The historic Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon, Washington opened in 1926 as a home to vaudeville entertainers and silent movies. Eighty-five years later, the theatre continues to be an operational venue, hosting a wide variety of musical and theatrical artists, community-based events, and fundraisers. The Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation is a registered non-profit that supports arts and education in and around Skagit County.
In order to maintain the success of their various programs, the Lincoln Theatre has put Project: 85 into effect. With more than $44,000 raised towards their goal of $85,000 for further renovations, the theatre is well on the way toward meeting it.
Aiding substantially in Project: 85 was the April 27, 2011 sold-out concert by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. Travel from Birmingham, Alabama to Washington state was hampered by the deadly tornado outbreak that claimed many lives. Hicks and his band arrived late due to flight delays, requiring them to take the stage without a soundcheck.
Despite these circumstances, the show was an exciting combination of high-energy blues, rock, and soul. Hicks touched on all aspects of his career, dipping back into his pre-Idol catalog for original tunes such as "The Deal."
He elicited cheers with spirited renditions of songs he famously performed on season five of Idol, including Stevie Wonder's "Living For The City" and the Doobie Brothers' "Taking It To The Streets." From his self-titled major label debut, he sang the yearning ballad "Just To Feel That Way."
Other highlights among the cover tunes were Delbert McClinton's "Going Back To Louisiana" and Stephen Stills' "Love The One You're With." Hicks played plenty of harmonica, engaging both saxophonist Jeff Lopez and keyboardist Brian Less in call-and-response solos. A tribute to the members of the United States Armed Forces, "Nineteen" (from Hicks' most recent album, The Distance), brought the capacity crowd to its feet for a standing ovation.
Hicks left the stage quite literally soaked in sweat, but emerged minutes later to sign autographs for a long line of fans. Joining him was opening artist Tony Bridges, who performed an agreeable acoustic set with a scaled-down line-up of his Tony Bridges Band. Interestingly, Bridges was actually an early contestant on season five of American Idol, rooming with Hicks during Hollywood week.
For more information about upcoming Taylor Hicks performances, visit his official website.
Article comments
1 - Tish
Thanks for the great review. Wish I could have been there. I'm glad Taylor and his band were able to make the concert on time and give the great performance they have become known for even with the circumstances of the devastating tornadoes in the areas they all call home.
2 - Runaround
Perhaps now some people will begin to understand why we go to multiple concerts (if possible). Once you see Taylor live you can't go just once - the man and his band are addictive. Really. Taylor's shows are never the same. He will tweek it in a way that makes you feel you are seeing him perform for the first time. Simply - his concerts make me happy. People are happy after attending a TH concert. That's a lot to be said for one man and one band in our world today. Taylor is not an auto-tuned, imitation of an entertainer like so many artists today. If you want to see a real musician who absolutely loves what he does then GO! BTW, three of his band members were with him waaaay before AI. Jeff Lopez (horns), Brian Less (keys) and Sam Gunderson on guitar. These are also some of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
3 - Kathy
Any time there is a Taylor Hicks concert near me I am THERE. The man is amazing. If you have only seen him on Idol you really don't know him, He is so much more!
4 - Girl4Reba
Taylor is the ultimate entertainer. Such a glowing review and so well deserved. Thank you, so much.
5 - Terry-Jo Norman
I was there.....and he was all that and more! It was my first time seeing him live but won't be my last. He was amazing, a true musician. I had the opportunity to meet him before and after and he was as gracious as he is gifted! I miss him already!
6 - Judy
Thank you for the wonderful review. We were not able to make this show (and I was dying)..but were there for his Snoqualmie concert. Taylor is simply amazing...he definitely leaves you BEGGING for MORE. Can't wait for Coos Bay.