The story of Little by Little, the new album from Ward Hayden & The Outliers, begins much like a Springsteen song: a long drive, a car radio, and the stirrings of a bigger idea. While driving to a show, Hayden heard a fellow musician on the radio telling fans not to listen to Bruce Springsteen – not for the music, but because of political differences. The moment lit a fire. Rather than answer with outrage, Hayden responded the best way he knew how: through the music itself. That spark led the band to record a handful of Springsteen songs… which quickly became sixteen.
What started as a passion project turned into two full-length tribute albums: Little by Little and the forthcoming Piece by Piece. These are not copycat covers – they’re reimagined through the Outliers’ distinctive lens, blending country, rock, and Americana with soulful musicianship and a deep emotional core. Recorded in top-tier New England studios with longtime collaborators, the songs reflect Hayden’s personal connection to Springsteen’s catalog, from the working-class grit of “Youngstown” to the heartache of “Used Cars.” With Little by Little, the band set out not to outdo The Boss – but to honor his legacy with heartfelt, faithful reinterpretations that feel both timeless and freshly urgent.
Throughout, the album is tied together by Hayden’s rich vocals and the band’s tight, road-seasoned chemistry. But it’s also shaped by something deeper: a sense of place, purpose, and connection. Just as Springsteen’s stories helped define the American experience, Hayden and the Outliers are exploring their own – drawing on the push-pull of small-town roots, the search for belonging, and the resilience found in honest storytelling. With more original music on the way, Little by Little is not just a tribute – it’s a mission statement.
Show Opener: Toby McAllister
Toby McAllister’s music is steeped in the beauty and rhythm of Maine’s seasons — from crisp autumn air to long summer days. Best known as the founding member of Sparks The Rescue, Toby has been making music since childhood and spent his 20s touring the world in a van with his bandmates. After settling back in Maine, the stillness of the 2020 pandemic sparked a new wave of creativity, leading to his solo debut Daydreamin’. That release quickly led to major support slots and new recognition.
In 2023, Toby followed up with Autumn Skies, a more introspective record about life, love, and rock & roll, featuring longtime collaborators from Sparks and guest appearances by members of The Mallett Brothers Band and Old 97’s. The album earned a nomination for Album of the Year by the New England Music Awards. His latest project, The Outsider EP, was recorded deep in the Maine woods and shaped by personal milestones — the passing of his father and the birth of his second child. Its lead single, “Millinocket Stars,” is now in rotation on 98.9 WCLZ.
Beyond original music, Toby is a full-time performer and leads The Jameson Four, a high-energy wedding band known for rocking receptions across New England. He’s shared the stage with acts like Carly Pearce, Old 97’s, The Mallett Brothers Band, and Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters — but at heart, it’s still about the song, the story, and the connection.
Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.