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| Pam Tillis did not disappoint with her very entertaining show at the Welk Resort Theatre. |
I recently had the honor of attending a performance by Pam Tillis at the Welk Resort Theatre. This would be my first time seeing her give a solo performance with her own band. My anticipation of a great evening was imminent.
As I entered the doors of the Welk Resort Theatre I headed straight to the ticket counter to pick up my ticket. There was some mix up in my reservation but everyone involved handled the matter in the utmost professional manner and I left the counter with nothing but gratitude for the impeccable staff at the theater. With the few minutes I had before show time, I explored the theatre lobby a little bit. The lobby itself is very open and spacious. It would be very easy to sneak away with your friends and have some private time without worrying whether you are disturbing the person next to you. The spaciousness is something that is very important to me. I almost feel claustrophobic in some lobbies waiting for a show to begin with everyone crowded around me. The theatre is named after the famed bandleader, Lawrence Welk. In addition to Welk related productions, the theater hosts a plethora (don’t you just love that word J) of other entertainers as well. Some of the entertainers even have displays set up in the lobby to let you know more about who they are incase you didn’t already know. One interesting treasure that I found was Lawrence Welk’s personal golf cart that is on display in the lobby (Tidbit: The golf cart is tucked away under the stairs, you will have to look for it).
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| Carrie Tillis shows off her incredible vocal talents with a rendition of "HIs Eye Is On The Sparrow" |
The time had come to make my way into the theatre for the big show. Upon entering the theater guests are treated to a sampling of music by Pam Tillis while images of her are displayed on screens located on opposite sides of the theater. I must admit that I’ve seen Pam Tillis a few times before but it had always been with her famous dad, Mel Tillis, and his band. This time I wanted to see just how Pam throws it down in her very own production. I was not to be disappointed because the show not only gave me more insight into the talent of Pam Tillis herself but also into the talent of others in the Tillis clan. Pam was joined on stage by her brother, Mel Tillis Jr. (MJ), and her sister, Carrie Tillis. If Mel ever decides to step away from the spotlight, rest assured these ‘younguns’ would make sure and carry on the Tillis family name.
%%%%Pam, Carrie, & M.J. Tillis Perform%%
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| Tillis siblings Mel Jr., Pam and Carrie deliver their version of "Uncle Penn". |
We all know that Pam sings primarily country music while infusing soulful, jazzy licks into her songs but what about her brother and sister? MJ is a singer and songwriter in his own right. He even worked with the "material girl" herself, Madonna. His singing style is very reminiscent to his father’s. You can definitely tell they are related. He’s written several songs for many artists including, Jamie O’Neal’s "When I Think About Angels", which he performed in the show. Carrie on the opposite end of the spectrum is now living in New York City and pursuing an acting career. In addition to acting she is also trained in the singing art of Opera. She displays her magnificent ability to the songs, "His Eye Is On The Sparrow", and to an aria set to Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata".
I’ve seen Carrie perform many times and this was the first time for me to see her really show off her operatic devices. Bravo! Other standout moments for me from this show included the trio made up of Pam, MJ, and Carrie singing, "Uncle Penn", Pam’s funky rendition of, "Ring Of Fire", complete with an equally funky banjo accompaniment.(Pretty fly for a white girl, LOL!), Comedy erupted in this show when Pam and her female back up singers get together around a campfire to discuss every ladies favorite topic, MEN. While performing "Cleopatra, Queen Of Denial", Pam enlisted the help of the male ushers to "shake their groove thang’" or lack thereof, LOL!
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| Pam brings the male ushers on stage to "shake their groove thang’" |
My favorite Pam Tillis songs are her ballads where she pierces even the darkest of hearts with her angelic vocals. The fashion show she gives her audience is definitely not one to miss. (Eat your heart out Paris Hilton–Ha!) One final thing that really made the night special for me was the fact that she took the time to arrange some of her familiar songs differently so that she could insure giving her audiences something extra special when they come to see her. When you go see some artists’ perform you might as well stay at home and listen to their CD because you will be getting a note for note repeat performance. This CANNOT be said of Pam Tillis.
If you are ever out and about and happen to have the great fortune of seeing any of these fine performers, make certain to go and see them and support the Tillis family legacy. You’ll be glad that you did.
Tidbit: Hang around after the show and Pam will come out and sign autographs for her fans.
Editors Note: October 10, 2006, Pam Tillis is currently in Branson appearing with Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers until October 20.