POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The rebirth of the Rodgers Theatre has been so successful that artists now request a spot in the venue's lineup. Internationally known bluegrass group Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver will be performing at the Rodgers Theatre 7 p.m. Saturday, with opening band 8 Trax.

Rodgers Theatre board member Brent Davis said Lawson's manager Josh Trivett contacted him after hearing about the success of other country and bluegrass shows at the Rodgers. From there they began working out the details of the show.

"We've been working on this for about a year, trying to get a time when they could be here on a Saturday," Davis said. "You see him on CMT, you see him and hear about him all the time, eight different awards on the bluegrass circuit. I'm really excited to get him at the Rodgers Theatre."

Davis expects the show will sell well in Poplar Bluff, as most old country and bluegrass acts have.

"It's really a musical town," Davis said. "All Southeast Missouri is a big bluegrass and old country area."

Tickets start at $5 for balcony seats, $10 for general admission and $20 for seats in the first 15 rows of the floor section. Fans can now buy tickets online at www.rodgerstheatre.org, a new feature on the venue's website.

Saturday night's show is sponsored by Southern Bank, FOX Radio, Cotrell Funeral Home and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

"When you have somebody of this caliber, you have to pay them more obviously," Davis said. "Then to keep the ticket prices down where everybody can come we have to get more sponsors."

Davis hopes the low ticket prices will allow more people to see Lawson. "It's Branson-style entertainment with $5-$20 tickets," he said.

Although Lawson has never been to the Rodgers, he's performed in the Poplar Bluff area before. "I love coming to Missouri," Lawson said. "People have been pretty good to me over the years. I always look forward to coming to that part of the country."

Lawson was in Arkansas for a concert Thursday before traveling to Poplar Bluff. He's also been recording a new album he hopes will be out March 28.

"Here lately I've been awful busy in the studio," he said.

Lawson has also recently made appearances on "Reno's Old Time Music Festival" on RFD-TV. In May he'll begin a European tour.

"So far I've covered 47 countries and all 50 states," he said. "It's been an exciting time.

"We always hope to have a good turnout. I have found people in Missouri to be very supportive of the music and I really appreciate that. I just invite everybody to come out."

Lawson is from Ford Town, Tenn., and began playing the mandolin around age 11. He's been playing music professionally for 48 years, as of Feb. 3, since he was 18 years old.

Lawson formed Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver in 1979. The current lineup includes Jason Barie on fiddle and vocals, Mike Rogers on guitar and vocals, Josh Swift on dobro and vocals, Jessie Baker on banjo and Corey Hensley on guitar, bass and vocals.

Davis said the Rodgers Theatre board tries to get a variety of entertainment at the venue, including all types of music as well as comedians and musicians.

"We appreciate everybody's support for the shows," he said.

Country singer Pam Tillis will be coming to the Rodgers in May, and Davis said the board is working on bringing back country singer Narvel Felts as well.

More information about Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver can be found at http://doylelawson.com.

Advance tickets are available at Hays Music Store, Myrtle's Place, the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce and at Airways Cafe or by contacting Kyle Million at 573-718-2045.

Pertinent address:

204 N Broadway, Poplar Bluff, MO