“We Are Family… Get Up Everybody and Sing” with Sister Sledge at The Great New York State Fair

Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Sledge sisters became household names and a symbol of unity with their 1979 world-wide hit and iconic album ‘We are Family.’  Now, fairgoers can get up and sing along to their album’s title song “We are Family” and so much more when Sister Sledge and their family, Sledgendary, take the stage on Chevy Court on Friday, August 23 at 6 p.m.

The legendary vocal group are responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems of all time. “Lost in Music,” “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” and “Thinking of You” are universally cherished songs that bring people together in love, life, and soulful groove.

Sister Sledge has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. They have also performed at the White House, and even before Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, PA.

Over the years, the family-group has amassed a string of Gold and Platinum hits and earning hundreds of awards and commendations, including GRAMMY Nominations for Record of the Year, Best R&B Duo or Group, and Best Produced CD for their ‘African Eyes’ album. Their worldwide anthem We Are Family was entered into the prestigious Library of Congress in 2017.

Sister Sledge, now featuring more of the Sledge family following the passing of Joni Sledge in 2017, continues the group’s sensational legacy. Under the vocal direction of founding member Debbie Sledge and the genius of MD Dominic Amato, along with an ensemble of insanely talented musicians, the group has achieved a ‘Sledgendary’ place in the entertainment industry.  Specializing in BRINGING THE PARTY with the family’s classic hits, Debbie Sledge, Camille Sledge, Tanya Ti-et, Thaddeus Sledge and David Sledge make one funky family affair. They continue to deliver the ‘Sledgendary’ message that “Nothing is Greater than Love,” honoring sister Joni Sledge’s memory, and spreading joy with music that uplifts and celebrates life, love, and togetherness.

“Everyone knows ‘We are Family;’ it’s contagious and you can’t help but get up and dance,” said State Fair Interim Director Julie LaFave.  “We’re so excited to be bringing that energy and soulful vibe to the Great New York State Fair and look forward to welcoming Sledgendary and a little disco era to the Fair this summer!”

The Fair starts Wednesday, August 21, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. All concerts are included in the price of admission, which will go on sale later this summer. The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair in the country.

In total, The Fair’s Chevrolet Music Series will feature 39 national recording acts. There will be a daily 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1), and a daily 8 p.m. concert at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway).

All concerts announced thus far are provided in the charts below. Fair staff will continue to update schedules on the Fair’s website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Chevy Court:

Suburban Park:

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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