POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (KFVS) – People in the Heartland who’ve always wanted to see country legend Willie Nelson live will get a chance to do that soon…or almost.
“Almost Willie” is coming to the Historic Rodgers Theatre in Poplar Bluff on Saturday, June 21.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The show is from 7 to 9 p.m.
Tickets are $20. They’re available at Myrtle’s Place and Whitworth’s Gift Chest Jewelers, and at the door before the event.
Click here to get tickets online.
Tom Bradshaw has performed under the name “Almost Willie” for 40 years.
“I dressed up for Halloween in ‘85 as Willie Nelson, and I’ve been Willie ever since.”
He’s performed around the U.S. and beyond, currently traveling with his four-legged partner, Jake.
He currently resides in Arizona, but Bradshaw said he’s got ties in the Heartland with family members living in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.
Saturday will be his first performance at the Rodgers Theatre.
Board member Rhonda Hillis said a portion of proceeds from the “Almost Willie” show will go toward continuing renovations at the theater.
So far, the theater has a new roof, heating and air unit, projector and screen, display boards, sofas and chairs.
However, there’s still more to do.
“It’s a labor of love and progress. We’re short of two things, money and manpower,” Hillis said.
The next event to benefit the Historic Rodgers Theatre is a performance by Trevon Dawson, known for being a contestant on season 27 of “The Voice.”
Hillis said Dawson has family in the Van Buren and Lake Wappapello areas.
He’ll perform on July 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25. Click here to purchase.
Copyright 2025 KFVS. All rights reserved.