Tippin Eager To Perform

Thursday, 07 Aug 03
By BROOKE BUNCH
Gazette Staff Writer

If You Go Who: Aaron Tippin When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Ross County fairgrounds, grandstand How much: $10 a ticket, general admission, 4,500 seats available -- reserved seating is first-come, first-serve Get tickets here: Main Resource Employment Agency, 45 E. Main St. For more information: Visit the fair Web site at www.rosscountyfair.com

Aaron Tippin is ready to rock the Ross County Fair.

"You better wear your seat belt," warned the country-music sensation in a telephone interview Tuesday. "We're going to have a good time."

Tippin is scheduled to perform Friday night at the grandstand, his second performance at the county fair. Chillicothe is the only Ohio town scheduled for Tippin's 2003 tour.

Tippin's trip to Chillicothe will mark the second time in just a few months. The country star said he recently visited Kenworth Truck Company for a "Made in America" factory tour. The response in Chillicothe was more than welcoming. Is he ready to come back?

"Are you kidding? Heck yeah, that's my bread and butter," said Tippin. "I'm a country boy raised in the woods, I love the country."

Tippin is eager to entertain local residents with hits such as "Kiss This," "Ain't Nothing Wrong with the Radio," "Big Boy Toys," "Stars and Stripes," and "My Blue Angel." The country star hopes to draw a large crowd Friday night.

He promised a lively performance for local residents.

"I think you should have fun with country music -- not standing in front of the microphone and tapping your foot," said Tippin. "Tell the spotlight guy he's not going to be standing in one spot all night."

Doing about 90 dates a year, ranging from big arenas, fairs, festivals, small theaters and casino stages, Tippin made it big with his debut single, "You've Got to Stand for Something." The song allowed Tippin to visit the Persian Gulf with Bob Hope to perform for U.S. troops.

The patriotic country singer offered some words of hope for local families who have loved ones deployed overseas. A strong supporter of the U.S. military, Tippin said he can't even imagine what it must be like to have a loved one stationed overseas.

"Man, I know it's got to be tough," he said. "I say thanks for letting your loved ones serve your country. Without them we couldn't have this freedom."

Tippin will arrive at the Ross County Fair on Friday, ready to entertain and prepared to give an unforgettable show.

"I'll see you soon," he told Chillicothe fairgoers. "Everybody come out, enjoy the fair and enjoy the show."