Baber riding wave of success

Baber riding wave of success

Concert nearing sellout, could be start of trend for MPAC

news@theeveningtimes.com

About 100 tickets are all that remain for the upcoming Barrett Baber Hometown show. And promoters expect those go quickly.

“Everybody is excited,” said Marion School District Deputy Superintendent/Business Manager Jeff Altemus. “We have people calling every day. I don’t think there will be any tickets left up to show time.”

Baber, who came in third on NBC’s singing competition “The Voice,” will sing at the Marion Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Jan. 21 in front of his hometown fans.

Baber is the son of Mark and Janie Baber and has seen his singing career really take off since winning the CBS “Grammy Gig of a Lifetime” in 2014.

Baber was helped to a third place finish thanks to a dedicated cadre of local fans who gathered at Baber “watch parties” all over Crittenden County, and who also showed their support on social media.

Altemus said he and Superintendent Don Johnston had talked about having Baber come to Marion for a show for over a year and were thrilled when they were able to book him at the new venue.

“I think Barrett was excited about coming back to his hometown and doing a show,” Altemus said. “And we’re excited to get him here because in the near future I’m not sure we will be able to get him as his act grows.”

Baber recently announced that he will be the opening act for Rascal Flatts in Las Vegas Feb. 17-March 5.

Altemus said they had talked about having a second show on Friday, but Baber’s schedule was filled.

“I don’t believe we are going to have a second show. It will be Thursday night only,” Altemus said.

“I don’t think Barrett is available on that Friday night as he had originally thought.”

Altemus said they hope to offer many more shows like this at the new 900 seat MPAC.

“We’re going to try to have three or four events like this,” Altemus said. “I don’t know of we can keep it booked all the time. But the intent is to continue to have functions there for the community. We think this is a great facility and a nice addition to the quality of life for the people in eastern

Arkansas.”

By Mark Randall