Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
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Post by Joe on Oct 21, 2005 3:58:25 GMT
All that matters is that the right people see it...Hayley for one ! One lady asked me recently if HWI was a school. Since it's going to pour with rain in Easton...maybe Hayley could sing "I Love a Rainy Night". |
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Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
Posts: 6,715
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Post by Joe on Oct 21, 2005 4:37:11 GMT
The Crayola Crayon Factory is a few blocks from the State Theatre. They do great tours...maybe I'll have a go.
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Post by fusilier23 on Oct 21, 2005 9:27:29 GMT
Hmm, that must be a big DRAW! (wocka wocka) Barnes and Noble is not far either, maybe they'll be there selling CDs, as Borders was with Russell Watson.
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Post by fusilier23 on Oct 21, 2005 9:43:38 GMT
BTW, here's the apprpriate part of an article from The Morning Call, which is the Lehigh Valley newspaper.
On the one hand, there's the kind of music you sin to on Saturday night, and on the other there's the kind you listen to (sometimes with a hangover) in church on Sunday morning.
Both extremes will be represented in the next few days at the State Theatre in Easton with performances by veteran Texas blues-rockers The Fabulous Thunderbirds and 18-year-old New Zealand classical-pop soprano Hayley Westenra.
The gritty T-Birds, who have been rolling up rock, blues and R&B since 1974, will play tonight, led by 54-year-old vocalist/harmonica player Kim Wilson, the band's last remaining original member. Rounding out the lineup will be former Charlie Musselwhite guitarist Kirk Fletcher, W.C. Handy-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Nick Curran, ex-Little Charlie and the Nightcats bassist Ronnie James Weber, one-time Blasters keyboardist Gene Taylor and drummer Jimi Bott.
In June, the T-Birds released ''Painted On,'' the band's first album of new studio material since 1997's ''High Water.'' The fifth Thunderbirds' album since founding guitarist Jimmie Vaughan left in the early 1990s, ''Painted On'' is considered by some as coming closest to recapturing the magic of the original lineup that produced such butt-rockin' hits as ''Wrap It Up,'' ''Tuff Enuff,'' ''Last Call for Alcohol'' and ''One's Too Many (And a Hundred Ain't Enough).''
The ethereal-voiced Westenra is a classically trained singer and dancer, but that shouldn't be held against her. Her album, ''Pure,'' released in the U.S. in 2004, sold two million copies worldwide and led to audiences with President Bush and the Queen. But that shouldn't be held against her, either. And forget those comparisons to Charlotte Church; they are likely to fade.
Not only is Westenra engaging, especially compared to the Hilary Duffs and Ashlee Simpsons of the world, she can really sing. If you harbor any doubts, check out her version of the Kate Bush classic, ''Wuthering Heights'' (the video for the song was a VH1 favorite).
Her latest disc, ''Odyssey,'' was released Tuesday, and besides the classical pieces by Mozart and Purcell, Westenra takes on Joni Mitchell's ''Both Sides Now'' and makes her writing debut with ''What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You).''
''I was happy with 'Pure,' but I've moved on since then,'' Westenra told London's Daily Mail last week. ''I was just 16 when that album was released, and I was still unsure about what sort of singer I wanted to be. Now I'm discovering a whole new world of music. At home I listen to soul records, Aretha Franklin and John Legend. They're so full of passion, and I'm really inspired by that.''
The Fabulous Thunderbirds, with Craig Thatcher & James Supra, 8 p.m. tonight, State Theatre, 453 Northampton St., Easton, 610-252-3132. Tickets: $21 and $26.
Hayley Westenra, 8 p.m. Saturday, State Theatre, 453 Northampton St., Easton, 610-252-3132. Tickets: $27.50 and $43.
Dunno if I agree with Hayley being the other side of music you sin to, some of her music Is pretty secular, and she is making some gentle forays on Odyssey into subjects like first love, but I do agree that the comparisons to you-know-who are likely to fade, and fade a lot sooner this side of the Atlantic, where that other singer hasn't done an appearance for over 2 years (April 19, 2003).
