Blues Singer Performs at the Hingham Shipyard [PHOTOS]

The Hingham Shipyard is on a mission to celebrate summer and this past weekend, it was the turn of Toni Lynn Washington to entertain the folks gathered on the lawn with a well-received set of shuffle blues and dynamic rhythm.

Washington’s concert was shifted from Friday to Sunday because of inclement weather and although the crowd was small, the band put on a great performance on a very hot and humid day.

Boston-based for many years, Washington is something of a legend in blues circles. Now at the age of 74, her love of music and performing live seems undiminished and her ninety-minute set rattled through a series of driving blues standards and cover versions, with her backing band working hard to produce music to match her voice. 

For the diners and drinkers at the Hingham Beerworks, this free concert was the perfect soundtrack and the crowd grew steadily as the music played on. Songs such as "Unchain My Heart," "Rock Me Baby" and "Feel So Bad" were enthusiastically received, with people getting out of their lawn chairs to dance in the sun.

Washington thanked the crowd for coming to “hang out with us” and for someone who has performed with artists of the caliber of Sam & Dave and Jackie Wilson, the chance to reach out to fans (both old and new) was very much appreciated.

After so many years of touring, Washington still finds the desire to perform and admitted “it’s the love of the music, the love of the business and the fact that I have been treated so well. It’s motivated me a lot and I just love singing.”

Friday’s cancellation may have disappointed some fans but to celebrate summer in the sun with a performer of the caliber of Toni Lynn Washington shows that Hingham Shipyard is determined to not let weather stand in the way of people having a good time.