Weekend Outlook: Country music in bloom, artsy events in store

This story was edited to reflect the correct time of the Willie Nelson concert on Sunday. The story originally published the time the doors open. The Southeast Missourian regrets the error.

We have country music legend Willie Nelson at the Show Me Center, and the arrival of spring continues to be celebrated through outdoor activities and musical performances in the area all weekend. So get outside and enjoy the outdoors -- along with the arts, as always -- by following my self-explanatory guide to what's happening.

Show Me Center goes country

Sunday at the Show Me Center at 6:20 p.m. you'll get to see Willie Nelson and family along with special guests Dwight Yoakum, Robert Earl Keen and Brandy Clark. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

In a phone interview, country singer Brandy Clark said touring with Willie Nelson always has been on her "bucket list" of things to do, since he's one of her favorite artists from when she was a child.

Clark got into country music after high school and has lived in Nashville, Tennessee for more than 20 years. She's also working on her next album.

"I'm touring really heavily the first half of the year so I won't be able to dive into the recording process, but I am in the middle right now," Clark said. "For me, there's usually one song that's the centerpiece and then kind of building around that. I'm just trying to see what sticks right now."

Clark said she's "really excited" because not only is Willie Nelson an artist that her parents listened to, her favorite song of all time is Nelson's "Crazy," which will "never change."

In anticipation for Sunday's show, Clark said every performance she tries to take the audience on a "roller coaster of emotions."

"I want to make them laugh, cry and think and laugh again," Clark said. "With the lineup, I think just great country and great songs will be the theme."

Find ticket information and all details at showmecenter.biz.

STL Symphony

The St. Louis Symphony -- founded in 1880 -- will perform a broad musical catalog with proficiency and essence at Donald C. Performance Hall today at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling (573) 651-2265 or online at RiverCampus.org.

Bye, bye, bye

The students of Central High School will perform the musical "Bye Bye Birdie" today and Saturday at 7 p.m.

The story is set in 1958 with the focus on teen idol Conrad Birdie who has been drafted into the U.S. Army. A farewell performance is planned for "The Ed Sullivan Show," but things begin to unravel.

Tickets can be purchased online at seatyourself.biz/capetigers or at the door the night of the event.

Jackson's bloomin'

It's spring, so enjoy Mother Nature and all her aesthetics Saturday around the courthouse square in Uptown Jackson from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be vendors, a wide selection of plants from native Missouri species including seasonal flowers. The Egypt Mills Antique Tractor Club also will be featured, and Scott Woodbury from Shaw Nature Reserve will be the event's guest speaker. The free event is for everyone. All the details are on the "Jackson in Bloom" Facebook fan page.

Everybody likes carnivals

No matter your age, Cape Girardeau Eagles Post 3775 members invite you to their "Spring Carnival" -- sponsored by Autism Awareness of Southeast Missouri -- Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aside from it being free, there'll be games, face painting and food and you can read all about it at autismsemo.org.

Glow in the dark

If you're up for a bit of a drive this weekend, look no farther than the "Night Glow 5K in St. Genevieve" at the St. Genevieve Community Center. Your invited to dress in your "flashiest neon outfit," and your "glow" will be provided.

Each contestant will receive a bag full of glow sticks along with a "Glow Run" T- shirt. Additional lighting decoration is welcomed and encouraged.

The fee is $25, and all information is at sgccc.com.

Little 'White Lies'

River City Players' summer comedy, "White Lies" is looking for females over 21 for available roles. Port Cape Girardeau Restaurant will host a cold reading Sunday at 3 p.m. Check out the River City Players' Facebook page for all details.

Order up

Need prayer, but don't want to get out of your car? Mercy Hill Church has you covered, offering a special kind of curbside "food for the soul" Sunday noon to 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the swimming pool at Jackson City Park.

According to their Facebook page, it's their way of "loving and helping the community experience the mercy of Jesus."

The first 200 people will also receive free flower seeds to plant and watch grow as a reminder people are praying for them. Walk-ups are welcome and all prayers are free.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632