COEUR d'ALENE - A whole lotta blanks. Too many, for the comfort of Chris Guggemos.

The man behind Handshake Productions and the free summer concerts in Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Rathdrum glances at the sheets of paper outlining the schedule of bands to perform, and he grimaces.

Far too many "to be announced" for his liking.

"They're down at Rathdrum and I am concerned," he says.

He notes that five of 15 sponsors behind four concerts in Rathdrum dropped out this year.

"I've been calling since last fall and not getting anywhere," Guggemos says.

He fears he won't get the sponsors needed to complete the concert lineups that have delighted thousands over the years throughout Kootenai County.

Some say he trots out that same line every year: If he can't get more sponsors, there won't be concerts.

He shakes his head.

"Every year it's true. I am concerned," he says. "But it always seems to work out."

Guggemos offers a quick rundown of shows for this year's usual venues.

• Coeur d'Alene City Park concert lineup is full.

• Downtown at Sherman Square Park needs more sponsors or individual donations to begin concerts on Tuesday, June 27. Otherwise concerts start on Tuesday, July 3. Band line up will be completed by June 12.

• Hayden sponsorships are not yet sold out. Band line up will be completed by June 20.

• Rathdrum dangerously low on sponsorships. $1,000 in sponsorships or individual donations needed by July 1. Urgent. Band line up cannot be completed until budget is met.

Since he began his summer concerts in 1992, Guggemos says this year is perhaps the most challenging for raising money to pay the bands, cover expenses and yes, earn a living, too.

"This is how I pay my bills. I'm not getting rich. Actually, I cut the lawn in this park," he says as he glances around at the green grass in Sherman Square.

He likes some of the new bands this year, including Kevin Pace and the Early Edition scheduled June 10 at Coeur d'Alene City Park.

The Hitman will put on a rock and roll show at Sherman Square, while Yabba Griffiths and Traxx will offer reggae sounds there on Aug. 7.

Old favorites including Revolver, the Rhythm Dawgs and Tuxedo Junction Big Band are back, too, providing some strong sounds.

"They're all going to bring in good-sized crowds," he says.

But the lack of sponsorships haunts Guggemos.

"I should have this all dialed in," he says.

On the white sheet of paper that reads "Rathdrum Concert Series," only one date, Aug. 10, lists a band, "Master Class Jazz Orchestra."

"I know it will all get filled," he said.

The most popular concert site, Coeur d'Alene City Park, offers a packed lineup, but even there, Guggemos isn't satisfied.

"I have quality bands, but I just don't have the diversity," he says. "I'm not finding the Latin or Irish bands, there are not as many of those available."

Still, he's grateful for the way he makes his money.

As part of his profession, he schedules entertainment year-round for weddings and other gatherings. He recently received a call from New York, seeking his services for a local event.

A singer and guitar player, Guggemos laughs as he notes that the lights are still on at his home. He loves arranging free music for the community, which he has been doing for two decades.

That's how he's known throughout the community. He's used to being greeted by folks, "You're the guy who puts on the summer concerts."

It's then most tell him they've attended and enjoy the shows.

"The biggest highlight is, 20 years later I'm still staging these concerts," he says.

Which explains a little of his frustration at times at a lack of support. Small donations can mean the difference between missing or meeting his budget.

Last year, he made orange boxes and placed several through Coeur d'Alene City Park. Then, he announced donations could be placed in the boxes.

"They're orange. You can't miss them," he said.

The first concert, he collected $75 in donations. The next, $40, and then, $30. The fourth, $17.

"And I announced it three times throughout the concerts," he says, laughing. "I never put them up after that."

But there are those instances of generosity that lift his spirits.

Two years ago, he says, a woman handed him a check and said it was a gift for the concerts. He thought it was $50. When he unfolded it, he saw it was $500.

"That was exciting," he said.

Many sponsorships are still available at the $250 level. For a contribution at the price, a business will get promoted via signs, posters, fliers, website, newspaper ads, radio and a personal note of thanks from Guggemos at the concert.

"I like to think it's a good deal," he said.

He jokes that he won't hire himself to fill some of those dates.

"I'm not an entertainer," he says.

But he is a promoter.

Coeur d’Alene City Park

Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

June 3 - Carl Rey and the Blues Gators, jump blues

June 10 - South Hill String Band; Kevin Pace and the Early Edition, bluegrass, gospel.

June 17 - Motorboat, rock and roll

July 1 - County line, country-rock

July 8 - Floating Crowbar, Irish Celtic

July 15 - Big Mumbo Blues Band, blues

July 22 - Tuxedo Junction Big Band, swing orchestra

July 29 - Bram Brata, teenage steel drum orchestra.

Aug. 12 - The Rhythm Dawgs, rock and roll

Aug. 19 - Nu Jack City, motown, soul.

Fundraising for concerts in Downtown Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Rathdrum is still in the works.