The Henways
Ken Hardley and the Henways represent the classic as well as the new ideas of Americana. Firmly rooted in rock music of all kinds, this band recognizes the essence of great rock and roll. At the same time, they don’t merely reproduce all or any that has gone before. KH and the Henways bring their own sound, their own unique interpretation to every song they perform.
This band is equally at home in a quiet dinner club or a rocked-out bar. Their versatility comes in large part from decades of experience. Having played every imaginable kind of venue, from lawn parties, to block parties, to rock clubs, to coffehouses, gymnasiums, concert halls, and colleges, these guys know exactly what every situation demands and they produce it. They are able to tune in to the range of energy required to give each audience what it wants every night, whether it’s romance or near-maniacal rock and roll dance tunes or anything between.
As a three- piece rock band, KH and the Henways bring new life to songs by Van Morrison, Elvis Presley, Tom Petty, Bob Marley, the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, the Who, Weezer, Neil Young, Talking Heads, CCR, Johnny Cash and many many more. Their concept of stripped down rock and roll is perfect for a night of irresistible dance music.
An evening with this band will include a range of offerings from subtle and layered acoustic tunes to straight ahead, power trio rock. They dedicate their sound to the essence of what has made rock and roll great.
Ken Hardley. guitar, harmonica, vocals
Fronting a band like the Henways is a demanding task but it is exactly the kind of thing that Ken has always done. Singing, dancing, jumping, wanking on the guitar, and playing with the audience – these are just some of the things Hardley indulges in every time he walks onto the stage. Exactly what gives the Henways their distinct identity.
Dennis Vandewark: bass, vocals
Dennis has been one of the most sought-after bass guitarists in Western New York for some time. Finally lured out of a comfortable retirement from music to join this band of rockers, it became immediately obvious that he was the missing piece, the glue and the bottom that held the band together. As part of this three-piece musical entity, it is his steadiness that keeps the group going sanely forward, never getting out of control and always remaining just within the limits of good sense. It is Dennis’ parsimonious musicality that fills in the blanks, his errorless good taste that lays down a listenable beat and tune, and his charismatic good cheer that keeps the spirits pleasant and high on stage every night.
Dan Vanderzyden: drums
Part of the unique sound of the Henways comes right from Dan’s drum set. He is adept at delivering the power, steadiness, and vast array of beats necessary for the wide range of styles the Henways play. At the same time, his creativity and skill provide for a slight taste of unpredictability, enough to keep the Henways a bit edgy. It is impossible to underestimate how challenging it is to be the drummer in this outfit and several have tried. Only Mr.Vanderzyden succeeded.
