Area Entertainment: A tribute to Neil Diamond

BY LINDA PAGE, Entertainment Writer

It’s hard to believe that before Keith Allynn became known as “The Diamond Image” he was known as a stand-up comedian, starting at the young age of 14. Keith opened for acts such as Chris Rock, Tim Allen and Robin Williams. Then at age 21 he discovered his musical talents and became known as an Elvis tribute artist.

Then a beautiful lady came into his life and this is when his Diamond Image began to evolve. The lady was Diana Lynn and soon she became Mrs. Keith Allynn. Although Keith was performing his Elvis tribute shows, Diana finally convinced him that he looked and sounded more like Neil Diamond than Elvis Presley.

Keith has over 50 singing impressions in his repertoire but he has focused on Neil Diamond and his show at Jerry Presley’s God and Country Theatre titled “A Neil Diamond Tribute.” He brings some of his comedic humor to the stage as he tells the story of Neil Diamond’s life through Diamond’s own songs. Keith went from a comedian to an Elvis tribute artist to a Neil Diamond tribute artist all for the love of Diana.

This past Monday night’s show was filled with Diamond hits like “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “I Am . . . I Said,” “Sweet Caroline,” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show” and “Hello Again” which Keith and Diana calls “their song.”

The list goes on as Neil Diamond has a catalog of 582 songs to date, including three number one hits, and Keith incorporates many of these into his show.

Keith also gave us a taste of his Elvis impression, singing “In the Ghetto.” This song, written by Mac Davis, was originally titled “The Vicious Circle” and became one of Elvis’ greatest hits.

Keith has a lot of talented people on stage with him. The Double Diamond Show Band features some of the best musicians to be found. The brass section is composed of three military veterans, namely, Jay Parks on trombone; Jay Daversa on trumpet and Bill Reder on flute and saxophone. Parks played in the Army Band at West Point and several other Army bands for over 20 years as well as the Bobby Vinton and Glenn Miller bands.

Daversa performed on live TV shows, with Elvis and Barbra Streisand, The Carpenters and was heard on TV playing The Walton’s theme song.

Reder was a resident musician in Vegas at Caesars Palace and played for the likes of Tony Bennett, James Brown, Glen Campbell, Liberace and many more.

Others in the Double Diamond Show Band are Adrianna Fine, vocals and percussion; James McCall, master percussionist; Tim Pope, drummer; Seth Darby, bass guitar; Bogie Bohinc, lead guitar, Terry Laird, piano and synth; and, Diana Lynn, vocals and percussion.

Diana has her own show at the God and Country Theatre called Carpenters Once More featuring the songs of Karen and Richard Carpenter.

If you are a Neil Diamond fan or just like great music, this is the show for you. Enjoy a fun, relaxed couple of hours listening to the music of Diamond. Call the box office at 417-3346806 for show times and tickets. God and Country Theatre is located at 1840 West 76 Country Blvd.