Tanya Tucker treats fans to Halloween concert in Indiana

While most people were spending their Halloween collecting candy with their youngsters, I was lucky enough to avoid the slightly gloomy Indiana weather and take in one of the best concerts I've been to in a while.  This past Saturday, country music legend Tanya Tucker graced the stage of The Palladium in Carmel, Indiana and gave a vocally stunning performance of hits from her back catalogue that ranges about 45 years.

Tanya Tucker at The Palladium in Carmel, IN. (Photo Credit: Brooklyn Brown-Sater)

The venue is quite picturesque and a perfect setting for one of country music's gems. The Palladium, located within the Center of the Performing Arts, is a decadent theatre with four levels of seating and a grand stage that ensures every seat is the best seat in the house. The decor of the three main lobbies is opulent, from the marbled floors to the beautiful details in the ceiling. The staff is very friendly and inviting as well.

As for the show, Tanya Tucker is a performer who makes sure she gives her fans what they've paid for and more. Tucker is a country music legend. Her raspy voice is unmistakable and instantly recognizable. After about 45 years in the business, Tucker's voice sounds just as pure live in concert as it does on her albums.

Tanya Tucker at The Palladium in Carmel, IN. (Photo Credit: Brooklyn Brown- Sater)

Opening her set with hits such as "If Your Heart Ain't Busy Tonight," "Some Kind of Trouble," and "Down to My Last Teardrop" Tucker reminded the audience why she has lasted so long in the country music industry. There are no gimmicks when Tucker performs. No laser shows or dancers. She is accompanied by a five piece band that helps her deliver hit after hit. 

Tucker is a hospitable hostess, sharing antidotes and life lessons of growing up in the industry in between songs.  Whether is was telling the men in the audience to pay attention to the lyrics of "Little Things," a minor hit in the 90's about the real things women want, or sharing memories about "Love Me Like You Used To" and "The Jamestown Ferry," Tucker talked to her audience as if she was talking to a group of old friends. 

Tanya Tucker at The Palladium in Carmel, IN. (Photo Credit: Brooklyn Brown-Sater)

Tucker slowed things down midway through the show with an emotional performance of her classic "Two Sparrows in a Hurricane," stating that it has become harder for her to sing since the loss of both of her parents. She instantly revved the crowd back up with more hits including "It's a Little Too Late," one of my personal favorites "Lizzie and the Rainman," and "Texas (When I Die)" before informing the crowd that she had a surprise for them and letting her band play two songs.

When Tucker returned for her encore, she surprised the audience with her Halloween costume. Dressed as Dolly Parton, Tucker performed "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "I Will Always Love You." She closed with the hit that started her career at 13 years old "Delta Dawn," a fitting way to close out a retrospective show that highlighted her vast career. 

Happy Halloween! Ms. Tucker dressed as Dolly Parton (Photo Credit: Brooklyn Brown-Sater)

All stated, Tanya Tucker has had one of the longest and most successful careers in country music that not all of her hits, such as "San Antonio Stroll," "Can I See You Tonight," and "What's Your Mama's Name," can fit in a 90 minute set...maybe next time!

Tanya Tucker covers "I Will Always Love You"

(Tanya Tucker/YouTube)

Brooklyn Brown-Sater is the Style & Entertainment Content Manager for Up to Tempo. Follow her on Twitter @bbrownsater. 

Special thanks to Tanya Tucker, James Garner at CTK Management, Scott Adkins at Webster Public Relations, & Ellen Kingston at The Center For The Performing Arts.