Artifacts 8/10/07

'American Idol' tryouts today at West Park Mall

The fifth annual edition of Fox 23 KBSI's "Regional Idolsearch" will be at 6:30 p.m. today at West Park Mall. The contest is open to people ages 16 to 28 who are legal residents of the KBSI viewing area. The first 40 contestants will be allowed to compete, with registration beginning at 5 p.m. The winner will receive a guaranteed audition for "American Idol" in Philadelphia this month. For more information, visit www.kbsi23.com.

CASA barbecue benefit is Aug. 17

Court Appointed Special Advocates -- a not-for-profit agency that helps abused and neglected area children -- will hold a barbecue benefit fund-raiser at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Bavarian Halle. Music will be provided by Bruce Zimmerman, with dinner and a sports-themed auction. For more information, call 335-1726 or 335-7896.

Montgomery Gentry, Jennings to perform

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Montgomery Gentry and Shooter Jennings will perform Aug. 25 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff. Jennings is the son of country legend Waylon Jennings. His latest studio album is "Electric Rodeo," released last year. For more information, call the Black River Coliseum at (573) 686-8001.

Chris Knight to perform at 55 North in Miner

MINER, Mo. -- Country artist Chris Knight will perform AUg. 21 at 55 North Bar and Grill in Miner. The indie country performer has been featured on CMT's "Studio 330 Sessions" online show. His latest album is the Frank Liddell-produced "The Trailer Tapes." For more information on Knight, visit www.chrisknight.net. For concert information, call (573) 475-9650.

Gemeinhardt to speak at Conservation Campus

Southeast Missouri photographer Teresa Gemeinhardt will speak at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Campus Nature Center during its Hummingbird Celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Gemeinhardt will exhibit her photography and speak about her passion for the outdoors and her photographs. For more information, call the nature center at (573) 290-5218.

Paul Stanley of KISS to exhibit art in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- KISS singer and guitarist Paul Stanley will exhibit his paintings at two separate appearances Aug. 17 and 18 in St. Louis. Stanley will exhibit from 6 to 9 p.m. at West County Shopping Center in Des Peres, Mo., both days. For more information, call (314) 821-8884.

-- From staff reports