CLARKSVILLE, Mo. — For performers, there’s something about being in the spotlight that never gets old.The talent that will take the stage for Raintree Arts Council’s “Encore Goes Country” is no exception. A dozen musicians will channel famous country artists and offer a few surprises. The dinner concert with silent auction and contests is Saturday, April 6, at The Apple Shed in Clarksville. Tickets are $30 each and are available by calling 573-754-0335 by April 1.

Raintree board members Debbie Ingram and Judi Bruce are overseeing the program, and will be part of the fun. “We are fortunate in Pike and Lincoln counties to have so many talented performers who never cease to bring the arts to life, and Encore is a great showcase where these individuals entertain the audience with their music and singing abilities,” Ingram said.

Other performers are Donna Grote, Kaitlyn Held Felder, Angela Dameron Maier, Alyssa Talkington Niemeyer, Jessica Harding, Tom Wallace, Richard Biggs, Calvin Colbert, Mindy Webert, and Beverly and Charles Cogar.

Artists know that practice makes perfect. Beverly Cogar enjoys the process of turning a tune into a treasure.

“First, I like rehearsing a number that slowly evolves into something worthy of a performance that an audience will enjoy,” she said. “Also, working with this group of talented artists has been a blast, and we are lucky to have such good, local talent in this area.”

Maier says all of the work is worth the effort when crowds react. “I love to see the enjoyment that other people get from a performance,” she said.

Grote says the pleasure is a two-way street. “When I’m performing, I’m getting to do what I love,” she said. “And portraying a famous singer is even better.”

People who attend are encouraged to wear country western clothing. A best-dressed contest for men and women is planned. There’ll also be a hollering contest.

Grote says the audience can “watch the cast kick up their heels” and Maier predicts there will be “a little line dancing thrown in for good measure.” Niemeyer calls the show a “must-see” event, and says the crowd will be a vital part of it.

“There is interaction throughout the experience between the cast and the audience, and the fourth wall is almost nonexistent,” she said. “There are solos, group numbers and contests to be had. Therefore, the live audience is crucial to the performance. As for me, I love being able to see the audience’s reactions as we go along.”

Ever the performer, Cogar has a definitive explanation.

“What you will see this year at Encore is an entertaining evening with country favorites filled with our own special brand of humor and dance,” she said. “We look forward to bringing it to you.”

PHOTO : Beverly Cogar leans over to kiss her husband, emcee Charles Cogar, after singing a romantic song at the 2023 Encore dinner concert. This year’s event is April 6. Tickets are $30 each and available by calling 573-754-0335 by April 1.

PHOTO : Alyssa Talkington Niemeyer sings during last year’s Encore. She is one of a dozen artists who will perform at this year’s event on April 6.