Anka engages crowd at Pala

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal

Special to the Village News

Celebrating his 60^th year in show business, teenage idol Paul Anka has grown up. Performing at Pala Casino and Spa Friday, Aug. 25 to a full house, Anka sang his heart out.

“The Kid,” was in excellent voice. Singing with his heart on his sleeve, it was like warm sweet honey oozing over the standing, cheering crowd.

Anka’s suave, tuxedo-clad style was schooled in a Las Vegas showroom. He learned his craft from the best. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis. He knows how to engage a crowd and “work” a room.

Anka gave the audience every song they requested and hoped to hear. Filled with back and forth banter to his worshiping followers, Anka fans begged for more. And got it.

Backed by his seasoned orchestra, his audience was treated to many of his award winning tunes from "Lonely Boy" through "The Longest Day", as well as many of the songs written for others like "She’s a Lady" for Tom Jones, "Purple Rain" for Prince, and the iconic "My Way" for Sinatra.

The show was filled with on screen footage of his appearances on American Bandstand, The Ed Sullivan Show, photos with Elvis and even the Beatles.

A master showman giving 100 percent. His adoring fans got what they wanted. Paul Anka gave everyone back two and a half hours of their youth. On a balmy night in the middle of nowhere, Paul Anka was the shining star.