FANS SHOW UP FOR EVENTS THEY WANT TO SEE

The recent Gaither Vocal Band concert once again proved that people will throng to the Show Me Center as long as the entertainment offered is what they want to see and hear.

The Gaither group did far better than any other Show Me Center event this year.

The center, located on the Southeast Missouri State University campus, seats about 7,000. The Bill Gaither-led contemporary Christian group sold 6,141 tickets.

By comparison, music legend and recent Academy Award winner Bob Dylan attracted a mere 2,803 fans in April, and that's counting the groupies who follow him from venue to venue.

Those numbers say a lot about area residents and what they appreciate.

Gaither's musical style is tough to label. It's country. It's southern. It's rock. But it's all Bible-based. He and his wife have written more than 500 gospel songs together, including favorites "Because He Lives," "The King Is Coming," "There's Something About That Name" and "Let's Just Praise the Lord."

One definitely sees a theme there, and it resonates with local fans. Some of those fans also realize Gaither's group has launched the careers of gospel greats Sandi Patty, Carmen, Steve Green and Michael English, and no doubt they buy tickets to see the next rising star.

Contemporary Christian groups are expected to do well here in the Bible Belt, but it's not a given. Ticket sales for an alternative-rock Christian group, Jars of Clay, at the Show Me Center were below expectations in 1999.

A lot of things were done right with the Gaither Vocal Band concert.

First, the band has a recognized fan base. There was little chance of failure in this area.

Second, the price was right. Tickets sold for $14 to $17 each compared to the $25 and up many acts ask.

And third, local churches did their part to promote the concert at services and to receive the discount for groups of 20 or more.

It was uplifting to see the Show Me Center filled with well-behaved fans sharing such a positive message.

Of course, other types of events do well at the Show Me Center too. A monster truck show, ZZ Top and Lynard Skynyrd, and Def Leppard and Joan Jett all drew good crowds in 2000.

While many would like to see diverse offerings at the Show Me Center, maybe it's time to read the numbers on the spreadsheet. Gospel musicians and past-their-prime rock bands do well at the Show Me Center. Unless center promoters can do a better job with other types of groups, best they focus their attention in those two areas.