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Post by Natasha on Oct 21, 2005 13:20:56 GMT
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Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
Posts: 6,715
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Post by Joe on Oct 22, 2005 13:22:38 GMT
I'll be leaving shortly for Easton. Hopefully the weather will improve; currently it's 4 degrees C / 39`F,and raining quite heavily.
I shall pass all of your good wishes on to Hayley. Looking forward to a wonderful time! Talk to you when I return.
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Post by fusilier23 on Oct 22, 2005 13:36:29 GMT
The day is here. I'll be heading down soon as well. BTW, I read another article about this concert, which called Hayley voice of an angel and all that, but, more importantly, stated that tonight would be just piano and violin, presumably Fiona and Ian, just to set a level of expectations.
Hayley did her concert in NYC 2 days ago and I am told it went very well. I can only guess this will prolly be the same program. She did stick around to sign afterward, but this time behind a table rather than mingling, which is prolly just as well.
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Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
Posts: 6,715
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Post by Joe on Oct 22, 2005 13:36:50 GMT
Wow...with less than 10 hours left 'til the concert, it looks like the three sections of the front orchestra are a sell-out! Check out what's left by section here. |
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Post by fusilier23 on Oct 22, 2005 13:43:32 GMT
That's good, there'll be many devotees here to wish our friend well.
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Dave
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HWI Admin
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Post by Dave on Oct 22, 2005 13:52:43 GMT
Well have a good trip down there Joe, Steven and all, and I'm sure it will be a great show!  Glad the tickets have been selling well recently, having the front sections full will make all the difference to the atmosphere, especially if they move people from empty rear sections into better seats further forward! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifI'm sure you won't forget to pass on all our regards to Hayley... I'm not sure where Richard and Roger have disappeared to so let me be the one to say... only nine HOURS to go!!!  Cheers, Dave |
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Post by timj on Oct 22, 2005 15:57:14 GMT
new york was great! small venue, about 200 attenders, alot of booking agents and venue managers.....i think it was a showcase for them. songwriters of NSB and ISG were there.
more later, am using my daugthers computer, can't access HWI with mine for some reason. got to go to easton now. timj
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Post by fusilier23 on Oct 23, 2005 11:03:23 GMT
It's the motto of the US Postal Service that "neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor dark of night " shall stop them from getting the letters and packages through. Well, yesterday most of us had to contend with 2 and maybe three of those to see Hayley in Easton, but none of us were to be deterred, and this guy was not to be deterred from the delivery of a few things.
It was no short drive down from NJ, but as someone who goes to PA pretty regularly on the weekends, I knew my way. I parked in the parking garage not too far from the State Theater and took the jitney over, although I could have walked I was loaded to the gills with stuff and didn't feel like doing it in the on-again, off-again rain.
The State Theater is one of those old-but-restored venues like the Beacon Theater in NYC, with painted walls and plaster balconies that you know have been restored, but which maintain much of their old charm. Iquickly found my seat, and just as quickly met Joe, easily recognizable in his HWI shirt, and Tim. We took a few pics in the lobby, where they were selling CDs both of Hayley and of Fiona, and returned to be ready for the start of the show.
After the usual announcments about no flash photography, etc., Steve Abbot announced over the microphone that we should put our hands together for Hayley, all the way from Christchurch (though only coming from NYC that morning). To loud applause, Hayley entered, in knee-length greenish-aqua dress and iridescent sandal heels. Her hair was somewhat wavier and blonder than it had been in the past, but she wes still easily recognizable as her. Ian Tilley, piano, and Fiona Pears, violin, also entered, both clad in black.
Thanking the audience, Hayley began with "Prayer" from her new album, which she later explained was based on the scene where Hansel and Gretel pray for God to protect them in the woods, although this is clearly an original work based on the Humperdinck piece. She sounded clear as a bell as always, and the audience clearly appreciated it.
