Just when I thought that I was out they pull me back in …
I seriously thought New Orleans was going to be my last show of the summer tour – then I got a Boogie Board Private Message.
beachn: Are you going to the Orange Beach show?
Me: I doubt it. If I can find really cheap accommodations, maybe.
beachn: How about a free condo?
Me: Uhhh … okay!
Thus began my next Taylor adventure.
Why Charenton? Another PM.
DownInFlames: I have an extra ticket – want it?
Me: You’re The Devil.
DownInFlames: You’re coming all this way anyway.
Me: Uhhh … okay!
I’m such a pushover.
To MapQuest I go!!
I left my house at 6am and made it to DiF’s by 3pm. I changed clothes and we hopped into her car for the three and a half hours to Charenton.
Despite the occasional horizontal rains and the traffic, we had a fun trip. We talked and laughed and mulled over who in their right mind would buy shrimp off a pickup truck in Knoxville, TN. We passed what had to be the world’s smallest “casino” – it was a gas station. There was a big sign out front proclaiming its gaming status which sent us to wondering how many machines constitute an actual casino? We also learned where we could sell our alligators (I had just been wondering what I was going to do with those).
Finding the Cypress Bayou Casino was … interesting. We followed the map and were a little freaked out because we were IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. We left the interstate and found ourselves winding through swampland. I was The Navigator and at one point DiF says, “Where the hell are you taking me??” My response? “I don’t know!!”
I halfway expected a gangland execution when we finally got wherever MapQuest was taking us. We were pleasantly surprised to find this was not to be.
Where do we park … where do we … OOOH!! Buses!! (no, we didn’t park next to them, although there was NO security so we totally could’ve).
We sat in the car deciding what we needed to take inside. DiF was determined to get her duster in, but that sucker is huge! After removing pretty much everything else from her purse, she got it in – but if they asked her to open it all bets were off. There was no hiding that duster.
With lots of hope, three fully charged cellphones, extra batteries (for the duster), and my notebook we headed inside. With all those cellphones, DiF joked that I needed an ammo belt. Hmm, sounds like an excellent idea to me – multiple cellphones, notebook, extra pens, extra batteries, data recorder, maybe even walkie talkies. Make it purple with “Soul Patrol!” emblazoned across the back … we gotta get on that before someone else patents the idea!
After wandering the casino for a few minutes (trying to find havingfun and hickifino), we meandered over to The Pavilion (the venue for the show). I tried to call both of the ladies, but got their voicemail – this does NOT bode well for the cellcert.
We went on inside and found the gals talking to Stephen! Should have checked there first, I guess.
Hickifino is buying twelve harmonica keychains and is finagling for a deal. No discounts, but Stephen does throw her in an extra for a Baker’s Dozen.
Havingfun snags herself a signed picture of Taylor which prompts DiF and I to ask (okay demand) pics of the rest of the band.
More conversational inserts (tell me if these get annoying) -
Stephen: What about crew?
Me: Are you posing?
DiF: Bring ‘em on!
Stephen: How much would you pay?
DiF: A hundred dollars!
Stephen: You’re my new best friend!
There is a lull at the table, so we abduct Stephen for a few moments to take pictures. As many times as I’ve spoken with him I’ve never got a shot of him.
These pics aren’t for sale, but they are on havingfun’s camera.
To The Pavilion!
Merchandise bought, pictures taken, dusters concealed – we moved into the ticket line. Are they checking purses? NO! We are good to go! 
The signage at this place is confusing, so we find an usher. She looks at our tickets and says, “Woo! You girls have goood seats! Right up front!”
Eeeeeeeeeeeee! Thank yooo DiF. I can’t remember the last time I saw Taylor up close.
The usher led us into “The Pavilion” – can I just utter a WTF right now, please? It’s basically a hotel ballroom, maybe on a slightly larger scale. We asked what the capacity of the place is and it’s just shy of 2000. I immediately notice that all the chairs are FLAT on the floor.
Crap – I sense a “sitting” crowd, but I’m hopeful that people will rise up when the music gets goin’.
Havingfun playing Musical Chairs
DownInFlames and I are led closer and closer to the front of the room and I feel a surge of excitement! We wind up on the aisle in the middle section, third row – within about 10 feet of the stage and just off center (pretty much right in front of Loren).
Like I said – it’s been a LONG time since I was this close to the action. I don’t generally care where my seats are located (I stood against the back wall at the Orange Peel and it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended), but I’ll admit being near the stage does add a lot of extra enjoyment.
While DiF and I arrange our phones and get the recorder ready, havingfun is scoping out the place for a better seat (she is pretty far back) – and all of a sudden, she’s right next to me! Cool! But then, the seat’s rightful owner shows up – not so cool. Havingfun moves down the row, then that person shows up – so she moves again … etc. I’m not sure where she ended up (and I have NO clue where hickifino is), but it was a valiant effort on her part to stay up front. 
Why are you here?
