The night starts with a big surprise announcement: McMillan is working on her next EP and the debut single, written with local writer, Lynn Tessari, will be first played tonight, first time with a full band, with Tessari in the room and the title track to her disc, Chasing The Ace. McMillan plays half a dozen original tunes, including the previously noted, Nothing To Do, finishing with an acoustic, Haven't We All Been, while the band took a quick break. After the break, McMillan kicks it up a notch, bringing her personal style to numerous hot songs, but numerous artists. She runs all genres from rock and roll, yes Bob Seiger was played, to the new traditional country of Maren Morris. She tackles the rock classics, Summer of 69, You Shook Me All Night Long and Sweet Home Alabama as well as My Church by the fore mentioned Morris, Guitars and Cadillacs and Driving My Life Away. If it was a most requested dance tune in any bar, she probably played it. And they danced. As tight as the place was, standing room only, the dancers found a way to enjoy the atmosphere from their tables and the floor.
During one of the intermissions, McMillan asked if I would draw the door prize. Of course I was happy do so. Having hosted her at The Tavern and honored to have been the emcee at her sold out Horizon Stage EP Release show, nearly five years ago, if she asks, I'm there. We drew the first ticket for a hand made beanie. My wife Tannis, thanks to Steve Newsome reading her ticket, thought she won. She didn't. The beanie and the chocolates were awesome prizes, but the Egg Nog Moonshine, that apparently can't be had here, was the prize. And damn it Tannis didn't win the mason jar of creamy goodness! How else do you describe an alcohol laced nog beverage? More music ensued, dancers continued to dance and now the shots were flowing. All in all a great night.
We did miss hearing some other McMillan originals, but as I look back, I think I know why. McMillan is evolving. The music and direction she is going seems to be that of a growing, seasoned artist. Gone are the songs we know, from the young lady we knew. Still in motion, it seems to be more about the seasoned songwriter and where she can reach. Oh, I am pretty sure I don't have a clue what I am talking about and I am sure Mandy will correct me. You however, my friends, will never know. So, go with what I say as the truth. LOL!!!
And Buck..... thanks so much for the kind words. You and Sheila are truly fine, fine people.
Mandy McMillan, Stony Plain sweetheart and Nashville tornado, catch her if you can.