The Vintage Tour 2005
Little Rock

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By Lee Walker
For Dollymania       

      WOW! What a Dolly performance it was here in Little Rock, Arkansas! The Grascals opened the show with a bang and performed a variety of songs for about 25 minutes. Then a brief intermission for about 20 minutes before the lights went out and the crowd rose to their feet! A huge colorful curtain hung across the stage as Dolly's band began to play the opening bars of "Those Were The Days." A shadow appeared through the curtain as one of the band members were playing the fiddle; then the shadow disappeared as the band picked up the beat. Within seconds the curtain quickly dropped to the floor and there stood Dolly at the top of her staircase with her hands on her hips to greet the crowd! She was dressed in a purple rhinestone dress and dazzling footwear!

      The crowd was already on their feet and giving Dolly every moment of their attention as she made her way down the stairs to centerstage. Dolly hit every note and the crowd got louder and louder. At song's end, the crowd was still on their feet as Dolly began to speak. "I love you Dolly," was heard around the arena as Dolly quickly replied, "I love you too!" She jumped right into "9 to 5," which sounded like a pop song live in concert! It was fabulous and Dolly was bouncing all over the stage as she sang about the working man! I love her version of "9 to 5" live! It was awesome!

      With yet another standing ovation after the first two songs, Dolly knew this was an awesome crowd. She was welcomed with open arms and she felt right at home here in Little Rock. Dolly and Kenny Rogers were in Little Rock together back in 1990 as she mentioned that during the show. Back in 1990 when Dolly was here, she wore her Razorback hat and called the hogs! I was also at that show and it was great to see Dolly remember Arkansas like that!

      During her 80 minute live set, Dolly talked about family and it was quite touching when she talked about her mom and "Coat Of Many Colors." Dolly said, "When I sing this song and play my harp, I feel as if I'm holding my momma in my arms as I'm singing this song to her." Dolly was a little teary eyed while talking about her mom and when she sang "Coat Of Many Colors," the crowd rose once again! Dolly was very touched and so were we! I cried during the song as I always do!

      From there, Dolly talked about that ole hussy Jolene, in which Dolly said, "I changed her name to Jolene to protect the guilty who was flirting with my husband many, many years ago." She was telling the story about how she came up with "Jolene." Dolly went on to say, "I saw her a couple of years ago and she is as ugly as mud these days!" Dolly was full of jokes and laughter all night! It was wonderful!

      Dolly joked with a gentleman on the front row about him "trying to look up her dress!" She also joked about her "stuff" and "trying to raise her ole man's spirits." The show was filled with laughter and family moments as well as PURE Dolly as only Dolly can give! The crowd LOVED her!!

      Dolly took us down memory lane with "Two Doors Down," "Applejack," "Marry Me," "Here You Come Again," and finally closed the show with "I Will Always Love You," before coming back to sing two more hits.

      As Dolly left the stage she took her final bows and blowing kisses to the audience! With the crowd still standing, Dolly left the stage. If was an incredible night of Dolly and her music! I'm so glad Dolly came to Little Rock on this tour! Arkansas loves her, and being on the 3rd row center; it couldn't have been any better!!!!

      Come back soon Dolly!!!