Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Perhaps the best thing about writing entertainment reviews is the opportunity to spend a little up-close time with the performers themselves. As I watch artists present their shows I'm not just entertained, but I usually feel a level of curiosity that goes beyond their music. So it was with great anticipation that I headed toward one of Bucerias' local beach bars to spend an hour with the musical comedy duo, Amy and Freddy. As the sun set over the bay, they opened up about their music and their lives.

As professionally trained musicians, Amy and Freddy's paths crossed during a chance meeting at a Chicago cabaret 20 years ago and the careers of these extraordinarily talented musicians merged. Like many gifted musical groups, Amy and Freddy are more than the sum of their combined talents. Together they bring remarkable musicality, humor, spontaneity and charisma to their shows. With Chicago as their home base, they have been performing in cabarets, theaters, main stages and cruise lines around the world. Over the past 10 years, they have repeatedly performed in greater Puerto Vallarta and are loved and appreciated by their audiences here.

I'd have to say, that there's something very comforting about being around people from the midwest. Midwesterners are some of the friendliest, most genuine people. Amy, a native of Detroit, and Freddy, from Missouri, are down to earth, warm, unpretentious folks from the heartland.

Both have experienced transitions in their lives this year. Amy's father, who she cared for during the past six years, recently passed away. She is grateful and reflective of the time they shared and the value of the limited time we all have in this life. Her positive, optimistic attitude has been infused with appreciation and anticipation for the future. Freddy recently married and is enjoying a wonderful partnership with his soul mate and their two dogs. Together, Amy and Freddy share a beautiful friendship and a love of music and entertaining. When you're with these two, you can 'feel the love' between them.

If you've ever had the opportunity to glimpse into the 'music business,' you may wonder how Amy and Freddy, after 20 years in the 'biz,' can stay so positive, motivated and excited about what they do. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that these two guide their own careers, always looking to the future for new avenues to express their musical and creative talents. With an extensive musical theater background, they would love to move in some new directions in the coming years with acting (i.e. theater, movies and television) and music. As accomplished as they are, they love new challenges and seem ready to pursue new opportunities that come their way.

One of the pleasant surprises that I see with performers like Amy and Freddy is their spirit of cooperation and comradery with other entertainers. These people have lunch together, go to each other's shows, listen to each other's problems, and are incredibly supportive of one another. Perhaps these traits are born from the creative, expressive, giving spirit that is the 'soul' of the entertainer. So my hour is up, and Amy and Freddy need to get ready for their show at Luna Lounge in Bucerías. I'd have to say, that this has been, by far, my favorite hour all week. And I have a new appreciation for two of Puerto Vallarta's most gifted and treasured entertainers.