Now, some might question my inclusion of Vicki Lawrence on this list. Others may wonder why she wasn’t the first performer I chose.

I caught Vicki’s one woman show at a Las Vegas locals casino a few years ago. I was excited about seeing her since the Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia is among my favorite oldies. I’m also a fan of Mama — more from the Carol Burnett days than the spin off series. It’s fun to see a live show where both are present.

I also have a personal connection to Vicki. I was in the band that was part of Nunsense 3: The Jamboree production that filmed at the Grand Ole Opry a few years ago.

As far as hits and headliners go, Vicki isn’t in that stratosphere here in Las Vegas. She plays the smaller local casinos, not the strip. The upside is that tickets are cheap and easy to get. The downside is that you never know what the quality of the show is going to be.

Still, if you’re a fan, catch her while she’s still keeping up a busy touring schedule.

March 26, 1949

Vicki Lawrence

Vicki Lawrence

by Gregory A. Kompes