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Red, White, and Tuna: You’ll Laugh Until You Cry and That’s a Promise

July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Red White and Tuna Grand Rivers Variety

I sat at my computer (much needed coffee cup to the left, much beloved cat to the right) for about 10 minutes this morning trying to think of an appropriate opening sentence for this review.  You see, I’m impossibly obsessed with the Greater Tuna shows at Grand Rivers Variety.  And this isn’t just any review, this is a Tuna Review. Everything has to be just right!

Here’s the thing. One of my most defining characteristics is this: I love to laugh – the more the better.  Got it from my dad. He was incredibly generous with laughs and I’m not the least bit stingy with mine.  Naturally, a lifelong lover of laugher is drawn to things that make them burst out with CRAZY laughter – the kind that makes everything in the world disappear.  Everything except the raining endorphins brought on by laughter.

The Greater Tuna shows put on at Grand Rivers Variety don’t just rain laughter, they cause floods.  It may not have been on the news, but there was a flood in Grand Rivers last night. Fortunately, we were all washed away by “feel good” endorphins as opposed to “get wet” water.

The boys (Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling) were all over their game last night.  These two incredibly talented and hilarious actors could hold their own with anyone – Steve Carell, Jack Black, Robert Downey, Jr., Dane Cook… In fact, and this is no lie – as much as I love this list of comic actors (each are personal favorites), I had just as soon see a Greater Tuna show in Grand Rivers as one of their movies.  I’m not sure how we, as Kentuckians, got such a lucky draw. These guys could be in Hollywood right now, in movies or on tv, making millions do the CRAZY laugh – as opposed to working their mojo in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

We got VERY lucky.

Even though it was a Wednesday, the crowd last night was really good.  I was afraid that the middle of the week would cause a problem, but apparently I’m not the only one who loves to laugh.  The crowd (of all ages) was practically in a fit of laughter the entire time.  Some who were sitting around us had never seen a Greater Tuna show and I felt like looking at them and going, “I know, right?!” but it’s hard to speak when you’re doubled over laughing.

Speaking of crazy laughter – why, when we’re in fits of laughter do we hold our cheeks or cover our mouths? Are we attempting to keep our facial parts in place?  I understand the doubling over. One has to find a position in which they can breath. Such gyrations!

At one point, I even slapped my husband’s arm – as though it was his fault I was being swept away in a fit of laughter.  Fortunately he has big arms and was busy laughing, himself.

A little background, in case you aren’t familiar with the Greater Tuna shows. Two actors (the aforementioned Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling) brilliantly portray a town of colorful nuts and hysterical misfits from the fictional town of Greater Tuna, Texas.  When the boys step out in drag, they literally have to wait to say their lines after the laughter dies down.  Words cannot possibly do their characters or their performances justice.   I’ve seen a great number of bucket lists and “Things to See Before You Die” books, but I’d respectfully suggest each one add this one: See Bill Minnihan and Steve Sherling as the ladies (ladies???) of Greater Tuna.

Visions you’ll never, ever forget. Bill makes a lot of woman… a whole lot of woman, and Steve’s footwear was absolutely killer.  The thought of him strutting around in heels makes me laugh even now.  These two performers lose themselves in these deliciously outrageous characters the way LeBron James loses himself in basketball, John Grisham loses himself in writing, and Halle Berry loses herself in hotness.  They are willing to go to any and all lengths to entertain their crowds – and that’s just what they do.

It’s as though laughter is their life source and the more laughter they bring about, the longer they’re allowed to live.  If there’s truth behind this theory, apparently these boys want to live forever.

From Grand Rivers Variety’s website: The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Along with Tuna’s perennial favorites, some new Tuna denizens burst into the 4th of July Tuna High School Class Reunion. This sets the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!

Fireworks, fun, and a flood.  They forgot to mention the flood.