We wound up with a couple of “diehards” next to us and some casino members in front of us. A local DJ came out pre-show and mentioned a contest they were having to win a Mustang, but you had to register/join the casino. DiF and I were talking about it and how we couldn’t enter to win because we weren’t members. The two ladies in front of us turned around and one said in a thick Cajun accent “Oh girls you should sign up! They have all kinds of great contests!” So, DiF tells her we aren’t from here, “I’m from Mississippi and she drove from Tennessee.”
The woman looked us over a couple of times and asked me “Why are you here??”
I glanced at DiF and back at the woman. I gestured towards the stage and said, “To … see … Taylor …” I had to try VERY hard not to add “Duh!”
Anyway, she was impressed and said she was looking forward to it then, if he could compel people to drive so far to see him.
Dead Batteries and Electrified Performers
So, as most of you know, we had battery issues with the stupid phones. We had TWO phones with fully charged batteries and we STILL didn’t get the entire show. Bizarre!
As for the setlist … I know it’s been awhile since I saw these guys, but damn! They were HOTT! The band was in rare form – kicking ass and setting the building on fire! I jotted down a few notes on particular songs:
Heart & Soul —-> Brown-Eyed Handsome Man
BEHM was especially good this night. Very, very funky. Boogie laid it down tight and cool.
My Written Notes: HOLY CRAP!!
Call Me the Breeze
I’ve always loved the way Taylor does this song (no matter which band he is with), but I especially love it when he whips out that harp for it! And damn did he whip!! Soooo very nice – and then he threw it up over his head and backwards (“Just put that anywhere!”) The funny thing is, it landed right next to the harmonica case. Zang!
Just To Feel That Way
This has been a favorite of mine since the album “sneak peek” back in December (Cheesy, silly, or not, I don’t care – I like it!) I have to admit, though, Brian Gallagher elevates this song to ART. The sax solo makes this song and if they ever want commercial success with it, the live Brian G version is the one that needs to be released.
My Friend
Two Words: Brian Gallagher.
What else can be said except: he is amazing. He stepped forward off his platform and did his solo right next to Loren. Taylor boogied on his other side and made those “appreciative” faces like when he listens to Josh. He made a gesture at Loren (to get his attention) and then mouthed something at him. When Brian’s solo was supposed to end, Taylor didn’t start singing again and kinda playfully “forced” Brian to continue.
So, basically we got a dual solo from Mr. G. – and I think he was quite breathless afterwards. He laughed and shook his head at Taylor – then Loren and Taylor started laughing. This was a theme for the night: joviality, fun, playing for themselves and having a good time.
Don’t Let Me Down
According to Taylor: “This one is by request.” Hmm …
Loren had a great solo in this one. In fact he was featured a few times that night. DiF and I are pretty certain that he tagged Babe by Styx – I would almost swear by it. I really need to listen to the Shhhh File to verify this.
Babe, by Styx:
Hold On To Your Love
Well hell. I don’t know if I can do justice to this song with my words. It was so out of this world – not only was Josh freaking electric, the whole band was just outstanding. Y’know what? I’m not even gonna try.
My Written Notes: JOSH!! BAND!! GAH!!
Heaven Knows
Very funky, very cool …
I feel I have to bring this up – regarding The Dirty Dog: I find this dance utterly ridiculous and not the least bit sexy. Thankfully, I found a friend who is of like mind in DownInFlames. Taylor launched into this dance and the two of us broke down in near hysterics. Don’t get me wrong. I love it when he does this dance, just not for the same reasons as many fans. For me, I flash to that high school class clown doing The Carlton Dance at the prom.
Taylor Hicks = Cool Dork.
At least we kept Loren entertained. And I lied – I do find the dance sexy, but for me it’s sexy because Taylor is so goofy and loopy and dorky. What? I’m weird – what can I say?
Take the Long Way Home
I can’t get enough of this song! And I am in awe of Felix’s new intro!! OMG! Felix frickin’ kicks ass.
I also love how they go SLAM! right into Soul Thing. No break, no smooth segue, no breath – just allofasudden it’s a different song. Seamless. And of course, ST has become a showstopper all it’s own. It’s a perfect way to close the show. Josh’s “chickin pickin’” is too much fun. 
And somehow, through ALL of this awesomeness, the majority of the crowd sat on their asses and barely moved.
Unbelievable.
Pockets of people would sort of “Jack-in-the-Box” in attempts to rise and dance, but they were told to sit.
Taylor tried his best (as did the band) to get folks up and moving, but it wasn’t successful. At one point, Taylor looked over at Loren, shrugged and shook his head with a little raised-in-disbelief eyebrows. But it was all good. The band kicked ass, Taylor kicked ass, they were having fun, we were having fun.
I loved it!!
And here’s some good news: I asked the Cajun ladies what they thought and they said they loved the show! I asked if they’d go see him again and they said “Absolutely!!”
So, they may not have been on their feet, but clearly the performance was appreciated.
