Concert set for Friday at Columbia Theatre

Submitted by Esther Gregg

"Play Me the Music of Neil Diamond" will be performed live by Chris Waggoner and his band at Longview's Columbia Theatre on Friday, July 26. Waggoner is a 1980's graduate from Mark Morris High School but his local connection is through his mother, Elaine Edwards, who many of you will remember as an active participant in the Friends of Skamokawa Music & Comedy Revues. Elaine was one of the dancers who was also active in the management and restoration projects at Redmen Hall.

Chris Waggoner has made his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he managed a health clinic but his love of music was always a driving force. As a result he purchased a small restaurant, part of which was converted into a dinner club. What started off as a fun little tribute show amongst a handful of friends has grown into a full-scale stage production with a full range of horns, wind instruments, percussion and various background vocals.

And for Chris, who channels Neil Diamond with vigor and intensity as the band's frontman, "Play Me" has been a passion project 30-plus years in the making. It's no wonder audience members have been known to say that if you close your eyes, it truly sounds like you're at a show with the Brooklyn Cowboy himself.

Elaine, now making her home in El Paso, Texas, is visiting the local area and will be attending the show on Friday evening before the show moves on to Portland for a Saturday performance.