During the first fifteen minutes, I kept trying to remember favorite, classic lines to tell my daughters (and to include in this post).  However, after about 20 minutes into the show, I’d ran out of fingers to count them on as well as the ability to reason.  It’s all good, though.  Crazy laughter can sweep me away anytime it wants.  I was delighted to see that some new insanely funny characters had been added, but even more thrilled to see old favorites back – more deliciously entertaining than ever.

My husband told me that he’d heard that this one was EVEN funnier than the others.  I kind of scoffed and thought, “As if. Nothing could be funnier than the other Greater Tuna shows.”  At one point (it was either right after I popped my husband’s arm or right at the time the stranger beside me slapped mine), I stopped scoffing and conceded that this one was, indeed, the funniest one yet.

If the thought of three hours of GREAT entertainment, CRAZY laughter, and rushing floods of endorphins sounds like a good time to you, I strongly urge you to head over to Grand Rivers Variety and buy tickets.  Pronto! There aren’t many shows left and this is one you’d be a nut to let get away.

As we were leaving, I noticed that (like us) everyone else was still laughing – and most of us were holding our stomachs. Laughter is such a glorious ab workout.

One final thought: It doesn’t matter what age you are, Greater Tuna will give you an evening you’ll never forget.  Directly in front of us were two rows of high school kids.  They spent the evening doubled over laughing hysterically.  Directly beside us (and in the row behind us) were people who… well, let’s just say they’d been out of high school longer than Elton John’s been out of the closet.  They were also lost in fits of crazy laughter.  All of us had the time of our lives and felt it from our heads to our toes.

At one point (and it’s worth noting that we were only an hour into the hilarity) a woman behind me laughed so hard she snorted.  It was after one of Bill Minihan’s big women sashayed onto the stage.  The lady told her husband, “I’ve never laughed so much in all my life!”  They both just kept laughing and laughing – along with everyone else in the theater.  A bunch of red-faced, doubled-over, laughing, snorting, people having the time of their lives.  People who, if they could take the time to think and reason, would feel woefully sorry for anyone and everyone on the outside of the theater.   There was so much happiness and fun in the air that it crackled.

That, dear readers, is what you can expect from a trip to Greater Tuna.

Again, please go to Grand Rivers Variety and order your tickets right now.  I want YOU to have the same wonderful time we all did last night. I want YOU to remember what it’s like to get so swept away by laughter and fun that everything else slides away.  It’s a natural high that even caffeine can’t touch.

Also, if you’re on Twitter… and you really should be!… follow Grand Rivers Variety (@GRVariety). They’ll keep you updated on new shows, show times, and a lot more.

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Grand Rivers Variety, Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show at Grand Rivers Variety

March 8, 2011 By 1 Comment

Johnny Cash Ring of Fire at Grand Rivers Variety

Saturday night, my husband and I took a couple of friends to see Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the Badgett Playhouse.  If you’ve read Genuine Kentucky for any length of time, you know that we frequently see shows at the Badgett Playhouse.  They’re always a lot of fun and this show was no exception.

Before I launch into Ring of Fire, I just want to rave a little bit about Badgett Playhouse, Grand Rivers, and the Variety! Music, Memories, & More shows and cast. My husband (Michael) and I also frequently go to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. We see shows at the Opry as well as the Ryman. We always have a great time – Nashville restaurants, combined with the great talent keep us coming back.

I’d love for more Kentuckians (as well as people in other states) to realize that we have a “baby Nashville” in our own backyard. No, Grand Rivers doesn’t have as many restaurants as Nashville (Thank goodness! Who needs the traffic?!) – but many would say that the infamous Patti’s Settlement more than makes up for it.

A few quick facts about Patti’s Settlement (from Grand Rivers.org)

  • VOTED #1 Restaurant for Tourism by the State of Kentucky
  • Blue Chip Award given by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Pork Producers Award
  • General Manager was voted Manager of the Year by Kentucky Restaurant Association
  • Voted #1 by Southern Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Small Town Restaurant in Southeast United States

Other outstanding restaurants in the area include Willow Pond (Calvert City and Eddyville), Lake Barkley State Resort Park Lodge’s restaurant, Catfish Kitchen (Draffenville),  and Majestic Pizza and Steakhouse (Draffenville – some of the best pizza anywhere!).

