Larry Kline
Havre Daily News
lkline@havredailynews.com
They've sung for the president of the United States and shared the stage with The Beach Boys, Tanya Tucker, Trisha Yearwood and others, and next week they bring their act to the stage in Havre.
Hi-Line residents have a chance to hear four voices sing in harmony Tuesday as The Coats bring their a cappella act, born on the street corners of Seattle's Pike Place Market, to the Havre High School auditorium.
The four men will take the stage Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and are available at the door or by contacting members of the Hi-Line Concert Association.
Gladys Tysdal, a representative for Live On Stage, the service that helps the local association to book acts, called The Coats “phenomenal.” She's seen the group several times, including two shows recently in Bullhead City, Ariz., and Borrego Springs, Calif.
“They're so enthusiastic and energetic,” Tysdal said. “I think it's something for the entire family. This is something that will go for the young people as well as the old. They'll all have a good time. It's fun, good music and entertaining.”
Hi-Line Concert Association member ShirLee Perrodin said The Coats came “highly recommended” and said the organization is fortunate to get the vocalists onstage here this year, because the group may be heading to bigger venues in the future.
“We're very excited about them coming here,” Perrodin said. “We've heard nothing but positive things.”
The Coats are in the midst of a 110-concert national tour, and have produced 10 albums. Tysdal said the group was “the No. 1 hit” at Live On Stage's 2004 national showcase in Nashville, Tenn.
“They got the standing ovation,” she said.
The Coats create sounds that replicate musical instruments, she said, and bring along inflatable instruments to complement the effect.
“At times, they look like they're playing a guitar or a trumpet, but it's actually the sounds they're making,” Tysdal said.
The group can sing any number of hits - whether it be a Beatles tune or “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog,” and involve the audience with singalongs, she said.
“I've been very fond of them since the first time I saw them,” Tysdal said. “They are so phenomenal ... you think there's a backup group, but there's not.”
For ticket information, call Perrodin at 265-7816 or Pam Hillery at 265-4455.
Memberships for the next season will be available soon. Students pay $20 before May 31 and $25 after; adult tickets are $40 before May 31 and $45 after; and family packages are $100 before May 31 and $115 after. Business sponsors can pay $100 for two adult tickets, and the business will be listed in each concert's program.
On the Web: www.thecoats.net
