Willie Nelson to play Poplar Bluff

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Legendary country musician Willie Nelson is coming to Poplar Bluff, the Daily American Republic newspaper reported.

Tickets went on sale Monday for the concert slated for March 13 at the Black River Coliseum, and Subrina Berger, marketing director and office manager, said she had people lined up at the door by 6 a.m.

"We're very appreciative that people are willing to support the level of entertainment that Willie Nelson provides," Berger said. "We're trying to take some risks, and the community has stepped up and shown that they're paying attention, which is all we can ask."

In 2008, Charlie Daniels, a fellow Southern rocker of the Nelson era, was set to perform here, but the concert was reportedly canceled due to poor ticket sales.

Cost to attend the Nelson show range from $25-$50, and Berger said people have been embracing the price, knowing his concerts can go up to $150.

"I really expect a multi-generational audience to fill the arena," Berger said. "If you're 20 years and up, you're going to have heard of Willie and have some level of respect for what he's accomplished."

Ticket buyers cited a variety of reasons for going to the concert, whether they are fans of Nelson's music or acting, or just want to be a part of the experience.

The first person to contact the coliseum when the announcement was made recently, Berger said, was Cindy Fuller-Perkins, owner of Fuller's Jewelry Designs, who was in a state of disbelief.

"Everyone I've told about the concert has been amazed that we can draw an entertainer of this caliber," Fuller-Perkins said. "Lots of people have said, 'No, it must be a Willie wannabe."'

Matt Bedell, marketing and property manager of The Landing in Van Buren, Mo., said he is constantly amazed at 76-year old Nelson's "durability, his ingenuity and his masterful music making skills."

"He can play 'Whiskey River' or 'Amazing Grace.' He can play with Sinead O'Conner and Daniel Lanois, or Toby Keith and Waylon Jennings," Bedell said. "He can play anything with anybody and make it sound good."

Gary Featherston, manager of The Bread Company, said while he does not own any Nelson albums, he is attending the event on principal. "It's Willie Nelson," Featherson exclaimed.

As an avid follower of a wide variety of recorded music, Steve Lewis, a department chair at Three Rivers Community College, said he was genuinely excited when he heard Nelson was coming to town, even though he generally does not consider himself a fan of the country sound.

"He may not be the most talented vocalist, but he is a premier songwriter, and he does have a talent for interpreting the poetic lyrics that he writes," Lewis said. "His use of imagery paints vivid pictures in the minds of his listeners, yet he writes from the perspective of an everyday American man."

To purchase tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the coliseum on South 5th Street. For more information on ticket pricing and seating, visit www.blackrivercoliseum.com or call 573-686-8001.

The concert, which is part of the Willie Nelson & Family tour, is scheduled to go from 8 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Pertinent address:

301 S. 5th St., Poplar Bluff, MO