Taylor Hicks has been to Asia. He’s been to Broadway, to Canada and California, and to hundreds of places in between.
This week he goes home to Birmingham.
At age 15, Taylor stepped onto the stage to entertain at Corey’s Sports Bar, a biker’s joint in downtown Birmingham. There were only a few more than his age in the audience. Taylor’s first “gig” was almost 20 years ago!
The next ten years took him all over the South—the Chitlin’ Circuit—bars, roadhouses and clubs from Nashville to the Gulf Coast. He said in his autobiography, “Heart Full of Soul,” that he could always count on coming home to Birmingham for a few gigs—City Stages, WorkPlay, Marty’s, Open Door.
In May, 2006, Taylor came home as a finalist in the biggest show on the planet, American Idol. He received a huge welcome—a parade and a meeting with Governor Riley who declared a “Taylor Hicks Day.”
A few months later, he returned to Birmingham as Season Five American Idol. In the famous purple jacket with a rock star entrance and Elvis’ Jailhouse Rock, he entertained the hometown crowd on the American Idol Tour.
Taylor was home again in March, 2007, on his own beautiful tour bus with full road band and entourage in tow. He performed at the historic Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham as fans came from all over the country to see Taylor in his hometown.
This week Taylor is back in Birmingham on yet another stage and another rung on the American Dream ladder. He stars as Teen Angel in the Broadway Across America production of “Grease.” He also entertains in his own concerts at WorkPlay with music from his new album, The Distance, out on his own label, Modern Whomp Records.
It’s Birmingham Week again!
September 22 ~ 27 “Grease” at BJCC starring Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel. Opening Night Cast Party at Rogue’s Tavern benefits Black Warrior Riverkeepers.
September 25 ~ WorkPlay concert SOLD OUT with Buffalo Black opening. Taylor appears after “Grease”
September 26 ~ WorkPlay concert with Bonnie Bishop opening. Taylor appears after “Grease.” Tickets are going fast!
Join Taylor and fans for the Birmingham experience!
It’s all special in B’ham!
Ticket for WorkPlay Saturday night:
http://www.workplay.com/workplay.asp?Page=http://www.ticketbiscuit.com/WorkPlay/BuyTickets.aspx?EID=38569&
Photos by san ~ Alabama Theatre marqee and Taylor in Atlanta, March, 2007. (No pictures were allowed inside the Alabama Theatre.)
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4 comments:
I wish I could! My Alabama experience in '07 will never be forgotten- the Sat.nite show, then seeing LiMBO at Workplay after (Taylor was going to appear, but was too sick that nite, and sent word he wasn't going to be there), then the Sun.nite show- amazing! I envy everyone who is going to both GREASE and Workplay. Enjoy!!
Sometimes it almost feels like 'we are going home' too.
The events in Taylor's life are mimicked, copied, replayed or duplicated everyday in all parts of the world. Taylor's journey is not unique but it seems so personal because we were there at the crossroads of his career. We have been privy to the "good times" and we relish his every move as he establishes himself in the music/entertainment business.
So, while I am not a Birmingham resident , I feel partial to that part of the country because it is the home of Mr. Hicks and he is comfortable and loved in that city.
Much luck during the "Grease" run in B'ham and to those of you fortunate enough to be apart of the Workplay or Rogue Tavern experience: ENJOY !!!
cath
There is nothing quite like going home when you have been away for a while. One can only imagne how great it will be for Taylor to be back in his hometown.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful time this coming weekend. I will look forward to seeing some great pictures and reading all about the concerts. One could say it is similar to a "reunion" - meeting up with friends that have been made during the past three years.
Wishing all of you who make the trip a memorable time.
Yes, I also love to be there during Birmingham week!! It is sure to be a special night to remember for all who can go -
I'm looking forward to sharing in the moments through those who are fortunate enough to attend!!
Thanks for a great blog about the upcoming Birmingham week!!
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