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DEAR ABBEY: A night to remember

| March 26, 2014 9:00 PM

I had the privilege of attending a cabaret-style performance by Abbey Crawford, Thursday evening at the Clark House along the shore of Hayden Lake. The Clark House is a very large and truly magnificent home from elegant days gone by, and it was a real treat to go there again after many years and spend a couple of hours marveling at the detail and the craftsmanship.

Abbey Crawford was their featured entertainer, and I wish to compliment her and her pianist on an absolutely first-rate performance. Their song selection was fresh, innovative, lively and soulful, and their mastery of their music was complete. Ms. Crawford has a rich and powerful voice, one which can change effortlessly from brassy and bawdy to sweet and sultry. Her rendition of Moon River was compelling, and it had an otherwise lively audience riveted in silence until the last note faded to stillness. It was a masterful performance.

Her singing and storytelling were accompanied by the equally skillful and very complimentary piano playing of Carolyn Jess. Carolyn was equally lively and engaged with the audience, seated behind an antique, baby-grand piano. They both dressed in period dresses, and they played their parts with grace, style and superb musicianship.

These fine performers are playing at the Clark House on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through April, and I would recommend this show highly to anyone who wants a delightful evening, set in the most beautiful and genuine location imaginable. The Clark House serves a full selection of drinks and appetizers, and the entire presentation Thursday evening was truly excellent.

JEFF CONNAWAY

Coeur d’Alene