As I made plans to attend Taylor Hicks' show in Laughlin, NV at the Aquarius Casino, the old song "Age of Aquarius" would run through my mind. Might even give you a clue as to my age! But regardless, it was a show I was glad I had not missed.The Pavillion is a large room where chairs can be set up to seat up to 2,500 patrons. There weren't that many chairs there for Saturday night, maybe half that, and few were empty. The mix ranged from able to walk to able to roll around in a scooter and every where in between. Pretty even gender mix too.
When Taylor Hicks takes the stage smiling and his eyes twinkle, you know you are in for a treat - a show to remember. I still get goosebumps just thinking about it! From the first song to the last, the energy was high, the voice perfect, and grins could be seen behind the microphone. Taylor was wowwing the audience, he had them in his hands, and was toying with us - always keeping the show about the music. And the music was superb!From "Bulletproof" to "Nineteen", from "Maybe You Should" to "What's Right is Right", from "Seven Mile Breakdown" to "Taking It to the Streets", Taylor Hicks stayed in control, directing the band as needed and giving them spotlights to shine. The guitar duel with Sam or cheering on Brian on the keyboard, playing with Jeff on the sax or Leif on the drums, and teasing us with his own harmonica proweress, it was all good!
In the end, I left satisfied - satisfied that I had just witnessed one of Taylor's best shows! The energy would keep me up late and not let me wind down to sleep. I would think about it on the way home on Sunday and wish it had lasted longer.
Taylor Hicks may be a man without a home, but his tour bus, band family and music must keep him fully charged and grounded. It showed in last night's performance. He was going from fast to slow, hands over heart, dancing and wiggling when appropriate, and never lost a beat in changing the pace of the show. I want to see it again, and again; not just tonight, but the next show I see, and the one after that!
I spoke with a band member after the show and expressed what a great show it was. And that person's response, "Yeah, it was", let me know right there that even Taylor and his band knew that had given more than 100% and that the show had been fabulous, and they were proud of the results.
Any way, enjoy the pictures from the fabulistic show (I know, it's not a word) which is totally appropriate because the show was fabulous and fantastic all rolled up into one!
Like the words to the old "Summer Love" tune, I'll see you in September!