Trust me, I can vouch for each of these restaurants – they’re excellent.  If you’re lodging in the area, and time isn’t a problem, you can find even more restaurants in Paducah, Benton, Murray, and Aurora.  If you ever get a chance to eat at Aurora’s Willow Pond, do so. The hush puppies will blow your very mind.

The Variety! Music, Memories, & More shows are as entertaining as the shows we see in Nashville.  Each time I leave, I wonder, “Why aren’t these singers, comedians, musicians, and dancers in Nashville?”  I don’t say it out loud, of course, because I don’t want Nashville to know they’re here.  Why spoil a great thing?!

Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show

Have you ever raved about something (a restaurant, movie, tv show…) to someone, then when they watch it – held your breath, hoping they liked it as much?  With most things in life, it sort of plays out like that.  However, whenever we take friends or family to a Variety! Music, Memories, & More show, I’ve never held my breath once. I KNOW, beyond a hint of doubt, that the people involved will never let us down.

Never have. Never will.

The friends we took were from Nashville, so they’ve seen, and heard, some great entertainment.  It was wonderful to know that they’d see great entertainment on this night as well.  One minute into the show, they were laughing, tapping hands on their legs, and having a great time.  Honestly, there was never any doubt in my mind that the rock would roll just like that.

The show was one that every Johnny Cash fan will want to see.  Not only do the ridiculously talented singers and musicians do the songs GREAT justice, you’re treated to precious footage and memories of Johnny Cash, his life, and his childhood.  It all blends together perfectly to celebrate the life and music of the Man in Black. It’s a 2 hour tribute that you wish would last a couple of more hours.

The show included “regulars” that we know and love: Sara Minihan, Scot Durham, Eddie Holland, Thomas Michael, and Stephanie Jo Newton. I was reminded, again, of how much Stephanie Jo Newton’s voice reminds me of one of my favorite country star’s, Lee Ann Womack. Thomas Michael, who is consistently a crowd favorite, was featured heavily in this show and it was a stroke of genius. His rich, beautiful voice was ideal for Johnny Cash songs. The musicians were, as always, outstanding. Unfortunately, the website (Grand Rivers Variety) doesn’t have the Cast list featured for this particular show, so I can’t give the name of the drummer – but he was really something special!

Fortunately, my husband and I were so impressed with two new faces that he took my notebook and asked Bill Minihan for their names! Barry Jobe and Chad Mullins blew us away. Suffice to say, they were two more performers who had me wondering, “Now… just why aren’t they on stage at The Grand Ole Opry or in Nashville making country music?!” Of course, this was wondered silently. Many times over. Shhh, we don’t want Nashville taking them away just yet.

Barry Jobe did quite a few vocals and did so beautifully. Chad Mullins also did vocals, in addition to playing the banjo unlike I’ve ever heard it played before. I was mesmerized. If either is ever in concert, I’m so there.

Front row.

The whole night was memorable, fun, and very entertaining. One of my favorite moments was the song Jackson by Thomas Michael and Stephanie Jo Newton.  Their voices were wonderful together and each did their parts perfectly.  Stephanie Jo, at a young age,  is outstanding at something that many performers (even veterans) don’t quite get: You don’t have to “oversell” great songs, great writing, and great talent.  You just let it flow.   It’s something I’d noticed before about her and, when I realized that she’d be singing Jackson with Thomas, I thought, “This will be a true test..” After all, the song is so spirited and fun, it would have been really easy to go overboard with facial expressions and try to FORCE the audience to have a good time.

Stephanie Jo and Thomas each realized that the song, the lyrics, and the story they told were the real stars, and they gave them center stage.  By doing so, they showed their own star power.

