An estimated combined crowd of 30,000 fans attended both "Durbin Day" at the Louden Nelson Community Center and a ceremony and concert at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Only the top three competitors are allowed a Fox-sponsored trip home, but Durbin was viewed by many as a “slam dunk” to make the finals. Each week he had proven to be one of the most popular, so it was a shock to all when he was voted off the show.
Cancelled Durbin Day Festivities Reinstated
Elaborate festivities were planned in Santa Cruz, but after Durbin was eliminated on the May 12 airing, the city opted to cancel. Having second thoughts, and because so many people were looking forward to seeing their hometown celebrity, city officials and Boardwalk administrators negotiated a plan with Fox network to allow him to attend the homecoming.
Durbin Day Schedule
At the Loudon Nelson Community Center, his first stop of the day, Durbin met with press and visited with young people with Tourette’s Syndrome, an affliction that he has dealt with. Also on the agenda was a question and answer session with the group “Kids on Broadway” and “All About Theatre,” two organizations he performed with while in his teens.
The popular TV competition appeals to all ages. Robyn and Bob Bortnick of Santa Cruz brought their nine-year-old son Sam, and friend Morgan Phillips, age 10, to all the events. "It was so amazing! We managed to get Sam and Morgan to each point along the route - outside Louden Nelson when James arrived, inside for the Kids on Broadway event, then in the parade to the Boardwalk and near the stage for the concert. It was a lot of work but so worth it!"
At around 5:00 p.m., a procession, led by The Santa Cruz High School marching band escorted Durbin and a parade of adoring fans to the beach, where thousands more enthusiasts were waiting.
Glenda Wright of Soquel, 71, arrived at 11 a.m. and planted herself on the upper deck complete with blanket, snack and Kindle. “I’m here to support James, his talent, his gift and his unfortunate elimination from Idol. Heavy Metal is not my genre, but I have to respect his total talent.”
Pre-show by White Album Ensemble
After a lively performance by the WAE, featuring songs by the Beatles, the motorcade carrying Durbin arrived at the beach to the thunderous chanting of “Durbin! Durbin!” by fans of all ages, including families with babies.
James Durbin Takes the Stage
Sporting jeans and a studded denim jacket emblazoned with the words “Give Metal a Chance,” the 22 year old singer thanked fans for their love and support. Mayor Ryan Coonerty presented him with a proclamation designating 2011 as Durbin Year, along with a surfboard adorned with his likeness.
Durbin told fans that the reason he was dejected when voted off the show was because he wouldn't be able to come home to visit. He also said that he cried when finding out that new plans had taken place for him to come to Santa Cruz. Then and only then, did he finally sing for the fans who had waited so long.
Upholding his contractual agreement, he sang three songs: "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and an encore of “Don't Stop Believing." At one point, he ran off the stage and down to the front row to greet kids from Shoreline Middle School, security staff running behind him all the way.
Before closing the show, he urged the crowd to buy their tickets to see the “American Idol” live tour when it comes to San Jose’s HP Pavilion on July 13.
After an autograph session, James Durbin and his fiancée Heidi concluded an incredibly exciting day by doing what any Santa Cruzan would do; introduce their two-year old son Hunter to the Boardwalk rides!
June Smith - I am the retired owner of a pioneering winery founded in the early '70s in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, with dozens of food, wine ...
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