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Pittsburgh , Pa. March 9 - 14, 2010; Bendum Center for the Performing Arts
Topic Started: Apr 6 2009, 11:28 AM (465 Views)
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March 9 - 14, 2010


Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
719 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222


TICKETS: Tickets cost $22-$66


SEATING CAPACITY: 2800



SEATING CHART: Posted Image


THE VENUE:

Posted Imagecourtesy of www.pittsburghclo.org/.../clo-ticket-information

The Stanley Theater was built in 1927 at a cost of $3 million and opened on February 27, 1928. James Bly Clark, an early theater tycoon who assisted in the founding of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, financed its creation.
The Stanley was billed as "Pittsburgh's Palace of Amusement." In attendence on opening night were Governor John S. Fisher, Mayor Charles H. Kline and Adolph Zukor, president of Paramount Studios. Regular admission cost 65 cents - 25 cents if you came before noon - and performances provided a welcome lift of spirits during the Great Depression.

The theater was purchased and remodeled by the Cinemette Corporation in 1976, and in 1977, DiCesare Engler Productions bought the Stanley to present rock and roll concerts through 1982.

The late H.J. Heinz II focused his attention on the historic restoration of the Stanley Theater, and as a result, this became The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's first project after its founding in 1984.

The $43 million dollar restoration would take approximately two years, faithfully restoring the Benedum Center to look as the Stanley did on opening night in 1928.

By following the very strict restoration standards set by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Commonwealth Bureau of Historic Preservation and the Historic Review Commission of Pennsylvania, the building is registered with the National Register of Historic Places.

Posted Imagecourtesy of paconservation

The theater itself is beautiful from the inside to the outside.Inside you will see over 90 chandeliers, torchiers, and sconces, and all but one of them are originals from when the theater was first built..The main attraction of the Benedum Center would be the main chandelier in the center of the theater. It is an original that happens to weigh 4,700 pounds, it is 20 feet high and 12 feet wide. It is absolutely amazing to behold. It was restored to honor H.J. Heinz the second.

Some little known information on it is as follows. The Benedum Theater was built in 1927, but it was then known as The Stanley Theater. James Bly Clark was the financer at the time. Later on in 1976, DiCesare Engler Productions bought the Stanley to start performing rock and roll concerts. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust undertook the Stanley Theater as its very first project in 1984, and focused on its historic restoration. The Benedum Theater is today a magnificent site to behold, brimming with elegance and style.
source:Amalynn



There are over 90 crystal chandeliers, torchieres and sconces in the theater, all but one are original. The Central Brass Company located in Reading, PA refurbished them.
The Grand Lobby mirrors, marble and woodwork are all original.
Posted Imagecourtesy of www.associatedcontent.com/article/350740/visi...
At the landing on each staircase in the Grand Lobby are 18-foot high original mirrors meant to be reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.
The signature piece of the Benedum Center is the original main chandelier which weighs 4,700 pounds, is 20 feet high and 12 feet wide. It was restored in honor of the late H.J. Heinz II.

Posted Imagecourtesy of photos.igougo.com

Approximately 95% of the interior of the building is plaster. It took a fifteen person crew almost a full year to complete the plaster renovations.
There are 1,500 feet of brass rail in the theater, most of which is original.


DIRECTIONS:


From the North
Follow Interstate 279 South to Pittsburgh
Take the Veteran's Bridge/ Interstate 579 Exit
Stay in the right lane and take Sixth Avenue Exit
Follow Sixth Avenue and cross over Liberty Avenue
Road becomes Seventh Street
Benedum Center is on the right, on the corner of Liberty and Seventh Street.
Or
Follow Interstate 279 South to Pittsburgh
The Fort Duquesne Bridge Exit and stay in the left lane
Take the Fort Duquesne Blvd. Exit off the bridge
Proceed on Fort Duquesne Blvd. to Seventh Street
Make a right on Seventh Street
Proceed through traffic light at Penn Avenue
Benedum Center is on the left, on the corner of Liberty and Seventh Street.
From the South
Follow Route 51 North (Saw Mill Run Blvd.) to the Liberty Tunnels
Turn right into the Tunnels and proceed across Liberty Bridge
Take the Interstate 579 Exit onto Crosstown Blvd.
Immediately exit to the left on Seventh Avenue
Follow Seventh Avenue to Liberty Avenue and turn left
Proceed on Liberty Avenue and make a right on Seventh Street
Benedum Center is on the right, on the corner of Liberty and Seventh Street.
Or
Follow Route 837 North through Pittsburgh's South Side
At Station Square, turn right on Smithfield Street Bridge
Follow Smithfield Street to Sixth Avenue, turn left
Follow Sixth Avenue and cross over Liberty Avenue
Road becomes Seventh Street
Benedum Center is on the right, on the corner of Liberty and Seventh Street.
From the East
From the Turnpike, take exit 6 to Monroeville/Pittsburgh
Take I-376 West (towards Pittsburgh) for 13.5 miles to Exit 1C, Grant Street
At the signal at the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Fort Pitt Boulevard
Continue another 0.4 miles and at the third signal, turn right, onto Stanwix Street
Proceed straight to the fourth light and bear right (45º angle) onto Liberty Avenue
Go to the third traffic light and turn left onto Seventh Street
Benedum Center is on the right, on the corner of Liberty and Seventh Street.
Or
Follow Interstate 376 West to Pittsburgh
Take the Boulevard of the Allies Exit
Take the 579 exit onto Crosstown Blvd.
Immediately exit to the left on Seventh Avenue
Follow Seventh Avenue to Liberty Avenue and turn left
Proceed on Liberty Avenue to Seventh Street
Make a right on Seventh Street
Benedum Center is on right, on the corner of Liberty and Seventh Street.
From the West
Follow Interstate 279 North to Pittsburgh
Proceed to Fort Pitt Tunnels
Take Liberty Avenue Exit
Proceed on Liberty Avenue to Seventh Street
Make a left on Seventh Street
Benedum Center is on the right, on the corner of Liberty and Seventh Street.

HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS:

http://realtravel.com/a-17122-pittsburgh_attraction-benedum_center_for_the_performing_arts_the HOTELS


http://realtravel.com/a-17122-pittsburgh_attraction-benedum_center_for_the_performing_arts_the RESTAURNANTS



POINTS OF INTEREST:


Melwood Photography Gallery
Posted Imagecourtesy of pittsburghgalleries

Melwood Photography Gallery
477 Melwood Ave
Pittsburgh, PA

Whether you are a resident or tourist in Pittsburgh make sure you stop by the Melwood Photography Gallery. This gallery features some of the best in photography of local and photographers nationwide. Photography gives you something much different from paintings and other types of art. Photography can give you detail and that crisp lifelike appearance that other forms of art do not. This means that when you hand a photograph on your wall, you can look at it and feel as though you are in that scene. Pictures tell a story and no matter what type of picture it is you will be able to conjure up some storyline to go along with the photograph.
When purchasing a photograph from the gallery you will be impressed with talent of the photographer. Frames can be purchased which will really make the portrait stand out. There are many different scenes in the photographs so you can find one that fits your décor whether it is your home or office. You can also find a photograph that fits your personality. There are so many to choose from that you may even have a hard time purchasing just one of these incredible pieces of art. So while in downtown Pittsburgh, make sure you go the Melwood Photography Gallery. They are located at 477 Melwood Ave and can be contacted by phone at 412-681-5449. They are conveniently located near many other shops, restaurants and attractions so it is the ideal place to stop in while do other things in the city.



Carnegie Omnimax Theater
Posted Imagecourtesy of flickr.com/photos

Carnegie Omnimax Theater
1 Allegheny Ave
Pittsburgh, PA

The Carnegie Omnimax Theater in Pittsburgh, PA is an outstanding location to see some of the world's best movies on one of the largest screens.