I hope you’ll make your way to beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky and see Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show.  The show will play through mid-May.

Filed Under: Blog, Country Music, Entertainment, Featured, Grand Rivers, Grand Rivers Variety, Reviews Tagged With: ,

With The Fabulous 50′s Show, Fabulous is an Understatement

August 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Fabulous 50s Show at Grand Rivers Variety

There were a couple of standing ovations, dancing in the aisles, and an audience full of happy, twisting, singing, laughing,  clapping, and thrilled individuals who were having the time of their lives.

It wasn’t a Montgomery Gentry concert or a Johnny Depp autograph signing.  And it wasn’t even me in a Starbucks, though the description’s fitting.  It all went down in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky at Badgett Playhouse.   The Fabulous 50′s Show lived up to its name and then some.

The dance numbers were fantastic and the singing was even better.  As always, there was plenty of humor and remarkable chemistry among the cast members.  The majority of the audience (except for, maybe, 10 of us) lived through the 50′s the first time around and seemed to be totally enthralled by the lovely trip home afforded by this extremely talented group of performers.

I’ve always loved 50′s music and these singers brought it to life as beautifully as anyone could have.  Michael Inge was so powerfully moving during one of his ballads that we all gave him a standing ovation.  As you know, I’ve been to The Grand Ole Opry on a number of occassions and I can tell you, truthfully, I’ve never heard anything any better.  Ever.

I loved the entire show, as did the sold out crowd. There were a few great  films during the show as well.  One showed several commercials from the 50′s and they were beyond hilarious.  I kept thinking, “Are you kidding me?!” – You’ll have to see them to believe them!

The costumes were also incredible, as were the sets.  A very, very friendly couple who sat beside us (from Paducah) were saying how everything was “just right.” The lady said, “It was just like that.”  I think she was especially moved by the fact that, according to her, Bill Minihan’s character was “exactly” like her husband was.  She even used the word “cocky!”  I loved it.  When I was leaving, I wanted to have a chance to tell each of the performers how amazing they were but they were, literally, swarmed with ecstatic men and women who were doing just that. Ironically, the couple beside us were talking to the Minihan’s (Bill and Sara) and I didn’t want to interrupt.  So I just floated outside and watched, joyfully, as others came floating out – each a little happier than the last.

The smiles?  They lit up the little town of Grand Rivers.

You have one more opportunity to see The Fabulous 50′s Show this year – on September 4.    Please click HERE for ticket information.  If you know anyone who lived during the 50′s or anyone who wished they’d seen the fun firsthand, invite them along.  I promise you, you’ll all have the time of your life.

In fact, any time you get a chance to see a show at Grand Rivers Variety, don’t hesitate for even a second.  Get thyself to The Badgett Playhouse Theater in Grand Rivers, Kentucky every chance you get.  You’ll never be disappointed.  Their always entertaining Variety! Music, Memories & More show is currently running – it’s definitely a must-see.  Check out the full schedule on GrandRiversVariety.com and grab your tickets ahead of time.  It’ll be the smartest thing you did since you began drinking coffee.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Grand Rivers, Grand Rivers Variety, New, Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Green Turtle Bay Has a Birthday Special You’ll Want to Celebrate!

April 22, 2009 By 2 Comments

Condos at Green Turtle Bay Marina - Grand Rivers, Kentucky

Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina Condos (Click for a larger view!)

Happy birthday, gorgeous!  Green Turtle Bay is 25 years old this month (April, 2009). To celebrate, they are offering a 10% discount on any reservation for Condos to customers whose birthday is also in April.

They will give you a 10% discount birthday present when you show them your valid driver’s license with proof of your April birthday.  Sadly, this affects me in no way whatsoever, since my birthday is four months away, but I certainly want to wish them a heartfelt happy birthday.