With a nod and a smile, as well as a bit of dialogue while Ian dealt witha wobbly piano, she said the next song was also from her new album, and it was among her favorites, and began the lovely "Never Saw Blue." Although this song is not original to her, I can say that of the "original" pieces she has done, this one, and this kind of music, fits her voice extremely well, and would be a good model for future stuff that is original to her.
After that she stated how much she admired Joni Mitchell, which got a big ovation, and stated that how each time she did this next song she felt like she was connecting more and more with it. The song was, of course, "Both Sides Now," which she did with panache, although once or twice she spoke rther than singing certain words. She then left the stage to Ian and Fiona, who regaled the audience with Fiona's original "Turkish Fantasy." Very wonderful it sounded, and properly exotic, but I think we were all interested in seeing Hayley return.
This she did a moment later, stating that her grandmother had given her the sheet music for the next song. With that, she launched into the Caccini "Ave Maria," which sounded lovely, of course, though I only at that time realized the full text of the prayer is not set in this piece. This marks her third version of that prayer, and hopefully not her last.
After that, she stated that the next piece was from the Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino and some other lumnaries, and began the "Bridal Ballad." This is actually the first time I had heard this piece and really paid attention to it, and I can honestly say it is a great piece that lies very well for Hayley's voice.
To end the first half, she sang "a lovely hymn I'm sure you all know," which was, of course, "Amazing Grace." She sang three verses, and did not attempt to reach high on the last verse as she sometimes does, but in a full concert situation it is wise to conserve one's resources.
During intermission I went and chatted to Natasha and Crystal and their parents, who had arrived a little late, and gave Crystal the signed Russell Watson CD I had gotten for her. I also gave Natasha a somewhat belated birthday present in the form of a bear dressed like a figure skater. She seemed somewhat surprised to get it, but nonetheless pleased, and gave me a hug.
The second half opened with 2 instrumentals by Fiona and Ian, and in a slight break with what I have been used to, Fiona addressed the audience, and explained what the pieces were, all of which, I believe were original to her, before launching into her showpiece Russian Fantasy, which got the audiece clapping along and her dancing round the stage, though she kept her shoes on this time. Between pieces she also remarked on how she had experienced something very American that day: a spiced pumpkin cappucino.
Hayley returned shortly thereafter, in a blue, much longer dress and silver heels, remarking that she hadn't had one of those drinks but might like to (actually I think I remember reading in her bio that she doesn't drink coffee). She then turned to her previous work and sang another favorite of her poppier pieces: "Who Painted the Moon Black?"
Before her second piece in this half she said it reminded her of New Zealand but she did not know wh, but then it hit her, it was from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was filmed there. It was, of course, Enya's ballad "May It Be."
After that came "I Say Grace" a song Hayley said "lifts her spirits" whenever she sings it. Truth be told, I think it actually does sound better without the choral backing, which kinda makes it sound heavy.
To finish out, Hayley offered the Maori lullaby "Hine e Hine," telling the story of how it was once used to wind down transmission on TV back home, with a Kiwi bird tucking itself into bed in a satellite dish.
This of course, wasn't the end, Hayley returned to the stage, stating she'd forgotten one song, and gave us "Pokarekare Ana" to finish out the night.
Now, most folks left at this point, and if I'd known, I'd have remained in my seat, but I moved out to the lobby with the rest. It was later explained that Hayley was meeting with some folks and then would go out the back, and not pass out that way. At that point most of the would-be autograph-hunters, ultimately except for Tim and myself, gave up the ghost and got on their way, no sense hoping against hope and waiting in the rain. However, Tim was determined to stick it out and so was I. It was later explained to us where the way out was, but that she was probably gone already. Since the parking garage was not far away, though, I decided to take one more stab, and tramped around back.
