It was a night of fantastic music, incredible fun and passion as hundreds of jazz and blues enthusiasts joined Friday, Jan. 8, for the Sydney’s Music Revival at Bethany Blues in Lewes.
Many of the patrons of Sydney’s Jazz & Blues Restaurant during its 20 years as Rehoboth Beach’s premier live music venue had not seen each other since Sydney’s closed in 2006. They greeted, hugged, kissed, shared remembrances and looked forward to the future as they toasted the Music Revival at Bethany Blues. Many notable local musicians, including Ed Shockley, Walt Hetfield and Holly Lane, joined them.
“We’re still mourning Sydney’s,” Lane said of herself, a former employee of the restaurant who regularly performed there, and friends Pamela Ivins and Steve Rosier, regular Sydney’s patrons. “But tonight we’re just happy to be here to hear some great blues.”
Déjà vu to 20 years at Sydney’s Sidestreet, a hush fell over the crowd as Arzt took the stage to introduce the evening’s musicians, but this time Bethany Blues managing partner Kevin Roberts joined her.
“It is extremely gratifying to know people really care about good live music, because that’s what I’m all about – good live music,” Arzt said. “Thank you Bethany Blues, for caring.”
“Sydney and I share a commitment to return quality live jazz and blues to this community,” Roberts said, thanking Sydney and all of her friends in the house.
Spady reigned onstage for the rest of the night, but even he first shared his gratitude. “I thank Sydney and Kevin for pulling this thing together and getting me back down here,” Spady said to the applauding crowd. “It’s good to be back home!”
Spady’s performance was extraordinary, his soulful fretwork eliciting emotions that touched the heart. The first song produced an awed silence. “It makes me want to cry,” said former Sydney’s regular Jorge Durante. The second number had members of the capacity crowd dancing and playing air guitar.
Spady acknowledged the skilled musicians backing him up: Elwood Bishop on bass, drummer Keith Brooks and Victor England on keyboard. “Elwood and I played many many years and many many rooms,” Spady said.
“Many many with Keith too, but never with Elwood, and Victor I’ve played with for many many minutes, tonight,” Spady told the crowd of the phenomenal combination of musical talent.
The night ended with excited patrons pledging to return and Roberts planning to improve the stage before the monthly music revival series continues.
Vibraphonist Joe Baione Feb. 12
Arzt and Roberts are bringing vibraphonist Joe Baione, another of Sydney’s favorite jazz performers, his quintet and vocalist to Bethany Blues-Lewes 8 p.m. Friday Feb. 12. Baione has performed at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay, the Temecula Valley Jazz Festival, The Cape May Jazz Festival, The Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival, and The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival.
The opening act for Michael Bolton, Monty Alexander, and Joey DeFrancesco, Baione will open for the legendary Dave Brubeck in April. In addition to being a crowd favorite at Sydney’s, Baione has performed at The Jazz Bakery, The Kimmel Center and Zanzibar Blue in Philadelphia. He was named 2005 “Emerging Jazz Artist” by Philadelphia Weekly and “Rising Star of Tomorrow” by Jazz at Lincoln Center.
For more information about Joe Baione, visit him at joebaione.com. For more information about the Sydney’s Music Revival at Bethany Blues call 302-644-2500 or go to lewes.bethanyblues.com
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