In true Omnimax style, the theater boasts a huge screen that wraps around the audience submersing them into the action around them. There are often various movies showing. These rotate regularly depending on popularity and availability. Guests are able to choose from well known pictures, science movies or other educational based programs.

The Carnegie Omnimax Theater is inside of the Carnegie Science Center located in downtown Pittsburgh, just across the street from Heines Field. Visitors can purchase tickets to the science center and the Omnimax at a discounted rate. Plan to stay the whole day. The science center boasts several floors of experiments, displays and exhibits. There is a planetarium located within the science center with various shows, as well as a cooking demonstration area. In addition, visitors can enjoy a large number of hands on displays designed for children of all ages.

Also within the Carnegie Science Center is a cafeteria style restaurant with a variety of foods including healthier options and a gift shop. Guests can buy popcorn and soft drinks to take inside the theater as well. Ominmax tickets can be purchased individually without admission to the Science Center. Guests should call ahead to find out what is playing, what times it is playing and what hours of operation the Science Center offers. Handicapped access is available. The movies are rated based on content individually.






Stephen Foster Memorial
Posted Image

Stephen Foster Memorial
4301 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA



Stephen Foster Memorial in Pittsburgh, PA If you are a big music fan, and is interested in looking into the history of music, then going to the Stephen Foster Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania would be the place to go. The Stephen Collins Foster Memorial is located at the University of Pittsburgh, and is also considered to be one of Pennsylvania's historical landmarks.

For many people going to the Stephen Foster Memorial is a dream come true. The Stephen Foster Memorial is known as one of the world's single most concert hall, library and museum that is devoted to a music composer that is American. What's even greater is that Stephen Foster is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!

When visiting the Stephen Foster Memorial, you are able to view many different things that were owned by Stephen Foster as well as many other great items. In fact, some of the artifacts that are on display are many different instruments (including a piano of Stephen Foster's), over 200 copies of his compositions, songsters, recording examples, different programs and broadsides, manuscripts, books and also many memorabilia pieces as well. In fact, the entire collection of Stephen Foster is located in the left wing of the museum.

When visiting the memorial/museum you will not only enjoy yourself, but you will also learn a lot about how much was once produced. It is a very enjoyable/learnable memorial!



Posted Imagecourtesy of bobjanuary.com
in Highland Park, Pittsburgh, Pa. Not until 1900 did Pittsburgh have any monument to Foster, when by popular subscription (raised through the enterprise of T. J. Keenan) this handsome granite and bronze statue was raised just inside the main gateway (left), to Highland Park. Moretti, the sculptor, has been most happy in his conception and execution of his commission and represents Foster sitting with his pencil and paper ready to jot down some sentimental melodies, while below and beside him "Uncle Ned" strums happily on his banjo. A feature of the ceremony at the unveiling of the monument was a singing of many of Foster's songs by a chorus of Pittsburgh school children, under the direction of Victor Herbert.



MEDIA:

1. Post Gazette

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10061/1039523-325.stm

Tuesday, March 02, 2010
By Kate McCaffrey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Taylor Hicks plays Teen Angel in the touring musical "Grease," which will be at the Benedum Center March 9-14.From Alabama bars to Asian arenas, mall Easter Bunny to Broadway, unknown to mocking "Saturday Night Live" skits, Taylor Hicks, that gray-haired, harmonica player of fickle "American Idol" fame, has had an unlikely ride.


In 2006, Mr. Hicks' fans, the Soul Patrol, voted him into first place to win the coveted (and disparaged) "Idol" crown. Since then he has enjoyed the highs -- No. 1 and No. 2 Billboard slots for his debut single and album, respectively -- and endured the lows -- getting dumped by Arista Records two years later -- a pattern that now seems par for the course.

