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Today is PM GIGS 25th anniversary! Hard to believe that 25 years has gone by but here we are, still in business, still booking entertainment, still in the event industry.

A huge thank you to ALL the people who appear in this video and all your kind words. I was very surprised when I saw this footage for the first time two days ago. I have watched this video quite a few times and I find myself very overwhelmed with emotion. The kindness and appreciation is really amazing. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in contributing to this video, and our entire PM GIGS team who had a hand in putting it together for me. A huge thanks for Client & Performer Relations team member @kristawodelet who made the edits and this final version which I am continually enjoying!

We would not be here today if it wasn't for all the amazing clients who trust every day with their entertainment. Many have been with us for over two decades. Many are new. Regardless, all of you are important to our business.

I want to acknowledge the tens of thousands of musicians, entertainers, DJ's, production teams, venues, suppliers (NOT vendors...don't use that term!) who have performed at our events and always been awesome. Thank you for caring about your craft and your performances.

A huge thanks to our PM GIGS team Shirl Ratzlaff, Krista Wodelet, Taffinel LeBlanc, Nicky Markin, Kalie Morberg, and my wife Cynthia Priftis, who handle over 1000 events a year and keep our business so organized. Thanks to anyone who's ever worked for PM GIGS as an employee or contractor. Everyone who has been a part of our team has made a contribution to our ongoing success.

I've never had a business partner, shareholders, investors, been owned by another company, didn't inherit this business from my dad. I took a chance 25 years ago, quit a very secure job, and did it with an 18 month old child, and another one that was on the way (surprise!).

I owe much of my success to my wife Cynthia who told me to "go for it" and take the risk. If I can do it, you can.

Follow your dreams and your passion. You'll always regret it if you don't.

Happy 25th Anniversary PM GIGS!

Pat McGannon
President/Owner
PM GIGS Inc.

We were truly blown away by this 5 - Star Google Review by one of our clients this week ! Thank you!!!🙏
Contact us today for entertainment and service that exceeds your expectations every time!
“What are you waiting for? Schedule your call with PM GIGS today!

I’m a team of one, responsible for internal and external events across all our Canadian locations—and that’s only part of my portfolio. While I often have the ideas and the strategy, I don’t always have the time to source suppliers or talent. Whether I need a DJ or live music, AV equipment and rentals, a Santa Claus at the 11th hour, or even creative suggestions to take our events to the next level, PM GIGS is my go-to.

Their service is incredible, and their creativity is unmatched. Truly a lifesaver for any event professional.”

We’re very proud to announce Dueling Piano Kings won ‘Entertainer of the Year’ @canadianeventawards on Wednesday April 30 in Toronto. This is our 4th time receiving this national recognition for our show!
Thank you to @pmgigs Entertainment Director @taffinel_leblanc_ for accepting this award on our behalf! My speech:

A heartfelt thank you to all of our clients and venues who have been booking our dueling pianos show for the past 25 years. I’m sorry to be missing this event after attending most of them since 2004 in Vancouver.

To our fans across Canada who attend our public shows—your energy is what fuels this show night after night. A special shoutout to the incredible crowds at the Calgary Stampede and to everyone in the Vancouver Lower Mainland who joins us every summer at the Pacific National Exhibition.

I’m proud to share the stage with an outstanding group of dueling partners who brought this show to life over 130 times in 2025:
Jesse Peters (Calgary) @thejessepetersmusic
Kate LaRocque (Lethbridge) @katelarocquepiano
Sadie Baker (Revelstoke, BC) @sadiebakermusic
Cal Toth (Lethbridge) @caltoth
Anna McBryan (Lethbridge) @annamcbryan
Jess Dollimont (Acme, Alberta) @jesseannedoll
Brenna McQuarie (Edmonton) @brenna.irl

This show is a leap of faith every single night—performed without a setlist, built entirely in the moment.

A huge thank you as well to our incredible stagehands and the sound, lighting, and backline crews across the country. Special appreciation to Yamaha Music Canada for supporting my keyboard gear, and to my videographer, @bencehorvai , a truly gifted storyteller.

To our hardworking team at PM GIGS—thank you for keeping this show moving. And to my wife Cynthia and my kids, Sloan and Alexa—your love and support mean everything.

Much appreciation to everyone in our event community who continues to hire and champion live musicians and entertainers.

I’m excited to celebrate my 25th anniversary show on August 25, 2026, at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. Thank you to Canadian Special Events for this incredible honour.Pat McGannon - Founder/Dueler-Dueling Piano Kings

We’re very proud to announce Dueling Piano Kings won ‘Entertainer of the Year’ @canadianeventawards on Wednesday April 30 in Toronto. This is our 4th time receiving this national recognition for our show!
Thank you to @pmgigs Entertainment Director @taffinel_leblanc_ for accepting this award on our behalf! My speech:

A heartfelt thank you to all of our clients and venues who have been booking our dueling pianos show for the past 25 years. I’m sorry to be missing this event after attending most of them since 2004 in Vancouver.

To our fans across Canada who attend our public shows—your energy is what fuels this show night after night. A special shoutout to the incredible crowds at the Calgary Stampede and to everyone in the Vancouver Lower Mainland who joins us every summer at the Pacific National Exhibition.

