Neal Boyd makes appearance in Sikeston to promote benefit concert

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Neal E. Boyd says that since winning "America's Got Talent" last summer and seeing his singing career launch, he's living his dream. But the tenor says he's also trying to help others' dreams come true, too.

As part of that goal, the Sikeston native will open a benefit concert for the Kenny Rogers Children's Center with Kenny Rogers on June 24 at the Sikeston Field House.

"This is a really good opportunity for the town to rally around this place," Boyd said Tuesday during a news conference at the center.

Boyd said he has several personal connections with the center, as friends of his have attended and benefited from the therapy provided free of charge.

"And at some point in time, the center was somebody's dream too. Like any dream, it's growing, and we need more room and we need more space," Boyd said.

All proceeds from the concert will go to another expansion of the center. Executive director Michelle Fayette said she and members of the board of directors are working on plans to add about 7,000 square feet to the 10,000-square-foot building, which will include office space for the therapists, a meeting room and a domed playground area.

Although money is tight for many people right now, Boyd said, he hopes people will come out to support the center.

"I really want to come home and support my community," he said.

Boyd said he's looking forward to the chance to meet and get to know Rogers.

"It's like getting to meet one of your idols -- he's a legend," Boyd said. "To get to work with him is extremely humbling."

Those interested in seeing Boyd and Rogers in concert still have a chance.

"The floor is 100 percent sold," said Cal Crader, tickets chairman for the concert. "There are still some excellent bleacher seats available, but they are going quickly.

Bleacher tickets and available through Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Tom Nunnelee, general chairman for the concert committee, announced at the news conference that, after this concert, Kenny Rogers will have helped to raise more than $750,000, between the previous three auctions and other donations.

The concert will be Boyd's first performance in Sikeston since being selected as the winner of "America's Got Talent," and it is also scheduled for the day after the release of his debut album, "My American Dream."

"I get to debut my songs in my hometown," Boyd said. "Not a lot of artists get to do that. I couldn't ask for more."

The CD, which Boyd called "a labor of love," has 11 songs, with a bonus track on some versions. The disc includes "Nessun Dorma," the aria he often sang while on "America's Got Talent."

The Sikeston concert appears likely to be the first of many for Boyd. Because of contractual obligations, Boyd didn't talk about any upcoming performances, although his label, Decca Records, has announced a string of tour dates in major cities at which he will appear with 2007 "Britain's Got Talent" winner and fellow tenor Paul Potts. The 10-city tour will begin July 6 in Dallas, and their closest performance to Southeast Missouri will be July 20 in Chicago.

Pertinent address:

300 Floyd Dr., Sikeston, Mo.