Colin Hay to Bring Solo Show to Capitol Center for the Arts, 11/20

Colin Hay, familiar to millions as frontman, songwriter, and vocalist of pop sensation Men at Work ("Down Under," "Overkill," "Who Can it Be Now?"), comes to Concord for a special performance with his band on Friday November 20, at 8pm.

Following his time with Men at Work, Hay reinvented himself as a solo artist over the past 15 years, regularly selling out theaters and listening rooms across the US and around the world and introducing himself to a new generation of fans in the process. The frequent use of his music in TV and film-including hit shows such as Scrubs (on which he has made several cameo appearances) Army Wives and Modern Family, the hit soundtrack to the film Garden State and the recently released Words and Pictures-has proven the timeless appeal of his songs.

Hay's most recent album, Next Year People, is the work of an artist who is a true master of his craft. The album is full of quizzical, curious, and cynical yet open-hearted songs with catchy melodic hooks that underscore deeply insightful lyrics. Some of the songs are based on Colin's personal experiences such as "Waiting in the Rain," written about his parents and the almost mystical experience he had growing up in a music shop in Scotland, surrounded by instruments and a constant stream of 50?s and 60?s radio hits.

The album's title track, "Next Year People," is a stand out composition - a stark but beautiful homage to the depression-era farmers who kept going by holding on to hope that next year would be better. "They kept doing the same thing and expecting a different result," explains Colin. "I can relate, although their situation was so much more bleak."

The album was produced by Hay and mixed by Chad Fischer (Chasing Mavericks, Ice Age 3, Lisa Loeb) and includes contributions from two young Cuban musicians, San Miguel Perez and Yosmel Montejo, both of whom recently emigrated from Havana, as well Larry Goldings on piano, Jeff Babko (Jimmy Kimmel) on B3, and Colin's wife, vocalist Cecilia Noel.

Hot off touring with the Barenaked Ladies and Violent Femmes, this special performance is not to be missed. Presented in association with Meadowbrook Productions and sponsored by NHPR and Orr & Reno.

Tickets for this evening with Colin Hay are $45 Gold Circle; $39.50 Orchestra/ Mezzanine/ Balcony; and $29.50 Rear Balcony and are available now by calling 603-225-1111, online at www.ccanh.com, and at the box office, located at 44 South Main Street, Concord, NH 03301, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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