BWW Reviews: NASHVILLE CAFE in Park City is Unique and Unforgettable

Last weekend's NASHVILLE CAFE concert in Park City was an unforgettable night of Nashville musicianship and Hollywood star power.

Five stars of the critically acclaimed musical television series NASHVILLE performed last Saturday, August 23, 2014 in an unprecedented concert at Deer Valley Resort's Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater. It was a unique, one-night-only show that has never played anywhere else.

Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor), Chris Carmack (Will Lexington), Charles "Chip" Esten (Deacon Claybourne), Lennon Stella (Maddie Conrad), and Maisy Stella (Daphne Conrad)--all series regulars--took a break from filming in Nashville, Tennessee, for their visit to Utah.

The performers were all completely in their element, exhibiting showmanship and range that isn't always able to be showcased on the NASHVILLE series. There is no doubt that these are not just actors who can sing--they are absolutely stellar musicians.

The show opened with the young Stella sisters, who delighted the audience with their sophisticated harmonies and acoustic arrangements of such differing songs as Jason Mraz's "I Won't Give Up" and "Till There Was You" from Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN.

Next was Carmack, who wowed with an entertaining set that began with "What If I Was Willing" from NASHVILLE and included an original song he performed at his friend's recent wedding.

Bowen channeled her inner Dolly Parton with "Jolene" and brought the crowd to its feet with KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree." Esten looked like a bonafide country star as he kept the audience moving to the concert's high-energy conclusion with original songs such as the comical "I Love You, Beer" and the rousing "This Town is Ours Tonight."

The best moments of the evening were when the performers sang songs from NASHVILLE that carried emotional connections to their characters. These included "Black Roses" by Bowen, "Sideshow" by Esten, "A Life That's Good" by the Stellas, and "Is That Who I Am" by Carmack, in his first live performance of the moving song. NASHVILLE is consistently one of the best written and acted series on broadcast television, and these songs allowed the audience to catch a glimpse of the actors playing their roles from it, tugging a few heartstrings along the way.

The NASHVILLE stars seemed genuinely humbled by the reception they received, and the fans were clearly in awe of the talent displayed. The Park City Institute can't be thanked enough for bringing such a rare, fulfilling experience to Utah.

The final installment in the St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights concert series at Deer Valley will be An Evening with Vince Gill and The Time Jumpers this Saturday, August 30, 2014. For more information about future events sponsored by the Park City Institute, call 435-655-3114 or visit ecclescenter.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Clare Bowen, Lennon and Maisy Stella, and Charles Esten

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