MAIN EVENT: Coach Bess statue unveiled Saturday

In February’s first MAIN EVENT, Raiders and fans have the chance to honor legendary coach Gene Bess. Three Rivers College is unveiling a new statue on campus commemorating Bess’s wins and ongoing legacy at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.

The event is part of this year’s annual Alumni Reunion. There will also be a “Brick Walk” around the statue, in which the Three Rivers Endowment Trust will sell customizable engraved bricks to support scholarships for TRC athletes.

Bess, a Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Legend, built the Raiders Basketball dynasty while teaching two classes a semester and serving as the Three Rivers Athletic Director throughout his career.

In his 50 years at TRC, he made 17 appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament, nine Final Four appearances, and won two National Championships. At least 42 former players for Bess went on to coach all over the country. Bess retired in 2020 with a career record of 1,300-416 — the most wins of any college basketball coach in the nation.

Other events include:

— Indoor Yard Sale, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 3 and 7a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 4. WHERE Black River Coliseum. COST Free admission. WHAT Annual indoor yard sale event.

— Alumni Reunion Fine Arts Showcase, 12-4 p.m. Feb. 4. WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center. COST No cost listed. WHAT The Alumni Art Exhibit is open for viewing all afternoon, and the TRC Music Department performs from 12-2 p.m. The Alumni Art Exhibit opening reception is 2 p.m.

— TRC’s Coach Gene Bess Statue Unveiling, 4 p.m. Feb. 4. WHERE Three Rivers College. COST Free. WHAT Missouri Sports Hall of Fame legend Gene Bess will be honored with a bronze statue on TRC’s campus. There will also be a Brick Walk fundraiser where patrons can purchase customizable bricks to benefit student athlete scholarships. — Opry at the Rodgers Theatre, 7 p.m. Feb. 4. WHERE The Rodgers Theatre. COST $10 per ticket. WHAT Music from the Moon Pie Band, Tyler Williams, Shayne Talburt & Braidy, Bobby Lewis and Emma Harris. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets available online at rodgerstheatre.org and in person at Myrtle’s Place, as well as at the door the night of the show. For more information, contact Brent Davis at 573-429-0416.

— Tax Clinic, by appointment only Feb. 7. WHAT A guide to property, rent, federal and state taxes. Sponsored by the CRC, AmeriCorps Seniors and AARP. Requirements, further information and scheduling available by calling 573-686-8624.

— TRC Annual Jazz Fest, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 9 and 11. WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center. COST Free. WHAT The annual TRC Music Department’s tribute to jazz begins with a concert that showcases area junior high school, and college jazz groups.

— Valentine’s Day Party, 1 p.m. Feb. 10. WHERE Black River Coliseum Aquatic and Fitness Center. COST No cost listed. WHAT Each person who comes in for open swim will get a sugar cookie to decorate for someone they love. Cookies provided by The Donut House.

— Funky Butts Brass Band, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 10. WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center. COST $15 per ticket. WHAT These six talented musicians take traditional New Orleans brass tunes and sprinkle in their own brand of special St. Louis musical magic, along with some Chicago blues, Memphis soul, southern rock, and St. Louis R&B. Tickets available at tinnin.ticketleap.com or in person at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.

— Beerfest & Shrimp Boil, 5-7 p.m. Feb. 11. WHERE Black River Coliseum. COST $25 for Beerfest or meal tickets, $45 for combo tickets, $65 for VIP tickets. WHAT The Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Beerfest & Shrimp Boil. VIP admission opens at 4 p.m., standard admission begins at 5 p.m.

— Tall and Small Ball, 5-8 p.m. Feb. 11. WHERE Westwood Center Wedding Chapel and Ballroom. COST $60 per adult, $40 per child. WHAT An evening of dancing for any adult and child, or the entire family. There will be a catered meal, celebrity appearances from Aladdin and Jasmine, and realistic temporary tattoos from No Quarter Trading Post Tattoo & Piercing Studio. This annual event benefits FosterAdopt Connect. Tickets are available online at fosteradopt.org/event/pbtallandsmall2023.

— Backroad Drive concert, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 11. WHERE Wappapello Eagles. COST No price listed. WHAT A concert with a clean, fun atmosphere, plus great food and beverages.

— Karen Peck and New River in concert, 6 p.m. Feb. 12. WHERE Westwood Baptist Church. COST Free. WHAT Enjoy a free worship concert. For more information, call the church office at 573-686-1260.

— Valentine’s Day Dinner & Show, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 14. WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center. COST $60 per ticket. WHAT Dinner catered by Tasteful Creations, followed by an entertaining show featuring masterful pianist and Missouri native, Michael Michelson, The Piano Man. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the music before dinner begins at 6 p.m., dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., and the main performance begins after dinner. To purchase tickets, please contact Edie Dilbeck at 573-840-9527 or edilbeck@trcc.edu.

— Valentines for Veteran’s Concert, 6 p.m. Feb. 21. WHERE Black River Coliseum. COST Free to veterans, all other must purchase from Black River Coliseum, the VA or Stars and Stripes Museum. WHAT The Oak Ridge Boys bring their Front Porch Singin’ Tour to Poplar Bluff, with surprise guest appearances. Opening artist is Ashley Campbell. This event is sponsored by The Wake Foundation.

— WINGS — Dublin Irish Dance, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 21. WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center. COST $15 per ticket. WHAT A brand-new Irish dance production, WINGS features thrilling dance and musical performances by Irish and World champion dancers and Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos. Tickets available at tinnin.ticketleap.com or in person at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.

— Live2Lead, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 24. WHERE Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. COST For Chamber member, $50 per person or three tickets for $125. For non-members, $75 per person. WHAT A simulcast leadership development summit. John Maxwell shares the stage with internationally recognized speakers to take attendees to a higher level of thinking and performance. For more information, call 573-785-7761 or email mstucker@pbchamber.org. Must preregister.

— Mason Dixon Chili Society Chili Cook-Off, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 WHERE Black River Coliseum WHAT The annual event benefits the United Gospel Rescue Mission.

Don’t see your event? Let us know what you’ve got coming up and we’ll add it. Just email dailyamericanrepublic@darnews.com.