Country Gold Tour to bring Opry to state fair TAMPA BAY NEWSPAPERS Seminole,FL - February 3, 2006 TAMPA - Country Gold Tour 2006 comes together Thursday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. for one show at the Florida State Fair. Five other major performers also will appear in concert free during the 12-day fair. The Country Gold Tour 2006 consists of several Nashville legends performing on stage at the Ford Amphitheatre. Tickets are $10 each for a reserved seat, in addition to Fair gate admission. To purchase concert tickets, visit the Fair Box Office, call 898-2100, or log on to www.ticketmaster.com. The Country Gold Tour 2006 show tentatively features: Barbara Fairchild: Two-time Grammy nominee, Barbara Fairchild is no stranger to the world of music and entertainment. Barbara has been entertaining since she was five years old. She established herself in the country music field with hits like "Kidstuff," "Babydoll," and "The Teddy Bear Song." Billy Walker: Also known as "The Tall Texan," Billy Walker's 32 Top-10 hits include "Charlie's Shoes," "Cross the Brazos at Waco," and "Word Games." Through various television performances and international tours, Billy has come to be known as a living legend. Helen Cornelius: A talented songwriter, Helen Cornelius' songs about the spirit of adventure have been won over by audiences worldwide. Helen has been dubbed the "Most Promising Female Vocalist" by Country Music News, performed with Jim Ed Brown, and written songs for major artists including Reba McEntire, Connie Smith and Jeannie C. Riley. Jack Greene: When Jack Greene sings with his warm, soothing, mellow voice, audiences are whisked away to a happier time. As one of country music's most enduring stars, Jack thrills audiences with unforgettable hits like "Statue of a Fool," "There Goes My Everything," and "All the Time." Jett Williams: A petite, blue-eyed reincarnation of her legendary father, Hank Williams, Jett Williams sparkles in the spotlight with her rhinestone suites and hand-tooled boots. Without sacrificing her own style and original songs, she performs country music the way Hank 'woulda done it' with songs like "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Make Love to Me," and "I Can Two-Step Too." Jim Ed Brown: A masterful presence in every aspect of country entertainment, he began his singing career with his sister Maxine in 1954. Five years later, joined by another sister, the trio released the hit "The Three Bells." He later went solo, and then teamed up with Helen Cornelius in 1976, recording such hits as "Don't Bother to Know," "Fools" and "Lying in Love With You." Leroy Van Dyke & The Auctioneers: Now into his 50th year in country music, Leroy Van Dyke is known around the world as an entertainer, recording artist, radio and television star, actor and "The World's Most Famous Auctioneer." Leroy has recorded some 500 songs, his two most notable being "Auctioneer" and "Walk On By." Moe Bandy: In a career that has spanned three decades, Moe Bandy has achieved success at every level of country music. From his start at the honky-tonks in South Texas, to performing before thousands around the world, Moe now has more than fifty chart topping songs under his belt, including "It's a Cheatin' Situation" and "Till I'm Old to Die Young." Other anticipated artists for the Country Gold Tour 2006 show include Jimmy Fortune, Steve and Rudy Gatlin and T. Graham Brown. In addition to the Country Gold Tour 2006 show, fair goers won't want to miss the free music series on Thursday, Feb. 9, outdoors at the Ford Amphitheatre, in celebration of "Proud to be An American" opening day. Star-studded performances include the U.S. Navy Band at 3:30 p.m. and Lee Greenwood, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Also free in the Ford Amphitheatre, three Senior Days and Nights concerts include soulful singer Felix Cavaliere and The Rascals on Monday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.; saxman Boots Randolph on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.; and The Supremes with Mary Wilson on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.