“06880” seldom covers weddings.
But we report often on the great accomplishments of Staples High School graduates. We have a special fondness for those with careers in the arts.
So when a passel of alums — all of whom have found great success in the field — gather for a wedding, well … that’s news.
We’ll start with the groom. Drew McKeon (SHS 2000) — the longtime drummer in fellow Westporter (but non-Staples grad) Michael Bolton’s band — now tours with Seal. (Drew is currently at The Venetian in Las Vegas with Leona Lewis, and can be heard on Teddy Swims’ new album.)
Drew McKeon and Jessica Trainham
So when he married Jessica Trainham in Darien a few weeks ago, the music was not your run-of-the-mill — or even a cut above — wedding band.
Seal headlined. (He waived his usual seven-figure fee for private events. And hired another drummer for the night.)
Most weddings do not have a singer named Seal.
The officiant was a boldface name too, with Staples ties. Justin Paul — the 2002 grad, and second youngest EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner in history (6 months older than his “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman” songwriting partner Benj Pasek) — tied the knot.
Drew McKeon and Jessica Trainham, with officiant Justin Paul.
Also in attendance: Alisan Porter. The Class of 1999 alum — who went on to fame in “Footloose” and “A Chorus Line,” then won “The Voice” in 2016 — sang at the “warm-up” event the night before, at Fairfield Theatre Company.
Drew Angus (SHS ’07, “American Idol” contestant) was at Drew’s wedding too. So was Ryan Smith (SHS ’97).
Ryan Smith and Alisan Porter provide entertainment the night before the ceremony.
The nuptials were not, of course, an all-Staples affair.
Thirty members of Bolton’s touring band flew in from across the country. It was their first reunion since the singer’s brain tumor halted his shows. (He’s in “good spirits and good health,” a recent report says.) They added tremendous energy and musical talent to the weekend.
Meanwhile, for the curious: Drew and Jessica met in West Hollywood. She is a model, actress and entrepreneur, running a home organization business. They live near the beach in Marina del Rey.
But for Drew — and his many Staples musical friends — Westport will always be home too.
The dress code was formal. But when 90% of the guests are musicians, that’s a loose definition. Staples Class of 2001 and novelist Ted Thompson (right) sports a more conservative look.
(“06880” is truly where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy stories like this — or anything else on our hyper-local-yet-also-global blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
