Hadden Sayers Band performs without namesake
LANCASTER - What would the Hadden Sayers Band be without its namesake and vocalist Hadden Sayers?
Nearly 200 festival attendees found out Monday night as the audience expected the fiery, bluesy quartet to take the stage in the Knights of Columbus Hall. But jazz violinist Christian Howes opened the show to allow Sayers the chance to get to Lancaster. Sayers, known for traveling the country in a 1962 Airstream trailer towed by a 1961 Chevrolet Impala, was on his way from Toronto on a delayed flight, Festival Executive Director Ken Culver said.
Howes adapted pieces from his master class Sunday as well as his happy hour at Ale House 1890 earlier Monday afternoon.
"This was a surprise, but I'm delighted to be here," Howes said onstage. "When Maestro (Gary) Sheldon calls, you come running."
Howes was joined after three solo pieces by bassist Mike Forfia and Hadden Sayers Band drummer Tony McClung. Howes and McClung were college roommates, and Howes told the audience he learned a lot from McClung.
The trio began with a Latin-inspired piece, then moved into what Howes called "a bluesy-rock sorta thing." Somehow, Howes was able to make his violin sound so similar to a guitar that the audience members could have been duped with their eyes closed. Howes jumped around the stage like a true rock star.
"I've been waiting to do that all my life," said Howes after concluding the epic rock number. The trio then played a soulful "Sweet Georgia Brown" and concluded with a funky rendition of CeeLo Green's "Crazy."
Howes said he got the call from Sheldon 10 minutes before he took the stage, adding that he hoped the crowd was happy with what he did.
After a brief break between the surprise opener and main attraction, the Hadden Sayers Band, sans Hadden Sayers himself, took the stage. Band member Phil Clark announced that Sayers would not be able to make it.
That didn't stop the band, with the addition of Howes, from performing for an eager crowd.
Clark, on saxophone, vocals and harmonica, told the crowd he played his first professional gig in Lancaster. Clark said he was glad to be back with McClung on drums, Mark Frye on bass and flute and Dave DeWitt on keyboard.
Despite Sayers's absence, the audience clapped, shouted and whistled. Culver said the audience was into the performance and appreciated the substitutions.
Jane Jameson, a Lancaster resident, said she was impressed with the performers. Jameson took off work specifically for the Monday night show, and she said she was not disappointed. Jameson said her father, Richard Scamehorn, was instrumental in starting the Cameo Concerts that would one day become the Lancaster Festival. The festival, Jameson said, has always been important to her family.
Columnist Richard Scamehorn died Sunday
Clark's vocal range, from beckoning to the audience during Randy Newman's "You Can Leave Your Hat On" to a smooth "She's Not You" by Elvis Presley, sent the audience into fits of applause. Clark said he had big shoes to fill, but it wasn't noticeable that the band was missing a front man. Both Clark and Howes commanded the stage with soul and personality. Each instrumentalist displayed precision and mastery in their highlights throughout the show.
One audience member requested more like the rendition of "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker and less Elvis. Another tipped the band after a rendition of Johnny Cash's "Busted."
"We take requests. You have to write them on a bill and send them up," Frye said.
Culver said he was thankful Howes was still in town to perform Monday evening and that his skill in performing, leading and even blending into a brand new band helped save the show.
tthurston@lancastereaglegazette.com
740-681-4345
Twitter: @tristathurston
