Oh yeah, the Haygoods

So if you're reading this blog, you probably know that I love the Haygoods.

Not in a romantic way. I'm happily married.

But sort of in the way that I loved Def Leppard when I was in college. If I wasn't such a mature person, I'd probably have my bedroom papered in Haygoods posters, the way I had the Def Leppard wallpaper in my dorm room. But, I am mature, and what it comes down to is that I think they can really entertain, and they're not bad on the eyes. I hardly let a day go by where I don't listen to their music. I'm just a huge fan.

However, I'm not so "in love" with the Haygoods that I can't give an unbiased review. For example, I'll gladly tell you that I thought there were some issues with the vocals in last year's show. There were a couple of instances where the vocals needed work, plain and simple. It didn't take away from the show because if nothing else, they're enthusiastic and perform well. It's just that if it had been American Idol, Simon would have been harsh. I'll be Paula and tell you that they always looked great. Simon would not be so kind.

And I've said it here on the blog before... I didn't always like all the segments of the show. I found some parts slowed the show down unnecessarily.

So when I tell you that after seeing the 2007 version of the Haygoods show in Branson, my husband and I both called it the best show we'd ever seen in Branson, I want you to know that's high praise. From me, yes, but it really is high praise from my "not-too-excited-about-seeing-shows" husband. It was a rock show, and he loved it.

A lot of Branson shows will say that every year they have a brand new show. So off I go to see a show again, only to find out "brand new show" means that two or three songs have been changed.

Not the Haygoods. When they say brand new show, know that it is a brand new show. There are a few songs that are the same, but even those songs had different arrangements or a different person singing lead.

And those vocal issues I had last year.... gone. I'm not sure if there were vocal lessons, if it's simply better song choices, or if they changed the key to better fit the singer's register, but the vocals were close to perfect.

This was with almost all of the Haygoods not feeling well either. In fact, Catherine, the only girl in the family, didn't sing at all, but did play the violin and harp in the show. I was looking forward to her solo song, so it was a bit disappointing, but hey, when I'm sick, I don't go to work. I call a sub. They were all there, and if they hadn't told us they weren't feeling well, I wouldn't have known.

Before I go any further, maybe I should talk about the Haygoods and who they are. Because I guess not everyone "knows" them as well as I do. Seven brothers, 1 sister, who started performing at Silver Dollar City sixteen years ago. It all started when the oldest of the brothers began violin lessons and they grew into a performing family. They performed at SDC until about 5 years ago (about the same time we started going to Branson). At that time, they moved to a theater in Branson on the strip, and from that point on, the show has grown in popularity. I do believe they sell out almost every night. Easily one of the most popular shows in Branson.

OK, so the show....

First, you should know that the Haygoods show is not your typical Branson show. No sequins. None of the traditional segments you seem to find in every other show. It doesn't fit any formula that we've ever seen in Branson. If you're thinking about going to Branson, but also thinking, "I don't really like shows," give The Haygoods a try. They are just not your average show. Especially if you're 40 or younger. Not that older people wouldn't enjoy it, I'm just one of those under-40, but over-20 people who is searching hard to find shows that appeal to my interests and so far there's honestly not that many. I've seen dozens of Branson shows and can count on one hand the ones I'd wholeheartedly recommend. And the Haygoods would be at the top of that list.

The show started strong with a bit of acappella, some faster songs with choreography, and then a few more acappella bits. Dominic, at 25 the 3rd oldest of the brothers, still emceed the show, but I noticed that Shawn, age 22, did even more of the lead vocals, and did them well. The choreography in the first half of the show at times reminded me of a boy band, but I'm not complaining. Heck, I loved the Backstreet Boys. "I want it that way..."

But I digress...

The street scene segment that was a big portion of the first half? Totally inspired. Very different from anything I've seen before. And so fun to watch.

Two segments they kept from last year's show are the "My Girl" segment and the Blues Brothers segment. I've already written about my dislike for the Blues Brothers, so I'll just skip that. They're up there having fun, so who am I to argue. And I'd prefer the show without the whole My Girl thing, but then you have to laugh at Mike (at age 21, he sings like an angel... easily my favorite singer in the group) and Dominic fighting over some band director, so I guess I can live with it.

I always prefer the second half of the show to the first half. It's usually the opposite at most Branson shows. Everything good is packed into the second half, and the energy level is usually less during the second half. I find the opposite to be true at the Haygoods.

Part of the reason I love the second half is the tap dancing segment. I do so love to watch a man dance, and dance well, and it's even better when you can see how much they love what they're doing. Tim, the oldest of the brothers, really took center stage with the tap dancing, and it was just a joy to watch him dance.

