Hanson brings pop-rock to Woody Guthrie celebration Saturday

Published BY JENNIFER CHANCELLOR | March 7, 2012  Comments  0

TULSA — Tulsa pop and soul band Hanson may not be a first guess when it comes to performers influenced by folk music icon and Oklahoma native Woody Guthrie.

Brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson of Tulsa pop-soul band Hanson will perform March 10 at the tribute concert for Woody Guthrie. Photo provided.

But the trio's lead singer, Taylor Hanson, believes the band is what it is today because of the legacy Guthrie laid out long before he and his brothers were born.

“We're Oklahomans and Woody Guthrie is a major part of the fabric of music,” he said bluntly during a recent telephone interview. When asked to perform in Saturday's tribute concert by Guthrie's daughter, Nora, and the Grammy Museum, “It was a no-brainer, really.”

Hanson is more than a pop-rock juggernaut. The brothers, too, work outside of the “system” established by mainstream music, including their own 3CG Records. Just as Guthrie did.

Brothers Zac, Taylor and Isaac spend a lot of time working for basic human rights and needs. They walk the walk. Just like Guthrie.

They also know when civil disobedience is called for. Just like Guthrie.

Here's Tulsa World's exclusive Q&A with Tulsa's own Taylor Hanson about the influence of the Okemah native on Hanson, and the music world in general.

Q: How did you get involved with the centennial concert?

A: We've been aware for some time about the rumblings of a certain project surrounding his 100 years. Officially, Nora and her family and the Grammy Museum folks just reached out to us a few weeks ago.

Q: How did you discover Woody's music and history?

A: The one thing that's interesting about us, of course, is our musical heritage is much more rock 'n' roll, much more soul music ... but there's just such a respect for Woody Guthrie and what role he's played, not only in music but in pop culture — the way he's influenced so many artists.

And, probably like a lot of people in our generation, we kind of discovered his musical followers (Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen) before we really understood how important he was.

We've kind of gone back and just been in awe of his legacy. It's infinite.

He's a great American character and a great American artist and worth celebrating.

Q: Do you guys have any ideas yet how the concert will work out for you guys?

A: It is all under wraps right now because we're trying to be as deferential as possible since they are trying to maintain so much excitement and suspense.

One thing I do know is we'll probably be performing with one of the other artists. We love doing that. It's kind of a way of showing the audience that there's a community, and I feel like Woody Guthrie would have had a lot of people playing together with him.

Read more: http://newsok.com/hanson-brings-pop-rock-to-woody-guthrie-celebration-saturday/article/3655210#ixzz1oZheB2l8

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British fans push for Hanson to play at wedding

Published: 3/4/2012  2:31 AM
Last Modified: 3/4/2012  5:20 AM

James Bishop of Oxford, England, has made what he feels is a modest proposal.

What's not so modest is that he's made it every day for more than a year.

He wants Hanson at his wedding.

He and Jennie Tripp, both 26, expect about 90 at their wedding and close to 150 for the following reception on July 28.

They were engaged Jan. 19 of last year. The "Hanson at My Wedding" drive started about a month later. It's been going strong every day since they started a campaign of videos and messages via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tumblr.

Now that's some serious commitment.

The publicity has won the band - and these fans - a lot of attention, Bishop said. This week, they struck the 380 mark on daily videos. They have about 169 to go, he said.

Videos show them singing the "A-Team" theme song while running in circles and casual chats with followers on their way home from pubs. Every one ends with the same plea.

Why videos? He and friend Chris Douch "decided on this as we are both writers and performers who have very little money and thought, 'We can't pay them in dollars, but we can pay them in our time.' After all, time is money and money is time ..."

If that's true, is their register ringing with time well spent?

They don't know.

Nor does Hanson brother Taylor Hanson, who commented on the UK friends' pleas during a recent interview with the Tulsa World.

"They are amazing. Amazing. You know, we've got some ideas for them. ... We know it (HAMW) exists and we respect the interest and really think it's cool. And, also, Hanson, the only weddings we've ever performed at were our own weddings," Taylor Hanson said.

"So, it's an effort that I admire. I saw them at the last shows we did in London. I said, 'Hey, I give you props for all the effort.' "

He sounded a twinge disappointed. "The scoop is that Hanson is cold-hearted. ...Which isn't true. It just seems that way."

