While plenty of performers roll holiday shows through major cities each year, it?s not often you see them try to positively impact those towns.
Not so with Kenny Rogers, who?s taking part in special benefits and appearances in each city he visits on his 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour.
“It?s so important for me to make sure each town feels personally involved with my show,” Rogers said. “The holidays are about warmth and togetherness, which is what I strive for on this tour.”
In Baltimore, Rogers will be the guest of honor at a private reception to benefit the “Angels of the O.R.” project founded by two neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins, Benjamin Carson, the director of the division of pediatric neurosurgery, and Clifford T. Solomon. The organization provides neurosurgical care for patients with no insurance or an inability to pay for services.
What makes the benevolence of Rogers particularly noteworthy is he almost seems to prefer it to constantly looking to build upon his past successes.
Despite his protests that his music doesn?t compete with younger artists, the charts beg to differ. His latest album, “Water & Bridges,” entered the Top 20 on the Billboard charts and made Billboard?s Hot 100 list for 2006, which delighted those at his label.
“This album is full of rich, great songs, and I am confident that we are just beginning to crank this up,” said Mike Dungan, president/chief executive officer Capitol Records Nashville.
Rogers, who has more than 20 platinum certifications, 22 No. 1 hits (“The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Lucille”), and a bounty of sales and awards to his name, is philosophical about the success, giving ample credit to producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Faith Hill).
“It?s not important for me to be the No. 1 artist around,” Rogers said. “I defy you to find anyone who?s been No. 1 who will say it was the happiest time of their lives. You don?t really have a life when you?re there. But I love performing [and helping others].”
Kenny Rogers with Linda Davis
» Venue: 8 p.m. Thursday at The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center: Hippodrome Theatre
» Tix: $45, $65, $75; Ticketmaster, 410-547-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
» Benefit reception: A reception for “Angels of the O.R.” will be held at the Hippodrome from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Tickets range in price from $2,500 to $25,000. For more information, visit www.angelsoftheor.org or contact Dina Beaumont at 410-889-2071 or [email protected]
