We’re just two days away now from this year’s River Ruckus at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds.

Event founder and promoter Grant Sheeder spoke with us yesterday about his excitement for this year’s concert and for the acts in particular that he’s worked to bring in.

Recruiting top-flight country talent to Guthrie Center is the primary factor that drives excitement for the Ruckus, and Sheeder says that can be challenging.

“They’re all equally as difficult for me because as soon as you send that offer in with the dollar amount that they want for this concert… I think a lot of people would be surprised about the amount these acts charge.  There is a lot on the line for us–me and my partners–to make sure it is financially successful from these artists selling tickets.”

While his pitches to new artists differ from act to act and band to band, Sheeder says the initial contact with talent isn’t quite as tough because the Ruckus continues to grow in size and popularity.

“It’s gotten easier over the years–we’ve gotten to work with a lot of great people in Nashville and around this area.  People kind of know the phrase ‘River Ruckus’ now, and we try to get local bands every year to get some of those folks the chance to have their highlight moment at the Ruckus.  We appreciate them and their talent because there is a ton of local talent, but having those national acts really sells the tickets to draw the big crowd.”

More information about some of the acts performing at this year’s River Ruckus can be found by CLICKING HERE.

You can also tune-in to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program to hear our full River Ruckus preview conversation with Sheeder during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on K107.