If you’ve never seen Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, you really should make an effort to do so. They celebrate the water way of life with every breath they take. The area is beautiful, the staff is incredibly friendly, and I’m sure I’ve told you about Docker’s Bayside Grill once or twice.  Two words: Onion Rings.

There are over seventy town house condominiums available with gorgeous views of Green Turtle Bay and Lake Barkley.  You can rent one for a day or a week or buy one for a lifetime of weekends filled with water, fishing, boating, tennis, golf, and onion rings.   Just let me dangle my feet in the cool lake water in between trips to Docke’rs Bayside Grill and I’ll be happy.

From Green Turtle Bay’s Web Site:

Green Turtle Bay Resort offers one, two, three, and four bedroom luxury condominium units. Each unit is individually owned and tastefully appointed in a variety of styles, with each bedroom featuring its own private bath. All units have a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, and gas grill; most feature fireplaces and pull out sofas. Units are complete with linens, towels and complimentary coffee.

Click HERE for more information right away.  The most memorable summer of your life is waiting!

Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina Logo

Filed Under: Fishing, Grand Rivers, Kentucky Vacations Tagged With: , , , , ,

Eric Horner Concert at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers Kentucky

December 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Whatever plans you have for Sunday night (December 21), scratch them. Paducah’s own Eric Horner will be performing at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Eric Horner (once a guitarist and backup vocalist for country superstar Lee Greenwood) is now a gospel recording artist in Nashville.

The concert he’ll be performing at Badgett Playhouse will be admission free – although a free will offering will be taken.

I’ve been reading up on Mr. Horner and he’s completely and totally “my kind of people.” He loves his Lord, he loves his family, and he loves his country. If he’d mentioned a healthy fixation on coffee and chocolate, I’d have started searching my family tree for Horners.

Below are two links that’ll introduce you to this talented Kentuckian. But, as wonderful and touching as the websites are, I know you’ll want to meet him in person.

Eric Horner Ministries

Eric Horner’s Patriotic Website

For more information, visit www.grandriversvariety.com or call 1-888-362-4223.

REMINDER: This weekend is your last chance to see the wonderful Variety! Christmas show or the hilariously entertaining It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. The opportunity to see A Tuna Christmas has passed, so those laughs have already sailed. Don’t miss the other two OR Eric Horner. You’ve been ridiculously busy – cooking, shopping, planning, etc. Take a refreshing time out and let the true meaning of Christmas wash over you.

Filed Under: Grand Rivers, Grand Rivers Variety, Holidays in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

Congratulations to Grand Rivers, Kentucky!

December 19, 2008 By 2 Comments

Congratulations are, like, so in order! Grand Rivers not only made the top 10 list of Southern Living’s 2008 Survey (Category: Best Small Town) – They can be found sitting pretty on the Best Scenic View list as well.

2008 Best Small Town
1. Beaufort, South Carolina
2. Fairhope, Alabama
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
4. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
5. Franklin, Tennessee
6. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
7. Oxford, Mississippi
8. Grand Rivers, Kentucky
9. Madison, Georgia
10. Hendersonville, North Carolina

2008 Best Scenic View
1. Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee
2. Grandfather Mountain (pictured), Linville,
North Carolina
3. Chimney Rock Park, North Carolina
4. Grand Rivers Jetty, Kentucky
5. Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain,
Georgia
6. Cades Cove, Tennessee
7. (tie) Clingman’s Dome, North Carolina/
Tennessee
7. (tie) Stone Mountain, Georgia
9. Brasstown Bald, Georgia
10. Mount Magazine, Arkansas

I think this is about 254.3 miles past awesome. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Grand Rivers, LBL, News Tagged With:

Genuine Kentucky Loves Green Turtle Bay

November 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

I was in the process of rounding up links and images for the sidebar earlier this morning. After I grabbed (gently, of course) the turtle to link to gorgeous Green Turtle Bay, I browsed around their site for a while. My finely tuned nose smelled something I needed to spend money on.

Right! As Always! Sorry honey!