Through their blog, Bishop and Douch have offered to cover air fare for the Tulsa trio.

The international media has picked up on the HAMW movement. One fan even crashed a TV interview with the band in Brazil - and asked if they'd play Bishop's wedding. The Hansons again praised Bishop's heart. The fan-reporter said the guys should play. The band didn't say much else about it.

"It was very surreal seeing my picture and video clips of me on Brazilian national television," he said.

The makings of a fan

Back in 2004, "Douch and I were working in a shop together when the CD 'Underneath' came in, which was their comeback album. We thought 'Hey, it's those 'Mmmbop' kids, must be a greatest hits' so we put it on to annoy the customers."

But they liked the music. More accurately, Bishop said, they loved it.

The friends played the album from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., every day they were at the store, and nearly were fired because of it.

"My fiancée is now a big fan through me," Bishop added. "My first memory with Jennie is telling her how great Hanson were and her rolling around in laughter. I only had one track to change her mind. I chose 'Penny and Me' and she never looked back."

Now they're all hooked - and a Hanson cover band is simply out of the question. Besides, he said, "Hanson tribute bands are a little thin on the ground at the moment."

True.

Bishop admits that they're all jokers, but they're "seriously serious" about getting the Tulsa-based band of brothers into their wedding.

He and friends met Hanson several times last year while the band was on tour.

"We waited outside each venue for them and spoke to them on numerous occasions," he said.

The responses from Zac, Isaac and Taylor has been encouraging but aloof, he said.

"It's been mixture of things, ranging from Isaac's 'Keep going, you never know!' To Zac's 'Maybe I should marry you, seems like we would get on pretty well!' "

So far, however, Bishop hasn't gotten any shout-outs from Hanson's official Twitter or other sites, he said.

But that won't stop him from trying. His message is getting heard - and people love it. His story's been picked up by Absolute Radio, American pop-rocker Wheatus, Perfect Wedding Magazine, Digital Spy, comedian Dave Hill, BBC Oxford and many more.

"My favorite moments (when meeting Hanson) were getting Zac to sign a 'Hanson at My Wedding' sticker without realizing, then getting Taylor to sign our banner. When he gave it back, we informed him if you shone a UV light on the banner, it was actually a binding legal contract."

'Hanson at My Wedding' drive

Twitter: @bishopanddouch

Tumblr: hansonatmywedding.tumblr.com

Facebook: tulsaworld.com/hamwfb

Jennifer Chancellor 918-581-8346
jennifer.chancellor@tulsaworld.com
By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer

Copyright 2012 World Publishing Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=269&articleid=20120304_269_D1_CUTLIN565693

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JUSTIN BIEBER, MILEY CYRUS + MORE RECEIVE ADVICE FROM HANSON

by: Jessica Sager Yesterday

YouTube

Hanson are celebrating 20 years in music (and making a lot of us feel really, really old). To commemorate the occasion, they offered advice to current teen and tween stars on how to last in the business. Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and more: listen and learn!

When asked about Cyrus, Taylor’s answer was immediate. “Focus on music, less on boobs.” Ouch! The Jonas Brothers were up next — a band that bears plenty of parallels to the 90′s idols: three brothers playing pop rock and being featured on tween girls’ posters. “They seem like they’re actually trying to focus and look at longevity,” Taylor said, crediting the JoBros. “One’s doing the solo project, one’s doing the Broadway thing … they’re making the right choices.”

And what about the Biebs? “Honestly, I think he’s on a really good trajectory,” Isaac said. “He seems to have a really good voice, and so that ultimately becomes about picking the right songs.” As for Bieber’s lady love, Selena Gomez, the guys only had glowing reviews. “I think she’s really talented,” Taylor said earnestly, accompanied by “yeahs” and nods from his brothers. “She’s got a lot going for her. She seems to be very composed, and that says a lot.”

The guys had some different views on the hair-whipping whippersnapper, Willow Smith. “Talk to your dad!” Taylor said. We agree: Will Smith knows his stuff.

The Tulsa-bred MmmBoppers had general advice as well. “In all cases, know what you want to do in the first place, stick to your guns and watch your business,” Taylor said.

“Find mentors, whether it be songwriters, artists or whatever it is, and talk to them,” Isaac added. “Always try and learn something.”

Zac, who had been relatively quiet for most of the interview, chimed in as well. “Isaac offers a mentoring service,” Zac deadpanned. “It’s only about $150 an hour.” We’re just surprised none of them advised on putting stars’ names on a Pilsner.

