Venue
James Taylor in Concert
James Taylor is the archetypal singer/songwriter, who helped create the template for the troubadour style that dominated the 1970s. And when he brings his blend of folk, pop, rock, and soul influences to the stage, it's like a part of history is unfolding before the crowd, with enough tuneful energy to generate some major good-time vibes. The five-time Grammy-winning, multi-platinum songsmith offered up tracks like "Fire and Rain" and "You've Got a Friend" to the collective pop-cultural consciousness in the '70s, and they've stayed there ever since. Of course, he's continued to make compelling music for many decades, and his shows are a grab bag of transfixing new tunes and beloved classics. Taylor's 2018 tour with his All-Star Band (not to be confused with Ringo Starr's similarly named group) also shows how much a crew of world-class players can bring to a classic catalog. Some of the most renowned musicians on the planet lend their talents to the band, including drumming god Steve Gadd, hotshot jazz pianist Kevin Hays, legendary saxman Lou Marini, and more.?
James Taylor Background
James Taylor was born in Boston, but moved to North Carolina a few years later, and the bucolic settings of his childhood eventually informed the pastoral side of his songwriting in a major way. He learned guitar in his adolescence, soaking up folk and blues influences before hitting the coffeehouse circuit in the '60s. Before too long he was in Greenwich Village fronting a band called The Flying Machine, but he soon emerged as a solo singer/songwriter. His 1970 album ‘Sweet Baby James' became a game-changer for the whole '70s music scene. Alongside the likes of Carole King and Joni Mitchell, Taylor epitomized the thoughtful, acoustic-based ballad style that came to dominate the era, and ubiquitous hits like "Fire and Rain" and "Country Road" were central to that style. In later years Taylor showed his versatility by scoring smash singles with covers of R&B tunes like Marvin Gaye's "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" and Jimmy Jones' '50s hit "Handyman," and Taylor has never stopped finding fresh ways to bring his work to the huge audience that's been addicted to his music for decades.
James Taylor 2021 Tour Dates
May 14, 2021 - Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA
May 17, 2021 - Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX
May 21, 2021 - ExtraMile Arena in Boise, ID
May 23, 2021 - Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA
May 24, 2021 - Moda Center in Portland, OR
May 26, 2021 - Chase Center in San Francisco, CA
May 28, 2021 - Chase Center in Anaheim, CA
June 9, 2021 - United Center in Chicago, IL
June 11, 2021 - Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, OH
June 12, 2021 - DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit, MI
June 14, 2021 - WSU Nutter Center in Dayton, OH
June 15, 2021 - Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, WV
June 17, 2021 - PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA
June 25, 2021 - KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY
June 26, 2021 - FedExForum in Memphis, TN
June 28, 2021 - Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN
July 1, 2021 - Giant Center in Hershey, PA
July 2, 2021 - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY
July 7, 2021 - PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
July 9, 2021 - BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ
July 10, 2021 - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY
September 12, 2021 - Mile One Centre in St. Johns, NL
September 15, 2021 - Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, NS
September 16, 2021 - Avenir Centre in Moncton, NB
September 18, 2021 - Centre Bell in Montreal, QC
September 19, 2021 - Canadian Tire Center in Ottawa, ON
September 21, 2021 - Budweiser Gardens in London, ON
September 22, 2021 - Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON
September 26, 2021 - Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, MB
September 28, 2021 - Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB
September 29, 2021 - Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB
October 1, 2021 - Save On Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, BC
October 2, 2021 - Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC
James Taylor was a class act! I'm so happy we were able to catch him. My girlfriend wanted to see him and I'm glad she insisted on us going. Taylor is a classic and I will always remember how witty and entertaining he was at this show. He even acknowledged the frequent train passing in the background. Thanks Mr. Taylor for a wonderful date night.
Only wish he would bring back "Handyman"to set. Otherwise great , funny. Personable ,stayed out to sign autographs for fans ! Great guy.
It was our first time to Saratoga Preforming Arts Center. We purchased lawn seats and were surprised when we arrived that due to the design of the stage and seating there was no way to see the performer due to the high walls of the seating section in front of the designated lawn seating. They had several monitors to watch that were fine, we were just disappointed to not be able to see him live at all. The sound system was not very loud and with people talking during the entire performance it was actually hard at times to hear the concert and James Taylor when he was speaking between songs. Other people were yelling for them to turn up the sound, so I know it wasn't just us. Our party of four left at the intermission, we were that disappointed. I think someone should have been checking the sound levels from where the lawn seats are and adjusting the volume up or down (up in this case). We now know to never purchase lawn seats at SPAC ever again since we enjoy seeing the performer even if they are a long distance away. Lastly, to remind concert attendees to please refrain from talking during performances, it affects everyone around you. We were amazed at the amount of people talking during the entire concert either to the person beside them and/or to someone on their phones.
This was an amazing concert! We were in the balcony section and had a great view despite sitting near the arena edge. The tickets were a gift, so I do not know the cost. The venue is excellent. We were inside, but the lawn looked extremely crowded. The bathrooms were adequate for the crowd size.
James Taylor leaves little to be desired in his live shows! Absolutely fabulous!!
I have been a fan of James since I first saw him 50 years ago in Boston. My son grew up on his music. I cannot believe how fortunate I was to see him one more time at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. I'll be 80 in January, and seeing James was as wonderful in 2024 as it was in 1974!
I’ve seen James Taylor many times but this might be one of his best shows. Sounds was great. Venue was phenomenal and he was simply a joy!
I attended the James Taylor concert recently and (almost) everything was great - the sound, the slope of the non-orchestra seats (necessary for us shorter folks so that we can see over the person in front of us) and, of course, James. My only complaint was about the procedure to get into the venue. First we waited on a long line on Landsdowne Street, then when we finally approached the entrance doors, it was kind of a random free-for-all to show tickets, get bags inspected, etc. I suggest that you leave a lot of extra time to get inside. Other than that, the place is great.
We have seen James twice at this venue and loved him both times. The venue is great! Acoustics wonderful and the balcony seats are really good. I know the steps are steep but that just makes the view better because you aren't looking at anyones head. The only small problem is that there weren't enough doors open to get in and one of the employees sent us to a door that wasn't being used.
I have probably seen James Taylor in concert 10 times over the years and his show seems to get better all the time. He always has a great band playing with him and he was just so personable and funny. It's just a really good time in a great venue (Acoustics and Sight Lines). He promises to be back next year and I'll be there.
