Renowned singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson to perform at MSU

Songwriter Kris Kristofferson will be performing at Juanita K. Hammons Hall Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Kristofferson, who started out sweeping floors in Nashville studios, is known for penning the songs “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” He was also part of the country band The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. He has acted in several movies, including the Blade trilogy, “A Star Is Born” and “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.”

Kristofferson’s new album, “Closer to the Bone,” has been considered somewhat of a sequel to his 2006 album, “This Old Road.” Tracks include “The Wonder,” “From Here to Forever” and “Good Morning John,” a track about Cash who helped Kristofferson start his songwriting career.

Tickets range from $26-$46 and are on sale now at Juanita K. Hammons Hall.

Although seats have been on sale since last summer, Deb Gallion, director of marketing at Juanita K. Hammons Hall, said there are still plenty of tickets available.

“We’re just about to start radio and TV advertisements,” she said. “Those will actually start next week (Jan. 25-29), but a lot of the real big Kristofferson fans have already bought tickets.”

Gallion said she expects the show to have a nice turnout, and that tickets should be available right up until Feb. 10.

Community Events

Jan. 29 to Feb. 10

Vanity and Valor:
Jan. 29, 30 and Feb. 4, 5 – 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 – 2:30 p.m. Stained Glass Theatre, 1996 W. Evangel St, Ozark. The story of a princess being married off against her will teaches the true nature of faith and trusting in God’s plan. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children age 2 to 12 and $6 for groups of 15 or more. Season tickets are available as well. For more information or to purchase tickets call 417-581-9192.

Owl Prowl and Evening Stroll:
Jan. 29 – 6 to 9 p.m. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S Chrisman Ave. Bring a flashlight to walk the trails and look for owls. There will be two indoor programs at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Heartsaver AED class:
Jan. 30 – 8 a.m. Orientation Classroom at Cox South, 3801 S. National. The class certifies students in adult, child and infant CPR. They will also receive automated external defibrillator training. Registration is required and the class costs $35. For more information, call 417-269-4117.

Trees: Selection, Planting and Pruning:
Jan. 30 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S Chrisman Ave. Arborist Kevin Harrel, owner of ArborCare of the Ozarks, talks about tree selection, planting, pruning and training to avoid future problems. The event is for ages 18 and up. To register, call 417-888-4237.

Xtreme Cage Fights 11: Winter Heat:
Jan. 30 – 7 p.m. Shrine Mosque, 601 St. Louis. Mixed martial artists from the four-state region and from around the area will compete. Ticket prices range from $25 to $50 and can be purchased at www.metrotix.com.

Cajun Cook-Off Fundraiser:
Jan. 30 – 2 p.m. Three 20’s Club, 3005 S. Kansas Expwy. The 5th Annual Cajun Cook-Off benefits Women In Need of the Ozarks. Along with food tasting, there will also be raffles and live music by Pearl. Admission is $7 per person.

Discovery Center Volunteer Orientation and Training:
Feb. 4 and 5 – 3 to 6 p.m. Discovery Center, 438 E. St. Louis St. The Discovery Center is looking for volunteers age 14 and older to help with exhibits and visitors. For details, call 417-862-9910 ext. 713 or visit www.discoverycenter.org/jointhefun/volunteer.htm.

Native American Storytelling and Evening Stroll:
Feb. 5 – 6 to 9 p.m. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S Chrisman Ave. Native American John Hernandez tells stories at 7 p.m. There will be traditional drumming and singing at 8 to 8:30 p.m.

The King and I:
Feb. 5 through 21 – Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2:30 p.m. Lander’s Theatre, 311 E. Walnut Ave. Springfield Little Theatre is performing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical about a teacher’s trip to Siam. The theater is also hosting a food drive for Convoy of Hope. Theatergoers who bring in 4 canned goods will receive $5 off the ticket price. Tickets are $25 for adults; $22 for seniors, students and military and $15 for children ages 14 and under.

Joan Rivers: Can We Talk…:
Feb. 5 – 8 p.m. Juanita K. Hammons Hall, 525 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy. The author, actress and talk show host performs stand up comedy. The show is intended for mature audiences. Tickets range from $31 to $41. They can be purchased from www.missouristatetix.com or by calling 417-836-7678.

Nighthawk Express Bluegrass Show:
Feb. 6 – 6:30 p.m. Firefighter’s Local 152, 2350 N. Clifton. Nighthawk Express performs with Missouri Mountain Gang and High Hopes Bluegrass. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. For more information call 417-833-0904.

For Adults Only: Beginner Orienteering:
Feb. 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S Chrisman Ave. Learn the basics of using a compass and topographic maps and test the skills at Living Memorial Park. Event is for ages 18 and up. To register, call 417-888-4237.

Cash and Cakes:
Feb. 7 – 8 a.m. to noon. Dancing Mule, 1945 S. Glenstone Ave. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is holding Cash and Cakes to raise money for its organization. For $5 people can have all the pancakes they can eat.

Gearing Up For The Great Backyard Bird Count:
Feb. 7 – 1 to 4 p.m. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S Chrisman Ave. Members of the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society will answer questions about backyard birds and the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 12 to 15).

Story Time with Ms. Ladybug:
Feb. 10 – 11 to 11:30 a.m. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S Chrisman Ave. Volunteer Naturalist Joyce Tolliver reads a nature story and shares activities with 2 to 6-years-old children.