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Neal McCoy at the Yakov Theatre
June 6, 2009
He wows the audience from beginning to end. It’s easy to see why Neal McCoy has twice earned the Entertainer of the Year Award.
I knew a couple of Neal’s songs but really didn’t know what to expect from his show. I came away a fan. I had the opportunity to interview him for an article I’m writing. He said he and his band work really hard to entertain everyone, those who know his music, and those who don’t. That is obvious from the first minute he walks on stage through the end of the final song, and his time signing autographs afterwards.
His show is unique. It’s unplanned. There’s no set play list. I halfheartedly questioned that when he said it, but I attended two shows in the same week, and they were totally different. Neal spends time out in the audience. As he talks to people, the band waits patiently on stage to find out what the next song will be. They are adept at following his lead.
At one point when he was halfway to the back of the theater, something or someone gave him the urge to sing Johnny Mathis’ Chances Are. The band didn’t know it but that didn’t stop Neal. He just belted it out a capella. Then truth is, he reads his audience well and responds accordingly.
The first night I attended the audience was older and smaller. He performed his hits and lots of classic numbers that everyone knew. The second night the theater packed in a much larger and more diverse audience. There were lots of young people. Whether it’s a natural talent or honed from fatherhood, Neal knows kids. He had the entire audience eating out of his hand long before the show ever ended.
Musically he covers a wide range of genres – from country to rock to pop to old Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis numbers. Like every performer with many hits, the audience wants to hear them, and he delivers. His band is right there with him every step of the way.
If you picked band members out separately, you’d think ‘he’s country, he's rock, etc.’ When you put them together you have strong musicians whose styles blend well. Each is very talented and Neal showcases them individually.
His website refers to him as the ‘Energizer Bunny’ and the name fits. He’s all over the stage, constantly interacts with the audience and there’s no lag time in the show.
Whether he’s talking about his USO tours, other artists, or songs he loves, he gives it 100%+. For fans who know his music, you can rest assured that you will hear his hits like Wink, No Doubt About It, The Shake and They’re Playing Our Song. His Hillbilly Rap generates an uproar from the crowd.
Neal ends every show with his signature song, I’m Your Greatest Fan. It well expresses his love of people and live performances. He’s a performer who understands his strengths and knows how to capitalize on them.
If you’re a veteran or active-duty military, you’ll experience his passion for entertaining for our troops. He’s the veteran of 14 USO tours. Be sure and introduce yourself to him after the show. He will be delighted to meet you.
Neal’s schedule includes 43 Branson shows this year. He’s here for four days in July, most of the month of August, a few days in September and all of the month of October. The first eight shows benefit local charities.
Pat Avery, Editor
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