These days Mr. Hicks can be found wearing a costume he describes as "Liberace meets Elvis Presley meets Gram Parsons" and singing "Beauty School Dropout." For the past two years he has been touring the country, playing the role of Teen Angel in Broadway's version of "Grease." Last week, he took some time out while in Milwaukee to talk about the show, his unlikely Broadway training and why being the greatest musician in the world won't get you anywhere if you just sit in your room.

What's your schedule been like since you started touring with "Grease"? I see you're coming to Pittsburgh from Milwaukee then to Buffalo and Ontario. How many days out of the year are you on the road?
Let's not talk days, let's talk years. I've been on the road four years straight. I think I left when I was 28 and I think I'm 33 now. It's been one big blur, but it's been one big fun blur.

How does that affect your songwriting? Is it hard to find time to write and squeeze in time for your own music when you're constantly on the road like that?
You have to be disciplined. You have to just, you know, find that creative outlet. And, to a certain degree, I've had a blast building the character of Teen Angel and the role. Thinking of things that could work and you know, just having the discipline to have a creative outlet.

Performing in a musical like "Grease," does it take a different kind of discipline and stamina than performing with a band?
It's interesting. I spent two years of performing music for an hour and 45 minutes five nights a week. This has been kind of a reprieve to a certain degree. And it is a grueling process, but, for me in the role, it's not as physically demanding. But what you do with your time on stage has been the most challenging.

How's it the most challenging?
You just have to make sure when you're on stage, you have to make sure you make the most impact, to leave the most remark. That's the key for my role as Teen Angel and also coming out and singing the encore performance with every encore show.

If five years ago, before you won "American Idol," if someone told you you'd be touring with "Grease," what would you have said?
I would have probably said they were crazy. But now that I've gotten into this arena it's just been a wonderful combination for me as a live performer and me as a musician to kind of bring some of my strengths as a performer out and Broadway has done that.

Were you into Broadway or theater as a kid?
I never did theater. Only twice as Santa Claus when I was a kid ... which was kind of interesting.

When did you play Santa Claus?
The Christmas play in eighth grade and the Christmas play in second grade. I just remember them stuffing me. I must've been a cross between Santa Claus and Stay Puft (Ghostbuster's Marshmallow Man) 'cause I just remember being stuffed with a bunch of pillows. I'll go even one step further. I was the Easter Bunny at the local shopping mall as well. I've been able to be quite a few interesting characters in my time.

When were you the Easter Bunny?
I was the Easter bunny when I was 16 to 17. It's not the most ideal characters for training for Broadway, but it'll do, you know.

Do you have a new appreciation or critical eye for musicals now?
I'm still just in the very beginning stages of the musicals and theaters. I've definitely caught the acting bug through it. I'm really blessed that I've had the opportunity. I know how hard it is to get to Broadway.

Will you do more in the future?
If the right role came along, I would definitely do some.

Music wise, do you have anything new in the works?
I do actually. I'm planning on working on a record during the summer of this year. And hopefully releasing it soon.

As Teen Angel, you're the voice of reason and wisdom. Is there anything you've learned since winning "American Idol" that you'd want current contestants to know?
To stay in the business, you know, work and tour as much as you can. ... Make sure you tour. That's the thing. You have to be out there and tour and be with the people. People want to know that you're tangible.

So some people would say that participating in "American Idol" discredits musicians and their work. Do you think people take your music less seriously than they would have maybe had you not won "American Idol"?
Um ... yeah, I think ... it does. ... The thing that I was always taught by older musicians is not how you get there, it's if you get there. And I think when you get there is ... the most important part is what you do with it when you get there. Does that make sense? And I think any way that you can get there is the way that you should get there. I think ... you gotta find a way to expose yourself. You can't just sit in your house and be a great musician. You have to get out there.


2. Angelic 'Grease' role fits Hicks comfortably
!By Alice T. Carter, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Monday, March 8, 2010


While growing up in Birmingham, Ala., Taylor Hicks' dreams included becoming a performer and experiencing a big snowstorm.

