by Corey Hord

Numerous alternatives in Lexington Saturday night didn’t stop the David Sanborn Trio from drawing a crowd of approximately 1,000 guests.

“You had a lot of options tonight,” said Chester Grundy, the director of multicultural student programming at UK. “Thanks for spending your time and money with us.”

Alltech and FEI put the finishing touches on the World Equestrian Games, Keeneland is now in full swing with its first weekend of horse racing completed, UK football hosted Auburn on Saturday in a nail biter and the David Sanborn Trio delivered a performance of world-class jazz.

Sanborn opened his concert with “Come Home Baby” from his ‘Timeagain” album released in 2003.

He followed with “Brother Ray,” a song dedicated to one his inspirations, Ray Charles, from his album “Here & Gone” from 2008.

Sanborn recalled his first show in Lexington several years ago at the Opera House.  “Its nice to be back,” said Sanborn.

The audience members were continuously tapping their knees and swaying back and forth throughout the show.

Monica Mobley, a Lexington resident, said she had “been following him since the 80’s.”  She commented on having a prominent figure like Sanborn at Singletary, saying “It makes Lexington feel more alive.”

Sanborn performed “Maputo,” a crowd favorite, and famous smooth jazz tune from his collaboration with Bob James for the album “Double Vision” from 1986.

Sanborn entertained the audience with witty stories of how Sam Cooke, an American singer considered to have founded soul music, got him through his adolescent years.

After whimsically entertaining with stories of adolescent love, Sanborn paid tribute to Cooke by covering one of his renowned tunes, “You Send Me.”

UK student Will Stafford, who plays saxophone couldn’t believe that UK booked such a prominent figure.

“To see him play was unbelievable,”  Stafford  said. He later met Sanborn for the first time in person.

After the concert, Sanborn commented that the audience was absolutely wonderful. He was aware that over 900 tickets were sold for the event and said he was “very happy about that.” Sanborn appeared humbled by all the positive responses and the numerous individuals that stayed around  the show for a chance to meet him. “I’m really so gratified that so many people showed up,” Sanborn said.