Taylor Hicks is Coming To Town

Taylor Hicks has announced another shadow concert date during his national tour of Grease. He'll be performing on September 14th at Warehouse Live, in Houston, TX.

Yee-ha! I'm fixin' to have a coronary knowing there's gonna be a show that's just down the road a piece from me. That's right, I can jump in the truck and drive about ten miles, as the crow flies. (Yo! Youse guys, don't tell anyone I'm actually a transplanted Yankee. shh...) Y'all, grab yer kin and come on down!


Warehouse Live

Just beyond the gleaming office buildings of Downtown Houston lies Warehouse Live, a 1920’s era warehouse repurposed as a one-of-a-kind concert and event venue. Warehouse Live features a vintage, 20 foot neon marquee welcoming and branding your event from the start. (From the Warehouse Live website.)

Voted by Houston Press as the Best Club for Out-of-Town Acts:

Very tough category to call, but Warehouse Live gets the nod for its versatility (i.e., the 400-capacity studio and 1,500-capacity ballroom), world-class sound system and the fact that more often than not its shows sell out, no matter if the evening's entertainment is Spoon and the New Pornographers or the one and only Snoop Dogg.

Warehouse Live is a very cool venue, in the middle of downtown Houston. Taylor's show will be in 'The Studio," with capacity for 400 people, standing room only.

It was announced today that, in an unprecedented and untrue move, the Governor has declared Texas, "The Cone Star" state during Taylor Hicks' stay.

(That picture makes me laugh everytime!)

If you're considering coming to see the T-man, I recommend making a weekend of it and touring the sights which are unique to Houston. In fact, you might want to think about staying on the water in Galveston one night. It's NOT a stone's throw away, though. You'll need a car. Everything is spread out, in fact, but most attractions can be reached via public transportation.

Why do I sound like an advertisement for the Houston show? Because during Taylor's solo tour the Houston show was cancelled. The official reason was a scheduling conflict, but I fear not enough tickets were sold. We need to make sure that doesn't happen again.



(*Now I'm yelling at you like a side-show barker*) So you say you've always wanted to tour NASA?! You say you've always wanted to see the Gulf of Mexico and eat authentic Mexican food?! Perhaps you'd like to cap off a long weekend with some good music in a club voted, "Best Club For Out-of-Town Acts"?! Then Houston's the place for you!! (Too aggressive? OK, I'll tone it down.)

Should you- you know, *shrug*- decide to come to Houston, here are some fun things to do. *shrug* Whatever:

1. NASA and Space Center Houston. Space Center Houston's unparalleled exhibits, attractions, special presentations and hands-on activities tell the story of NASA's manned space flight program. SCH is the only place in the world where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, land a shuttle, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA.

2. Galveston Island Galveston offers 32 miles of relaxing beaches, superb restaurants, top resort hotels, marvelous downtown shopping, numerous antique stores, incredible art galleries, fabulous entertainment and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country.

3. The Kemah Boardwalk. Take a stroll on the Boardwalk, dine by the water, ride the carousel, and listen to live music.

4. Downtown Aquarium Restaurant This $38-million world-class complex, perched on the redeveloped 400 block of Bagby, boasts 500,000 gallons of visible underwater tanks with more than 200 species of marine life--and that's just skimming the surface. You'll find rides and amusements for the entire family. The Shark Voyage is a highlight: Travel via train into an acrylic tunnel with live sharks swimming overhead. Ride the 100-foot Diving Bell Ferris wheel for an incredible view of the city, or the aquatic carousel if you'd rather be grounded. Quell your hunger at the Marina Matinee cafe or Aquarium restaurant; quench your thirst at the Dive Lounge.

5. Moody Gardens: I-Max theater, indoor rainforest, and fresh water beach.

6. The Galleria. The Galleria is the fourth largest mall in the nation. With its stunning architecture, exceptional store mix and distinctive style of entertainment, The Galleria has established itself as the #1 shopping and tourist destination in Houston with over 24 million annual visitors. Set beneath spectacular glass atriums, The Galleria features more than 375 fine stores (including Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Gucci, two Macy's stores, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren Collection, Louis Vuitton and Houston's only Nordstrom),restaurants, an impressive ice rink and two Westin hotels.

7. Houston Museums: Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Holocaust Museum and the Contemporary Arts Museum.

8. Minute Maid Park Enjoy a game while you're here. The Astros play Friday, September 11 at 7:05pm; Saturday, September 12 at 6:05pm; Sunday, September 13 at 1:05pm.

9. San Jacinto Monument and Museum: home to Battleship Texas and the 5 70-foot San Jacinto Monument.

10. Sam Houston Race Park: enjoy a day at the races.

11. The Houston Zoo

12. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. A 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy over 5 miles of nature trails, including forest, pond, wetland and meadow habitats. The grounds are open daily 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Discovery Room offers hands-on interactive exhibits, microscopes, touch screens and more. The Discovery Room is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

13. Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park. Visitors sit on the hillside or take a seat under the polygon canopy to enjoy the weekly shows that start in the spring and run through the fall. Free.

14. Bayou Bend Visit the magnificent home of Miss Ima Hogg (yeah, that was really her name!) and learn about the extraordinary legacy of a remarkable woman. Best known for her superb collection of American decorative arts, Miss Hogg was also largely responsible for Bayou Bend's innovative architecture and breathtaking gardens.

Buy tickets for Taylor's show here:
http://warehouselive.frontgatetickets.com/choose.php?lid=35029

TAYLOR HICKS LIVE

Taylor Hicks' Pix

Remember this Taylor Hicks interview?

Q. What was the first thing you splurged on after you got your deal?

Taylor: I bought a camera -- a Cannon EOS 30. It's a really nice camera. I wanted to document all that's going on, and I got to with this camera.