The second half also brought a little part I'd been waiting for all night. I'm a charter -- and only -- member of the Miss Kim branch of the Haygood's fan club, so I know they've been working on some original songs. I love it when I hear that a Branson show is working on original music. It's one thing to be really good at performing other people's songs, and quite another to express yourself by singing something that you wrote. I thought Dominic's performance of his song (titled "Higher"?!? I think that's it) was one of the single best performances of the night. He was so a part of what he was singing, I could just feel it. I was a little disappointed that due to the family illnesses, they didn't sing the other original song that is a part of the show this season, but I'm patiently waiting for the release of their CD of original material. Which I'm sure will be coming soon. (Not really. I figure I'll be able to buy it by our Thanksgiving trip. I'll wait not-so-patiently.)

Also included in the show are Patrick, the 2nd oldest of the brothers, who does a very smooth version of "Walking In Memphis" and Matthew, at 19, the youngest of the older group, who plays bass. Mykiah has always worried about Matthew because last year he tended to stay in the background and that just worried her. This season he's up front with his brothers for most of the show, and even sings his own song. So no worries this year. The final member of the family is 14 year old Aaron. He takes the best of each of his older brothers and is quite the dynamic presence on stage. I have a feeling that in a few years, he'll be leading the show. I've heard that he's already beating his brothers in getting fan mail, 2 to 1.

So just to summarize.... lots more rock and pop in this version of the show. Very little country, with the exception of Shawn singing "If You're Going Through Hell", which is a very contemporary, rock-oriented country song. So the country they did include fit well with the rest of the show. They don't even bring out the violins until more than half way through the first half, which is definitely a change. I really felt the first half had more of a rock concert feel, and I loved that vibe. Kept me on the edge of my seat, kept my foot tapping and kept me anxious to see more. Had Dan really enjoying the show, which is really a great comment because he doesn't always enjoy the shows as much as I do (are you shocked by that?).

I know that the Haygoods worked for months on this year's show, and it was apparent. I loved the costumes, much better than seeing stiff suits which make the performers look uncomfortable. More denim, more t-shirts... that's what I want to see. I thought the choreography was very smooth and you can tell that the guys are loving the dancing they're doing -- both tap and the more pop style. Mostly, you could tell they're having fun. And that's what I want to see.  Heck, I don't care if they fake it -- they were ill, but they looked as if they were having the most fun they'd ever had and as if they were performing just for that night's crowd.

I'm struggling with the fact that we won't get back to see the show until Thanksgiving. But I just checked, and it's only 7 months, 3 weeks and 5 days away.

Don't miss me too much, boyz.

Comments

[Paige]

Yup! I think your a fan!!! This was quite the review!! Makes me want to go see them... hee hee!!!!!

[Sharia]

Wow girl, when you write a review you really RIGHT a review lol. I don't think I've ever known anyone as into anything as you are into them (not that that's bad, I'm just saying). I'm glad you enjoyed the show though, so drive was worth it!

[Miriam Lima]

LOL, Sharia is right - you can review me anytime - LOL. Well, now I know who the Haygoods are. Great blog!

[Sara Ellis]

how funny!!!! you really are in love, aren't you?

i grew up in kc...then lived in stl for many years...and just moved away from MO less than 5 years ago...........

i haven't been to branson since before it was the branson it is today.....only silver dollar city was there.........FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!!!! is that still there? I used to love that ride

[elizabeth (bugletmom)]

wow, i almost feel like i have been there-- :)

my memaw and mother have been to branson twice and they love it!

[petra a*k*a milo82]

Sounds like a great show and love all the photos...awsome!!

have a great day!!

[so blessed]

Wow! You got some amazing photos! I especially love the b&w. Glad you're having a blast!

[Melanie (lemonyr)]

So glad you're back and SO glad you had a great time! I've never heard of the Haygoods...now I'm gonna have to see what I can find online about them! :)

[Lovely Hamilton]

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I am the GM for Music City Centre Theatre/David Sandy Productions, Inc. Even I was amazed! And it makes me so proud and respectful of all of the Haygoods because they have their own vision that does not follow the "Branson Template". They took that vision to the stage this year and put out a phenominal show. So maybe I'm partial...that's ok. I feel blessed everyday to work wih such a great group of people! Your review just proves my passion. Again, Thanks so much!

[Megan]

Wow! That was a great reveiw! I most likley won't be going to see them until may.I can't wait to see the new show!thanks for sharing that w/ us on the MB!

[natalie]

Hey Kim,
that was soo awesome! I have seen the show this year. and u really hit the nail on the head. Thank you sooo much for sharing it with us on the MB..

[ches]

hi mom thats awesome

[ches]

hi cute dom picture