Wendy Rust snapped this picture of me with Neal E. Boyd after the show.

I spent Wednesday night with Neal E. Boyd, Kenny Rogers, some prominent people in business, politics and other areas of influence in Southeast Missouri and thousands of concertgoers.

The occasion was the Kenny Rogers concert to raise money for the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, which provides therapeutic services for children with special needs and developmental disabilities. Sikeston native and winner of last year's installment of NBC's "America's Got Talent," Neal E. Boyd, was the opener in his first big show in his hometown since winning the competition. This was a day after Boyd, who I can say comes by his graciousness honestly, experienced a major life milestone in the release of his first major label album -- "My American Dream."

Here's a recount of the night:

The reception

The event started for a few hundred people (I overheard an estimate of 500, but can't confirm) at a private reception at the large Montgomery home -- really a country estate on the edge of town. I was lucky enough to be invited by the Southeast Missourian to attend.

This event was outdoors, and of course it was sweltering. The unfortunate development of extreme heat didn't dampen the spirit of the event much -- everyone seemed to be at least mildly enjoying themselves, most were quite enjoying themselves and socializing, and even strangers were friendly.

I recognized several people of influence in Sikeston and the region -- Gov. Jay Nixon, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, State Rep. Ellen Brandom, State Sen. Rob Mayer, Sikeston Mayor Mike Marshall, longtime Scott County judge David Mann, Southeast Missouri State President Dr. Ken Dobbins, members of the Rust family and many more.

Nixon introduced first Boyd then Rogers, presented a proclamation to each and made the day Kenny Rogers Day.

Boyd spoke for a few minutes and seemed genuinely surprised to be standing where he was, in the hard-to-reach and very pleasant position he found himself in as a major label recording artist and winner of a popular talent show.

"It's been an incredible year, and it's getting better every day," he said.

Rogers talked for a few minutes. He brought a little girl named Jackie, a patient at the children's center, up to the speaker's podium in a very poignant moment.

Event organizer Tom Nunnelee, who worked with Rogers to start the children's center in the 1970s, said the reception and concert raised $103,000 for the charity.

The concert

After the reception came the concert, at the Field House, an arena that Sikeston High School uses for basketball and other events. I'm seeking attendance figures.

Nixon again introduced Boyd to an enthusiastic crowd. This was really what many people were here to see -- the hometown boy with the big voice who made good. And Boyd's performance didn't disappoint them. The singer fed the Neal-mania that has developed around Sikeston's favorite son.

Boyd joked, conversed, told stories. He connected with the audience, and many already had memories in their minds of the tenor in his childhood or adolescence. I could hear people sharing stories around me: "I remember Neal when ..."

He retold the narrative that those familiar with Boyd already know well -- a kid growing up with a dream of singing raised by a mother who believed in his dreams. He later became an adult who, after some dark times, saw those dreams realized. Boyd's American Dream, as the title of his album "My American Dream" says. The crowd hung on every word.

The tenor opened with the song that garnered him his first fame, "Nessun Dorma," dedicated "Danny Boy" to respected Sikeston doctor Ed Masterrs, who died recently, and brought Mike Michelson, pianist at the Library Lounge in Jefferson City, on stage. Michelson accompanied Boyd and performed solo on "Walking in Memphis."

Here's the set list:

"Nessun Dorma"

"Somewhere"

"Mama"

"Danny Boy" -- with a large helping of soul singing thrown in

Michelson's "Walking in Memphis"

"God Bless the USA" -- yes, of Lee Greenwood fame, done in dramatic, classical voice/style

Kenny Rogers received a crowd that was already warmed up, and possibly a little tired. But Rogers is nothing if not a seasoned showman -- schooled not only in music performance but screen acting, too. The excitement came back soon.

Rogers' act was part stand-up comedy, with a heavy dose of playful jabbing of sections and members of the audience about their singing skills and their awkwardness in the concert atmosphere.

Physically, the crowd was somewhat subdued. They just didn't move as much as many crowds do. But this was unlike most concerts, with a opera singer and classic country singer making up the bill.

The audience enjoyed Rogers' comedy, including the odd video featuring Coolio that mashed up hip hop and "The Gambler."

The rest of the set was filled with Rogers' hits like "The Gambler," "Lady," "Through the Years," "Lucille" and "Coward of the County," and a few of his favorite songs.

Before the show was over, Rogers re-emphasized the importance of the cause of helping children and brought Boyd back out on stage.

The audience gave a standing ovation.

After the show, I was allowed backstage to see Boyd. Most of the people in his "green room" area where members of his family. I wasn't surprised. I got my picture taken with Neal and shook hands with him for the second time in two weeks (he recently stopped by the newspaper office). My feeling was the same both time -- Boyd was, at heart, still a regular person.