Sikeston rodeo will feature rock band for first time in decades tonight

SIKESTON, Mo. — For the first time in about two decades, Southern/classic rock music will be part of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo entertainment — and it has generated a lot of buzz.

Tonight, .38 Special will perform following the rodeo events. The group, together for more than 30 years, is known for hit songs such as "Hold On Loosely," "If I'd Been the One" and "Rockin' into the Night."

"Everybody is surprised to hear that a group of their caliber — with their talents and being such a big touring band — could be at the rodeo," said Cal Crader, entertainment chairman. He said there has been a lot of positive feedback from the community and other rodeo-goers about the selection.

And that was the purpose. "We wanted to reach out and appeal to some patrons entertainmentwise that we may be missing with the traditional country acts," he said. "And the feedback we're getting is that there are people coming to see .38 Special that maybe have never been to the rodeo."

The last similar performer was Kenny Loggins, who entertained 20-some years ago.

Craig Templeton, tickets chairman for the rodeo, said those working in the ticket office have had some interesting conversations with those coming to see the band.

"We're getting an older crowd that wants to see the Southern rock, he said, adding that "it's a bunch of people who grew up listening to .38 Special."

Kerrie Gilmore of Sikeston said she's excited for the group to come for that reason — because it's the kind of music she listened to when she was younger. "And I think a lot of the older rock is similar to the new country music," she said.

Templeton said that, compared to last year, ticket sales for tonight's performance are higher, and he credits that to the entertainment choice.

Crader said the band is "going to give us a high-energy, top-notch show. The weather is hopefully going to be beautiful for them, and I think anybody that doesn't come out and see them is going to miss a good opportunity in Sikeston."

He said there's a good chance Southern/classic rock could become a rodeo staple.

"The chairman drives a lot of the selection process on the entertainment and acts," he said. "But I think that next year, if this is successful, we'll be looking to continue that trend at least for one night of the rodeo."

Templeton said tickets are still available for the three remaining nights of the rodeo — although officials are "looking to sell out on Saturday and Friday is right behind it." Bleacher seats are available for $16 each.

Tickets can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Jaycee ticket office or by calling 1-800-455-BULL or 471-7196.