He fulfilled the first by becoming the season five winner of "American Idol," having his blues band, the Taylor Hicks Band, record an album that went platinum and making a 2008 Broadway debut.

After experiencing snowstorms that led to several cancelled shows of the national touring production of "Grease" -- in which he plays Teen Angel -- Hicks also has had his fill of snow, he says during a phone call from Milwaukee, Wisc.

"Grease" opens a week-long engagement Tuesday at the Benedum Center, Downtown.

Most widely known as a 1978 hit movie, this latest Broadway-revival production of "Grease" adds songs from the motion picture, including "Sandy," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want," to the score of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey songs from the original 1972 stage production that include "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightning" and "We Go Together."

It's a widely popular tale of good girls, greasers, hot cars and teenage lovers set in Rydell High School sometime in the 1950s.

Performing in a musical was not something Hicks had originally envisioned.

"I tried to work on being a well-rounded entertainer," he says. "But this is something I did not perceive."

Before making his Broadway debut in "Grease," Hicks' stage roles had been limited to appearances as Santa Claus in school plays, first in seventh grade and then in his junior year.

"My first acting coach was Kathleen Marshall," he says, referring to the former Squirrel Hill resident who directed and choreographed the Broadway revival of "Grease" in which he appeared as a replacement. "That's the only acting or theater training I had."

After winning the 2006 "American Idol" competition, Hicks was offered larger roles in other Broadway shows, but turned them down in favor of Teen Angel, a small, but high-profile cameo part.

"Teen Angel was appropriate," he says. "I wanted to take a small role and expand on it if I liked it and was successful. You can take a small, flashy role and make it as big and over the top as possible. ... Having experienced it, it's a perfect fit. It allows me to express my music side and my performing side. It's a culmination of what I worked for."

After playing on Broadway for three months, he headed out on the road with an 18-month contract for the same role in the national touring production.

While on the road, he likes visiting with fans, having his picture taken with them after shows and signing records for them.

"It's not how many tickets you sell. It's how many lives you touch," he says.

A veteran of one-night appearance tours with his band and as an "American Idol" winner, Hicks also is enjoying the luxury of the "Grease" national tour that allows him to spend a week or more in a single location.

"It's great to be able to visit cities like Pittsburgh and get out into the country again," he says. "You can sink your teeth into a city."

While in Pittsburgh he's also hoping to sink his teeth into the city's best cheeseburger.

"I like to visit restaurants and see something of the local flair," he says. "I like to find who has the ultimate cheeseburger."


http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/theater/s_670658.html

3.
A review of the entire production that seems fair and balanced. A general , generic overview of the show without any specific comments.

Review: Production of 'Grease' has fans humming
By Alice T. Carter, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, March 10, 2010




When fans of "Grease" leave the Benedum Center humming "You're the One That I Want" they're likely thinking as much about the production as the song itself.

Those who believe they were born to hand jive -- ticket sales as well as opening night audience enthusiasm indicates there are a lot of them -- are almost certain to love this production.

Set in the now distant and legendary year of 1959, this musical comedy follows the loves, dreams, delusions, rivalries and relationships of greaser guys, in-crowd Pink Ladies and a sprinkling of nerds, class clowns and cheerleaders during their senior year at Rydell High School.

The show is a popular staple at high schools and community theaters so it's only natural that parents, grandparents, teachers and scout leaders have nary a qualm about taking youngsters to see this show.

Faulty memories or sanitized productions may not have prepared them for the raunch and language they will encounter here.

Members of Rydell High School's class of 1959 smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol to excess, swear and deliver enough middle finger salutes that it's a wonder that the ever watchful teacher/hall monitor/chaperone Miss Lynch doesn't drop dead from heart palpitations.

There are abundant but not overt indications that a whole lot of sex is going on off-stage, One scene is driven by Betty Rizzo's concern that she may be pregnant and the climax of the show suggests that girls who want to be popular and accepted in high school should tart themselves up and prepare to put out.

