By Stephanie Bertholdobertholdo@theacorn.com

Michele Tyler, the lead singer for the Fleetwood Mac tribute band Bella Donna, was paid the highest tribute recently when the musician that she impersonates— Stevie Nicks—heard her act and sang praises about her performance.

Through a mutual acquaintance, Nicks listened to a Bella Donna performance via cell phone during the middle of their show in Temecula. Tyler said that Nicks, who was traveling on a U.S. tour of her own, was complimentary of her band’s work. Nicks enjoyed the performance so much that she invited Tyler to meet her at her show in Las Vegas at the end of July.

Bella Donna, A Tribute to Stevie Nicks, will be performing at 8:30 p.m. Thurs., July 14 at The Canyon club in Agoura Hills. The band has developed a large following of aging baby boomers, Tyler said.

“People just get a very intimate connection with tribute bands,” Tyler said. “We’re easy to approach, we’re cheaper to go see. But we have to be every bit as good or better (than the bands that we portray) because you have so many critics out there who know everything about the band.”

Fleetwood Mac emerged as one of the great rock bands during the early ’70s, with such hits as “Rhiannon,” “Over my Head” and “Landslide.”

Die-hard fans expect Tyler not only to sing like Nicks, but to act and dress like the sultry lead singer, right down to her jewelry.

Tyler wears a silver triangle and gold half-moon jewelry that has become more than just a nod to Nicks or a fashion statement. The jewelry design now doubles as the Bella Donna logo. Tyler also enjoys wearing the same kind of clothing as Nicks during her performances.

“I’ve always preferred black because it makes you look thinner,” Tyler said. “Growing up in ’60s, I’ve always liked the ethereal gypsy look, so it’s not a hard stretch for me to want to dress that way.”

Bella Donna performed at The Canyon in February.

“We’re excited about the response we’ve been getting from our audiences,” said Tyler. “We love playing tribute to Stevie and her impressive body of work. The fact that our audiences have been so responsive is really satisfying for us.”

Tyler, a professional singer for 20 years, appeared on “Your Big Break,” a Dick Clark Productions TV show, where she portrayed Grace Slick of The Jefferson Airplane.

Other members of Bella Donna include Tyler’s husband, Bob Weitz, lead guitarist and producer; Allie Pomerantza, a Los Angelesbased vocalist; Robbie Diggs, drummer; Bruce Lawrence, guitarist and vocalist; Lisa Lynch, vocalist; Ralph Carter, bass playerand Ken Dayton, keyboard player and percussionist from Westlake Village.

Tyler and Weitz have lived in Oak Park for over 13 years.

For more information abouthe show or general admission tickets ($10), call the box office at (818) 879-5016. Tickets may also be purchased online through the websites www.belladonna-music.com or www.canyonclub.net.