There’s exceptional variety in the music line-up at the 2014 New York State Fair, even more now that acts for the Midway Music Series have been announced. They include one performer who should really excite our fellow fans of traditional country music. Veteran singer-songwriter John Anderson represents the integrity and passion that is missing from most of today’s country acts, including those on the Fair’s agenda.

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In addition to one of country’s classic songs, Billy Joe Shaver’s “I’m Just An Old Chunk of Coal,” Anderson has released some of the genre’s most memorable hits, including the lighthearted country-boy memoir “Swingin’” and his powerful requiem for the Everglades, “Seminole Wind.”

We saw the Fair gig on Anderson’s website weeks ago and thought for sure he was destined to play Chevy Court, where he could certainly hold his own. But a free show from a talent like him is a treat no matter where he plugs in as the rich Dixie twang in his voice perfectly balances his blue-collar poetry and hillbilly virtuosity.

The release doesn’t say whether Anderson will be playing solo or with a band, but the opening acts are two young women trying to make their mark, Logan Brill and Morgan Frazier. From the little we’ve heard of these gals, they are clearly in over their heads on this gig and we’re not inclined to feel the excitement about their performances that we do about Anderson’s. But this is clearly an opportunity for them to impress. There should be a good crowd on hand as Florida-born John Anderson is definitely a major leaguer.