The door in back is about as nondescript as it can be, but the presence of an SUV with blinking lights let me know that maybe I had not come on a fool's errand. Tim and I asked the driver if he was waiting for Hayley and he said he was, in fact he was getting a bit impatient. So we stationed ourselves next the door, and boy, lets hear it for oilskin coats and tough felt hats, because the rain was coming down. Fiona and Ian came out first, and I shook hands with them, introducing myself, since I hadn't spoken to either of them in the past and telling them the'd done a superb job. Steve Abbott was next, and he indicated he did remember me from a store opening Hayley had done about a year ago in NYC. We had some banter back and forth about what was next for Hayley, but, like the rest of the folks here, I think I should keep quiet until things are confirmed.
Last of all, of course, was Hayley herself, wrapped up and trying to keep dry. She indicated she was happy to see both Tim and myself, although suprised we had waited this long in the rain to see her. I had partially waited because I had gifts, which I now gave her, indicating the one (a 2-pound box of all kinds of dark chocolate, since I know she loves that) was "nothing dangerous, except maybe to your waistline" which got a chuckle and a mock "uh oh," and that the other ( a small picture album already partially filled with pics from last summer) was so she could carry pics of her friends wherever she went. She thanked me, and graciously signed 2 copies of Odyssey and one of My Gift To You for me. I indicated i knew I'd had her sign one of the latter already, but that I'd given it to Natasha, since she'd expressed an interest. She said she thought Natasha was incredibly sweet, and when I said she'd been here and had to leave Hayley pursed her lips and looked almost pained.
Well, we knew they had to get going, so everyone bundled aboard the SUV. I bade Hayley farewell and blew her a kiss, and she waved goodbye and got on her way.
All in all, a great ending to a great eveing, rain aside. Thanks to Steve Abbott, Ian, Fiona, and especially Hayley for bringing yet more of their special kind of happiness to another corner of the world.
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Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
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Post by Joe on Oct 24, 2005 1:04:02 GMT
Read my concert review over at the Hayley in Concert board.
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Post by Natasha on Oct 24, 2005 13:38:11 GMT
Hello guys! Well, Mom wouldn’t let me write my report on the night because I got home past 12 and she said a very stern and final, “go to bed, NOW.”   I got started on it yesterday but we ended up having to sing at another church in the city and where there selling CDs till really late so I just didn't have a chance! The day was pretty busy for me as I had a singing engagement of my own and one of my friends was in the hospital. We ended up singing for this other elderly woman there as well so when we left we were a bit behind schedule. It was raining pretty heavy and we did get lost – but fortunately not to badly.  We hurried into the theatre and as I headed to the bathroom I heard Hayley’s pealing laughter and a quick look confirmed she was were I had been standing a few minutes before! I should have took my opportunity to grab her then but it had been a long ride and I figured I’d catch her later – no such luck, lol.  I hurried downstairs as I heard Hayley singing “Both Sides Now.” Wow, that number sounds gorgeous live! Hayley’s voice was echoing through the whole theatre and it was incredible!  The usher led her to our seats at the end of the song. The next song was a solo by Fiona – she’s a fabulous musician although a little to modern for my tastes. Crystal and I had a good laugh because her teacher would kill her if she moved around the way Fiona does, and high-heels are simply out of the question. Hayley came back and sang “Ave Maria.” It’s beautiful on the CD but when it’s sung live its really breathtaking. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifI’m just so completely amazed at how wonderful Hayley sounds! I mean she’s always had a beautiful “pure” voice but now it shines and sparkles. Really it seems to shimmer – I can’t explain it better than that! Next came “Bridal Ballad.” She had lowered several parts of the song but when she sang the high notes they just seemed to soar over our heads, WOW. She ended the set with her usual beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” I was a little disappointed she didn’t sing some more but then I was unaware she had already performed “Prayer” and “Never Saw Blue,” in the first section. I got up because I (again, LOL  ) had to use the ladies room and I saw Steven standing there and a guy in a blue “Hayley Westenra International” shirt whom I presumed was Joe so I said, “Hi – recognized the shirt!” and then I greeted Steven. Chatting there wasn’t really a good idea because everyone was making their way out and it was getting rather loud in there so I made my way out. Steven followed and presented me with a box. I was really surprised thinking, what is that? Lol. I opened it and saw a skating teddy bear!! I remember chatting with Steven and him asking me which type of teddy I would like but I didn’t really expect him to actually get something for me so I was really surprised. I said, “Ohhh she’s a skater!” and Steven goes, “Well that’s what you requested right?” I agreed and gave him a hug of thanks.  