Taylor Hicks ~~ Rockin' on the River!

I was lucky enough to be there!

Taylor Hicks in my own back yard, or at least within driving distance, was too much! I had packed some things in clear plastic bags before I remembered that I wasn’t getting on a plane. My concert clothes could hang!

A half day road trip and I was in Laughlin, NV. Even after years in Arizona, I had never been there. It was smaller than I expected—and hotter. Both my car and my phone were telling me that, but I wasn’t prepared for the 110 degrees when I stepped out.

What Laughlin lacked in size, it made up for in sparkle and entertainment. I know I am in my favorite place when there is a poster with a picture of Taylor Hicks announcing his appearance there! That’s what greeted me just inside the Aquarius, a huge twin-towered place on the Colorado River. The River is the boundary between Arizona and Nevada with the gambling and entertainment on the Nevada side and the real world business of Home Depot and Carl’s Jr. on the Arizona side.

Casinos are born promoters. Taylor’s posters were everywhere—over the slot machines, on the walls and on free standing pedestals. At check in I was given an envelope with two tickets and a nice letter from The Aquarius: Welcome to Taylor Hicks Fans! I don’t believe we have ever received a welcome letter before!

I am very fond of tour bus pictures. I know the bus is a symbol of a dream come true. It also is a symbol that Taylor and the band have arrived safely. I actually saw a member of the band before I saw the tour bus parked close to the second floor Pavilion venue. The trailer was nearby with a Tennessee license plate and a Route 66 sign on the front! Let the music begin!

I like to explore any new area, but it was just too hot. I’m from the cool side of Arizona—Northern. Since I am not a gambler, it was a waiting game. I long ago recognized that Lady Luck was not my friend. But, hey, I was lucky enough to be seeing Taylor Hicks in a few hours—that was the jackpot for me!

I always check out the venue and know where I’m going by concert time. I don’t want any last minute glitches. This is a long awaited event. Nothing will spoil it!

It never gets old. It’s always exciting—walking to the concert.

The setup has become classic—three guitars with the shiny red one a bright splash of color on a dark stage. After the bus pictures, I am fond of the guitar pictures. Of course, they all take a back seat to the Taylor Hicks pictures!

It is amazing the connections you make and keep on the Taylor journey. I was happy to see old friends again and catch up since the last Taylor concert. One I had not seen since Roxy’s, and she hadn’t seen Taylor since then. Her enthusiasm to see him again was infectious. It was going to be fun!

It never gets old. The first notes from the band and the introduction of Taylor Hicks! And we’re rockin’ with the opener, “Love the One You’re With.”

Taylor was in a fun and chatty mood. When someone yelled out “How about some “soul patrol,” he ran to the microphone and very quickly and jokingly said an “uninspired” “soul patrol”! He asked if there were any big winners or any big losers? He was as animated as his “Teen Angel” with side glances and playful expressions to the audience. He was having fun, and it showed. So was the large crowd probably approaching 800-1,000. It was a mix of young and old, Taylor fans and casino visitors.

We were all rewarded with one of the best concerts ever. This was my first 2010 concert, but others who have attended this new National Tour quickly said it was one of the best.

I know that it was different, intense and inspired by new music and energy. It made me wonder how Taylor Hicks continues to mix it up, make it better, and obviously love what he’s doing even more than he did last year!

That’s why we keep flying, driving and going.

The crowd showed its appreciation afterwards by joining a very long line to buy his CD, "The Distance," and his merchandise. They stayed to meet Taylor and have him sign his CD and have pictures made with him. There was no rush here. Taylor had changed from his black button up shirt to the simple black t-shirt and was as relaxed and friendly as he could be. We stood in line for a long time and there was still a long line behind us.

As I watched him, I marveled at his genuine demeanor with everyone. He took the time to make lasting impressions on those who had come to see him. He said once that he wanted to “hand deliver” his CDs because people would remember it. I think a lot of people from Saturday night will remember how they got “The Distance.”

It never gets old—the music!

He changes it and makes it better. There is no doubt whatsoever that the highlight of the concert for me was seeing the live performance of “Bulletproof!”

The music is another story that I’m going to save.

Laughlin was a great re-connecting with Taylor live on stage. There is nothing like it. It is why we do what we do!

Thanks, Taylor, for coming West! Continued success like Laughlin!

Have a safe and fun tour!

Photo by San: Taylor Hicks at The Aquarius, Laughlin, NV 8.21.10