By Jason Klaiber

Staff Writer

The United Church of Fayetteville opened up its 15th Steeple Coffee House season on Saturday, Sept. 14, featuring a performance from Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Famer Dave Novak and a backing group of other local musicians.

Novak brought out his electric guitar and velvety singing voice for the occasion, while Mike Kallet joined on the keyboard, Jimmy Johns graced the drum kit, John Dancks plucked the upright bass and Don Williams wailed on the saxophone.

“We’re all veteran musicians,” Novak said. “We kind of know what we’re doing if we get the right key.”

The team of musicians played songs dating back to the rock ’n’ roll era of the 1950s and early to mid 1960s, including Fats Domino’s “Blueberry Hill,” Frankie Ford’s “Sea Cruise” and Ricky Nelson’s “Fools Rush In.”

Novak said the setlist evoked memories for those who recall the songs hitting the airwaves. Nevertheless, he said younger audience members appreciate such songs as well.

“I saw young kids just enjoying the rhythm, the energy and the cleverness in the lyrics,” Novak said.  

The group also added in instrumentals to the show, such as the Tornados tune “Telstar” and Boots Randolph’s “Yakety Sax.”

Cathy Cadley and Wendy Ramsay provided backing vocals on renditions of Marty Robbins’ Western classic “El Paso” and the Shirelles’ pop hit “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” while John Cadley accompanied on acoustic guitar.

Accepting donations from attendees, the church also set out coffee, tea and cake the night of the show.

Steeple Coffee House talent coordinator John Price, who co-founded the concert series with Cindy Burke, said this year’s opening night proved successful.

“If we get 60 to 80 people here, that’s a successful night, and we easily got that,” Price said.

The Steeple Coffee House season will resume on Saturday, Sept. 28 with a performance from Loren Barrigar.

Jason Klaiber