Gov. Nixon to be part of tonight's Kenny Rogers, Neal Boyd benefit concert in Sikeston

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The guest list for today's benefit concert hosted by Kenny Rogers and Neal E. Boyd has become a bit more prominent.

Gov. Jay Nixon's office confirmed the governor will be among the spectators at the concert. He'll also play a special role in the events.

"This is going to be an important day for Sikeston and Southeast Missouri to honor Kenny Rogers and Neal E. Boyd," said Scott Holste, a spokesman for Nixon. "The governor is going to present Mr. Rogers and Mr. Boyd with a proclamation at the preconcert reception, and the governor will then introduce Neal at the concert itself."

Tom Nunnelee, concert chairman, said he and other committee members are "very, very excited," about the governor's plans to attend concert activities on Wednesday.

Rogers' proclamation dubs Wednesday as Kenny Rogers Day in Missouri, according to Holste.

"Obviously Mr. Rogers has had a long relationship with the people of Sikeston, starting at least as far back at 1977 with his appearance at the rodeo," said Holste. "His contributions to the people and especially the children of Southeast Missouri are very worthy to be recognized and the governor is delighted to make this proclamation to honor Kenny Rogers for everything he's done."

Boyd's proclamation will recognize him as "one of the finest voices in Missouri," said Holste. "This is a way for the people of Missouri to say thank you to him for sharing his gift with people not only in Missouri, but around the world."

Holste went on to say Boyd has "a tremendous singing voice. I think Sikeston can rightly be proud of this homegrown talent."

All proceeds from the benefit concert will fund expansion of the Kenny Rogers Children's Center in Sikeston. Plans have been drawn up to add about 7,000 square feet to the currently 10,000 square foot building, which will include office space for the therapists, a meeting room and a domed playground area.

Those sketches will be shown to Rogers in a visit to the Center today, said Nunnelee. Also during the visit, KRCC Executive Director Michelle Fayette will present Rogers with a gift.

According to Nunnelee, Boyd will open the concert at 7:30 p.m. and sing for 30 to 35 minutes. Following a brief intermission, Rogers will begin his portion of the show, slated to last 75 minutes.

For those who have not yet purchased tickets, "there are still plenty of good seats available," said Nunnelee. Bleacher seats are $33.50 each.

The concert committee will sell tickets at the Field House starting at at 10 a.m. today. "We will be able to take cash, check or credit/debit," said Cal Crader, tickets chair.

Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster in three ways: online at www.ticketmaster.com; by phone at 1-800-745-3000; or at Ticketmaster retail outlets, which can be found at www.ticketmaster.com/outlets. Crader said the will call tickets purchased on Ticketmaster will also be available at the Field House box office.

"We're very happy with the response we've gotten from all over the region, and our Ticketmaster hookup has been great," said Nunnelee, adding people from across Missouri and other neighboring states have purchased tickets. "We just wanted to be able to offer tickets locally for people, too."

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.