Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Triple Entente: Seether, Boyz II Men, and Lane Turner Complete Big E’s 09 Talent Lineup

The Big E is pleased to present the final three acts set to perform this year. Boyz II Men will go out on stage on 9/20 8 p.m. Lane Turner will perform 9/25 at 8 p.m. Seether will be the grand finale of the entire Fair, having been given the final spot, performing 10/4 7p.m. All shows will take place on the Comcast Stage Arena and are free to the public.

Boyz II Men is the most successful R&B male vocal group of all time, based on sales. They are the only group other than the Beatles to have replaced themselves at the top billboard position. Their hit “I’ll Make Love to You” was replaced by their next number one hit “On Bended Knee.” The group has sold over 50 million albums propelling them into the company of Nat King Cole, Oasis, ‘N Sync, and Nirvana.

Seether hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. The band had modest origins, yet the circumstances were prime for artistic freedom and experimentation and they began playing in coffee shops at local universities.

As testament and confirmation of their worldwide popularity and prominence, the band has sold well over 5 million copies of various albums to date. The band has permeated out into popular culture and had their song “Sold Me” featured on The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)’s major event Bad Blood in 2004. The very next year, “Remedy” was the hallmark song featured at the WWE’s SummerSlam event.

In 2008, Lane Turner was featured as a contestant on The Next GAC (Great American Country) Star. His traditional heritage and blue-collar roots made him a fan favorite. He was announced as the runner-up on the finale, not to shabby for a TV event watched by millions with thousands of contestants. But that’s not stopping him. “My track coach in college told me that the great thing I had was enthusiasm. I was excited. I was always there early, and I was always staying late. Because I loved it.” He just on the cusp of making it big time. This passion for his music and devotion to himself is what will keep propelling Lane Turner to the top and keep him there for a long while.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Entertainment Update for 2009

ACM News!

Congratulations to Big E ’09 headliners, Sugarland, Academy of Country Music “Duo of the Year” and to Jamey Johnson for his ACM Song of the Year award for “In Color.”

Sweet Addition to Comcast Arena Stage Line-Up

Sugarland, Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) 2009 Duo of the Year, Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, will thrill audiences with new hits and their award-winning style.
The twosome has taken home numerous Country Music Association and American Music awards. Matt Nathanson will open the Oct. 2 show at 8 p.m.

Stay tuned as ticket information and the On Sale date become available. Please join our mailing list to receive information on this and other aspects of The Big E. Visit http://www.thebige.com/ to sign up.

Soon to be 17-year-old Charice has amazed audiences around the world with her larger than life voice and vibrant personality. She began on Little Big Star, a show loosely patterned after American Idol, which premiered on Filipino television in 2005. Since then, she has astonished viewers of the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Oprah and Good Morning America and has sung with renowned stars Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Charice belts out tunes from Pop to R&B to Soul, boasting an enormous, mature voice that knocks the socks off of anyone listening. See and hear for yourself! This free show takes place Friday, September 18 at 8 p.m.

British rock band, Foghat, shook up the blues-rock scene in the 70s with their dominating electric and electric slide guitar. Out of their five gold albums came hits “Fool For The City,” “I Just Wanna Make Love To You” and “Slow Ride,” which is featured on today’s ever popular Guitar Hero 3. While band mates have changed throughout the years, today, Charlie Huhn, Bryan Bassett, Craig MacGregor and Roger Earl rock crowds all over the nation with their Classic hits. Catch them free on Saturday, September 19 at 8 p.m.

Entertainment Update for Court of Honor Stage

Richard Street, former lead singer of the Temptations, Sept. 18 - 21, 3 & 8 p.m. – This former lead singer of Motown’s legendary Temptations brings original hits of the group along with other classic sensations from the Motown years.

Terry Sylvester of the Hollies, Sept. 22 - 26, 3 & 8 p.m. – Terry Sylvester performs hits from the Hollies, such as “Carrie Ann,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” and “The Air That I Breathe.” In addition, Terry brings to the stage songs and stories from his early days when he collaborated with the Beatles and other popular groups of the 60s and 70s.

