CROWN POINT | From the daysin the early 70s when the word "Chicano" was trendy, Tierra offered a blend of rock, pop, jazz, R&B, soul and salsa to create a new sound.

During Latino Night at the Lake County Fair, H.O.P.E. will feature Tierra giving everyone a chance to fall in love again to "Together."

The group is scheduled to appear at 10 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Lake County Fair at the fairgrounds' grandstand.

Not that Tierra ever quit performing. Their county fair performance is one of several they have scheduled for this summer - they're performing July 4 at Ritchie Valens Park in Pacoima, Calif. But it is one of the few they will be giving outside of California, and their only Midwest appearance for the year.

Tierra started their career in East Los Angeles and produced classics like "Gonna Find Her", "Memories" and "Zoot Suit Boogie." From East Los Angeles, Tierra has been around since 1971 when Rudy and Steve Salas decided to expand the band they were then playing in. They have had many hits since then, and also are the only Latino band to have four songs simultaneously on the national record charts, and two in the Top 100.

They have been named "Best R&B Vocal Group" by Billboard magazine, and also have performed throughout the years in such diverse venues as Carnegie Hall, the American Music Awards and the "American Bandstand" television program.

Tierra is widely known to have played a role in opening doors for other latino and non-latino superstars of today, including comedian Paul Rodriguez, Arsenio Hall, Sheila E., Gloria Estefan, Los Lobos, Latino comic of the year, Rudy Moreno, and more.