ONE MORE TIME! THE HAYES GANG IS GOING OUT IN A BLAZE OF PURPLE, SEPT. 16!
Love affairs start with a kiss. That’s how it began for Purple Hayes.
Thirteen hundred people heard the quintet sing “Bésame Mucho” (“Kiss Me a Lot”) in February at Morristown Onstage, and they were smitten.
Fans wanted more. The band — Munah and Mimi Hayes, Kevin Coughlin, John Hone and Todd Dennison—obliged with a whirlwind of high-energy gigs at Greater Morristown churches, libraries, street fairs and festivals.
Along the way, the Purple Ones fine-tuned a winning formula, paying attention to musical details without taking themselves too seriously. Their sonic sundaes blend Motown-, soul-, pop-, rock- and original flavors, topped with heaping dollops of humor.
The world got its first taste of this confection last summer. Munah closed her weekly yoga classes with a song. Kevin, stuck in a Downward Doughnut pose, suggested taking this show on the road. Think Aretha Franklin, backed by a ukulele. They sweet-talked Munah’s mom, Mimi, into making her stage debut at the tender age of 74.
At an open mic, the trio caught the ears of John and Todd in the house band. Resistance was futile. “Bésame” claimed its first two victims.
It’s been a wild and crazy ride. Now, the Purple Hayes Express is making its final stop. The ladies plan to pursue their passion for gospel music, while the lads chase their bliss in a blizzard of projects.
But first, they will share the love one more time, courtesy of MPAC’s Arts in Community program.
Their farewell spectacular is set for Monday, Sept. 16, at the 70 South Gallery in Morristown. Showtime is 7 pm. Wear purple and you’re in!
