The complete Chevrolet Court line-up was released on Monday and it’s a shocking list to say the least. It’s not surprising for the acts that are included, but for what’s not on the bill.

“Our goal was to present the greatest and most diverse lineup of talent in Chevy Court history and I believe we’ve done it,” Acting Director Troy Waffner said in a statement. “We’ve invested more than ever in our lineup and I know this will be a year of shows people will remember for a long, long time.”

That may be true, but it’s hard to believe that a Chevy Court line-up of 23 concerts over a 12-day run of the Fair could be considered complete when there’s not a single country music act among the shows booked. The last time that happened depends on your definition of country, but safe to say it’s been about 30 years, though a few years were lightly represented.

You may recall that the Fair granted concert Goliath Live Nation the Chevy Court booking contract for this year. If you’re wondering if they were influenced by having scheduled numerous country acts, albeit mostly dismal ones, at the amphitheater and not wanting to compete with themselves, The Hound is wondering that too.

In any event, this enormous omission, disappointing fans who have consistently supported Fair concerts over the years, is an example of what we get with privatizing at the Fair, allowing some outside business to put corporate profits over the interests of Fair patrons. It’s a mistake we should be certain to avoid in the future.

Poultry, like this handsome fellow photographed by Hound photog Nick LoPresti in 2014, will return after missing last Fair as part of a precautionary policy to prevent illness.

Speaking of bird-brained ideas, our illustrious Governor is currently seeking bids from companies proposing to manage the New York State Fair. State Fair Hound has a few questions for the Gov:

What evidence exists that private operators could or would do a better job?

What financial terms could be contracted that would provide an advantage of state taxpayers?

Would longtime, experienced, expert Fair employees be retained or replaced by staff totally unfamiliar with the specific characteristics, needs, traditions and history of our Fair?

Chevrolet Court concerts are already being booked by an outside firm, Live Nation. Has that created a better line-up and a more satisfying experience for Fair patrons?

Specifically, what decisions and operations would fall within the authority of the outside contractor? Which would be handled by state or Fair employees?

The Hound tends to believe that it’s always a bad idea to hand over a critical operation to someone whose primary objective is maximizing their own profits. Fair employees are dedicated to making it the best event for their customers—that’s their full-time job. The Hound thinks that’s the way it should stay.

More Chevrolet Court acts have been announced and State Fair Hound is looking forward to a steady stream as summer approaches. It should be obvious by now that Chevy acts are the Fair’s major shows as the Lakeview Amphitheater is an Onondaga County venue, not a New York State Fair venue.

The interplay between the two will be something to watch as loyal readers already know that the Hound expects well-attended lakeside shows to be more a detriment to the Fair itself than an advantage. The Fair website doesn’t list amphitheater concerts and don’t expect Fair advertising to include those shows either.

Let’s face it, Cuomo really screwed this up. After years of Grandstand concerts providing a potential boost for the Fair and being marquee events in Fair promotion, that major draw is gone. The new venue should be on the Fairgrounds and a part of the sensational Fair experience. Of course, if his boneheaded blunder is a factor in Fair attendance not being high enough for Prince Andy, he’ll blame everybody but himself.

For here on out, State Fair Hound won’t be covering the Lakeview Amphitheater. It’s not the New York State Fair, thus not worthy of the attention of Fair aficionados. Acts already announced at the soon-to-be-renovated Chevy Court include Chicago, Herman’s Hermits, the Commodores and Culture Club and you should expect some really big name performers added to pack the re-designed courtyard.

With time growing short to complete that project, your Hound is watching with some anxiety, ready to report back to you as the Fairgrounds are updated. There’s much to do in the 20 weeks left before opening day.