Nellie McKay's not comfortable with Prairie Home companions

Focusing on her tribute to Doris Day, the NY cabaret star was funny but too tentative at the Dakota with her Mpls pickup band.

January 7, 2010 at 6:42PM
Nellie McKay
Nellie McKay (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

By Jon Bream

(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Nellie McKay is one of my favorite live performers. She's as push-the-envelope unpredictable as she is LOL hilarious. But she was too tentative musically Wednesday at the Dakota, working with members of the house band from "A Prairie Home Companion" (she's been on that show). For a full review, click here. Expect a different set list on Thursday. Here's what she played on Wednesday, drawing heavily from her new "Normal as Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day": The Very Thought of You/ Do Do Do/Cupcake/ Sentimental Journey/ A-Tisket A-Tasket/T he Very Thought of You/ Mother of Pearl/ If I Had You/I f I Ever Had a Dream/ Wonderful Guy/ Just a Prisoner/ The Dog Song/ I'm gonna pounce like a pussycat/ I Wanna Get Married/ Ding Dong/ Over the Rainbow (a request and sing-along)/ Crazy Rhythm/ I Want To Be Happy ENCORE Send Me No Flowers/ Walking after Midnight/ Won't U Please B Nice

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