presented by KBEAR 104.1

From bluegrass to country and back – that’s the path Ricky Skaggs has taken during his successful 39-year professional musical career, which includes 14 Grammy Awards, dozens of other accolades, numerous No. 1 Billboard country and bluegrass albums, and nearly a dozen No. 1 Billboard country singles.

Born in Kentucky, Skaggs was already an accomplished singer and mandolin player by the time he reached his teens. In 1971, he entered the world of professional music when he was invited to join the band of bluegrass patriarch Ralph Stanley.

In the late 1970s, Skaggs turned his attention to country music, reaching the top of the country charts with “Waitin’ for the Sun to Shine” in 1981. Over the next several years, he churned out nearly a dozen No. 1 Billboard country singles, including “Lovin’ Only Me,” “Country Boy,” “Highway 40 Blues,” “Honey (Open That Door)” and “Heartbroke,” as well as numerous No. 1 Billboard country albums.

In 1997, Skaggs established his own record label – Skaggs Family Records. Since then, Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder have released eight consecutive Grammy-nominated albums, six of which went on to earn the revered award. He’s also received numerous accolades from the International Bluegrass Music Association, Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and others. Most recently, Skaggs was nominated for a 2010 Dove Award for his song “This World is Not My Home,” off his new album – and first-ever solo release – “Songs My Dad Loved.”

Tickets: Concert ticket prices do not include Fair admission.

Convenience fees apply.

Babes-in-arms admitted for free; children aged 2 and up must have a ticket. During the Fair, concert tickets may also be purchased on the fairgrounds at the Plaza Box Office, adjacent to the Borealis Theatre.

Theatre: The Borealis Theatre is an open-air theatre; shows take place rain or shine. Gates open one hour prior to the show.

Re-entry is not permitted. Cameras, recording devices and personal chairs are not allowed.

Seating: There are “wet” (alcohol consumption permitted) and “dry” (no alcohol) seating areas. To enter the “wet” area, you must be aged 21 or older and present a valid photo ID, or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Wheelchair accessible seating areas are available in both the reserved and general admission sections.

Please note that there is no seating at the Hinder, Static Cycle, or Shinedown concerts; however, there will still be reserved and general admission areas.