Check out the drop dead gorgeous hat and tee above. Are they smart or what? The hat/shirt combo comes in several color combinations. The one I’m showing above is the blue hat/tan shirt, but apparently it’s also available in a combination with a tan hat/orange tee. If you live in Tennessee, I guess the orange would be right up your alley – or down your field. For those of us who are standing by our Kentucky Mildcats, we’ll stick with the blue. Seems kind of appropriate this season. And last. And…

Anyway, I absolutely love these hats/tees. Click HERE to take a closer look. Better yet, do whatever it takes to get to Grand Rivers and Green Turtle Bay, in person. You can’t eat at Docker’s Bayside Grill online – and, trust me, you’ll want to eat at Docker’s Bayside Grill – for breakfast AND lunch.

Visit Green Turtle Bay’s website for information on condominium rentals. The prices are so much lower than you’d expect for such a breathtaking view. And Docker’s Bayside Grill. Obsessed? Why, yes, I am.

Also, while in Grand Rivers (after all, I’ve convinced you to have an extended stay, right?) be CERTAIN you take in at least one show at Badgett Playhouse. You’ll be thanking me for two forevers…or at least until UK hits the top 10 again.

The Green Turtle Bay Gift Shop’s hours are below:

Summer Hours
Monday – Saturday
8 am – 5 pm
Sunday
10 am – 4 pm

Winter Hours
Monday – Friday
8 am – 5pm
Saturday
10 am – 2 pm

Click HERE to read my open love letter to Docker’s Bayside Grill and their remarkable onion rings.

Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers Kentucky

Filed Under: Grand Rivers, Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina, Reviews, Shop Tagged With: ,

The Variety! Christmas Spectacular Was Just That – A Spectacular Way to Kick Off the Christmas Season!

November 18, 2008 By 1 Comment

Mark me as amazed.

Saturday night, Mr. Genuine Kentucky and I went to the Variety Christmas Show at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.  Everyone involved in this extremely entertaining production should be highly commended.  The decorations were stunning (all of Grand Rivers was lit up and took my breath away) and the costumes? I have no idea where they come up with the gorgeous, adorable clothes they wear at these Variety! shows.

Every single detail smacks of perfection.

Speaking of perfection, the cast is utterly sensational. They earned the standing ovation they received and then some.  Actually, several of us gave them two standing ovations – one, of course, at the very end of the show and one at the end of a very special performance of Mary, Did You Know? Those of us who were standing were somehow managing to wipe tears and clap at the same time.

Amazing what you can do when your emotions are moved further than they’ve gone in a while.

You’re well aware, if you’ve read any of my reviews, that I have thoroughly loved each and every play and musical performance at Badgett Playhouse.  Every song, every joke, every dance, every cup of coffee… Everything.  This particular show was one of the best yet.  My husband said, “That was the best one yet” at one point. I’m not sure if it was during the first standing ovation or the second.

Personally, I love little more in life than a good laugh, so I’m going to go with a tie – I tie it with Greater Tuna and Bus Stop.  If you didn’t see Bus Stop, go ahead and give yourself a little kick.

If you didn’t see Greater Tuna, hold the kick.  You still have time to see the Tuna Christmas Show.   We’re going Thursday night and I couldn’t be more excited.

But back to Variety Christmas.  As a web publisher, I write for hours each and every day.  As a female, I talk for even more hours each and every day. Yet, I find myself at a loss to convey to you just how special, not only this particular show was, but how VERY special the singers, dancers, and musicians are.

Let me try it from another angle.  Whenever I see a Johnny Depp movie, I wonder, “Is this man even capable of a sub-par performance?”

Whenever I eat at Willow Pond in Aurora, Kentucky, I wonder, “Could they make bad catfish if they absolutely had to?”

Each drink of a Starbucks drink (pick one) causes me to ask, “Where have you been all my life?”

