The ever awaited Spanky Wilson was on hand to a packed house at the LAX Westin Hotel. For months I have been hearing the audience telling me about Spanky Wilson's performance. They could not wait! Well, after the band kicked the first two tunes, emerging from the midst of the crowd and sauntering to the stage, here she is!

Dressed in a wonderfully bright orange and yellow dress, Spanky spreads even more sunshine through the lobby. The band is comprised of some cats you may have seen before like Ryan Cross, adding such a spark on Bass, Louis Van Taylor on an array of woodwind instruments, Mel Lee on with his even titting and tatting Drums and a beautiful accompanist on Piano, Ed Vodicka.

From tender ballads, Brazilian bossa novas to fiery contemporary compositions, Spanky does it all and she is definitely in complete control. She is a Taurus and takes command of her band and the audience. When the red cape drops, you know you are in for the best a singer can bring coming at you full force!

With such talented musicians, Spanky stands to the side at times and smiles with admiration for the sound. She has great stories that she shares before each tune. She sets it up so she can blow it down! I thought it was crowded at the first set but, after the break, people had to stand and share tables because there was not a seat in the house.

Spanky also loves to mingle with her audience. They truly adore her. She will walk right up and sing right to you, literally singing and swinging her way through the crowd. If you are tall and fine, she may even saunter on over and take a seat in you lap as she tells you "Don't Touch Me" because it's "Better Than Anything Except Being in Love". When Spanky comes again you can believe the hype! She is a talent that you don't want to miss!

LeRoy Downs

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