The clearly satisfied customers streaming out of the Benedum may be oblivious or don't care about those disclaimers.

It's easy to overlook them in a show that clearly works overtime to entertain.

This is a big, well-produced national touring production with a huge cast of 26 headed by Josh Franklin and Lauren Ashley Zakrin as the cute but ambivalent young lovers Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski.

Along for the ride is American Idol winner Taylor Hicks in the tiny cameo part of Teen Angel. Those coming to see Hicks should know that his role in the show is small — a nicely rendered but single song in the second act — plus a showcase appearance during the curtain call.

Even Dominic Fortuna, who plays DJ Vince Fontaine, gets far more exposure, especially as he's on stage alone for an amusing 10-minute pre-show during which he interacts with and warms up the audience to great success and applause.

Performers such as Laura D'Andre as Betty Rizzo, David Ruffin as Kenickie, Bridie Carroll as Jan and Will Blum as Roger turn their secondary characters into real, recognizable people.

Broadway choreographer and director and former Pittsburgher Kathleen Marshall pumps the show full of lots of action and high-kicking, fast stepping, clever dance numbers.

Scenic designer Derek McLane provides colorful, clever set pieces, notably Danny's car that transforms before our eyes from rust-bucket clunker to a candy apple red vehicle worthy of the name Greased Lightning and the oversize drive-in diner decor ice cream cone from which Hicks as Teen Angel makes his act two appearance.

Costume designer Martin Pakledinaz and wig and hair designer Paul Huntley contribute the pencil skirts, leather jackets, crinoline puffed dresses and the bangs, pony tails and pompadours that enhance period and character.

The strength of this enduring musical is in its score, created by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey with additional songs by Barry Gibb, John Farrar, Louis St. Louise and Scott Simon.

This national touring production of the 2007 Broadway revival includes songs from the original 1972 stage production such as 'AoeSummer Nights,'A 'AoeGreased Lightning'A and 'AoeWe Go Together'A as well as four more — 'AoeSandy,'A 'AoeHopelessly Devoted to You,'A 'AoeGrease'A and 'AoeYou'Are the One That I Want," — that were part of the 1978 hit movie version.

The result is a whole lot of head bobbing going on as audience members of a certain age mouth the catchy lyrics along with other theatergoers who are a whole lot too young to remember the '50s first hand.


http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/theater/s_670933.html

4. Text of Taylor's interview with Carly Noel on WPXI in Pittsburgh along with a photo scrapbook :
http://www.wpxi.com/slideshow/entertainment/22801282/detail.html


'American Idol' Winner Taylor Hicks In Pittsburgh With Broadway Musical Tour 'Grease'

By: Carly Noel, WPXI.com
Posted: 2:04 pm EST March 11,2010

http://www.wpxi.com/entertainment/22811166/detail.html

Hicks stopped by WPXI-TV on Thursday for an interview. He was charming and warm, just the way he appears on television and stage.

Hicks plays Teen Angel in “Grease,” the character who tries to guide Frenchy when she drops out of beauty school.

“This is my first Broadway role, so it’s pretty exciting,” said Hicks.


Hicks brings a little blues to the Teen Angel role. He surprises audiences when he pulls out his harmonica and switches up his portrayal of Teen Angel.

“Frankie Avalon is such a signature role. They (producers and writers) wanted to make sure I made it my own, so with the harmonica, with the sparkly suit and the rhinestones, I wanted to make sure it was signature to who I am,” said Hicks.



Whether he’s on stage in a musical or singing his original songs in concert, there’s no doubt that Hicks’ performances are derived from the blues.

“Growing up in the south, you hear a lot of blues, so it’s a part of your musical gumbo, so to speak,“ said Hicks.


Since winning “American Idol,” the man dubbed the “Soul Patrol” has released two albums “Taylor Hicks” and “The Distance.”

“I wrote a lot of ‘The Distance’ in Nashville, Tenn. I spent a lot of time with Eric Clapton’s band members who perform on the record,” said Hicks.

