Organizers of this year's cystic fibrosis benefit concert have announced the headlining artist is Academy of Country Music award-winning artist Rodney Atkins, returning after performing for Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains’ fundraiser event in 2019, helping to raise more than $80,000, setting a new record at the time.
His first hit "In A Heartbeat" made it on the Billboard Hot Country chart in 1997 and was followed by other charting singles in the early 2000s. In 2009 he scored his fifth number one song "It's America,” and in the years since, he has continued to mark musical milestones.
"That sort of commitment and longevity defines the man," said Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains volunteer Rick Frazier. "He is an artist with multigenerational impact whose voice has been a mainstay in country radio, challenging all of us to be better no matter our age — parents who are now grandparents, and adults who first heard Rodney while eating a Happy Meal in their booster seat."
Atkins has over 4 billion global streams, six number one singles, and 16.5 million Recording Industry Association of America certified units, which makes him a multi-platinum artist eight times over, with nine hit singles.
His three albums are "If You're Going Through Hell," "It's America," and "Take A Back Road." He has performed on the Today Show on NBC, Good Morning America's Strahan and Sara show, and Fox and Friends.
Atkins' song "Watching You" was named Number One Song of the Decade by Country Aircheck magazine and earned him a BMI "Million-Air" Award. His hit singles include "Farmer's Daughter," "Take a Back Road," “These are My People” and "Caught Up in the Country.”
"Through the hell we all inevitably go through at some point in life, Atkins has cemented megahits in our hearts and mind that help us remain focused on those who matter most," Frazier said. "The superstar, who is more interested in connecting with local fans and supporting the United States military than grabbing headlines, is putting his masterful finishing touches on new music that began to release in late 2024 and into early 2025, beginning with his first song, 'True South,' on Nov. 22. We are excited about having him and he's a great live performer."
Keeping tradition alive, the opening act will be volunteer singing group Jessica's Friends, to begin practice in late February. The concert will start at 7 p.m. March 15 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis Street.
It is the 37th year for the event, a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis research into treatments and a cure for the genetic condition, which requires lifelong treatment for lung and digestive system symptoms that can be life-threatening. The performance will be preceded by silent and lives auctions of locally donated goods and services. To donate auction items, call Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains volunteer Lois Frazier at 417-256-5388.
Advance tickets are $30 for adults, or $40 at the door, and $5 for children age 12 and younger, whether bought in advance or at the door. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster/Rodney Atkins, or charged by phone at the West Plains Civic Center by calling 417-256-8123.
Tickets may also be purchased at area banks including Wood & Huston Bank in the West Plains Walmart Supercenter, West Plains Savings & Loan, West Plains Bank, including the Willow Springs branch, Liberty Bank in Mtn. View, Simmons Bank in Mtn. View and West Plains.
Other ticket sellers are Walmart Supercenter, West Plains Music, K-Kountry 95 radio station in Thayer, and Regina Voyles in Winona and Sarah Honeycutt in Cabool.
The effort is supported by the City of West Plains Community Development Grant Program.