And whenever I see a performance at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, I wonder “What are these people doing in Kentucky?!” Don’t get me wrong, I’m THRILLED that we have them - I’ve gotten countless hours of amazing entertainment from them (and have even marked my calendar for upcoming entertainment!).  I’m delighted that their vehicles don’t know the way to Nashville, NYC, or Los Angeles. And, selfishly, I’m delighted that the big wigs in those big wigged towns don’t know the talent that abounds in the beautiful village of Grand Rivers Kentucky. They’d come looking for them! So, shhhhhh….

I listen to far less people on the radio every day and watch people on TV who don’t have an ounce of the charisma, spark, or talent that these lovely people have.  At one point,  beautiful Dana Poulson was singing a song and I mentally began counting the people on the radio I’d listened to that day, alone, who didn’t sound nearly as good as she did.

Casie Janet is another very lovely young lady with an absolutely amazing voice.  Like Dana, she can dance as well as sing – and for someone who can do neither, I’m blown away.  Her family and friends were in the audience and were, understandably, very proud.   They, too, gave two tearful ovations.

The young man who sang Mary, Did You Know with Casie was a new addition to the cast – and he was an instant, powerful hit.  He hails from Tennessee and his name is, hopefully, Michael Inge. (I say “hopefully” because my husband and I couldn’t totally agree on what we’d heard him introduced as. He isn’t listed in the playbill I got and he isn’t on the Variety! website yet.) After his first solo, my husband said, “He’s a great addition.”  I would have answered, but my jaw was on the ground.  This young man has an incredible voice and I hope we get to see a lot more of him. He. Sang. His. Skin. Off.

Thomas Michaels - he of the wicked guitar playing – actually sang during the Variety! Christmas show.  Wow!  I had no idea he had such a good voice.  He continues to impress me, too.  We always knew he was to a guitar what I am to a car (i.e. he dangerously drives the heck out of it) but he keeps proving himself in other areas.  In Bus Stop, he acted for the first time and came across as though he’d been doing it all of his life.  Now, what does he do?  He opens his mouth and shows off wonderful country western pipes!  Who knew?

You have to see this show if for no other reason than to see Bill Minihan coax Willie Nelson out of Thomas Michaels by holding his nose.  It wasn’t the first time in the evening I laughed so hard I had to set my coffee down.  And, no, I don’t often set my coffee down.

Speaking of Bill Minihan…  This ridiculously talented man and his ridiculously talented and lovely wife Sara beat all I ever saw.  Total Characters.  They convey so many emotions with so few facial movements that it’s really something to behold.  They pull the audience in unlike any performers I’ve ever seen.  You instantly adore them, the minute they hit the stage.  They dance beautifully and they obviously have wonderful voices.  They’re a beautiful and talented young couple – but that’s not where their magic lies.  The thing that makes them so extremely special, and the thing that would make me drive anywhere in the country to watch them perform is a unique “thing” that can’t be taught.  It’s something that can’t be coached and can’t be practiced.

For my Self Help Blog, I was once sent a book by a wonderful author. He even autographed it for me which was pretty darn cool. I loved the book so much that I raved in the review how that it was a beautiful thing to see someone doing what they were meant to do in life. This author has such talent and is so inspiring and motivating that it’s obvious: He’s doing what he’s meant to do in life. His level of talent is a perfect fit with what he does for a living.

You don’t often come across people doing what they do so well that you think, “They’re doing what they were meant to do.” There’s something magical about the rare people that do elicit such a response.

Bill and Sara Minihan are such people. And the real beauty… the real magic… lies in what they were meant to do: Bring smiles to people’s faces and make them feel good. There’s no better mission in life!

And the Minihan’s? They nail it down.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Audio, Grand Rivers Variety, Holidays in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

Grand Rivers Loves the Holidays!

November 12, 2008 By 2 Comments

You’re well aware, by now, that one of my favoritest places on earth is Grand Rivers, Kentucky. I’ll let you in on another little secret – I love the holidays like no one else.  I swear, my level of excitement can hang with any 6 year old!  

