Colin Hay 2012 “Gathering Mercury” US Tour Dates Announced – 20th Century Theater on 5/17

colin hay
Colin Hay

Colin Hay with Chris Trapper
May 17, 2012
20th Century Theater, 3021 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH
8pm, all ages
http://www.the20thcenturytheatre.com

After two successful coast to coast runs in 2011 to support his solo album Gathering Mercury, Hay announces 2012 dates beginning March 6th  in Madison, WI. He will revisit many of the venues that were sellouts last year, routing through the midwest to the southeast, Texas and the eastern seaboard — with notable shows in Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, DC, and New York. His 11th solo album Gathering Mercury was released last year on Compass Records, and will be issued in vinyl on April 24.

Formerly the internationally known Men At Work frontman, Hay’s 20-year career as a solo artist has introduced him to new generation of fans. TV and film have embraced the timeless appeal of his songs — quizzical, curious, cynical, yet openhearted – and he is also the master of the one-man show. Armed with an acoustic guitar, his rich memorable voice and decades of road experience, he entertains with more than music, taking the audience on a journey through songs and stories.

“Hay is a master storyteller of the hilarious kind. Mostly talking about the early days, his family, and life in America, Hay had the crowd doubling over with laughter for what seemed like half the show. Yes, we paid to hear that pure, raspy voice sing those incredible songs, but this was like getting two shows in one.”  The Atlanta Music Examiner.

“Hay is funnier than most stand-up comedians, so he’ll split your sides and then drop a heartbreaking ditty on you.”  The Houston Chronicle

In addition to the songs from Gathering Mercury, he performs material from his extensive catalogue as a solo song writer and, of course, from his time with the monumentally successful Men At Work; though he reckons that Gathering Mercury may be the best album of the lot.  “These are some of the strongest songs I’ve ever written, the loss of my father last year brought an extra emotional contingent to them. I don’t have an idea of an afterlife, but I do feel like I had his help when I was writing this album,” he shares.

He was invited in May to interview and perform on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and was interviewed at length on CNN. He also performed exclusively for Rolling Stone Live, and was interviewed via video for Popmatters. The tunes on Gathering Mercury are deeply affecting, but never maudlin. Despite the often-serious subject matter, they’re full of optimism. “It’s not a conscious thing and may have to do with the Scottish mentality. We deal with darkness by shining a light on it.” All Music Guide offers, “By this, his 11th solo album, Colin Hay’s records are as comfortable as a pair of old shoes…it speaks to the craft, there’s a lot of thought behind what seems so easy.” And Metro Pulse says, “…his finest post Men At Work tracks. The music is as hooky and well-manicured as anything he’s ever recorded.”
he’s ever recorded.”

http://colinhay.com/

2012 Tour Dates
6-Mar     Hopkins Center for the Arts     Hopkins     MN
7-Mar     Majestic Theatre     Madison     WI
8-Mar     Turner Hall Ballroom     Milwaukee     WI
9-Mar     GBPAC Great Hall     Cedar Falls     IA
10-Mar     Park West     Chicago     IL
11-Mar     The Vogue Theatre     Indianapolis     IN
14-Mar     3rd & Lindsley     Nashville     TN
15-Mar     The Melting Point     Athens     GA
16-Mar     Variety Playhouse     Atlanta     GA
17-Mar     WorkPlay Theatre     Birmingham     AL
21-Mar     Dosey Doe     The Woodlands     TX
22-Mar     One World Theatre     Austin     TX
23-Mar     Granada Theater     Dallas     TX
24-Mar     Sam’s Burger Joint     San Antonio     TX
19-Apr     Sound Stage Baltimore     Baltimore     MD
20-Apr     The Birchmere     Alexandria     VA
21-Apr     The Birchmere     Alexandria     VA
22-Apr     Attucks Theatre     Norfolk     VA
25-Apr     The Gallery at Appalachian Brewing Co.     Collegeville     PA
26-Apr     The Avalon Theatre     Easton     MD
27-Apr     Town Hall     New York City     NY
28-Apr     Keswick Theatre     Glenside     PA
29-Apr     Ridgefield Playhouse     Ridgefield     CT
2-May     Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center     Old Saybrook     CT
3-May     Tupelo Music Hall     Londonderry     NH
4-May     Berklee Performance Center     Boston     MA
5-May     Colonial Theatre     Pittsfield     MA
6-May     Higher Ground     Burlington     VT
8-May     Petit Campus     Motreal     QC
9-May     First Baptist Church     Ottawa     ON
11-May     Hugh’s Room     Toronto     ON
12-May     Seneca Niagra Casino     Niagara Falls     NY
13-May     Rex Theater     Pittsburgh     PA
16-May     The Kent Stage     Kent     OH
17-May     20th Century Theater     Cincinnati     OH
18-May     Wealthy Theatre     Grand Rapids     MI
19-May     The Ark     Ann Arbor     MI
20-May     The Ark     Ann Arbor     MI