John Michael Montgomery Cancels

Not only has the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena had a difficult time landing big name acts to kick off the opening of the new facility, now it can’t hold onto the one it did book.

Multi-platinum country star John Michael Montgomery, slated to appear as the Arena’s maiden act on Saturday, canceled Thursday morning because of vocal problems.

The concert has been rescheduled for Feb. 16 of next year. Ticket-holders are asked to keep their tickets, which will be good for the future date.

Refunds will be available starting at 10 a.m. today at the G&B Select-A-Seat main office at the Arena. Refunds also can be obtained by writing G&B: Refunds, P.O. Box 3453, Spokane, WA 99220.

After his Wednesday concert at the Puyallup Fair, Montgomery complained of “hoarseness and a severe sore throat” and flew home to Lexington, Ky., according to his management.

Montgomery also canceled his concert in Salem, Ore., scheduled for today.

The singer will undergo tests at the Vanderbilt Voice Clinic in Nashville. Less than a year ago, Montgomery checked into the same clinic for similar reasons. But nothing was found.

“We’re hoping for a complete and very speedy recovery for John Michael,” said the Arena’s general manager, Kevin Twohig, at a press conference Thursday afternoon.

This comes as a major disappointment to the Spokane Arena, which was nearing a sell-out for Saturday’s show. More than 9,000 tickets had been sold, with less than 1,000 remaining.

The NHL exhibition game on Sunday featuring the San Jose Sharks and the Vancouver Canucks will now be the official opening event for the arena.

The Spokane Arena’s first concert won’t be until Monday, Sept. 25, with Boyz II Men and Montell Jordan.