James Taylor stumps for Obama at UNC

I think I've been to enough campaign events for Barack Obama at this point that I can confidently say when they have an event, they do it right. Last night's James Taylor concert at UNC's Fetzer Field was no exception.

"It's really time for us to get back to work," Taylor told the crowd of several thousand. "I am proud to be among you as a member of your community in supporting Barack Obama."

Taylor urged everyone in attendance to take advantage of early voting across the Triangle to keep lines down on Nov. 4 so people don't get discouraged and go home without casting their ballot. He challenged everyone to find a friend and make them early vote. "Corral 'em. Put a gunny sack around their waist," he said.

If you've never seen James Taylor perform, and I hadn't, you really should go next time he's in town. Not just for his performing ("He sounds just like on his albums!," I heard one student incredulously remark as concertgoers climbed the bleachers after the show.) but also for the comedy act that goes along with his songs.

It's no surprise that as a talented songwriter, Taylor would be a great storyteller too, but the guy is funny! Introducing his song "Sweet Baby James," he told the crowd, "This is a song I wrote driving to North Carolina—in 1903. ... I was abroad for a year—that never sounds right."

He talked about his years with Carole King before singing "You've Got a Friend," saying, "We were sharing a stage, we shared a band — we shared a toothbrush," adding that he'll never forget the first time he heard the song, at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. "Of course I didn't realize I'd be singing it every night for the rest of my life," he said.

When a woman in the bleachers yelled out "I love you!," Taylor replied "I love you too! I think it helps us not to know each other."

Before singing the song "Mexico," he commented "This is a song that usually has a lot of musicians on it. So you'll have to fill them in with your brains."

Not to undermine the cause of the event — to promote support for Barack Obama and Joe Biden — Taylor spoke often about his belief that Obama would bring the change our country needs. He spoke about the late former Gov. Terry Sanford and the creation of RTP, reflecting that he sees the same spirit today in his home state's support of Obama for president. A victory for Obama in North Carolina would mark the first time our state's gone blue since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

Set List:
America, the Beautiful
Something In the Way She Moves
Sweet Baby James
You've Got a Friend
Go Obama
Happy Birthday (to an 8-year-old)
Suzanne
Wichita Lineman
(I'm A) Road Runner
Fire and Rain
Carolina In My Mind
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Mexico
You Can Close Your Eyes
Go Obama



[photos by Kevin Norris]