Mandy shines at Night of Music

First things first: She got her truly cool dress off the rack at Macy's.
And second, she learned how to stand in 4-inch heels for 90 minutes 15 years ago during her first run as Patsy Cline.
She is Mandy Barnett and she wowed the almost-capacity crowd Friday night in Brentwood High School's Campbell Center. The concert was the ninth annual presented by the Brentwood Morning Rotary Club. And best of all, all of those ticket sale proceeds will go to charity and scholarships.
"She sure looks just like her mama," Brentwood Commissioner Paul Webb said after the concert, watching Barnett sign autographs for a line of people 40 deep. How did he know? Mandy's mom Betty worked for Paul when he was the city of Crossville's financial director.
And her daughter shared, Betty Barnett's still in Crossville and still working at the courthouse.
An appreciative audience enjoyed the single set of country standards, with a little Roy Orbison thrown in for good measure. Barnett's big voice can serve up Willie Nelson's "Crazy," Orbison's "Blue Bayou" and a little Tammy Wynette without missing a beat.
Though the Campbell Center isn't the most comfortable venue for a 90-minute show, Mandy complimented the sound system and acoustics.
"I've played a lot of high school gyms but this was like playing in a real theater," she said after all the "To Preston with love, Mandy" and similar statements had been penned. "I wouldn't mind playing here again."
I have a feeling the Rotary club will be happy to hear that.

A very special thanks to Rotarian Mike Sowers for sharing his picture with BrentWord.
Check back here later for a final count of how much money was raised.

Hot Ticket: Mandy Barnett plays Brentwood

Jim Bradford's one talker. When he gets going on the Brentwood Morning Rotary Club (not to mention other topics close to his heart) he gets on a roll.
I'm not complaining. I now have about seven new story ideas to write on.
But the one most pressing is Friday night's Mandy Barnett concert in Brentwood High's Campbell Center. Jim tells me the $35 reserved tickets are going fast but $30 general admission ones are still plentiful and will be sold at the door, which opens at 6 p.m.
This is the 9th year the morning club has hosted a concert and "100 percent of the profits go right back into the community," Jim told me.
But where?
The club gives four $1,000 college scholarships each year; sponsors programs in area middle schools; has built a Habitat for Humanity house and contributed to numerous other local organizations and charities. The club has funded several international projects as well.
"We expect a large audience and a wonderful evening," he said. Mandy's 90-minute show will start at 7:30 p.m. and run without an intermission. "People really seem to enjoy that format better."
Barnett has just finished her most recent run as star of Always ... Patsy Cline at the Ryman Theater. It's a role she first won as an 18-year-old when she went up against singers auditioning around the country. According to her online bio, she appeared on the "Midnight Jamboree" broadcast from Nashville's Ernest Tubb Record Shop after WSM's Grand Ole Opry when she was just 12. Before she hit her 13th birthday, she also appeared on the Opry.
Her self-titled album on Asylum Records won critical reviews and was a commercial success. her hit single "I've Got a Right to Cry" led to mainstream recognition.
I'll be there. Hope to see you too!
If you want more information, or to order a reserved ticket, give Jim a call at 232-0901 ext. 5.

Patsy Cline coming to Brentwood!

OK, so really it's Mandy Barnett, who's currently starring in Always ... Patsy Cline at the Ryman, coming to play the Brentwood's own version of the Ryman -- Brentwood High's Campbell Center. But a full Mandy Barnett concert, especially one that benefits all the good works of the Brentwood Morning Rotary Club, is a must-see event.

Here are the details:

The concert is Friday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. Reserved tickets are $35, with general admission $30. Still tracking down where you can buy advance tickets so check back for details.

And don't think this is just some little three-song deal for charity. "This is a full Mandy Barnett concert, focusing on classic country songs," according to her website, http://www.mandybarnett.com/.