On Friday evening a group of us headed to the Chris Owens Show on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. To be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect, I had just heard it was a show where this entertainer sang all types of music from jazz to country, rock and even some pop.

Usually I’m all about Googling this kind of thing first to at least get an idea, but with traveling I also like a surprise or two as I’m always up for an adventure. Since this was going to be a part of our evenings activities, I just went along with it all.

As I was still getting to know the layout of New Orleans, I first noticed the venue when we arrived next to an enormous white building laced with black wrought-iron balconies and Chris Owens signage. The place very much stood out from the other buildings on Bourbon Street. The address is: 500 Bourbon Street, and is situated right in the heart of all the action. With the jovial atmosphere it’s certainly easy to get a feel for your surroundings.

Once inside Chris Owens club, it looked and felt like many other nightclubs in the area but for some reason here, you instinctively knew you were in for a treat.

While we waited for the show to begin, we enjoyed our drinks and discussed what we had all heard about this Chris Owens entertainer. We had heard she was a drag queen, that she was a big star back in the day in Las Vegas, about all the money she had, the money she lost, how she owned the block her building was on. Not just the building: the entire block! No one seemed too sure what to expect and I was glad that the locals who were with us were also eagerly awaiting the show and wouldn’t divulge what they might have known about the entertainment that night. There was even talk Chris Owens was between the ages of 60 to 85 years old…with new hips.

Whatever was about to happen, you could tell we were all open and excited as to what kind of show it might be.

Shortly after we settled in, her opening act came on. Unfortunately I didn’t get the singers name but he was fantastic! He sang every type of song genre, had all the moves and a great sense of humor, he totally got the crowd prepared and made everyone feel welcomed.

Then he announced Chris Owens. Well, Ms.Owens certainly stood out from the moment she hit the stage and the whole audience stood to her attention. She ruled!

Chris Owens may be tiny in stature but huge in presence. She was loved immediately. Chris Owens has the look of a Vegas showgirl, with a lot of wit, energy, choreography and certainly her own style. You can tell there is no messing with this lady but what she emulates is love and star power!

Before the crowd could even sit back down in their seats from her open standing ovation, she was belting out the tunes and making sure she got around that whole stage to engage even those in the back. Ms. Owens looks you in the eye when she’s out there and really makes you feel a part of her world.

And it’s true; she sang everything from country, rock, and jazz to even the Lady Gaga song, "Poker Face".

For almost 90 minutes, this wonderful woman completely engaged and interacted with her audience. I don’t even recall people leaving the show to go to the bathroom. It seemed no one wanted to miss one second of her act.

When you go, (because it’s not an "if" but a when) you are in New Orleans, prepare for this show to be a great start to your evening. Prepare to quite possibly being one of the lucky audience members that gets to go on stage with her and the band. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. You cannot miss the Chris Owens Show if you are in New Orleans. Quite frankly you haven’t been witness to one of the true gems of the city until you have been to the Chris Owens Show.

The video and pictures I have added do not do justice to Chris Owens. I know for us, it was an experience we talked about for the next three to four days. My friends and I are still Facebook messaging each other our video from that night and asking questions, talking about fun moments.

When you go, here are a couple of things to note; the Chris Owens Show is regularly scheduled Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, but it is not unusual for more shows to be added. Try and check the day before you plan on going about tickets, etc. Her band begins at 8:30pm and you should for sure be there before 9:15pm to get the best seat, get as close to the stage as you can. VIP seating is available and the incomparable Chris Owens starts the show at 9:30pm. For more information I have listed the club’s website address, email and phone number.

For myself, I got to quickly meet her and just getting to shake her hand was an honor. What a wonderful treasure New Orleans has in a lady like Chris Owens. Such heart and soul. In the end, no matter how old she is, you’ve got to love a lady with some mystery and someone that can always get the town talking. The Chris Owens Show is great entertainment!