KENNY G CONCERT AT SHOW ME CENTER CANCELED

For the first time in the Show Me Center's seven-year history, a major concert has been canceled because of slow ticket sales.

Kenny G will not perform in Cape Girardeau Oct. 13.

Show Me Center Director David Ross hopes dismal sales for the upcoming Pointer Sisters concert won't provoke a repeat cancellation. So far, Ross said ticket sales for the Oct. 4 show number in only the hundreds.

"If we had to cancel two shows in a row we would live through it, but it wouldn't send a very good message," he said. "Promoters may be less likely to risk money on big shows."

Beginning Tuesday, refunds for Kenny G will be available at the Show Me Center box office or at the outlet where the ticket was purchased. Those seeking a refund must bring the tickets.

Ticket purchasers have 30 days to claim their refund from their respective ticket outlet. After that, refunds only will be available at the Show Me Center.

About 2,000 tickets were sold for Kenny G, said Ross. The promoter was expecting sales of more than 6,000.

"He's a major-league artist commanding major-league guarantees," said Ross.

Ticket prices, along with artist demand and competition from other live entertainment in the region, may have affected sales, said Ross.

With ticket prices of $25.50, $35.50 and $45.50, it was one of the highest-priced shows at the Show Me Center.

"We've had patron seats for the St. Louis Symphony at $50, but you got more than a seat," said Ross.

Apparently, Kenny G promoter Broadway Entertainment of Milwaukee, Wis., found slow sales elsewhere. Ross said the promoter had bought four dates and has relinquished them all.

"People say, `Give us something other than country,'" said Ross. But the fact is country sells.

About 3,500 tickets were sold Monday for the Oct. 16 Alan Jackson concert at the Show Me Center. Monday was the first day of sales.

Two other country concerts -- Brooks and Dunn and Reba McIntire -- sold more than 7,000 tickets last fall.

Ross said cancellations occur in every market, and he doesn't feel this will have a permanent impact on bringing shows to town.

Out-of-town buyers can send in their tickets for a refund, but Ross said to send the tickets by certified mail.

He encouraged those seeking a refund to consider another upcoming concert -- including Pointer Sisters or the '60s show with Wolfman Jack.