Big-name country artists Jake Owen and Brantley Gilbert are scheduled to make tour stops at Southeast Missouri State University's Show Me Center in September and October, with just barely a month gap between the two events.
Regardless of Owen's laid-back beach grooves and Gilbert's rock 'n' roll undertones, the acts stand firm on country roots, as have many past Show Me Center concerts.
"Country has always done very well here -- extremely well," Show Me Center director Wil Gorman said. "Country typically tours a lot more than rock or Top 40. A lot of those bands will typically hit major metropolitan areas."
Country acts also tour between 60 and 90 dates a year while rock acts may only tour between 30 and 40, according to Gorman, making it "a little bit easier to get to our market."
Gorman said that the decision ultimately stands with the promoters. The music business is a risky one and based on audience demographics, promoters make the call on whether an artist will appear in a certain area.
Even so, he keeps a "never say never" perspective on the future of shows at the Show Me Center.
"We're wide open to the different genres we'll work with," Gorman said.
Smaller bands can still sometimes end up just as costly for the venue as a headline name. When playing a small club, sound and lights are usually already provided. To do the same for the Show Me Center stage makes for an additional expense.
Josh Hanlon, marketing director at the Show Me Center, stressed the importance of student attendance at these shows.
"We'll bring as many concerts and as much entertainment as the community will support," Hanlon said. "Successful events lead us to add additional events."
Southeast's Student Activities Council is providing discounted student ticket prices for both shows. For the first 100 Jake Owen tickets sold, students can get $23 off with their student ID, paying as low as $5 for a reserved seat. The next 100 will receive a discount of $15. There is a $10 discount for the first 100 to purchase tickets to Brantley Gilbert as well. Only one ticket discount is allowed per student ID.
The Eli Young Band and The Cadillac Three are opening for Jake Owen's "Days of Gold Tour." Brantley Gilbert will bring special guests Aaron Lewis, Chase Bryant and Brian Davis.
Jake Owen will perform on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $42.50, $28, and $13. Brantley Gilbert will take the stage on Oct. 24 at the same time, with tickets ranging between $24.75 and $35. Doors for both events will open at 6 p.m. Tickets for the concerts are currently on sale and can be purchased online at www.showmecenter.biz or at the Show Me Center Box Office.
"It's important for the students to support live music if they want to see more music come into the market," Gorman said. "We strongly recommend students come, but we also recommend anyone and everyone that's able to come because we want to bring more live entertainment to this market."
GrubbaML Metadata XML