Pam and Angela – what a good get, Codfish Hollow

By Karen Bernick, August 19, 2023

The pairing of Nashville star Pam Tillis with local favorite Angela Meyer to perform in front of country fans at Codfish Hollow was plumb perfect.

Pam Tillis was smart programming if you ask me and I’ll bet a recognizable mainstream country act like Pam Tillis brought some nice new folks to Codfish. After a dust-billowing drive for several miles to what my husband affectionately refers to as the most remote farm in Iowa, how could a venue be any more country? Yep, the holler was just the place for this show. It sounded excellent to hear Ms. Tillis’ hits like Maybe it Was Memphis, Spilled Perfume, and Shake the Sugar Tree flow out from that vessel of a barn. It was also fun to hear her jokingly flub the pronunciation of Maquoketa (I did that when I moved to town) and talk about her daddy, Mel Tillis, and sing a cover of his Detroit City, along with many other gems from her catalogue and a few other covers, including Patsy Cline and Beatles.

Angela Meyer was a great choice for opening act. Her 7-8 song set supported by guitarist Sean Ryan made for great mood-setting entertainment. I’ve followed Angela a long time so it was fun to see her shine at Codfish Hollow.

Angela showcased a new sweet song, Home, written for her husband Dean. Check it out below and congrats to both of them!

Two memorable moments from last night suggest I earned a spot as one of Angela’s most enthusiastic fans for the evening. The lady next to me leaned over and asked if I was Angela’s mom? ‘Nope, but she’s here!’ I told her. Angela’s nice mom, Christa and her granddad, Eddy, are truly the top fans although I admit it was pretty exciting when Angela passed along her signed setlist to me. That was cool!

Earlier in the evening we saw Codfish art chief Heather Houzenga which is always a treat — I’m adding a bedazzled painting from her Zenga’s studio to my office collection!

Dan found his favorite craft, too. He enjoyed a couple Codfish Hollow Barnstormin’ Ales from the basement bar. He said they were yummy.

Barn owner Tiffany Biehl told us that music guy Sean Moeller is the one to thank for booking the Tillis-Meyer show. Consider this a big nod from country-loving me! Bravo.