CHRISTIAN SINGER DRAWS LARGE CROWD

Bill Gaither doesn't like labeling the music he sings and writes because it's too hard to do. It's southern gospel with inspirational lyrics, a departure from the typical hymnal fare.

The Christian musician and his Gaither Vocal Band will perform at 7 p.m. today at the Show Me Center before a nearly sell-out crowd. More than 6,000 tickets have been sold. Some are still available but only in the top rows. Prices range from $14 to $17.

The last two concerts at the Show Me Center didn't draw nearly 6,000 people. Bob Dylan, a folk rocker who performed in April, played to an audience of 2,803 while Grammy-winning Sheryl Crow played before 2,996 people in December. The Show Me Center seats 7,000.

A ticket seller at the Show Me Center said she wasn't surprised by the show's success since Christian musicians have always played to large crowds in Southeast Missouri.

Discounts were available to groups that bought 20 or more tickets, and the concert was heavily promoted in local churches, including Illmo Baptist Church in Scott City, Mo.

The Rev. Dr. Bob Cox, music minister, bought a ticket through the church. "Bill has done a good job of melding the old-time gospel with new contemporary," he said. "There's something interesting for everybody who likes gospel music."

Gaither agrees that part of his success came from appealing to a variety of people. It's not country, it's not rock, but it reaches fans of both, Gaither said Thursday from his Indiana home.

"There are origins out of the South and a country flavor, but it's also contemporary," he said.

Gaither, while well-known as a performer, is probably better known for his musical lyrics and songs. He and his wife, Gloria, have written more than 500 songs together. `

Some of their better known selections are "Because He Lives," "The King is Coming," "There's Something About That Name," and "Let's Just Praise the Lord."

David Ross, director of the Show Me Center, said Gaither's popularity is no surprise. "We read the trade magazines and know he's been drawing."

People who are knowledgeable about gospel music are ardent fans, Ross says. "He has been around a long time and puts out quality gospel music."

But people who are not in the forefront of gospel music are surprised to hear about an act selling 6,000 tickets at the Show Me Center when much more famous acts sell far fewer.

"I think it's a sleeper that has snuck up on people," Ross said.

The last concert to sell as many tickets featured ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd in March 2000.

Gaither apparently is the big draw. A gospel concert a few years ago that included the Bill Gaither Trio without Gaither didn't do anywhere near as well.

Gaither started writing in the 1960s. He formed the Gaither Vocal Band 15 years ago at a concert when he needed more voices to join him on stage.

On to stardom

Some of those first singers to join him have gone on to successful careers in Christian music. Sandi Patty, Carmen, Steve Green and Michael English are a few.

"I hope I've helped recognize good Christian music," Gaither said. "But it wasn't always altruistic on my part. I needed help for the concerts and a boost."

The current Gaither Vocal Band was formed five years ago and includes members Guy Penrod, Mark Lowry and David Phelps.

"The current group is probably the best and the best known," Gaither said. "It seems to have caught on best with the crowd."

The group performs some Gaither songs and those by other writers.

"Our songs are our children, and we're proud of them," he said. "But I love to perform other people's songs too. I love a good song."

Other performers will be Janet Paschal and Aaron Wilburn, with Anthony Burger playing keyboards.

Want to go?

* What: An evening with the Gaither Vocal Band

* Where: Show Me Center

* When: 7 tonight

* Cost: Tickets are $17.50; $14.50 for senior citizens and children.