The Saint Rose Chronicle

Issue date: 12/13/06 Section: News

If the rest of the year is as kind to Eliot Spitzer as January 1, it will mean only good things for the new governor of New York.

Spitzer was welcomed to office with overwhelming optimism and appreciation from local residents.

While the schedule of "Day One" may have been delayed slightly due to weather conditions, the spirits of those in the state capitol didn't seem to be affected.

After a lengthy series of events, Spitzer was just one of many who gathered at the Times Union Center for a concert in celebration of his election.

The show was free for attendees, thanks in large part to the number of volunteers who put their time into its production.

Former Saint Rose student Jimmy Fallon hosted the event, though he clearly struggled to make a connection with the audience between several musical acts.

The talent included Ben Vereen, Willie Colon, and singer Natalie Merchant, who performed with friend Dan Zanes.

As each performer left the stage, anticipation steadily rose for the headliner of the evening. Legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor took the stage to a roaring audience.

Taylor began his performance with crowd favorite "Copperline" and proceeded to play many of his classics, including "Sweet Baby James" and "Carolina In My Mind." Taylor even granted the audience an encore before inviting Spitzer and his family on stage to bid goodnight to his many supporters.

The concert also marked the first event after the former Pepsi Arena made its new Times Union Center moniker official.

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