Kennett Crossroads all-star concert finally comes true

The long-hoped-for, and long-planned concert featuring Kennett's marquee music stars is finally a reality. The two-night event, called "Kennett Crossroads," will feature performances by Sheryl Crow, David Nail, Trent Tomlinson and Blackjack Billy, with Noll Billings. It is set for Sunday and Monday, Jan. 18-19. It will be presented by the Kennett #39 Educational Foundation, in conjunction with the Kennett Public School District. The concert will benefit the Kennett High School (KHS) Performing Arts and Athletic Departments.

The two-night concert will feature an acoustic songwriters' night, on Sunday, Jan. 18, at The Opera House, in downtown Kennett, beginning at 8 p.m. The evening performance will be limited to 250 guests. Tickets are $300 apiece, and go on sale Dec. 1. The concert will follow on Monday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m., at the KHS Gymnasium. Concert tickets will range from $50 to $200, and will also go on sale Dec. 1.

Event organizers are currently seeking sponsorships, at $2,500 apiece. There will be a limited number, available to corporations, businesses and individuals. The deadline to purchase is Nov. 25. The sponsorships will include four VIP tickets to the acoustic event, a sponsorship meet-and-greet, pre-sale access to additional tickets both nights, and recognition at the events. For more sponsorship information, contact the Foundation's board president, Kristin McPherson, at 573-717-6330, or krykyt@aol.com.

The concert was the idea of Kennett Schools Superintendent, Chris Wilson, and Board of Education President, Matt Shetley. They approached long-time Kennett choir director, Viretta Sexton, to try and make the event happen, because she knows all the artists personally. "Without her, this thing would not have happened," Wilson said.

"(This concert) is certainly something I have always dreamed of, but I don't know that I can take that credit," Sexton said. "They had the vision to really push for it." She explained that her role has been, and will continue to be, dealing with all the performers. Sexton began approaching artists last April, including personal visits with Tomlinson and Billings at Little River Fest, in Kennett. Both artists agreed, on the spot. Sexton secured her last agreement earlier this week.

Ticket information and event updates will be available soon, at www.kennetteducationalfoundation.com