So, I’m loving the way Grand Rivers embraces this magical time of year.  You can’t go wrong when you combine one of the most special places on earth with the most special time of year.

Click through to learn more about Grand Rivers’ Festival of Lights and the Variety! Christmas Spectacular.

Can’t you feel the excitement in the air already?!  If not, get to Grand Rivers and you’ll come face to face with it……  And, you know where you have to take your face while in Grand Rivers – The Fudge Factory!

Man oh man oh man.  I’m now officially dying for some of their peanut butter fudge.

Edit: This village looks extra gorgeous with it’s Christmas wardrobe on! You really have to see it for yourself. We tried to take pics but they didn’t turn out. We shall try again.

Filed Under: Events, Grand Rivers, Holidays in Kentucky, LBL Tagged With: , ,

Grand Rivers Kentucky Has Nothing But Love for Autumn

October 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment

This Fall, Grand Rivers has Family, Fun, Festivals, Food, and Fudge on its mind. Fantastic!

The Hunter’s Moon Festival will take place October 11. Mark your calendar and get ready to get your groovy all the way on.

The Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling is something else the community is really excited about.

The following is courtesy of Grand Rivers.com:
The first Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling event will include seven professional songwriters and storytellers in two full nights of southern music and tales. Here is the lineup:

Appearing Friday Night -
A native of Covington, GA, Andy Irwin started out in comedy, but added music and storytelling because he had a lot more to say. In storytelling circles, he is known for relating the adventures of his eighty-five-year-old aunt, Marguerite Van Camp, M.D. He’s always on the go, performing at festivals, and theatres throughout the United States, including two gigs at the National Storytelling Festival.

Mary Hamilton has a straightforward “just talking” style, using her voice and her body to tell stories. Mary entertains audiences of adults, families, or children with Kentucky tales, world folk & fairy tales, plus a few myths, legends, true stories, and original fiction.

Amy and Cole Bruce have performed at the Badgett Playhouse in productions of Variety!, Always Patsy Cline, and Pumpboys and Dinettes. Amy and Cole now live in Nashville, TN where they do studio work, write and record music, and performed live for various artists and songwriters. As part of the Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling Event, Amy and Cole will perform some of their original songs.

Appearing Saturday Night –
Kaci Bolls was born and raised in the college town of Murray, Kentucky. Kaci now lives in Nashville and has become an in demand demo singer, singing the demos for songs that have been cut by artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans, and more. She can’t wait to share some of her own songs and the stories behind the songs.

Michael Reno Harrell hails from the Southern Appalachian Mountains and is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer. Michael’s recordings top the Americana Music Association charts year after year. Michael’s natural knack for storytelling has earned him praise from both the music community and the storytelling world.

Ellouise Schoettler calls herself an “old-time Southern storyteller” like those she grew up listening to in her native North Carolina. Schoettler combines personal memories with family and local history in stories that reveal and bring to life moments in the lives of ordinary people.

Join us in Grand Rivers for this celebration of southern heritage and enjoy a variety of lively talks that inspire, make you laugh and celebrate a simpler time. Show times are 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, October 10 and 11. Call the Badgett Playhouse Box Office at 888-362-4223 for tickets today. Information is online at www.grandrivers.com/storyfest.

Food-licious News!:
Sugar and Spice will feature a Oktoberfest buffet starting October 3, at 5:00 p.m. and continuing every weekend through October 26. You can look forward to traditional German favorites – sauerbraten, schnitzels, red cabbage, kraut and more. Reservations required. Call 362-2362.

And, as always, don’t even think about stepping foot in Grand Rivers without going by The Fudge Factory for the best fudge on earth.

I’ll be adding more Grand Rivers news later today. They simply have too much going on to cover in one article. Apparently autumn has the same intoxicating effect on them that it does me. Ragweed be danged, I’m having a great autumn!

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