Stoney LaRue (left) and John Cooper (Tulsa World file)
needs Nashville.
"Yes, Nashville may come here and cherry-pick our best talent, but we don't need Nashville. Nashville needs us," said music man John Cooper, who's handling promotion and band booking for this year's monster Country Fever music fest.
When it comes to that distinctively rock-tinged sound some call alt-country, well, this summer, Country Fever dumped its traditional, Nashville-friendly format and went for the rockin' "Red Dirt," said Cooper.
And for good reason.
He's also the leader of 20-year scene veteran the Red Dirt Rangers.
"People are really hip to this music," said Cooper. "It's in the vernacular. Especially in this region."
Country Fever is set up north of Pryor on 400 acres of farmland, with 38 bands, three tents, one gargantuan main stage, VIP ticketing options that include beer and food, and camping options that include hot showers. And, fans can share it all with their favorite music acts.
It kicks off tomorrow and runs through Sunday.
READ THE SPOT MAGAZINE in Thursday's Tulsa World for our cover story on Country Fever, with interviews, our top picks, schedules and more, 
here.
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