special to The Star



After an incredible stand out performance of “O Holy Night” during the Tillis Family Christmas show this past December, The Meridian Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce that Carrie Tillis will be featured with the orchestra on Saturday May 16, 2009 at 8 pm at the MSU Riley Center. In response to the community’s overwhelming requests to bring back this talented vocalist from one of country music’s most famous families, MSO has worked hard to put together a great pops concert of standards and Broadway selections, featuring Carrie Tillis!

Tickets are on sale at the MSU Riley Center box office, 2200 5th Street Meridian, 601-696-2200 Tickets are $39 for “A” seats and $35 for “B” seats. Tickets previously purchased to MSO’s Classical Cinco de Mayo concert will be honored the night of the show.

Tillis:

Carrie Tillis doesn’t leave any musical genre out of the mix- a sure way to please the fans she’s garnered over the last ten years. From opera and Broadway’s musical theatre favorites to classic country tunes and standards, Carrie Tillis has found a way to bridge her country roots with her more classical leanings.

Mixing time between her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee and New York City, Carrie has the best of both worlds. From there she travels the country, performing in countless regional theatres with leading roles in classic shows like Show Boat, The Music Man, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Shenandoah, and many others. You might see her singing a symphony pops concert, singing with orchestras like Les Brown Jr. and the Band of Renown, or even an opera appearance. Carrie’s resume includes performances with opera companies in Nashville, Chattanooga, Alabama, and Arkansas, working with singers and conductors from all over the world.

Most recently though Tillis returned to her roots to star in her most acclaimed role to date as she portrayed the late, great Tammy Wynette in the musical version of Stand By Your Man-The Tammy Wynette Story. Tillis’ performance met with rave reviews and sell out crowds.

Last but certainly not least, performing with her famous family has to be the highlight of Carrie’s year. As the daughter of Country music legend Mel Tillis, and the sister to superstar Pam Tillis, Carrie definitely has the Country music pedigree.

The Tillis family found a great opportunity performing in Branson, Missouri at the Mel Tillis Theatre for many seasons and now travels world wide with the family tour. Carrie’s fan base has grown as father Mel introduces her as “the daughter that sings opera. . . not Grand Ole Opry.”

Carrie’s rendition of O Holy Night and Ave Maria have become requested favorites over and over again, as is the new addition to the show- His Eye is on the Sparrow. In 2008, Carrie released her first solo album entitled ROUNDTRIP. The self penned project includes a sound that Tillis calls “roots country” with some bluegrass and contemporary country. She quickly followed with “Just A Little Gift” – the Christmas album which included her standout performance of O Holy Night.

In a family where a lesser talent might have been overlooked, it’s clear that Carrie has stepped up to carry on the Tillis family tradition while carving out her own impressive identity. Recordings, schedule, photos and much more information can be found at her Web site www.carrietillis.com.