Tanya Tucker Concert Review Grand Casino Mille Lacs 06

My wife Patty and I drove into the Grand Casino parking lot at the same time Tanya arrived. Right then and there, I knew it was going to be a memorable evening. We checked into the hotel and were on our way to the elevator where we ran into a young lady and a kind of tall guy who offered to hold the elevator for us. Both my wife and I thought the young lady had cool looking hair (blonde on top, dark on bottom).

We had second row and center seats for the first show. The cool thing, the seats in front of us were not taken -- clear view to the stage. While Tanya's band warmed the crowd up, Patty and I noticed the girl with the cool hair was Tanya's back-up singer and the guy that was with her - believe it or not - was Jerry Laseter. Hmmm

The lights went down and the Tuckerville theme played on the two big screens on each side of the screen. Then, the band ripped into Some Kind of Trouble and out came Miss T. She looked great. She did her usual show. Tanya talked about being in Canada, her and the kids getting bronchial pneumonia, how they had to go home to rest up, and then go back up for a couple of weeks and this was their last stop before going home. I have to say, she sounded in top voice. I never would've guessed she was sick. She did her set of the early 70 hits and on the big screens were pictures of her when she was just starting out. Very cool! After a couple of the regular tunes, a chair was brought out for Tanya with a music stand and sheet music. Tanya started talking about her kids and how much they meant to her and wanted to do this song for them. She started singing Ridin Rainbows. I have not heard that song done live since 1980. What a treat. Then on the big screens were baby pictures of her kids. How very cool. At the end, Layla came out. She just lost her front tooth the night before. What a cutie. Tanya did her dedication of Two Sparrows to her parents and all the parents, rocked out to It's A Little Too Late and then Delta Dawn! What a great first show!

We met up with our friend Dorin and his wife, who are also big Tanya fans, for the Meet and Greet that took place between shows. The casino had their people go to the Meet n Greet first followed by the fan club members. The 60 casino folks got a Polaroid picture taken with Tanya - no autographs. The fan club members (there was seven of us) got a bit more time with Miss T. It was very cool. My wife and I presented Tanya with one of my original photos that I had custom framed and matted myself. She was very appreciative. Patty told Tanya how much she loves Tuckerville and how she gets a kick out of Grayson and Nelson. Tanya laughed. She autographed my Tanya record cover (Lizzie and the Rainman) and graciously posed for a picture. What a great night. Tanya treats the fan club members right.

We went and took our seats -- Front Row Center! The band did their warm-up tunes - lights went down and the Tuckerville theme started again. Tanya came out with Trouble and sounded even better! Wow! She again talked about being in Canada and how she was looking forward to going home. She then talked about the 2002 Tanya album and introduced Jerry to the crowd and the young lady next to him as his girlfriend Krisalyn. She then told us all, "It's a strange, strange world" and laughed. Tanya talked more about making the Tanya album and then broke into A Memory Like I'm Gonna Be. When she finished the song, Tanya shook her said and said strange, strange world again. The crowd was just roaring. I'm not exactly sure why Jerry was there.. for some reason I think Tanya got the short end of the stick.

Next was the crowd pleasing 70 tunes, San Antonia Stroll and Hangin' In and then she did Ridin Rainbows again. This time there were more baby pictures of the kids and at the end all three kids came out. Wow. Grayson is so tall and Presley is a natural beauty. Mama Tucker is a very proud mama. She was beaming ear to ear. Then, Tanya introduced Presley and Jerry and Krisalyn came forward. Tanya stood by Jerry and held her mic for him to sing background for Presley at center stage. Presley sang Whenever You Come Around (Vince Gill tune). Wow! The girl has been practicing. She really sang her heart out and she was in great vocal! It was the perfect song for her to do. Tanya stood there just admiring her daughter. After Presley took a well-deserved bow Tanya gave her a big congratulations, then looked at Jerry and said "Strange, Strange World." We all laughed. Next Tanya sang Two Sparrows, It's a Little Too Late and then the show stopper Delta Dawn! Let me tell you, Tanya brought the house up to their feet! Wow! Standing Ovation! Tanya waved to the crowd and started walking the stage to shake hands. She came to my hand and I told her "Awesome Job Tanya," and she said "Thank you, Bob". Yes.. that's right... she remembered my name. What a perfect ending to a perfect evening.