“Mack the Knife” The Music and Life of Bobby Darin
, Sept. 27 - 30, 3 & 8 p.m. – Chaz Esposito stars as Bobby Darin, performing the classic hit songs of the talented performer and icon of the 50s and 60s. Besides the famous hit "Mack the Knife," other Bobby Darin classics include "Splish Splash," "Dream Lover," "Beyond the Sea," "Things," "You're The Reason I'm Living" and "If I Were A Carpenter."

Thelma Houston, Oct. 1 - 4, 3 & 8 p.m. – Thelma Houston brings her hits, including “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” to The Big E. Never skipping a beat, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress and international performer gets audiences grooving to the R&B rhythm of her show.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Planning for the 2009 Big E is in Full Swing

Tickets are on sale online and at The Big E Box Office
and entertainment bookings are beginning to take shape.

Big E Tickets

Tired of the same old dozen roses and the same old boxes of chocolates? Spice up this Valentine’s Day with something new! Purchase tickets to The Big E and be sure to see your valentine smile. You’ll also be smiling when you save up to $5 for buying the tickets in advance. You can purchase adult and child tickets – for just one day or the entire seventeen days of the spectacular fair!

All with the click of a button, you can order your Big E tickets and print them right at home. September will be here before you know it and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

Click here to purchase your Valentine’s gift today!
V-day hugs and a fun-filled fair guaranteed.

Entertainment Taking Shape

The Stars of the Peking Acrobats will dazzle the Court of Honor stage, sponsored by Comcast, daily during the 2009 fair. Wire-walking, trick-cycling, tumbling, somersaulting, and gymnastics will, no doubt, stir the audience with excitement.

The Sea Lions are coming back to The Big E with a splash! The Sea Lion Splash show, sponsored by New Alliance Bank, is one wet and wild experience that you won’t want to miss. The only traveling sea lion show in the United States features the silliest sea lions trained by Surfer Joe that balance, catch and retrieve objects along with singing, dancing and doing handstands. Interact with the wacky sea creatures during their comedic act and also have your picture taken with the stars after the show!

Star of the Vh1 hit television series “Rock of Love,” Bret Michaels has rocked out as the lead singer/songwriter of the band Poison for 22 years, securing 15 Top 40 hits including the popular “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Branching out, Michaels has started his own film company, released 3 solo albums since 2003 and also won a 2008 BMI Award for his hit “Go That Far.” Catch him free on the Comcast Arena stage on October 3 at 8 PM.

Selling over a million copies of their first album The Road to Here, Little Big Town has seen chart topping days with the smash hits, “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone,” and “A Little More You.” Their newest compilation of songs comes in the form of A Place To Land, produced by Capitol Records Nashville. A product of a decade of deep friendship, Little Big Town has produced an intense countrified sound. Join the crooning foursome Saturday, September 26 at 8 PM as they perform free on the Comcast Arena Stage.

From writing songs for other stars to recording and performing on his own, Jamey Johnson has come a long way and is making his mark on the Country music world. Nominated for three 2009 Grammy Awards, Jamey was up against big names for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song for his “In Color” and Best Album for That Lonesome Song. This CD of original songs boasts a unique sound and crafty lyrics. You can find serious songs like “Angel” and “That Lonesome Song” to comedic tunes like “Mowin’ Down the Roses” and “Women.” Jamey tells the tales of his life through his music and invites you to the Comcast Arena Stage Saturday, September 27 at 7 PM to see him up close and personal!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

October at The Big E

Cool weather settles on the fairgrounds and while The Big E is over, Eastern States Exposition is still busy with a full calendar of year-round events.

In the Marketing office, end of The Big E traditions need to be wrapped up. In early October, the department hosts a “Thank-you” party where employees are invited to a relaxing evening of great food, beverages and dancing. Much planning went into the party and this year’s event was a great success; people stayed after the music ended and the lights were turned up.

Elsewhere on the grounds, Storrowton Village Museum welcomes school groups as they take a trip to our past. The Museum offers field trips where can experience, learn and enjoy the simplicity of life in by-gone days.

Currently, near the Coliseum, beautiful horses trot in the warm-up ring preparing for the New England Equitation Championships that will begin tomorrow. The show will take place in the Coliseum from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 16-19. Throughout the rest of the month, three dog shows, the New England Snowmobile Expo and Power Sport Show and Storrowton’s Tales of Haunted New England will take place on the grounds. November will start a whole new set of events highlighted by the Ideas for Living Home Show and Equine Affaire® as the grounds are never simply empty.

