Greenwich Town Party: A Wickedly Good Surprise

by Holley Dey, Louise Uznanski, Richard Uznanski

Greenwich Town Party organizer Mark Vallely was at the microphone and in mid sentence when he was abruptly interrupted.  Seems the Town Party was also a birthday party, and the crowd was encouraged to sing their congratulations.  We did, nearly in unison and almost in tune.  Mark was then informed that his birthday gift was ready.  When the deliveryman was called from the wings, there was a collective gasp from the crowd and a sudden surge to the front as singer/songwriter Dave Matthews took center stage for an unannounced and unexpected solo acoustic set.

Taylor Hicks Comes to Infinity Music Hall September 15

Photo of Taylor Hicks by NolaMar; Remaining photos by Nancy Nutile-McMenemy

Taylor Hicks live performance, Ft Walton Beach, FL 8/28/10.

When Taylor Hicks comes to Infinity Hall on September 15, he’ll join a long and eclectic list of musicians who have played the historic venue.  The names on that list are nationally known and represent a spectrum of music from rock to folk, country, blues, and soul.  Hicks seems a fitting addition to the list; he describes his own music as a melting pot, or fusion, of the many styles that have influenced American music over recent decades.

When Taylor comes to Norfolk, he’ll find a small town, nearly hidden among the trees in this picturesque northwest corner of the state.  There is a library and a post office, but no grocery store; drive on to neighboring towns to stock the kitchen.  There is a community bulletin board in the town center, and there you’ll often find posters for upcoming shows at Infinity Hall.  With up to 200 scheduled shows per year, there are plenty of posters to hang!

Constructed in 1883, the Music Hall was recently renovated; the original proscenium stage and wood were retained.  The restored Hall offers seating for up to 300 with gourmet dining available in the Infinity Bistro downstairs.  Small and intimate with excellent acoustics, Infinity Music Hall was recently named as Connecticut Magazine’s 2010 “Best place for dinner and live music”.

Small can also mean personal.  Patrons of Infinity Hall often enjoy informal interaction with performers that is less available at larger venues.  Take, for example, this 2009 show with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.  Her hips are swaying, the audience is bouncing, and everybody is singing.  It’s just a good time all around.

Take the April 2010 show by Blues Harmonica Blowout at the Hall.  Players Mark Hummel, James Montgomery, Magic Dick, and Sugar Ray Norcia gave a performance so intense, and so good that the

audience was left screaming for more.  A planned one song encore became two as the crowd was treated to “Early in the Morning Blues”.

What can ticketholders expect from American Idol winner Taylor Hicks at the Hall?  Expect to be surprised.  Expect original music as well as covers of obscure older and contemporary tunes.  Expect a mix of genres reflecting Hicks’ broad knowledge of and interest in music.  Expect a well rehearsed band comprised of seasoned musicians.  Expect your hips to sway and fingers to snap.  Expect to have fun.

In his review of Hicks’s August 22 live show for the San Diego Reader, Alan Segal said, “He sang and played a mean blues harmonica on Nick Lowe’s “Battlefield” and did a roadhouse-rocking cover of “Love the One You’re With” that put Stephen Stills to shame.”  Check the following videos for recent examples of the live show, including a performance at San Diego’s small concert venue, Anthology.

“Seven Mile Breakdown” an original tune from Hicks’ 2009 album, “The Distance”, was taped on 8/17/10 for the television special “The Gulf is Back”, and aired on the CW network on 8/27/10. 

“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking”; this  classic cover was performed live at Anthology in San Diego, and recorded by the venue on 8/22/10.  Instrumental solos are included from several band members.

For tickets to Taylor Hicks at Infinity Hall:  http://www.infinityhall.com/events/taylor-hicks

To read Alan Segal’s review of Taylor Hicks at Anthology:  http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2010/aug/29/idol-winner/