Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – If you’re a fan of the music of the 1980’s, you won’t want to miss Amy Armstrong in ‘I’m Still Standing’, playing on the upstairs stage at Nacho Daddy on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. Puerto Vallarta entertainment writer, Gary Beck, who attended a recent performance, tells us about this not-to-be-missed show.
Amy Armstrong has a legion of followers, evident at any of her concerts. Tonight highlights Amy’s favorite songs from the 1980’s. Her remarkable assemblage of two top local musicians to complement Amy’s vocals and style are: Al Ramiriz (Mimo) on guitar and Eugenia Prieto on violin. Both have played with her on many occasions and their love and friendship among them is quite evident to the audience. This group was all lovers of Amy, some for many years, so it thrills Amy to see so many smiling, happy, familiar faces.
This is a personal event. She selects her very own favorite tunes from the 80s, most of which she grew up enjoying their sounds and lyrics.
“Everything old is new again.” Starting off with the show’s title cut, I’m Still Standing, this creation is very relevant to Amy and many of the attendees. “…after all this time, better than I ever did. Picking up the pieces of my life. Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid.”
Everybody Wants To Rule The World from Tears for Fears brought back memories of the old MTV video television station. Amy admitted that “I’m an 80s baby. I’m an MTV baby.”
Amy delivered this 80s super classic tune Billie Jean in a slow tempo, emphasizing the words without allowing speedy backgrounds to overpower the event. It was a delight to listen to the words of a musical number heard millions of times, now with lyrical clarity. The trio turned to solid rock with Guns N’ Roses single Sweet Child O’ Mine. “I’ve had a rough summer. I’m just happy to be here singing,” Amy commented. The crowd agreed to her presence and were thrilled that Amy is back on stage at Nacho Daddy and at other venues where she has presented many shows over the years. She has performed for about thirty years.
The magnificent Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner was tributed with The Best: “Better than all the rest. Better than anyone. Anyone I’ve ever met.” The crowd loved her intense delivery and display of her extremely fine voice, moving all over the melodic lines. She was among not only friends but admirers. Some shook their heads in awe of what they heard.
Slowly, she embarked on the River Boat Queen in Proud Mary. She lured listeners into a peaceful mood, but then broke loose and pounded the floor sounding like burning and rolling on the river.
No 80’s song list is complete without the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. Amy selected She Works Hard For The Money to sing about a hardworking ‘lady of the night’. She rocked the room and the guitar and violin added excitement and hot rhythm. Both musicians have such supreme talent that they can play riffs and melodies which they compose, sounding like improvisations, but in truth are well-rehearsed. Both are brilliant artists.
Amy wanted to sing this Hall and Oates song in Spanish since she is now back in dear Mexico with suspect taco stands and irregular steps going up to the sky. But Eugenia could not translate Maneater into Spanish. There was no word, so she sang in English. “Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up.”
She conceded that this next song is not from the 80’s but she wanted to sing it tonight anyway and touched upon The Beatles Come Together. She was in control urging all people to get together and love one another. The three played and sang as a tight unit, revealing the years of being on stage together once again.
“You wanna hear one more?” Why not? She selected Prince’s stunning Purple Rain, which laments the loss of a friend. Her vocal volume is not contrived or overdone. Although blessed with powerful vocal chords, she is aware of how to use them in a pleasing fashion and everyone knew she was ‘the real thing’.
Obviously enjoying herself immensely, she did not wish to depart and gave the audience Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black from a later decade. This powerful song was grasped by our Amy, thanking everyone associated with this production, expressing the hope that listeners will come back for her other show here “The Unbreakable Amy Armstrong”. [Playing at Nacho Daddy on Saturdays at 7:00 pm.]
Sound and Lighting by Santiago.
Amy Armstrong in ‘I’m Still Standing’ is presented on Wednesday nights through March 20 at Nacho Daddy. Tickets to all shows are available online via eventbrite.com.
For more of Gary’s Puerto Vallarta show reviews, join his More of Beck’s Best: Theater, Cabaret and More! group on Facebook.
Open daily from 11 am to 12 am for lunch, dinner, live music and lots of fun, this popular south side hangout is located at Basilio Badillo #287, only two blocks off the beach in the heart of the Romantic Zone. Credit cards accepted. For more information, visit NachoDaddy.mx or become a fan on their Facebook Page for promotions, daily specials and more.
Click HERE to learn more about Nacho Daddy Restaurant & Sports Bar.