In a tribute to moms for Mother’s Day, she sang the moving “We Love.” Making the song especially touching was the presence of Patty’s mother and father in the audience, as well other members of her family, whom she acknowledged lovingly. Paying tribute to Liza’s mother, Judy Garland, she also sang “Over the Rainbow,” followed by “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music,” a favorite song of hers when she was a student. She followed with a delightful ditty, “Sandi with an ‘I,’” in which she cleverly changed the lyrics of “Liza with a Z” to fit her own situation in regard to the misspelling of her first and last names. Patty began her performance with a vibrant interpretation of “That’s Entertainment” that literally set the tone for what was to come.

Throughout her set, Patty, who projected the warmth, sincerity and generosity of spirit she is known for, connected with the audience the moment she bounded on stage.

Best known as a Christian-music icon with a distinctive soprano voice and wide, expressive range, Patty handily demonstrated she can also sing secular music and may be one of the best jazz singers out there, as she performed songs from the Great American Songbook and a few tunes from her Christian repertoire. Taking the stage for Act 2 was Patty, accompanied by her top-notch trio comprising Steve Potts on piano, local artist Steve Dokken on bass, and Patty’s long-time drummer Steve Hanna.

The Haunting by Bill Myers