‘American Idol' finalist Colton Dixon to play at Cape First

An "American Idol" finalist is bringing his live show to Cape Girardeau.

Colton Dixon, finalist on the popular singing show's 11th season, will perform at 7 p.m. on April 27 at Cape First church, 254 S. Silver Springs Road in Cape Girardeau.

"It will be a hit," said Bobbi Ann Mason, program director for Christian radio station KHIS. "He's a great songwriter with some great original songs," Mason said. "It will be cool to see someone from a national platform come and perform. It will be fun."

Ben Crass, general manager of KHIS, said Dixon's show will be a scaled back, intimate show with him mostly playing acoustic guitar and piano.

"He's supposed to come back to ‘American Idol' in this March," Crass said. "It will be neat to see him play a more personal show in an intimate atmosphere after that."

Crass said he likes Dixon's voice and style that he said is a versatile mix between rock and contemporary Christian music.

"We got to see his secular side on the show," Crass said. "It will be inspiring and encouraging to see him living his faith."

Mason said Dixon opened for Third Day when they toured after they played a show in Cape Girardeau. The Third Day concert helped open the door for Dixon to return to Cape Girardeau.

"The radio station has a great relationship with his promoter and we were able to talk to his manager and line up a date for Cape First Remix," Mason said.

Remix is Cape First's outreach service to college students. The Dixon concert serves as an opportunity for Christian music fans to bring friends who wouldn't normally go to church.

Dixon was one of the first "American Idol" contestants to make his religious beliefs evident for the entire show.

"He really endeared himself and wasn't afraid," Mason said.

Dixon, 21, from Murfreesboro, Tenn., released his debut album, "A Messenger," in January. He finished in seventh place in his season of "American Idol." He has a rock sound influenced by fellow contestant Daughtry, and acts such as Lifehouse, Red, Paramore and Switchfoot. His single, "You Are," is currently being played on KHIS and is in the top 15 songs on the Christian music charts, Mason said.

Mason said she wants Christian music fans to come and support Dixon and Christian music concerts in the area.

"A lot of Christian music fans want more concerts," Mason said. "New McKendree and LaCroix and other churches have been great at bringing musicians in. Fans should come and support Christian music. Managers and promoters like to see sellouts and artists will come back. Word gets out in the Christian music community and they'll bring other acts."

Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for general admission and $25 for a VIP package that includes premium seating, a meet-and-greet and question-and-answer time.

Tickets may be purchased at Cape First, LifeWay Christian Book Store, online at www.itickets.com or by calling Cape First at 334-4421. For more on Dixon, visit www.coltondixon.com.

apicar@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

254 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO