Songs about love and heartache will soar through the MSU Riley Center in downtown Meridian when country superstar Sara Evans arrives for a concert on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. As a bonus, concertgoers can enjoy a pre-show party with refreshments in the Grand Lobby starting at 6 p.m.

Evans has lived just down Interstate 20 in Birmingham since her marriage to former University of Alabama and pro football quarterback Jay Barker, now a sportscaster. She rocketed to stardom in 1998 with her first number one single, “No Place That Far.” Four other chart-toppers have followed: “Born to Fly,” “Suds in the Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” and “A Little Bit Stronger.”

Evans’ voice has been turning heads ever since she was a young girl performing in her family’s band in Missouri. Whether she’s belting out a defiant ballad or painting an aching portrait of love gone wrong, she packs every song with deep emotion.

“I’ve always felt like I’m a very lucky person to be given a gift to sing,” she said.

Tickets are $65 and $59 at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.msurileycenter.com or by calling the box office at 601-696-2200.