Ziggy Marley to Bring Grammy-Winning Reggae to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand August 18

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Global reggae icon Ziggy Marley is headed to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday, August 18, bringing nearly four decades of award-winning music, uplifting messages, and unmistakable reggae rhythms to Springfield for one unforgettable night.

A nine-time GRAMMY Award winner, Emmy Award winner, producer, and humanitarian, Ziggy Marley has spent nearly four decades using music as a tool for unity, self-reflection, and upliftment. The eldest son of reggae legends Bob Marley and Rita Marley, Marley has forged his own creative path by blending reggae with elements of soul, rock, funk, and global rhythms while delivering messages of love, justice, resilience, and positivity.

Fans around the world know Marley for songs like "Tomorrow People," "True To Myself," and "Beach in Hawaii," as well as acclaimed albums including Love Is My Religion, Fly Rasta, and his newest release, Brightside. He is also widely recognized for performing the iconic theme song, "Believe in Yourself," for the beloved PBS children's television series Arthur. Released as his ninth solo studio album, Brightside explores themes of perseverance, hope, and optimism in challenging times. Marley also served as a producer on the 2024 biopic Bob Marley: One Love.

"Part of what makes the Illinois State Fair so special is the variety of entertainment we're able to bring to fairgoers each year," said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. "From country and rock to folk and reggae, we want the Grandstand lineup to reflect the wide range of music our fairgoers love, and Ziggy Marley is an exciting addition to this year's schedule."

In addition to his music career, Marley is deeply committed to humanitarian efforts through his nonprofit organization, URGE, which supports children and families through education, healthcare, and community outreach programs in Jamaica, Africa, and North America.

"Reggae is not something we've featured often on the Grandstand stage, which makes this concert really unique," said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. "Ziggy Marley brings an incredible energy and a style of music that will create a completely different atmosphere at the Fair."

Tier 3 - $40 / Tier 2 - $45 / Tier 1 - $50 / Track - $55 / Blue Ribbon - $105

*A $30 Pre-Show Party ticket is offered as an additional upgrade for all paid concerts.