This stuck in my head because I have an affinity for photography, though I've never had the time to learn how to do it right. Still, I fumble along with my inexpensive digital camera, documenting every little thing that lands within my line of vision.

Way back when GC was still up and running, I left a comment to the effect that someday Taylor should put some of his photos together in a book for his fans to buy. Immediately after hitting "submit," I felt like an idiot. Oh, not because of that particular comment. I always felt like an idiot immediately after voicing an opinion at Gray Charles. (ha)

Anyhoo, somewhere along the way I came across this book of photos published by Rob Morrow when he was doing "Northern Exposure." It's full of behind-the-scenes shots from the show. I appreciate some of the images visually, but mostly I found it to be just plain fun.


I'd love to see Taylor Hicks put a book together like this. If he were legally able to include American Idol photos (especially from the tour), there would be a big market for it. Dont'cha think?

Maybe he's saving his personal photos for another autobiography? He wouldn't have to depend on expensive help from a Rolling Stones journalist this time. There are many talented writers within his fan base who could offer help. (*ahem*)

Taylor Hicks hiding behind the orchestra, trying to get a photo of Jerry Lee Lewis.

Austin Show?

I'm friendly with a few Taylor Hicks fans who live in Texas and we've been frustrated concerning the lack of shows within driving distance for us. We're curious to know if there of more of you out there like us.

So the question is, if he booked a show in Austin, would you go? I want names! (Not your actual name, a screen name is fine.) I don't want a bunch of anonymous yeses because it could be people screwing with me!

This is a petition of sorts. One of our favorite TH fans is going to tell him about the results.

Voo-Doo

I'm not a music expert. And I find it difficult to put into words why I like a certain song or musician. I think a lot of you are like me. There's something in Taylor Hicks' voice or in his delivery -or both- that gets inside your chest and makes you pay attention.

But has anyone out there figured out why we're SO affected by his music? And why we're still online after all this time sharing videos and news about him?

*crickets*

Yeah, I didn't think so! I've decided that the man's got some kinda voo-doo. I lived in Louisiana for about nine years. Believe me, from my experience there's no fighting the voo-doo. Let it take you over:

Taylor Hicks - Gonna Move + Soul Serenade - Magic Bag 6-22-09 from ForeverTaylor on Vimeo.

Back To Basics

One of my favorite bloggers, san, wrote a piece a little while ago titled, "Taylor Hicks~~leave me with the music". As I drive around on vacation, thinking about what I want to do with my blog, I find myself returning to what she wrote.

I'm weary of the fan nonsense. I don't know how many times I considered hitting the delete button on my blog and just walking away because of it. But, the truth is, I'm not ready to walk away from Taylor Hick's music. Is it possible to strip everything else away and focus on those goose bump, life-affirming, joyful performances? I'm willing to give it a try.

I'm currently on a borrowed computer, about 1500 miles from home, so I can't do a proper search for a stunning Taylor Hicks performance. I'll post one that I've shared before and then I'd like to hear from you. Give me some links to your favorite performances and let's get so lost in the music that the rest of it melts away.

A Taylor Tuesday Bonus

My family was visiting when Taylor Hicks' "Whomp At The Warfield" was on HDnet a week ago, Sunday. Despite my fantasies of forcing them to watch it...I mean, despite my plan to relax and enjoy the show with my company, we got caught up doing something else.

So I finally got to see WATW this afternoon. I was so impressed with the show that I decided to make notes as I watched to share here. First of all, due to some scheduling discrepancy, my recording started in the middle of the show. Taylor was already sweaty.

Some general notes: The theater looked full (others have said there are shots of empty seats) and the crowd was energized. I loved the shots from the stage, looking out at the audience. People were dancing, clapping, cheering. Panties flew. We got to see what Taylor Hicks sees as he's performing.

The band was hot. They sounded fantastic. During the THIRD encore ("Badge"), each band member played a solo. (BTW, I noticed Boogie's solo seemed to go on forever and was aware that Taylor wasn't on stage. He finally came out wearing a Giants shirt. Very cute. Taylor then knocked Brian Less aside and banged away on the organ, surprisingly on key. We were privy to shots of his hands on the keyboard so apparently he really can play a little.)

I enjoyed the close-ups of the band. It gives you a better idea of how hard they work and how much they seem to enjoy the music. Brian Gallagher, for instance, laughed as he did his own version of Taylor's trademark "Runaround Spin." (OK, I exaggerate a tad. He turned around. And laughed.)

Speaking of "The Runaround," Taylor introduced it as a Cajun tune. I don't remember hearing him describe it that way before, but OK. It's got some of the elements.

Taylor looked and sounded great. Obviously he brought his 'A' game for the cameras. When he's really on, everybody has a good time. I'm not a guitar player, but it sure looked like he knew what he was doing with his as the camera zoomed in. We also got lots of close-ups of Taylor playing harmonica. I'll bet if you needed someone to blow up balloons at a birthday party, he'd be your go-to guy.

Though the music was tight, Taylor was loose and playful with the audience. After his last bow, he jumped on top of a speaker and danced a bit. The only grimace-worthy moment during the whole show was when he made some odd growling noises during "Naked In the Jungle". Twice.

A couple of quick notes:

I was happy to see that the crowd stayed respectfully quiet during his first encore, "The Fall."

He played harmonica on his knees at one point.

What a great show! What makes it special for those of us who have been to a Taylor Hicks show is that you feel as if you're on stage with the band. You can hear every word sung or spoken, you can watch the musicians at work, you simply don't miss a thing.

Let's see how many of you would buy "Whomp At The Warfield" if you could. I'll put up a poll over there on the right. I know, I know, it's a dead issue. This is just for funsies.