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JUSTIN BIEBER'S BIRTHDAY WISHES FROM HANSON, GYM CLASS HEROES, ADAM LAMBERT & MORE

The biggest pop stars give Biebs congratulations—and advice—for his 18th birthday

Justin Bieber turns 18 on March 1. That means the international teen heartthrob is now a man, although I wouldn’t bet on him growing a beard anytime soon. In anticipation of his big day, we asked a few musicians and singers if they have any special b-day wishes for the Biebs. Here’s what a few famous faces had to say:

Gym Class Heroes's Travie McCoy: "You can buy cigarettes, but don't start smoking. It's a slippery slope, Biebs."

Adam Lambert: "The best parties are always with the people you really care about and love—your friends and your family—so have fun."

Damian Kulash of OK Go, Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship, Cassie,Miguel and Hanson all give advice to the birthday boy as well. Heck, Dia Frampton even wants to buy him Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead as a present. So... yeah!

If you have any Bieber Birthday wishes for the 18-year-old man himself, why not send them his way? Leave your birthday message in the comments section of our Fuse Digital Card and we’ll edit them into the video for JB's big day.

Gym Class Heroes Wishes Justin Bieber Happy Birthday 

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HANSON TALK 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, GIVE ADVICE TO BIEBER & MILEY

"MMMBop" came out 15 years ago: Here's what they have to say about today's teen stars

Hanson has been in the music business for 20 years. Don’t panic! That's just how long they've been playing together. It’s been a mere 15 years since the infectious, ubiquitous “MMMBop" was unleashed. Whew!

Fuse’s Elaine Moran sat down with Hanson to talk about their 20th anniversary, letting fans choose which albums they play in concert and fatherhood (all three are dads now!). 

Looking back, youngest bro Zac (26) claims that Hanson was “never a trendy band,” even at the height of MMMania. “If you listen to our records they sound like they’re influenced by the Jackson 5 and Motown, and today it’s still the same. There's Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry and those records, and then there's Hanson over here making Motown-influenced rock n' roll records still.” You can watch that segment above. 

The Brothers Hanson also gave some advice to today’s teen stars, from Justin Bieber to Miley Cyrus to Jonas Brothers to Selena Gomez. Which Disney star do they think needs to focus “more on music, less on boots”? Watch the video below to see which teen singers of today they think will still be around tomorrow.

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Hanson: Blood is thicker Hanson: Blood is thicker Hanson: Blood is thicker

Boy bands come and go. Some split up and members go solo, oftentimes with not much success. A few remain intact, surviving the influx of new groups. One of them is Hanson, composed of brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac. Of course, it helps that they are siblings. Blood is thicker than music, you know.

A backgrounder (furnished Funfare by Dayly Entertainment which is producing the Hanson concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 30 and at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City on March 31):

Natives of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Hanson brothers have been making music together for nearly two decades. Their 1997 debut albumMiddle of Nowhere introduced their out-of-the-blue, soul-inspired brand of American pop-rock ‘n’ roll to the world. It sold more than 10 million copies and spawned the trio’s hit singles MMMBop, Where’s The Love, I Will Come to Youand Weird.

Also in 1997, they released their Christmas album Snowed In, followed by a studio album in 2000, This Time Around.

In 2003, the brothers put up 3CG Records, their own company and, in 2004, released their album,Underneath (Penny & Me and Lost Without Each Other were among the hit singles from it). In 2007, they released the album The Walk.

They have just released their fifth album, Shout It Out.

“It showcases not only the music of Hanson but many aspects that have allowed the band to survive and stay relevant,” said Zac in an exclusive phone interview with Funfare. “The album is about being alive, and the contrasts we are faced with. We’ve come from a generation leaving the analog world and moving into an interconnected culture at risk of forgetting where it came from. The album tries to put together those pieces, but with a bit of melody to back it up.”

Here’s the rest of our interview:

You and your brothers Isaac and Taylor have been in the business for more than two decades. What keeps you together, considering that so many bands have come and gone?

“Even when we were kids, we were saying that we’d be together even when we were old and gray. We’ve been doing it together for years and years and we’re still enjoying it. Life goes on and things can be harsh, but we stick together whatever happens.”

Isn’t there any professional rivalry which is common among siblings in showbiz?

