Sharing thoughts about Taylor Hicks and concert travels and other musical musings!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Traveling Circus Finds the Age of Aquarius is Taylor Hicks

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!

Monday, August 16, 2010

The Traveling Circus Knocks on Heads at Knuckleheads


It may have been hot temperature-wise but it didn't matter to those brave enough to sit outside to listen to Taylor Hicks perform on the outdoor stage at Kansas City's Knuckleheads. I'll be back later with more, but for now, enjoy "Nineteen" from the show.


2010-8-14 Nineteen Knuckleheads Kansas City MO from RagsQueen on Vimeo.

I took a bunch of pictures at Knuckleheads. Taylor was on top of his game, as the expression goes. I'm always amazed at how he can reel them in just by flashing a smile, touching of hand to heart, or just pumping his harmonica. Comments after the show included "had no idea", "man, he's good", and "WOW!".

What some called a biker bar, Knuckleheads made up for in ability to enjoy a close and intimate show with Taylor. The train tracks were just the other side of the stage, and the occasional train did blow his horn as it passed by. Even "Nineteen" captures the moment of the train whistle as Jeff Lopez played.

The entire show was energy packed, with Taylor never still for a second. I later heard Candye Kane, the first performer of the evening, came out to watch Taylor perform and really enjoyed him. Or maybe it was Jeff because she wanted to get her picture with him! Speaking of Ms. Kane, she gave a great blues performance with lots of upbeat music. Her guitar player, Laura Chevez would give Josh Smith a run for the money in a guitar duel!

Rather than bore you with details, have a look at the photo album attached. And if so inclined, leave a comment or two!

Knuckleheads Photos




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The Traveling Circus Enjoys the Start of the Bad Ass Summer Tour at the Highline Ballroom


When Taylor Hicks announced he was doing a Bad Ass Summer Tour, he wasn't kidding! The tour opened at the Highline Ballroom in New York City on Sunday night, July 25. What a night it was!

Here are my treats from the show, which speak for themselves!

Pictures Galore! Enjoy!



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Some of My Favorite Pictures


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