RAPID CITY, S.D. – What began as a community theater production became a stand-alone show, selling out to audiences across the Black Hills. Then it went quiet. For 10 years. But the band that makes up “InClined – A Patsy Cline Experience,” never lost touch and now they’re back…for a reunion.
Set for Sat., April 29, 2023 in Rapid City, Si Issler who is the band’s lead singer, shared it was time.
“We took a break. Life happens,” said Issler. “Band members had to move out of state for work. But it was never a ‘this is it,’ kind of moment; it was just a ‘see you later.’ Life went on, everybody did their thing. And then one day our former stage manager Chrissi Davies, asked, ‘Why don’t you get “InClined” back together?’”
According to Issler, everyone was on board for a reunion performance.
“We didn’t want to call ourselves a tribute band necessarily. But we wanted to give audiences a clear vision of who Patsy was,” said Isler. “We talk about her life and legacy.”
Band members include Michael Moore on drums, Melissa Moore on bass, Lon Schnittgrund on guitar, Dylan Fleming, dobro and Carla Orater, piano. All are original to the first creation of “InClined.”
For any performer to even approach covering the iconic Cline, there would have to be a deep-seated recognition of all the entertainer who died young, epitomized in the emerging country music scene of that time.
The book “Honky Tonk Angel: The Intimate Story of Patsy Cline,” by Ellis Nassour has been a valuable resource for Issler. “I’ve had the opportunity to visit with him a number of times. He did an amazing amount of research that fleshes out her entire life. He talked with everybody who ever had contact with her. He shows her warts and all – as a complete human being. She was determined and stepped on a lot of toes to get to where she wanted to be. There was heartbreak and hard times along the way. When you listen to that music, it’s an ethereal voice almost. She sings heartache in such a subtle, exquisite way. “
The venue, The Park/707 Nightlife (located in the renovated Baken Park) is the kind of nightclub setting Cline might have performed in. And includes dancing.
“I think there is a nostalgia to that time. I think people have life stories of their own tied to that music,” shared Issler. “This band and I have such a great time together. There will be stories about ourselves but mostly about Patsy….and dancing. It’s going to be a really good time.”
For tickets go on line at the Park707 and also see more information on Facebook.
For Issler, the journey of Patsy Cline is almost mystical. “Part of it is her voice. Part of it is her passion. No one can sing like her. As I learn more about her life, about what was happening during this time that she was singing these songs, she put everything into it. It’s all she ever wanted to do was to be a singer. She put her heart and soul into her music. And she sang with passion every, single time.”