“You know, at this point there shouldn’t really be as much sibling rivalry. We’re not perfect, you know, we also have our faults but we’re not guilty of sibling rivalry or professional jealousy. We have struggled with each other; no one knows each other better than we do. It’s hard. Sometimes we are hard on each other but thank God, it has been a good job, it has been a good life, and we really appreciate it.”

You started in the business as teenagers. I suppose you all have families of your own now and you live apart from each other. How do you keep in touch away from music?

“The funny thing about us is that in a lot of ways we’re still together even if we’re not working. We run our label so we spend a lot of time together even if we’re not going on tour.”

Do you always agree on what kind of music you should be playing or how things in your office should be run?

“We often agree more than disagree. You know, we grew up in the same house and on the same kind of music. We play different roles in our company, each one of us runs his own area.”

Who’s the most senior among you?

“There’s no official first, second and third. We are seven siblings in the family and I’m the youngest of the three who are in the music business. We three are the only ones who have pursued music. We have a sister who’s studying art and a brother who’s studying acting.”

Why did you call your band simply Hanson and not something else?

“We did consider a few names but we decided to just use our surname as the name of our band. It’s easier to remember, isn’t it?”

Could you tell us more about your new (fifth) album, Shout It Out?

“These songs on the album go back to our roots; they are the kind of songs that we grew up on. The album kind of traces how we have grown as a band. It’s titled Shout It Out because that’s exactly what a singer wants when he wants the whole world to listen to his music — you know, to really shout it out…loud! We’ve had a long, happy journey for 20 years and we’d love to share it with the world.”

You performed in Manila a few years ago. What surprises are in store for your Filipino fans on your concert on March 30 and 31? Of course, if you tell, they won’t be surprised anymore, hehehe!

“There will be lots of surprises. There will also be a little bit of everything — our old songs, our new songs from our latest album. We expect our fans to sing along with us and enjoy the music.

(Note: Hanson Live in Manila is produced by Dayly Entertainment in cooperation with Rockstar Touring and LAMC Productions. Ticket prices are: P4,500 for Patron VIP, P3,500 for Patron, P3,000 for Lower Box, P2,500 for Upper Box A, P1,500 for Upper Box B and P500 for General Admisson. Call TicketNet at 911-5555. The concert will be on March 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, March 31 Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.)

(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions tomailto:askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visithttp://www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)

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Hanson announced for Little Lake Musicfest

By EXAMINER STAFF

Updated 3 days ago

Pop band Hanson is going to perform at the Little Lake Musicfest this summer during the final show of the season on Aug. 25.

The trio of brothers from Oklahoma - Zac, Isaac and Taylor - is best known for the 1997 hit song MMMBop and has sold millions of albums worldwide.

The band’s other hit songs include This Time Around, Strong Enough to Break, Where’s the Love and The Walk.

Hanson has been making music together for nearly two decades.

On their current fifth studio album Shout It Out, released on their independent label 3CG Records, they deliver soulful, melodic tunes known as R&B-flavored pop-rock. The album, produced and written exclusively by the band, includes special guests: Funk Brothers bassist Bob Babbitt, who played on some of Motown’s greatest hits, and horn arranger Jerry Hey, who worked with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Earth, Wind and Fire.

The first single, Thinking ’Bout Somethin’, one of the songs that features brass, offers lyrics about putting a loose lover in her place underscored by a huge chorus.

Kiss Me When You Come Home touches on heartfelt lyrics about the simpler connections that keep a relationship going.

Carry You There harkens back to The Walk, with its message of rising above your troubles.

And I Waited brings in a tougher edge signaling a change in mood from with a four-on-the-floor kick drum and a darker lyrical undertone.

Meanwhile, Little Lake Musicfest is set to start its 26th season of free entertainment in Del Crary Park on June 30.

The outdoor concerts at the Fred Anderson Stage run Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

No other lineup details have been released yet.

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A conversation with Hanson

By: Vince Gallagher

If you've heard of "MMMBop," you're probably familiar with this band of brothers. Vince Gallagher spoke with the band "Hanson" before their concert at Northern Lights on Tuesday.

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. -- You may have heard of the pop rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, formed by the three brothers, Issac, Taylor, and Zac: the trio known as Hanson. We caught up with them before their show at Northern Lights on Tuesday. The concert was actually for a show that had been postponed.