When I returned to my seat I found Steven chatting with my mom and sister. He was really wonderful in getting her a signed copy of Russell Watson’s “Reprise” album. Fiona came on and played two more lovely pieces and she got the audience to clap along with her. She said she really enjoyed travelling around and playing with Hayley and that she had got a “spiced pumpkin cappuccino” and it was the best part of her US experience so far! Hayley got back on stage with, “Who Pained the Moon Black.” And laughed saying she maybe should try out the cappuccino. I believe it was at this point that a very sweet little girl made her way down to present Hayley with some flowers. Unfortunately she was really tiny and not taller than the stage and with the lights blinding Hayley’s eyes she couldn’t see her. The girl put the flowers up and left and unfortunately Hayley never noticed them.  I almost said something because I knew how horrible the girl must feel. My dad also thought it was a shame because had Hayley seen her she would have doubtlessly gotten down and given the girl a hug and kiss. I just hope that she didn’t think Hayley was ignoring her on purpose.  Next was a beautiful rendition of “May it Be” which was followed by “I Say Grace.” It sounded different without the choral background but Hayley’s performance was note perfect.  In conclusion she sang the beautiful “Hine E Hine” which although Hayley left the stage, just couldn’t be the end. It was just to soon! I thought to myself, hey she’s not getting away without at least 1 encore, LOL. And then Hayley came out again and said, “Ok, one more!” and then “Well, I’m going to sing the only song I can.” I knew what was coming and Hayley’s voice just soared on, “Pokarekare Ana.” I have watched the videos of her performing several times and I twice before heard it live but this was my favorite performance ever of the number. As they say on her website Hayley’s voice has just become so rich and beautiful, it’s amazing! I couldn’t help saying this to my mom and she agreed that Hayley’s voice is really beautiful although she wasn’t to crazy about the songs Hayley had sung. This is a comment I’ve heard many times, beautiful voice – wrong repertoire. Personally I don’t agree, but to each his own!!  We made our way out and waited a few moments until we were told Hayley would be meeting a private group of people and then departing from the back. My mom wanted to make her way out back but we didn’t have an umbrella, and Crystal and Daddy had already made their way to the car. I really wanted to see Hayley but I realized I couldn’t afford to get sick standing in the rain with our tour of NZ a week away so I bade Steven goodbye and since I couldn’t see Joe, just left. I’m glad to hear that Steven and Tim at least got to see her. I only wish that that sweet little girl could have been able to meet Hayley as I know who terribly disappointed she must have been not being able to give that beautiful bouquet to Hayley. On the ride back home everyone agreed Hayley had a beautiful voice but they weren’t overly impressed so I went ahead and had myself a good cry, LOL. I must say the biggest thanks to Hayley for such a beautiful concert and it was a real pleasure to see Steven and meet Joe. Next time hopefully we’ll all get to see Hayley together, and hopefully someday that girl will have her dream come true also. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifHugs,
Natasha |
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Post by Richard on Oct 24, 2005 14:36:37 GMT
Hello Steven, Joe and Natasha! Thank you for your excellent reviews, it sounds as though Hayley gave another wonderful performance as usual. Natasha and Joe, I'm sorry you didn't meet Hayley this time, but I think it was the weather's fault. I hope you get another chance very soon. Best Wishes from London, Richard |
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The concert is tomorrow!! 
Glad the tickets have been selling well recently, having the front sections full will make all the difference to the atmosphere, especially if they move people from empty rear sections into better seats further forward! 
We hurried into the theatre and as I headed to the bathroom I heard Hayley’s pealing laughter and a quick look confirmed she was were I had been standing a few minutes before! 
