Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: News

Siblings Weekend headliner Tyler Hilton performs on Saturday night in Finch Fieldhouse. Hilton was preceded by a performance by pianist Andy Davis. [Click to enlarge]

Hartland freshman Sara Kirkpatrick, left, holds Breanna Kaliszewski, 8, as they watch Tyler Hilton perform Saturday night in Finch Fieldhouse. [Click to enlarge]

Tyler Hilton relaxed backstage in Finch Fieldhouse, eating a salad while fans outside eagerly awaited his performance.

But once he did take the stage, Hilton did not disappoint those waiting for him.

The actor and musician played in front of about 1,300 people Saturday night as part of Sibs Weekend.

"It held up to our expectations," said Haley Rank, Program Board concert chair and Marysville senior. "It was amazing with a great crowd."

Hilton said he was able to come to Mount Pleasant despite taking a break to work on a new album.

"This was on the weekend, so it worked out," Hilton said. "I'm not really doing any touring or gigs right now, but this was on the weekend."

Hilton said he also is working to promote his movie, "Charlie Bartlett," set to release Feb. 22.

Andy Davis played the keyboard and guitar for the opening act. He received loud applause when he began to play "With a Little Help from My Friends," originally by The Beatles.

"I would have (bought his album) if I had enough money," said Royal Oak junior Emily Dixon.

Hilton enjoyed the CMU crowd, encouraging the audience to participate whenever possible, particularly when he coordinated everybody to take a photo at one time.

Hilton gave the crowd a kick pose as the audience took pictures with cameras and cell phones.

"You guys look so crazy," he said. "That's a high-kick exclusive."

Buckley freshman Nicole Keeler brought her sister, Alisha, a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design, to the show.

"It's something that sounded fun to do," Alisha Keeler said.

Not all people who were at the show had connections to Sibs weekend.

St. Joseph senior Laura Barrick did not have a sibling accompanying her, but still had fun Saturday.

"It was a good concert," she said. "It's more geared toward younger kids."

Although most of the audience contained CMU students, Hilton played for all ages.

Hilton said this was his first trip to Mount Pleasant and he enjoyed the area.

"I love doing college shows," he said. "It seems pretty small and quaint."

Hilton signed autographs for students and siblings after the show. The line extended down the floor of Finch Fieldhouse.


news@cm-life.com

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