Tower of Power will deliver their unique “Urban Soul Music” at the 2010 Merced County Fair on Friday, June 18 in the CVC/CVT Outdoor Theatre.

Each night of the fair, Tuesday, June 15 through Sunday, June 20, a headline entertainment act will perform at 8:30 p.m. in the CVC/CVT Outdoor Theatre, where all events are free with admission.

The fair’s headline entertainment line-up is: Sons of the San Joaquin sing their cowboy harmonies on Tuesday, June 15, Opening Day, presented by Emanuel Medical Center; Skynnyn Lynnyrd rocks “Southern style” Wednesday, June 16, First Five Merced County Kids’ Day; Clay Walker, the multi-platinum selling country music artist, who’s riding high on the charts with his current hit, “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” performs Thursday, June 17 and Night Ranger, the 80s rock band known for a string of hits including their anthem, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” take the stage Saturday, June 19, Merced Sun-Star Day. Alicia Villarreal, the Latin Grammy Award-winning singer, performs Sunday, June 20, presented by Kragen O’Reilly and Rancho San Miguel, wrapping up six nights of top entertainment.

A favorite among Merced County Fair fairgoers, Tower of Power last performed at the Merced County Fair in 2001. The 10-member group got its start in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1968. Tower’s sound can be hard to categorize, but the band's co-founder, Emilio Castillo, calls their sound "Urban Soul Music."

Tower's rhythm section lays down a groove like no other band. The band’s horn driven sound is unique, and the way they approach everything, from writing and arranging to mixing and performing, is totally their own. Combine all of that with an outstanding lead vocalist and you have one of the most dynamic groups of musicians to ever hit the stage.

Their first album was the 1970 release, “East Bay Grease,” for Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records. Tower of Power’s hits from the 70s include “What is Hip?” “You’re Still A Young Man,” “So Very Hard To Go,” “Soul Vaccination” and “Don’t Change Horses (In The Middle of the Stream).” The group’s co-founders, Emilio Castillo, on second tenor sax and Stephen “Doc” Kupka, on baritone sax, continue to play with the band.

Tower is releasing their 20th album, the first in five years, “The Great American Soulbook,” on their own Tower of Power Records. It’s a collection of classic songs by favorite artists – done their way – and with some help from guest vocalists including Sir Tom Jones, Huey Lewis and Joss Stone.

Some of the album’s highlights include “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel,” “It Takes Two,” “Since You’ve Been Gone (Baby, Baby, Sweet Baby) and “634-5789.” Huey Lewis of Huey Lewis and the News, is featured in a duet with TOP’s vocalist, Larry Braggs, singing “634-5789,” the song originally recorded by Wilson Pickett.

Tower of Power continues to play 200 dates a year all over the world. When the group isn’t on the road, Tower of Power’s horn section guests on albums for a range of artists including Elton John, Phish, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Aerosmith, Little Feat, Smokey Robinson and Bonnie Raitt.

Presented by the 35th District Agricultural Association, the 119th annual fair’s theme is “Wetlands, Water and Wildlife.” For more information call 722-1507, fax at 722-3773 or email to Info@MercedCountyFair.com . Visit the 2010 Merced County Fair’s website, www.MercedCountyFair.com and connect with us – find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.