October 3, 2001

Kenny Rogers - The Gambler comes to Town!

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - Country music's most celebrated star, Kenny Rogers, will perform two concerts, Saturday, October 27, 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage. Few stars can match the achievements of Kenny Rogers. He has recorded 59 albums, which have sold over 100 million records worldwide.

In March 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America awarded Rogers the prestigious Diamond Award celebrating sales of more than 10 million albums for his Greatest Hits album. This year, Kenny was the recipient of the coveted 'Career Achievement Award' at the 36th Academy of Country Music Awards. This award has only been given three times in the history of the Awards show.

Kenny's hits include a variety of musical styles that appeal to all ages and types of audiences. Who hasn't heard "Lucille," "Coward of the County," "Lady," and of course "The Gambler." With his more recent hits, "The Greatest" and "Buy Me A Rose" Kenny describes his songs as "striking a cord with people because they go beyond music and are about life." Kenny's new single, "There You Go Again," quickly rose on the country music charts this past February.

Always rising to meet new artistic and personal challenges, Rogers has acted in movies, TV and recently starred in the off-Broadway theatrical production of, Christmas from the Heart. Kenny is also a well-respected photographer. He was invited to the White House to create a portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton. He has also published two well-received photography books: KENNY ROGERS' AMERICA, composed of black and white landscapes, and KENNY ROGERS YOUR FRIENDS AND MINE, a collection of celebrity portraits. He is currently working on a third book highlighting country stars past, present and future, entitled THIS IS MY COUNTRY.

Tickets for Kenny Roger's performances at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage are available by calling (269) 927-1221. Students (kindergarten through college) and senior adults (60 and over) receive a 10 percent discount off single ticket prices. Special group rates are available to parties of 20 or more. These groups receive 15 percent savings on ticket prices. For further information about group rates and special arrangements, call the Group Coordinator at (269) 927-8109. Wolverine Mutual Insurance Company & WYTZ Y Country Radio are sponsoring Kenny Roger's performances.

The 1,505-seat Mendel Center Mainstage Theater offers state-of-the-art acoustics and comfortable seating in elegant surroundings. Other amenities include free, lighted parking; handicap accessibility (inside and out); and array of special services, and friendly ushers and support personnel.

The Mendel Center is located within 30 minutes of Niles and 40 minutes from Kalamazoo or South Bend. Located on the Napier Avenue campus of Lake Michigan College, the Mendel Center is one mile east of I-94 on Napier Avenue (Exit 30) in Benton Township, Michigan.