SEMO native gets Bootheel clicking

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Perryville, Missouri, native Chris Janson -- first country artist to perform during the 66th annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo -- stood before a crowd at Art Saunders Arena on Wednesday night and played his hits.

One of four artists with Nashville roots making an appearance at the rodeo this week, Janson -- who also has Southeast Missouri roots -- kicked off the night's show with a "What's up, Missouri!" and one of his harmonica-laden singles, "Redneck Life Chose Me," followed by other hits including "Power of Positive Drinkin'," "Who's Your Farmer" and "Everybody."

"I'm so much from around here I grew up coming here as a kid," Janson proclaimed mid-song. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is a blessed day to be alive."

He briefly mentioned that in February, country singer Keith Urban invited Janson to become the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

And according to Janson's website, he was the first artist to film an episode of public television's concert series, "Front and Center," at Opry City Stage in New York City.

But Janson's latest career stop in the spotlight was Sikeston, where he didn't take the stage until nearly 10 p.m.

Jay and Bonnie Bowling from Perryville arrived early for their seat in the bleachers Wednesday to see Janson -- their grandson -- perform.

Jay Bowling said he and his wife are proud of Janson, because "he has worked hard."

"When he graduated from high school in 2004, he came to me and said, 'Grandma, I'd like to go to Nashville for the summer to see what it's like' ... He has a God-given talent," Bonnie Bowling said.

From Jay Bowling's understanding, he said, when Janson first went to Nashville and started performing, "He begged them to let him into Tootsie's, where everybody gets their start."

"He was just 18 and they didn't want him in there," Jay Bowling said. "But they told him, "Alright, you can come in the door."

According to Jay Bowling, when the band playing that night took a break, Janson asked if he could "get up there and sing a song."

"And he did," Jay Bowling said. "And whoever the manager was told him to come back tomorrow."

Janson returned the next day, sang a song for the manager, "and they booked him, if I remember right," with 13 four-hour shows each week, Jay Bowling said.

For seeing Janson live, Jay Bowling said, "You'll never forget it. He puts on a show. He won't let the crowd get quiet."

Bobbi Hurt from Cape Girardeau also was at the rodeo Wednesday and said she's been attending for 20 years.

Hurt was accompanied by her company of 100, representing Crossroads, an organization with locations in Cape Girardeau and Sikeston.

She enjoys all genres of music, and said she has seen Janson once before at a concert in St. Louis. "If it sounds good, I'm listening," Hurt said, referencing Janson's popular single "Buy Me a Boat."

Kim Richardet and her party of 13 from Perryville were attending the rodeo for the second time Wednesday, but it was Richardet's first time seeing Janson in concert.

Richardet said she was excited to see Janson perform "Buy Me a Boat," her favorite.

The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo attracts nearly 40,000 spectators each year. It is presented by the Sikeston Junior Chamber of Commerce (Sikeston Jaycees).

The music lineup for the rest of the week includes Brett Young, Justin Moore and Travis Tritt. Tickets and more information can be found online at www.sikestonrodeo.com.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

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