Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Gail Bliss is back in JAX for ‘A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline’


She’s ‘Back in Baby’s Arms’ at the Alhambra Theater & Dining, where you can close your eyes and imagine the melodious tunes of the comparable songstress Gail Bliss (take a look and listen to her video here), who performs as Virginia Hensley; Ms Patsy Cline.  Gail epitomizes the very essence of Patsy Cline – from Patsy’s early career up until her untimely death back in 1963.  Ms. Bliss has returned to celebrate the Alhambra’s 50th Anniversary and welcomes her new attendees along with her “Repeat Offenders” (a term of endearment given by Gail, to all of her friends who have returned to see any of her numerous shows around the country).



It takes many fine people to orchestrate a show like “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline”.  Gail’s musicians are a top-notch crew of professional instrumentalist and vocalists.  Paul Kramer is the Band Leader, plays Fiddle, Tic-Tac Bass & adds his Vocals to the mix; Russ Wever and Eric Lewis are the Steel Guitarists; Dan Embree, Vegas/Opry Comic, Little Big Man and Radio Announcer brings back memories of commercials such as: “Mr. Clean”, “Winston Cigarettes”, “Ajax Foaming Cleanser”, “Stand Back Analgesic Powder” & “Ajax Laundry Detergent”; Bryan Aylor plays a mean set of Drums; Pen Pennington is on Electric and Acoustic Guitar and lends his Voice; Rory Hoffman is the Vocal Director, plays Piano, Saxophone & contributes vocals; and Dave Webb really get into playing his Upright Bass as he too helps with the vocals.



Gail Bliss was chosen, by Mr. Charlie Dick (Patsy Cline's husband), because of her resemblance to Patsy Cline in voice, talent and in stature.  Gail is also a ‘master of costume changes’ (from different eras) that she portrays during each performance.  When Gail Bliss turns into Patsy Cline, she requires a personal assistant/dresser (Linzy Lauren) to help her quickly get in and out of dazzling outfits, shoes, boots and wigs.  Any musician would know that you cannot get along without proper Sound Engineers, so Gail has two of the finest - Bill Lilliman and Dave VanderKamp.



Happily married to John Eberhard, Gail also enjoys her Harley, her '64 GTO, her home and marathon running.  She flies the friendly skies with American Airlines, as an international flight attendant based in New York City, for the past 32 years, with her main routes in South America and Europe.  So, if you think that you were served by Gail Bliss (Patsy Cline) on a flight to one of these countries – you may have been on one of her flights.

Below are the songs that Gail sings during her 2017 performance at the Alhambra Theater and Dining: “Come On In (Make Yourself at Home”), “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Gotta Lot of Rhythm in My Soul,” “Seven Lonely Days,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” “Stop, Look and Listen,” “Faded Love,” “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” (video of Patsy), “Lovesick Blues”, “I Don’t Wanta,” “Leavin’ on Your Mind,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” (video of Patsy), “She’s Got You,” “Back In Baby’s Arms,” “Oh Susannah,” “Sweet Dreams” (video and pictures of Patsy), “I Fall To Pieces”, “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home,” “Crazy”, and a repeat of “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”  Now that’s a show!!!



The meal that Chef DeJuan Roy has prepared is fit for the queen of country and for those who come to enjoy “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline”.  Take a look at the menu and get your tickets for the Alhambra Theatre & Dining before they run out.



Want to hear more?  Don’t miss any of your favorite music and a great new CD (“Play It By heart”) from Gail.  Take a little time to visit her store and cherish every memory from the Alhambra.  Also, if you’re looking for something to do next Monday, see “Bliss and the Boys” at the Mudville Music Room on Monday's; February 6 and February 13, 2017 at 7 p.m.


A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline
  starring Gail Bliss

DATES: January 27 - February 19, 2017
PLEASE NOTE NEW SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner will be served until 7:20 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch ends at 12:45 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal service ends at 1:20 p.m.

DRESS: “Business Casual,” “Country,” or “Sunday Best.”

TICKETS: Range from $49.95 – $57.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.  Price does NOT include gratuity or orders from the bar.

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212

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