,” play guitar and do the cuchi-cuchi hip

shake July 27.

Even though Ty Herndon has released only two albums, some say he has

the ability to make audience members swoon by the dozens with easy

listening love ballads. Herndon will perform July 28.

Doug Kershaw, “The Ragin’ Cajun” who’s in the spotlight July 29, will

be a reminder of this year’s fair theme. Kershaw’s fervor for Cajun music

is played with raw intensity and, like a spicey bowl of gumbo, is known

to keep people coming back for more.

The Bellamy Brothers will close out the 108th fair’s stage shows July

30 with a custom blend of country, Espanol rock and reggae.

Each act will present two shows nightly, and seating is first come,

first served.

FYI

* What: 108th annual Orange County Fair concerts

* When: 7 and 9 p.m. daily July 14 to 30

* Where: Fairgrounds’ Arlington Theatre, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

* How much: All shows are free with fair admission of $6 for adults,

$5 for seniors 55 and older, $2 for children 6-12, and no charge for

children 5 and younger.

* Parking: $5 per car or $3 for vehicles with four or more passengers

* Information: (714) 708-3247