Kim Kuzma 'Diva': Celebrating the Music of Annie Lennox at The Palm Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
March 1, 2016

Kim breaks out of her standard show design for the first time in an absorption in the music of Annie Lennox. Never before in her long successful career has Kim taken the stage with an accompanist and delivered a solid show of one singer's work. She revealed that since she was a little girl, this singer was her idol and she fashioned herself after her career. This wonderful singing star was her role model since Kim was a child in a trailer park in Dawson Creek, Canada. Annie unknowingly made Kim a singer, not a waitress or office worker. She grew to learn that her inner core was filled with the desire to sing tunes of varying types, though soulful blues was front and center.

After introductory piano music prepared the audience for the first song, out popped Kim sporting an emblazoned gold jacket, black pants and a tight blond wig and sang "Sweet Dreams" with a driving beat getting the audience jumping. Kim ended this hot song with a high kick toward the audience with a smiling yelp. It became clear that even though this evening was a tribute to her idol, the renditions, arrangements and vocals were "a la Kim's style". Masterful Jean-Guy Comeau accompanied on piano and suppled some background vocals.

Annie Lennox was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and her career took off when she met David Stewart. They teamed as The Tourists then became The Eurythmics. Their first single coincided with the birth of MTV and suddenly their song was a worldwide sensation. They were firmly on the map. In time, she became the God for female divas. "Who's That Girl" and "Here Comes the Rain Again" followed and Kim took them into her inner self and showed us not only what a superb singer and artist Annie Lennox is, but also what a fine performer we had before us tonight.

Lennox embarked on a solo career in 1992 with her début album, "Diva", which produced the hit singles "Why" and "Walking On Broken Glass". Kim sang another cut, "The Gift", a lesser known tune with soft, thankful and soaring vocals.

Lennox was named "The Greatest White Soul Singer Alive" by VH1. Her second album "Medusa" was released in March, 1995. Blue-eyed soul was evidenced in the cover of Procol Harum's classic "Whiter Shade of Pale" which brought a hush over the audience as they were glued to her every swirling note and responded with thunderous appreciation. One of of Annie's biggest and best-known songs "No More 'I Love You's'" was a stunning production by Kim and Jean-Guy. Hearing her lilting, pleading voice enhanced the memories of this great song. Kim knew these songs well and how she wanted to sing them, with respect but also her own individuality.

1990's successful "Angel" was rewritten and recorded for a Diana, Princess of Wales tribute album in 1997. Kim put her heart and soul into this beautiful composition of moving onward and upward.

Annie composed and recorded "Love Song on a Vampire" as the theme song for Francis Ford Coppolo's 1992 film "Dracula". That same year the Ike and Tina Turner super hit "River Deep, Mountain High" was released. Kim took that powerful song and controlled of the room. Her fine voice suited the raucous beat and resounding lyrics. Kim was in her glory and those present were truly blessed. In addition to hearing and witnessing such showmanship on stage, the joy and compassion Kim displayed singing her idol's songs was heartwarming and special. As the attendees filed out to greet her and Jean-Guy at the entrance, we knew this was a wonderful night to remember.

Kim Kuzma will be performing "Diva" at the Palm Cabaret at 7:00 on March 1, 9:30 on March 11 & 18 with the final performance at 4:00 on March 22.

Tickets may be purchased at the Palm Cabaret Box Office, Olas Altas 508 in Old Town Vallarta (opens daily at 10:00 am), telephone is (322) 222-0200, or you may purchase tickets online at Vallarta Tickets.