Putnam Fund brings Taubl family of "America's Got Talent" to Laconia

LACONIA — On Friday night, the nine members of the Taubl Family Band will take to the stage for the latest free concert provided by the Laconia Putnam Fund. It will be a familiar return to the city for the family, as the Taubls lived in New Hampshire for 14 years before moving to Connecticut. The family will likely be a familiar sight to many in the audience, as they were featured on the NBC television show "America's Got Talent" in 2008.

Linda Peary, a member of the committee that oversees the Putnam Fund, said she first saw the Taubls on that show and figured they'd be a "perfect fit" for Laconia and the fund, which brings enriching cultural experiences to the city at no charge. She liked how the family of seven children performs with their parents and presents a musical experience that draws upon a wide range of styles and has broad appeal.

Carol Taubl, the mother of the band, said the set list they've prepared for the concert will highlight the variety of musical styles they draw from. They'll perform original songs, Broadway favorites and more contemporary popular tunes.

Taubl said her family lived in Derry from 1988 to 2002 and has been performing for 15 years, including all over the state. Since their performances on the nationally-broadcast show, their family's notoriety has skyrocketed and put the family in a quandary as to which direction they want to take their music.

"It certainly expanded our horizons," she said of the television show. Although she said parts of the experience were "unpleasant," she said the family has no regrets about participating. "It was fabulous, it's the kind of experience that is once-in-a-lifetime," she said.

In between songs, Taubl said the family will tell a few stories about the "America's Got Talent" experience, as well as what it's like to be part of such an unusual family. "New Hampshire people are so typically warm and welcoming, we feel the concert is going to be a blast," she said.

Those who wish to hear the Taubls' songs and stories shouldn't wait until the last minute, said Peary, noting that organizers have often had to turn people away at the door. Even though the Sacred Heart Church, where the concert will be held, can seat 700 people, Peary expects a line of hundreds of people to form well before the 7 p.m. start time.

"I would encourage people to come early," she said.