Charlie Daniels Poplar Bluff concert canceled due to slow sales

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Area residents who wanted to hear Charlie Daniels and donate food to the United Gospel Rescue Mission are disappointed the Nov. 21 event had to be canceled.

"It is unfortunate, but our ticket sales were only 10 percent of what we needed," said Jason Davenport, director of the Black River Coliseum.

He blames the decline in the U.S. economy for the difficulty in achieving the goal for ticket sales. Even an ad campaign following the election was unsuccessful.

"There was no jump in sales," said Davenport, who explained the procedures for refunds.

"Phone and Internet sales will be automatically refunded to patrons' accounts," Davenport said. "For tickets purchased in person, please return your tickets to the original location of purchase for a full refund."

In a recent interview, Daniels said he was looking forward to performing in Poplar Bluff and helping with the food drive for the needy. Daniels is commemorating 50 years in music.

The idea for the food drive originated with the coliseum staff. Anyone who brought five canned goods or non-perishable food items would have received a $5 coupon for use at the concession stand. All the food items would have been donated to the rescue mission.

Pastor Greg Kirk, director of the rescue mission, reminds area residents that the mission needs food and cash donations to help provide meals for the increasing number of people being affected by the nation's economic problems.

Anyone having questions should call the coliseum office at (573) 686-8001.