Isaac Hanson said, "We actually very rarely cancel a show but got really sick at the end of last year, but this was part of another U.S. tour and so we just finished a whole run of shows across Canada."

They then made their way back to this area. They've been going now for more than 15 years, as a band and a family, which can help when it comes to carrying the same tune

Zac Hanson said, "There's probably some genetic assistance in there somewhere. I think vocal cords probably sounds more similar and blend better, but we've only been in a band with each other, so it's probably hard to know."

Hanson's popularity exploded in 1997 with the release on "MMMBop," but they've really had a combination of a solid fan base and critical acclaim.

"We do it first for ourselves and secondly for the fans hoping that they love what you do, and then you just stay focused on that every night," said Isaac.

And yes, they're still popular today. Outside Northern Lights, fans waited for hours to get first row seats, based on the number in order of purchased tickets.

"They are to help us stay in line so when the doors open, we can all proceed in to the show," said fan Colleen Bridges.

In the meantime, there's a bit of camping out, but it was all for the songs they hope to hear

"Never Let Go, Crazy Beautiful, Give a Little, In the City, MMMBop, everything," said another fan.

Hanson also is in the business side of the music business; they run their own label, 3CG Records - a move based on the response to the state of the music industry these days

"You've seen massive shrinkage of every different side of the music business just because of the way that the culture is being spread and shared and those things, and I think as a band, we just found that the best place to be was running our own label, doing it ourselves and finding those partnerships we could rely on," said Zac.

And as Hanson had a successful night here in the Capital Region, that continues with more scheduled sold-out shows.

watch the video here: http://hudsonvalley.ynn.com/content/top_stories/573857/a-conversation-with-hanson/

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‘Waiting to Exhale’ co-stars mourn death of Whitney Houston Continue reading on Examiner.com ‘Waiting to Exhale’ co-stars mourn death of Whitney Houston - Oklahoma City Pop Culture

Feb. 14, 2012 - Many people from all over the world voiced their reactions to the death of pop Diva Whitney Houston. Included in those mournful posts were from Oklahoma musicians such as Reba McEntire, Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon and Zac Hanson of the pop group Hanson.

Another group of individuals who mourned the loss of Whitney Houston were her co-stars in the movie Waiting to Exhale.

Houston starred in Waiting to Exhale in 1996, her second movie effort following The Bodyguard. Actor Forest Whitaker directed the movie and she starred alongside Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon. Houston also sang the movie's theme song, "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)."

Continue reading on Examiner.com ‘Waiting to Exhale’ co-stars mourn death of Whitney Houston - Oklahoma City Pop Culture | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/pop-culture-in-oklahoma-city/waiting-to-exhale-co-stars-mourn-death-of-whitney-houston#ixzz1mg4USUrz

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“Mmmbop”‘s gone electric

Hanson boasts mature sound and launches their own beer brand

Caroline Cox
Copy Editor

Hanson’s Saturday night show was a high energy, non-stop, 100-minute rollercoaster, a tribute to the band’s enthusiasm. The interactive concert had the crowd jumping, singing, clapping, dancing, and—perhaps most significantly for a band who still boasts much of their boy band appeal—grabbing the hand of their favourite Hanson brother.

That’s not to say the band hasn’t matured: they’ve actually gone electric, adding new riffs to old songs, incorporating horns in new songs. They will soon launch their own brand of beer, Mmmhop, evidence of the band’s maturation – but more on that later.

“What’s been really cool about the last 15 years is you have countless opportunities to get out there and to make another record and to have a different relationship with your audience,” Isaac Hanson, the oldest brother and the band’s guitarist, told me before the show. “You are always looking for that kernel of insight. The great thing about it is that that kernel is new every single day.”

The opening song, “Wait It Out,” had fans singing the title line of the group’s most recent album Shout It Out, their fifth studio release. During the band’s cover of The Beatles’ “Oh Darling,” youngest brother and drummer Zac Hanson held the syllable “Oh” while Taylor Hanson, middle brother and pianist, chugged a bottle of water. The band’s oldest songs appeared near the end of the show – but even “Mmmbop” now includes electric riffs, and the song benefits from this new sound.

“I think we all just love what we do in one form or another,” Isaac said about keeping their sound fresh. “We’re all just really excited to do it. The enthusiasm isn’t lost on us.”

