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Mark Hinds: A Little Bit Country
By Jennifer
   From the moment that the audience hears, "You painted up your lips, and
rolled and curled your tinted hair," everyone is aware that Memories'
resident Kenny Rogers is about to walk onstage. When he appears, the
resemblance that Mark Hinds shares with Kenny Rogers is nothing less than
striking. Mark's face, hair, and mannerisms are just like Kenny Rogers as he
performs many of the hits from one of the best-known crossover country
artists of all time. And Mark also sings with the true "Kenny Rogers" sound.
   During "The Gambler," for example, Mark impresses the audiences with the
authenticity of his singing. Also, he can create the mood of this popular
song well as he sings about the two fictional men who discuss the art of
gambling and life. So "The Gambler" is always a crowd pleaser.
   Another highlight of Mark's act is definitely the audience participation
segment. When Mark sings "Lady," he brings one unsuspecting woman to the
stage so that he can sing this gorgeous ballad directly to her. And during
another well-known Kenny Rogers hit, Mark shares the vocals with the whole
audience as everyone enthusiastically sings and shouts "You picked a fine
time to leave me, Lucille." Mark also walks through the crowd, talking and
joking with the people, while he segues into each song.
   One of Mark's most beautiful songs is "Every Now and Then." In this
song, Mark really captures the essence of the lyrics, while everyone else
onstage blends together perfectly. The back-up is soft and gorgeous as "The
Three Inspirations," led by the extremely talented Flash Grimes, weave their
vocals behind Mark, as the Showband plays their heart out.
   Towards the end of Mark's segment, he always has a surprise for the
audience. The music begins, and a few people soon recognize the hit song:
"Islands in the Stream." Then Betty Koopman, with blonde hair and a gorgeous
dress, appears as Pigeon Forge's own Dolly Parton. Mark and Betty sing,
dance, and talk together wonderfully as Kenny and Dolly during this great
song. And Betty plays the perfect Dolly to Mark's very authentic Kenny,
while they light up the stage during this number. Is the audience really
sure that they're not watching the originals? It can be hard to tell the
difference sometimes. One fact is definite, however: "Islands in the Stream"
is always a hit with the audiences.
   So, Mark truly performs a great act for the Memories Theatre crowds. And
we didn't even mention that it's a proven fact that Mark looks more like
Kenny Rogers than Kenny Rogers does. But that's a whole other story....
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