Rising Country Stars Marlowe, Cooke to Co-Headline Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand Show (Du Quoin, IL) – Country music fans can expect a high-energy night at the Du Quoin State Fair this summer, as rising stars Kameron Marlowe and Ashley Cooke are set to co-headline the Grandstand stage on Aug. 30.
State officials announced the concert as part of the fair’s entertainment lineup, highlighting both artists as among the genre’s fastest-rising talents.
“Kameron Marlowe and Ashley Cooke are two of the most exciting voices in country music today,” Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said in a statement. “We’re proud to continue bringing outstanding talent to the Du Quoin State Fair.”
Marlowe, a North Carolina native, first gained attention with his self-written single “Giving You Up” and later found wider success with his debut album We Were Cowboys. He has since amassed more than 1.2 billion global streams and earned multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. Known for his powerful vocals and emotional songwriting, Marlowe has toured with major country acts including Morgan Wallen, Riley Green, Lainey Wilson and Thomas Rhett. His latest single, “Seventeen,” is currently airing on country radio.
Joining him is Ashley Cooke, a breakout artist whose career has steadily climbed in recent years. Cooke earned national recognition with her debut album shot in the dark and won Breakthrough Female Video of the Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. Her single “your place” became her first No. 1 hit on country radio, and she has received multiple nominations from the Academy of Country Music Awards and the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Cooke has performed at iconic venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, and has toured alongside Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell and Brett Young. Her latest project, ace, features nine tracks that reflect her continued growth as a songwriter and performer.
Du Quoin State Fair Manager Luke Davison said the pairing of Marlowe and Cooke is expected to draw a strong crowd.
“This is going to be a fantastic night for country music fans at the Grandstand,” Davison said. “With two incredible performers sharing the stage, fans can expect a high-energy show and a memorable night at the fair.”
Tickets for the concert go on sale April 3 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster, with prices set at $30, $35 and $40 depending on seating tier.
The Du Quoin State Fair runs from Aug. 28 through Sept. 7.
Rising Country Stars Marlowe, Cooke to Co-Headline Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand Show
