BERRIEN SPRINGS — This summer’s Berrien County Youth Fair will feature some well-known talent in the grandstands. 

On Wednesday, the BCYF entertainment committee announced that the award-winning country group, The Eli Young Band, and special guest performer Paul Erdman will perform Aug. 14.

Fans of the Eli Young Band say that the musicians have always been unique in modern country music. This true band of brothers play their own instruments, write their own songs and cling fast to their Texas roots. They would even go so far as to call themselves “misfits,” but with their fourth major label album, “Fingerprints” (The Valory Music Co.), they’re finally embracing what makes them different once and for all, fair officials said.

“With 17 years of experience comes a little bit of wisdom and freedom in knowing who you are,” said lead singer Mike Eli. “And what you’re really good at.”

Although their sound has evolved over time, what fans say they are good at has always been the same — organic, live-show focused country music.

Eli founded the band with guitarist James Young, bassist Jon Jones and drummer Chris Thompson at the University of North Texas in 2000, building a grass-roots fanbase that propelled each of their previous three albums into the Top 5 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart, with 2014’s “10,000 Towns” bowing at number one.

Three number one singles helped to form the band’s musical identity, including “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Drunk Last Night.” Their stable of hits collected Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications that lead to Grammy and CMA Award nominations, Billboard Awards and an ACM trophy for Song of the Year “Crazy Girl.” These accolades combined with their loyal fanbase and touring have resulted in more than 500 million streams of their career catalogue.

Tickets for grandstand shows go on sale at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, at the Fair office, online at bcyf.org or by phone at (269) 473-1500 (ticket fees do not include gate admission).

The Berrien County Youth Fair is celebrating its 74th year in existence with the theme of “Country Nights, Carnival Lights” from Aug. 12 to Aug. 17.

To learn more about the Berrien County Youth Fair and to see a full line up of events, visit the website at bcyf.org.