A complete schedule of year-round events can be found
here.

Check back often for information on Exposition happenings and events leading up to The Big E.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Seventeen days flew by, as the 2008 Big E comes to an end.

Out my office window, an empty lot spotted by buildings sits desolate in the rain. It’s hard to imagine that three days ago this place was alive with the sights and sounds of The Big E. The stages have been taken down and the vendors have packed up and moved out. Left here are the memories of a great Fair and anticipation for next year.

Closing night, Fergie performed on the Comcast Arena Stage. In true “Glamorous” style, The Dutchess put on a spectacle of dancing and singing for fans of all ages.

During a pre-show meet and greet, Fergie posed for pictures with lucky fans.


ESE President Wayne McCary with Fergie
Fergie with Ambra from The Big E Super Circus

Throughout the seventeen days, Agriculture flourished at The Big E.
As is tradition:

Chicks hatched in Farm-A-Rama.


Butter became Art outside the Mallary Complex

And the Hallamore horses displayed their giant beauty.
Food never lacks at the Fair!

Pot Roast Sundaes melted in fairgoers mouth, bringing comfort food to the Fair.

The traditional fried food on a stick tickled taste buds of all ages.

And Big E Cream Puffs covered faces and clothes with heavenly goodness.

As the 2008 Big E season comes to an end, Fair memories keep us excited for next year!!
Plans are already in the works for the 2009 Big E, and hopefully Sugarland can reschedule their cancelled show here for next year.

New England’s Autumn Tradition will take place next year from September 18 to October 4, 2009.


The Big E extends thanks to its office blogger, college intern Beth
(pictured with Cream Puff above).

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Last night of the 2008 Big E

It’s the last day of the Fair, and the sun is shining over the grounds. Tonight, Fergie will grace the Comcast Arena Stage bringing this year’s fabulous entertainment to an end. Unfortunately, due to an illness, Sugarland was unable to perform last night, but all of the other shows went off without a hitch.

Here’s a recap of the past seventeen days of entertainment:
Natasha played opening night in the rain to faithful fans.
Former Bad Company Lead Singer Brian Howe followed Saturday night

Sunday, Danity Kane rocked the stage drawing masses of screaming fans.

Local sensation Ashley Gearing brought a country twang Friday the 19th.



American Idol Jordin Sparks captured attention Saturday evening.


Jason Aldean played Sunday the 21st following opener LoCash Cowboys



Friday the 26th, rain cleared up to allow LeAnn Rimes to perform.

Fergie will finish the entertainment line-up tonight as the Fair comes to an end.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Welcome One and All the The Big E Super Circus

Monday, I had the privilege of witnessing the agility, strength and courage that is hidden underneath the Big Top.

Opening the show, the Flying Pages climbed flimsy ladders to the top of the tent, so high up that I had to tilt my head all the way back to see. The music started and the girls in flashy costumes began swinging across the room holding only a small bar. Flipping off of the trapeze, the girls jumped into the arms of the “catola” hanging upside down across the tent. Eighteen year-old Anthony Pays did a triple somersault and his ten year-old sister flew from the very top of the tent.

Check out some pictures from their act.







Next in line, dogs of all sizes came running out from behind a curtain. These dogs, who all have been rescued from animal shelters, can perform tricks that you have to see to believe. Leaping through hoops and performing handstands are only a few of these k-9’s talents. The show even included “high-diving daredevil doggie,” who leaped from a platform into the arms of his trainer below.

Check out some pictures of these performing pooches.








After the dogs left the stage, Duo Fusion entered with a display of great strength and balance.


Following Duo Fusion, Sylvia Zerbini entered the ring with her eight white beauties. Her act involved demonstrations of the horses' abilities and her own acrobatic feats.




More? Of course. Two girls can fit into a box no larger than a microwave. Check this out.




Following the girls in a box, the circus elephants finished the show. These African beauties only seem larger when you get that close to them. Even the five year old was enormous!!!




The Big E Super Circus is a sight to be seen!! Check out one of the three daily shows: 1, 3 and 7 P.M.