At the age of 73, Lexington native Clifford Payne — who plays bass as a member of Elwood and The Blues Masters — still has the same passion for music as when he picked up his first guitar at the age of 10.

The young Payne bought his first guitar strings at Walker’s Drugs, and cut grass to earn money for guitar lessons. He studied at the feet of legendary local musician Elmer Radd, who was in his early 90s at the time.

“I wanted to learn so bad,” remarked Payne. “Elmer charged 25 cents a lesson, with no time restrictions. I took lessons from him for three years. He always said, ‘If you can feel it, you can play it.’ He was my mentor; I miss him to this day.”

In his teens, Payne joined a local garage band.

“Everyone in Lexington was doing it. There were 17 bands here at one time, and we had more bands per capita than anywhere else in the state,” recalled Payne.

Payne — who proudly notes he is one of the few musicians from those garage band days in Lexington who is still actively employed in the music business — regularly took the stage with his band at the Municipal Auditorium, now known as the LEX.

“(Playing at the LEX) was the goal for every little stage band in Lexington. That was our Madison Square Garden,” said Payne. “It was a special time growing up in Lexington. There was a lot going on; you always had somewhere to go.”

Payne has been involved in a number of bands over the years. He has played with Platinum Express and toured with Niki Sullivan of Buddy Holly’s original Crickets.

These days, Payne is having a blast as a bass guitarist/vocalist with Elwood and The Blues Masters, an homage to The Blues Brothers that delivers high-energy, bluesinfused hits of such legendary R&B and Soul artists as Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, and Sam & Dave, revitalizing their music for a new generation.

The 9-piece band regularly plays at top clubs and concert venues throughout the Kansas City area, but Payne was recently inspired to bring the band “home” to Lexington.

The group will perform on Saturday, June 6 from 7-10 p.m. at the LEX. The concert will be a major fundraiser for Project Christmas Lights 2026, which is raising money to purchase new Christmas lights for Main Street and Franklin Avenue.

“I wanted to come home and play at the LEX one more time,” said Payne. “This is the best band I’ve ever been in. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I wanted to bring that to my hometown.”

Payne added the band’s performances defy easy description.

“It’s an event, not just a concert. To get the audience prepared, we have the Bluesmobile parked outside, people get a pair of Blues Brothers sunglasses (while supplies last). During the show everybody’s dancing, you just can’t keep still,” said Payne.

What keeps Payne going strong after all these years in the music business?

“It’s in here,” explained Payne, holding his hand over his heart. “The music keeps you young. I’m always moving around on stage; I can be out there for four hours and not get tired. The music moves me. When the crowd’s having fun, I’m having fun.”

Tickets to the June 6 concert can be purchased through Eventbrite; tickets are $25 on Eventbrite or at the door. There is also a VIP option for $100 which includes reserved seating, a T-shirt, fedora, sunglasses, and a meet-and-greet with the band.

The project’s fundraising goal is $30,000, and the committee is inviting businesses, groups, and individuals to contribute. Donations can be made to LCBA Project Christmas Lights; contact Sarah Black at sblack551@yahoo.com.