Mike Walker is bringing his show Conway and the King to the historic Rodgers Theatre in Poplar Bluff at 7 p.m. Thursday.
“I’ve heard rave reviews from everyone who has seen him perform at Branson,” said Brent Davis, Rodgers Theatre manager. “This guy is so good, many of the people I know have seen him perform five or six times.”
Walker’s show combines the works of Conway and Elvis in a high energy performance that takes you back in time when Elvis was still in the building and Conway Twitty still had more No. 1 hits than any other artist on the planet, Walker’s press release stated.
He opens the show with the songs, which gave him his slot in recording history like “Honey Do” and his new album release “The Ultimate Veteran,” which made it to the top of the Cashbox Music Chart.
Starting his career as a toddler after hearing his mother’s record of Elvis Presley, Walker became a professional performer at 5 when he was first paid, and he has been singing professionally for more than 30 years.
He is a songwriter, who has had songs recorded by Ronnie McDowell and Mickey Gilley.
His recording contract with DreamWorks Nashville Records landed him a spot on the Brooks and Dunn’s Neon Circus tour. Also on the tour was Label Mate, Toby Keith, with special guests Montgomery Gentry, Keith Urban and funny man Cletus T. Judd.
Walker has done shows with many household names like Rascal Flatts, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Vince Gill, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Mickey Gilley, T. Graham Brown, Ronnie McDowell and Tanya Tucker.
He has traveled across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
He has produced shows like the one called “Lasting Impressions,” in which he does impressions of nearly 70 icons in one performance. He emulates everyone from the deep growl of Twitty to the smooth voice of Marty Robbins to the undeniable Ray Charles and the King of Rock-N- Roll.
Davis explained, bringing these shows to the Rodgers is a win-win for not only area residents since they don’t have the expense of traveling out of town and the local theater.
“The performer sdo the same show here as they do in Branson,” Davis said. “They bring their own bands and backup performers.”
A bonus to watching them locally, “you are supporting the Rodgers,” said Davis, adding “the roof has been replaced, the tower is up just waiting for the letters. It all takes time and money. When you come out and support us, it is good for everyone.”
Dave explained the Rodgers group also works with Three Rivers College in presenting programs, like Dailey & Vincent, which draw crowds of between 700-750 people.
Ticket are available at www.universe.com or at the box office the night of the show. Tickets purchased at the door will cost an additional $5 plus tax.