Most country music artists seem pretty down to earth.  Most of the men are country boys who just need a few things to make them happy and most of the country women stay far away from “diva land”.  But no matter what your status, all country music acts carry one thing in common from venue to venue.  A rider.

A rider is a contract that includes specifications on everything from stage design to advertising to dressing room accommodations.

In an article on www.sanluisobispo.com local event organizers talk about requests from artists rolling through town.  From the sounds of it country acts are pretty down to earth, but they can’t always get what they want.

Take country singer Jack Ingram, who played the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande in February. Maraviglia had to turn down his request for 72 bottles of beer, a bottle of red wine and a bottle each of Jameson, Jack Daniels and Jim Beam whiskey.

“We’re not allowed to have alcohol on this campus,” she explained.

Last summer, fair headliner Toby Keith handed fair staffers $100 bills and sent them in search of corn dogs, garlic fries and turkey legs.  “He didn’t want catering. He didn’t want special food. He wanted fair food,”

The California Mid-State Fair has fielded its share of oddball requests, including Alan Jackson’s offer last year to trade T-shirts for Bud Light Lime and Shock Top beer.

What I liked most about this article is how the event organizers are able to shed light on the sometimes bizarre and intense desires that some artists have.

“You have to put yourself in the mindset of being on a stinking bus with 10 of your closest friends, seven days a week,” Howard said. “They’re trapped on the road.” “Life of a touring performer is not as glamorous as it seems. She compares tour buses to “glorified campers.”

That’s why Howard aims to meet every request he receives.

“(These entertainers) don’t need to come to San Luis Obispo,” he said. “I want them to enjoy their time here as much as possible.”

Country Girl wants you to be a Tattle Tale! Have you been to a country concert lately? Run into a country artist while out on the town? We want to hear all about your country music news and entertainment. Email me at countrygirl@countrymusictattletale.com

{source – Meg}