Although they have released four albums since Middle of Nowhere hit radio waves in 1997, Isaac maintains that the purpose behind their music remains the same.

“I think as a songwriter you are always just trying to have an honest emotional connection with somebody no matter what the song specifically is about. Sometimes it’s just about celebrating life, sometimes it’s just about challenging yourself to rise to the occasion. Sometimes it’s lamenting the loss of someone… You’re always just searching for that kernel of honest emotion and a unique way to tell it every time.”

The brothers, especially Taylor and Isaac, also love beer. They will launch their beer brand Mmmhop, an India Pale Ale, in both the US and Canada in the spring. Isaac said that, while the beer’s name is “tongue in cheek,” the idea sprang from the band’s collaborations with local chocolate and coffee artisans.

“We really loved what these people did, and then that love for what they did inspired us to say, we should do something with this chocolate maker or coffee roaster, because they’re really good at what they do,” Isaac said. “We found a way to put it out with our own spin on it.

“The beer is our reflection of our appreciation of an art form, and the spirit it puts you in.”

The brothers have branched out in other ways: the new video for “Thinkin Bout Something” belatedly showcases their awkward dance moves.

Isaac explained why they did not bust a move in Thunder Bay: “We are not dancers, as has been proven by all the years of music videos and whatever. We’ll leave the pop and lock to Usher and Bieber, with all of their agility.”

No matter the quality of the band’s — and the audience’s — dancing, what Isaac calls the “carpe diem” attitude behind many of their songs gets infused into live performances, leading fans, literally, to jump out of their seats.

Photo by Gary Musson/ARGUS

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Hanson plays Musicfest Aug. 25

Multiple Grammy-nominated pop music brothers confirmed for Del Crary Park summer date

Hanson.

(PETERBOROUGH) Multiple Grammy-nominated pop band Hanson -- Oklahoma-born brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson -- will take to the Fred Anderson Stage in Del Crary Park this summer as part of the Little Lake Musicfest lineup.
The trio, best known for 1997 monster hit MMMBop, will perform Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
With millions of record sales worldwide, Hanson is currently in the midst of a cross-Canada tour, promoting its fifth studio album, Shout It Out.
Other popular hits of the trio include This Time Around, Strong Enough To Break and Where's The Love?
Watch www.mykawartha.com for more Musicfest concert announcements as details are made available. 

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Entering a time warp with Hanson at the Phoenix

Posted by Erin Scholz / FEBRUARY 12, 2012

Let's enter the time warp.

I saw Hanson 14 years ago. Yes, I was bat-shit crazy for the three goldilocks (especially Zac- "The funny one!"). I called a number in the back of Tiger Beat Magazine that promised I could speak with Hanson. That number turned out to be some prerecorded shit from Barbados, obviously, and cost my parents about $80.

I'm telling you this because despite my former fanatic ways, it's been 14 long years since then. My musical tastes have changed and surely, I thought, theirs had too. Wrong. The predominately female crowd screamed even louder than I had remembered, groups of gals with homemade Hanson shirts were in full force, and the pushing and shoving to get closer to the golden gods was something I hadn't experienced since, I don't know, Hanson in 1997.

They played hits from their debut album Middle of Nowhere, (yes even MMMBop), while mostly sticking to songs from their latest four albums. (Yes, that's right, they actually have 10 albums). After the success ofMiddle of Nowhere and some rocky patches with their then label, Mercury Records, Hanson started their own independent label which has allowed them to record, well, a considerable library of material.

The show at The Phoenix was actually sold out days before they were scheduled to appear. Free from former back up musicians a la "The Mmmbop" era, the three brothers competently played catchy pop tunes about love, longing, heartbreak, and well, mmm...bopping. Zac and Isaac each took a turn performing a solo acoustic song, while Taylor (let's face it, the star) sat back and watched.

"With You in Your Dreams" (a song about the loss of their grandmother) still brought people to tears, "MMMBop" made people go manic and one of their latest hits — "Thinking 'Bout Somethin'" made me feel like I was caught in a flash mob. Think, your mom and all her friends dancing to their old faves and not giving a shit what they look like or who's watching. Which is kind of badass, actually. I commend you, Hanson fans.

So basically a Hanson concert in 2012 isn't much different than one in 1997. Same deal but I could smell weed. And whenever I had the urge to sing along I bit the straw in my gin and tonic really hard.

Photos by Sarah Rix

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