NEA District Fair announces entertainment lineup

The 2023 edition of the Northeast Arkansas District Fair will open Thursday night, Sept. 21 and run through Saturday, Sept. 30 (closed Sunday, Sept. 24) at the Nettleton Baptist Church property located on Highway 49 North of Jonesboro.

The entertainment lineup this year will feature some of the area’s top performing bands. All shows are free on the main stage with your paid fair admission.

Monday night, Sept. 25 will feature the Eli Adams Band performing at 7:30. Hailing from Forrest City, Eli Adams steeped his musical roots in the rich soil of traditional country, outlaw country, Bluegrass, and classic Southern rock and soul. Over a decade of sharing the stage with fellow musicians has seen him performing across Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, and beyond. He’s a staple at the Tin Roof music venues. The stage has also seen him alongside renowned artists such as Read Southall Band, Chris Knight, Chase Matthew, Heath Sanders, Palmer Anthony, Mark Leach, and Hayden Coffman, to name a few.

Joe Bateman

Wednesday night, Sept. 27 is the 104.9 The Fox Youth Talent Contest presented by Right Fiber by Ritter Communications showcasing the areas most talented youth. If you’re between the ages of 10 and 21 and sing, dance or play an instrument, you’re urged to enter and compete for cash prizes and plaques. Entry forms are available at www.neadistrictfair.com. The show will begin at 7:00.

Thursday night, Sept. 28 Joe Bateman and the 870 Boys will take the stage at 7:30. Bateman’s fans describe his shows as high energy in your face entertainment! Bateman will be up on top of the speakers taking complete control of the crowd by the time the show is over.

Friday night, Sept. 29 the fair welcomes The ShotGunBillys at 7:30. High energy southern rock blending Memphis blues with a steady Arkansas country handshake. Meet the ShotGunBillys. The band was nurtured on the sounds that made Memphis great but have carved a distinct sound that blends it all. Lance McDaniel (lead vocals, guitar), David Snell (backing vocals, bass), Theron Woods (backing vocals, guitar) Joe “Boogie” Simmons (backing vocals, keys) and Case Cooper (drums, percussion) started playing together as the ShotGunBillys in 2008. “We don’t get to play around Jonesboro much anymore,” said McDaniel. “We’re excited to come home to play for our fans.”

Saturday night, Sept. 30, fair favorite Drive South will perform at 7:30. Just three guys and a girl who are mix of Blues, Pop, Country, Southern Rock, and yes, Rock n Roll! Lori Dial, Mike Dickerson and the Drive South Band entertain regularly at venues all across Northeast Arkansas.

Complete fair schedule and information is available at www.neadistrictfair.com.