PALM COAST, Fla. – It was a packed house at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on Thursday evening as fans gathered for a night of nostalgia with Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. From the opening notes, bobbing heads and familiar lyrics filled the room as patrons sang along to the soundtrack of their teenage years.
Now in his 80s, Puckett was as enthusiastic as ever, sharing moments from his storied career and offering insight into how his timeless hits came to life. The evening felt less like a concert and more like a shared memory between artist and audience.
Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Director Amelia Fulmer was thrilled to welcome the rock ’n’ roll icon to the stage.
“We’re really excited. His album came out in 1969, and we have a lot of people that were teenagers then, and they’re here enjoying his music,” she said.
Fulmer, who is passionate about incorporating students into professional productions at The Fitz, also took pride in the behind-the-scenes success of the evening.
“He’s got a great band. They came in and sound check went really fast, thanks to our kids. They praised them and then they got to sit around this afternoon and wait on dinner because our students were so great and our staff was so great at doing a sound check,” she said proudly.
“We actually have one of our students that just graduated last year and got a scholarship in our program, he’s actually mixing tonight. It’s a big deal to get to say that you mixed sound for Gary Puckett.”
Coming from a generation that truly appreciates live music, Puckett treated his fans as part of the show, often stepping back to let the audience take center stage.
“Everybody’s singing along, and we know all the songs. He stops every once in a while and just lets the audience finish a song,” added Fulmer.
“I love when people sing together. That’s my favorite part of my music. It’s beautiful. Where else can you go and be with a thousand people who sing together?”
Among those soaking in the experience were Steve and Pam Bolter, who made the concert part of a full January lineup at The Fitz.
“We enjoyed Gary Puckett and the Union Gap this evening. Amazing that he’s still performing at almost 84 years old! Very charming, very patriotic, very spiritual. Great evening!!! His music brought back many memories of a simpler time and my husband’s high school years,” shared Pam.
“We really enjoyed his audience engagement, his anecdotes and stories that helped shape his life, plus his appreciation of our veterans and our freedom.”
Next Up … January’s Showbill
January is packed with entertainment at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, starting Sunday with a matinee performance by Human Nature.
“Human Nature was discovered by Smokey Robinson in Australia. They have a Vegas residency, and they’re here to perform. They do songs live with Smokey Robinson on video. ‘Tears of a Clown’ and all of those. So, if you like Motown music, come see that show at 2 o’clock on Sunday.”
On January 23, London’s Barricade Boys bring Broadway to Palm Coast with a spectacular performance celebrating iconic hits.
From Les Misérables to the Jersey Boys, The Barricade Boys promise to deliver an unforgettable evening that will leave you wanting more.
Rounding out the month on January 30 is illusionist Reza.
“He is from Branson. He has a show in Branson weekly, but he’s taking a break to come do a tour and bring his show out on the road,” said Fulmer. “So, he’s going to be doing all kind of crazy things, and we’re excited about learning about how to do magic here at The Fitz.”
For tickets and show details, visit www.FlaglerEntertainment.com.
