CMA winner, Missouri native Sara Evans will perform Jan. 28 at Show Me Center

The Show Me Center announced a date for another country music concert Monday, the same day the GAC Country Christmas Tour visited the venue.

Boonville, Mo., native Sara Evans will perform on Jan. 28, Show Me Center marketing director Shannon Buford announced Monday. Evans is known for her hits like "Suds in the Bucket" from her 2003 album "Restless" and her more recent radio hits like "Cheatin'" and "Real Fine Place to Start," from her recent album "Real Fine Place." The song "You'll Always be my Baby" is also in current rotation on country radio. Evans is also the Academy of Country Music's reigning "Female Vocalist of the Year."

Evans recently gained attention outside the world of country music when she filed for divorce from her husband on grounds he was unfaithful, among other accusations. The divorce has made Evans a subject of tabloid stories. Evans also appeared on the recent season of the ABC reality-TV show "Dancing With the Stars."

Evans' first book, "You'll Always Be My Baby," will hit store shelves this month. Her current single -- and its ironic title -- coincides with the book release.

Buford thinks Evans' appearance on "Dancing with the Stars" may help bring in more than just the typical country crowd to her concerts.

Bobbi Ann Mason, program director for country music station K103 FM, said Evans was not a top-notch country name like Faith Hill or Martina McBride when she won her Academy of Country Music Award, but was and is well on her way.

"In that last year-and-a-half or two years, she's almost propelled herself to that level," said Mason. "She was deserving of that award."

Mason, a voting member of the Academy, voted for Evans for the award.

P-Mac Music owner Paul MacDougall classifies sales of Evans' recordings at his store as "midrange" for a country artist.

Mason said she's not sure what the turnout will be like for Evans, but she's hoping for a good one. Her station will run promotions between now and the concert, she said.

"We're proud to be part of this one," said Mason.

Mason said Evans' Missouri roots might help attract more concertgoers than other country stars draw.

Ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at all TicketMaster outlets, the Show Me Center box office and online at www.showmecenter.biz.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182