Saturday, March 2, 2019, was a big day for Dustin Swatzell. Not only did he win the impersonation contest at Dixon Townhall Theatre, performing “American Pie” as Don McLean, but his band Prairie Fire got a big thumbs up. The five-member group got the crowd warmed up before the show, and kept everyone wanting more as they belted out a few numbers while the ballots were tallied. Some audience members had left their seats by the end and danced in the back of the room. The evening show, at least, was first-rate entertainment.
Don Soper, as Mac Davis, had a more-than-willing audience providing background vocals on “It’s Hard to Be Humble” to finish second, and Joe Duling, as Rodney Dangerfield, earned a respectable third-place finish.
The audience laughed, groaned, and sang along with the many talented entertainers. Mady Berendes as Lauren Daigel, Rod Dobesh assuming the character of Billy Currington, Kalissa Steffen portraying Wynnona Judd, Mike Boxa performing as lead singer of Climax, Claire McDougal impersonating June Carter Cash, and Rick Messerschmidt masquerading as Richard Carpenter delivered accomplished solo performances.