Cryan' Shames founder to make rare appearance in Downers Grove
Even though the band broke up in 1969, a few members of the Cryan' Shames have continued to perform the old hits, playing at shows every year across the country.
Dozens of substitute musicians filled in over the years. Only once, in 1980, did founding member James Fairs ever join in.
It's not that Fairs felt bitterness toward his old bandmates. During a recent interview in his Naperville home, Fairs said he outgrew any childish feelings he had toward the Cryan' Shames long ago and holds fond memories of the band and its glory days in the mid 1960s, when they topped the charts with hits like "Sugar and Spice" and "It Could Be We're in Love."
Never one to be complacent or dwell in the past, Fairs left the Shames and spent the next 40 years doing a variety of musical projects. He toured with Gregg Allman, produced songs and wrote a film score. In recent years, he launched a computer company, IMI Innovations, and a 13-member musical group called jamez band.
This weekend, Fairs' old life will mix with his new one during a rare live performance in the Western suburbs -- the place the band was born.
Fairs will play with both the Cryan' Shames and the jamez band during a free, 90-minute show on Saturday, June 27, in his old hometown of Downers Grove.
For the occasion, all of the original, surviving members of the Cryan' Shames are going to be there - Gerry Stone ("Stonehenge"), Dennis Conroy, Tom Doody ("Toad"), Lenny Kerley and Jim Pilster ("J.C. Hooke."). They plan to play new versions of their most popular songs.
"It's going to be beautiful," Fairs said. "I promise you, we will play our hearts out. Some (of the band members) haven't played music in a while, but we said, 'Just come and be there. Just sing a few songs.' We've been practicing a lot."
The set list for the jamez band includes a new version of the Cryan' Shames hit, "First Train to California." The jamez band members include Gregg Voorhees from the Allman Brothers Band, drummer Dan Leali from Blue Man Group and, of course, Fairs on guitar and vocals.
The jamez band's music is something Fairs describes as "a logical extension" of his work with the Shames. To hear a sample, the "First Train to California" single can be downloaded for free at jamezband.com. The entire CD will be sold at the show for $20. Anyone who buys that CD will get a code for free future downloads.
Because it's been a while since Fairs has performed with the Shames, he plans to stay after the show and visit with fans. He said he's amazed and humbled by their loyalty during the past 40 years.
"The Cryan' Shames fans, they've always understood me. They understand my reclusiveness ... they know that I'm just quirky enough to never do this again," he said.
"I will do this again ... in 40 years," Fairs added, chuckling. "Next show is in 2049."
Cryan' Shames reunion concert with the jamez band
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Fishel Park bandshell at Downers Grove Heritage Festival, at Main and Curtiss streets
Admission: Free
Info: events.downers.us or jamezband.com