Story
by Linda East Brady
, Standard-Examiner staff
- Jul 5 2012 - 12:32am
Most concert series have favorite artists that both the organizers and the audiences like to see again and again.
The Davis Arts Council has a relationship with one such act — one that happens to work as a backing band for some of the area’s most popular acts.
Arranger/musician Mark Robinette has put together several exciting bands under the name of Amp’d Up, for Davis Arts Council shows, including both a summer concert and a Christmas show with Alex Boyé last year. Robinette also played with the Joe Muscolino Band two years ago.
Davis Arts Council executive director Kirt Bateman said he could not be more pleased to welcome Amp’d Up back this year, this time playing in support of Thurl Bailey, singer, sports analyst and retired Utah Jazz player, on Saturday, July 7.
“This is Thurl’s first show with us, and Mark’s first show backing Thurl,” said Bateman. “It’s great to just know that it will be amazing, because Mark puts together the most incredibly talented musicians for these things. If I can, I want him to put together a show for us every year.”
The Thurl Bailey show had its genesis at the Boyé Christmas show last year at Layton High School. Bateman said he asked offhandedly whether Robinette knew Bailey.
“He said their paths had crosses, and said, ‘Why don’t I give him a call?’ He did, and Thurl was onboard right away. It should be a fun and interesting show. Thurl is interested in doing a show where he mixes it up — R&B and some of his more religious-themed music, and then he has even promised a few country hits.”
Bateman has had good feedback about the shows the Amp’d Up band has played.
“One of the best compliments I got was at the Christmas show last year,” said Bateman. “Someone came up and said, of course, they loved the show, loved Alex, but they were surprised at how much they enjoyed the musical interludes that the band played when Alex went to change costumes.
“The bottom line is, these musicians are world-class. I know everyone will enjoy Thurl, of course, as the lead singer and the featured artist, but they will also know they’ve come upon a truly great band when they hear these guys play.”