SHARONVILLE — The Oak Ridge Boys will bring their show back to Princeton High School this month, this time as the opening act for country star Kenny Rogers, an old friend from the Boys' early days on the road.

        The 6-month-old Princeton Entertainment Group booked Mr. Rogers as its headliner for an 8 p.m., July 29, concert at the school's football stadium.

        The Oak Ridge Boys will do an hourlong show before yielding the stage to Mr. Rogers, who this year received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Country Music.

        “We're really excited about this,” said Don Freeman, who is manager of Matthews Auditorium and PEG's adviser. “We're going to be building a stage outside with a roof.”

        Labor to put together the stage will come from the junior high/high school students and recent graduates who make up PEG. Although this is their first official undertaking, many of them were involved as stagehands and technical crew for the Oak Ridge Boys' two March 2000 performances.

        Mr. Freeman estimated it would take two days to put together the stage and set up the grounds. The students and Mr. Freeman will sleep on the grounds in a tour bus while the stage is being set up to provide security.

        Senior Don Shrout assisted setting up for last year's concerts and helped with lighting and sound. He plans to do the same for this concert.

        “It's very tiring but great work,” Don said. “We have a lot of fun while we're doing it.”

        Equipment from at least five tractor-trailers and several tour buses will have to be assembled or set up for the show, Mr. Freeman said. During the show, some stu dents will be working on sound and light boards alongside the professionals.

        “We're getting to do stuff kids never ever get the opportunity to do,” said freshman Chris Direnzi, who met the Oak Ridge Boys after last year's show. “It's a lot of work. I never imagined how much. This year it's two times the show — and probably the work.”

        Sponsored by radio station Y96.5, Time Warner Cable, Firstar Bank and PEG, the concert requires about 100 volunteers the day of the show. The Music Boosters will sell concessions. Athletic Boosters will usher and handle parking, Mr. Freeman said.

        Tickets can be purchased through any Ticketmaster location, or by calling 562-4949. The cost varies between $25.50 and $34.50, plus service charge. Any leftover tickets will be sold the day of the show for face value. Only cash will be accepted.

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