At just 33 years old, Hicks has had a career inspiring to our young viewers interested in music and musical theater. I told him about our High School Shows section on WPXI.com. He gave me this advice to pass on to the students:

“Practice makes perfect. When people say that, they really mean it. You have to take every opportunity to perform as much as you can because the more you perform, the more you get better,” said Hicks.


Hicks has been performing a lot lately. The “Grease” tour is 18 months long and he’s in the 15th month. Hicks and the cast have stopped in about 50 cities and have about 10 left.

On top of playing Teen Angel, Hicks has the opportunity to wow “Grease” audiences nationwide with his original songs.

“I actually get to play a single off of the record every night after 'Grease' is done, which is kind of cool because it culminates the record and musical into one. It’s a really cutting edge way to release a record," said Hicks.



SOUL PATROL MEMORIES:

Posted Imagecourtesy of Kris

1. Last night which was Friday, my dad and I got to go to a theater called the Benedum Theater and watch a play together! The play was called grease if you have heard of it you know what I am talking about. If you don't know it is a play about a High School in the 50's and what things were like! Cars, guys, girls, school, hair, etc. The AMERICAN IDOL WINNER OF 2005, TAYLOR HICKS, was in it and a funny song he sang was "Beauty School Drop Out." It was way good and the girl actress singing with him said in a part of the song, 'I voted for you!!" The audience got a kick out of that! It was so funny and awesome and cool! At the end of a play Taylor Hicks sang one of his songs called, 'Seven Mile Breakdown.' It was really good! At the end he did a harmonica solo and he is a really really really great harmonica player. After the song he was signing his CD's if you baught one in the back and you could get a picture with him! Of course I bought a CD and got it signed! Posted Image
It was way awesome to actually meet a star! It was a really spectacular night and I just wanted to share it with you. I hope you enjoy! Written by: Caitlin Snow

Posted Imagecourtesy of Kathleen

2. TaylorRHicks Friday Night! Pitt sold out this weekend.

Posted Imagecourtesy of TaylorrHicks

3. Teresa Huhn

Thank you for being more gracious than I ever expected. My daughters and nieces were so excited to meet you. In line, I told them not to expect much - a quick signature - and no chance of a photo. Instead, you talked to them and posed for a photo. A true class act - Thank You.

Posted Imagecourtesy of Heresa Huhn


4. From a youtube entry by glozell1 :



5. Taylor played with ekoostik hookah this past weekend.

Published: 2010/03/15

American Idol‘sTaylor Hicks Sits in with ekoostik hookah

Season 5 American Idol champ Taylor Hicks sat in with ekoostik hookah at Pittsburg, PA’s Rex Theater this weekend. Hicks, who was in town with the traveling version of Grease, joined ekoostik hookah on harmonica for “Big Ol’ Freight Train” and “Sure Cure For The Blues.” As previously reported, Hicks played in jambands before achieving national fame and has recently performed with Widespread Panic and The Allman Brothers Band, among others.
.

http://www.jambands.com/news/2010/03/15/american-idol-staylor-hicks-sits-in-with-ekoostik-hookah


ekoostik hookah
One of the most original and energetic acts around today, ekoostik hookah is the nucleus of a family drawn to its lucid, improvisational treatment of psychedelic rock n roll, blues, funk, jazz and bluegrass layered with rich harmonies. Born early in 1991 in a smoky basement bar, the band has been continually evolving, cultivating a sound that has perked the ears of contemporaries and attracted fans who travel miles to hear them play.

ekoostik hookah has played in more than 30 states at venues including New Yorks Wetlands Preserve, Chicagos House of Blues, Clevelands Nautica Stage, Atlantas Variety Playhouse, Boulders Fox Theater, Columbus Promowest Pavilion, Clevelands House of Blues, LA's Whiskey a Go-Go and San Franciscos Great American Music Hall. In 1997 hookah was invited to play at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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