GAITHER BAND AND GUESTS TO PLAY AT SHOW ME CENTER

Christian entertainment Gaither-style is coming to the Show Me Center Thursday evening.

Recording artist Bill Gaither will present at 7 p.m. "An evening with the Gaither Vocal Band."

Special guests include the Easters, Jake Hess, Aaron Wilburn, Janet Paschal, Mark Lowry and Anthony Burger.

About 5,600 tickets have already been sold, but there are seats still available, said officials at the Show Me Center box office.

Advance tickets are $17.50 and discounted rates are available for groups and senior citizens. For ticket information, call 651-5000.

Bill Gaither is a member of the Gospel Hall of Fame and has written and published more than 500 songs with his wife, Gloria. Concerts with his vocal band and trio have drawn thousands.

The concert will be like many that air on the "Gaither Gospel Hour" and Homecoming series, which can be seen on The Nashville Network, Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Family Channel.

Gaither began his musical career by singing and writing Southern gospel songs. He boosts interest in new artists by having them appear on stage with him at the concerts. He has helped many young Christian artists, like Sandi Patty, Carmen and Steve Green, get their start.

Christian music isn't about a style, he said. "It's a theology wrapped up in a lot of different styles. It's the message that unifies us."