New Folk Band Making Noise in Fort Smith
From taking one look at John David Clayton, it’s obvious he’s the kind of guy you’d want to be friends with. His genuine smile, relaxed demeanor, and obvious affinity for outdoor brands as evidenced by his Patagonia hat, Chacos, and “Fayettechill” T-shirt show he’s fun and easy to hang with. He also has that certain musician swag, which comes as no surprise as he is the founder of Small Town Symphony. Although Small Town Symphony began unconventionally, in the middle of finals week during Clayton’s freshman fall semester, this small folk band is gaining an audience and making some noise (pun intended) here in the Fort.
Clayton, a Southside High School graduate, attributes much of his interest in music to leading worship at Covenant Presbyterian Church, the church his father pastors. A developing musician, leading worship helped to expand his vocal skills and made him more comfortable playing in front of crowds. He also gained value performing experience as a regular at the Fort Smith Farmer’s Market, where he’d play for local passersby and open his guitar case for tips.
“What I’ve got and everything I do is 100% a gift from God, and when I play music I can’t even explain the feeling I get when I sing, or hit a note. I think that using my talent like that glorifies Him.”
Although Clayton is influenced by his faith, he wouldn’t define his band as strictly Christian.
“We mainly stick to acoustic covers, but are currently in the process of writing more original songs. No one wants just another Fort Smith, Arkansas cover band. We understand that we need more original works if we want to stand out.”
Band members Andrew Haught (far left), John David Clayton, Cami Bonar, and Grayson Stewart (far right).
Though STS currently plays more covers than original songs, they try to approach each cover with a creative twist. These covers range anywhere from “Something Like Olivia” by John Mayer to Michael Jackson’s classic “Billy Jean.”
The current band members of Small Town Symphony are Andrew Haught, fiddle extraordinaire, vocalist Cami Bonar, the band’s only girl, and electric guitarist Grayson Stewart, all of whom are UAFS students. The band also plans on adding 50 something-year old dobro player, Wendell Brodie, because, I mean, no real band would be complete without a dobro guitar player to spice things up.
By the way, this is a picture of a dobro, in case you were wondering.
So what’s next for Small Town Symphony?
Currently, the band is focused on adding more songs to their repertoire and recording, most of which is taking place in Lion’s Den dorm rooms. STS is also getting more local attention by playing at various local venues. A few weeks ago, they packed out the campus Starbuck’s, equally wowing those who attended with their music and their signature drink of the night “The Symphony,” a subtle blend of chai latte, espresso, vanilla, and caramel.
Band member Andrew Haught recording in make-shift dorm room studio. Just last weekend, the band played at La Huerta downtown, and have many other shows booked for this spring and summer, all of which are kept organized by band manager, and Clayton’s girlfriend, Claire Stovall.
Band manager, Claire Stovall (left) Band leader, John David Clayton (middle) and vocalist, Cami Bonar (right) at weekend show in downtown Fort Smith.
To keep up with Small Town Symphony’s progress, new songs, and information regarding show dates, follow the links below to the STS Facebook page and Youtube channel. You can follow them on Instagram at smalltownsymphony1.