I’m proud to share the stage with an outstanding group of dueling partners who brought this show to life over 130 times in 2025:
Jesse Peters (Calgary) @thejessepetersmusic
Kate LaRocque (Lethbridge) @katelarocquepiano
Sadie Baker (Revelstoke, BC) @sadiebakermusic
Cal Toth (Lethbridge) @caltoth
Anna McBryan (Lethbridge) @annamcbryan
Jess Dollimont (Acme, Alberta) @jesseannedoll
Brenna McQuarie (Edmonton) @brenna.irl

This show is a leap of faith every single night—performed without a setlist, built entirely in the moment.

A huge thank you as well to our incredible stagehands and the sound, lighting, and backline crews across the country. Special appreciation to Yamaha Music Canada for supporting my keyboard gear, and to my videographer, @bencehorvai , a truly gifted storyteller.

To our hardworking team at PM GIGS—thank you for keeping this show moving. And to my wife Cynthia and my kids, Sloan and Alexa—your love and support mean everything.

Much appreciation to everyone in our event community who continues to hire and champion live musicians and entertainers.

I’m excited to celebrate my 25th anniversary show on August 25, 2026, at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. Thank you to Canadian Special Events for this incredible honour.Pat McGannon - Founder/Dueler-Dueling Piano Kings

We’re very proud to announce Dueling Piano Kings won ‘Entertainer of the Year’ @canadianeventawards on Wednesday April 30 in Toronto. This is our 4th time receiving this national recognition for our show!
Thank you to @pmgigs Entertainment Director @taffinel_leblanc_ for accepting this award on our behalf! My speech:

A heartfelt thank you to all of our clients and venues who have been booking our dueling pianos show for the past 25 years. I’m sorry to be missing this event after attending most of them since 2004 in Vancouver.

To our fans across Canada who attend our public shows—your energy is what fuels this show night after night. A special shoutout to the incredible crowds at the Calgary Stampede and to everyone in the Vancouver Lower Mainland who joins us every summer at the Pacific National Exhibition.

I’m proud to share the stage with an outstanding group of dueling partners who brought this show to life over 130 times in 2025:
Jesse Peters (Calgary) @thejessepetersmusic
Kate LaRocque (Lethbridge) @katelarocquepiano
Sadie Baker (Revelstoke, BC) @sadiebakermusic
Cal Toth (Lethbridge) @caltoth
Anna McBryan (Lethbridge) @annamcbryan
Jess Dollimont (Acme, Alberta) @jesseannedoll
Brenna McQuarie (Edmonton) @brenna.irl

This show is a leap of faith every single night—performed without a setlist, built entirely in the moment.

A huge thank you as well to our incredible stagehands and the sound, lighting, and backline crews across the country. Special appreciation to Yamaha Music Canada for supporting my keyboard gear, and to my videographer, @bencehorvai , a truly gifted storyteller.

To our hardworking team at PM GIGS—thank you for keeping this show moving. And to my wife Cynthia and my kids, Sloan and Alexa—your love and support mean everything.

Much appreciation to everyone in our event community who continues to hire and champion live musicians and entertainers.

I’m excited to celebrate my 25th anniversary show on August 25, 2026, at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. Thank you to Canadian Special Events for this incredible honour.Pat McGannon - Founder/Dueler-Dueling Piano Kings

We’re very proud to announce Dueling Piano Kings won ‘Entertainer of the Year’ @canadianeventawards on Wednesday April 30 in Toronto. This is our 4th time receiving this national recognition for our show!
Thank you to @pmgigs Entertainment Director @taffinel_leblanc_ for accepting this award on our behalf! My speech:

A heartfelt thank you to all of our clients and venues who have been booking our dueling pianos show for the past 25 years. I’m sorry to be missing this event after attending most of them since 2004 in Vancouver.

To our fans across Canada who attend our public shows—your energy is what fuels this show night after night. A special shoutout to the incredible crowds at the Calgary Stampede and to everyone in the Vancouver Lower Mainland who joins us every summer at the Pacific National Exhibition.

I’m proud to share the stage with an outstanding group of dueling partners who brought this show to life over 130 times in 2025:
Jesse Peters (Calgary) @thejessepetersmusic
Kate LaRocque (Lethbridge) @katelarocquepiano
Sadie Baker (Revelstoke, BC) @sadiebakermusic
Cal Toth (Lethbridge) @caltoth
Anna McBryan (Lethbridge) @annamcbryan
Jess Dollimont (Acme, Alberta) @jesseannedoll
Brenna McQuarie (Edmonton) @brenna.irl

This show is a leap of faith every single night—performed without a setlist, built entirely in the moment.

A huge thank you as well to our incredible stagehands and the sound, lighting, and backline crews across the country. Special appreciation to Yamaha Music Canada for supporting my keyboard gear, and to my videographer, @bencehorvai , a truly gifted storyteller.

To our hardworking team at PM GIGS—thank you for keeping this show moving. And to my wife Cynthia and my kids, Sloan and Alexa—your love and support mean everything.

Much appreciation to everyone in our event community who continues to hire and champion live musicians and entertainers.

I’m excited to celebrate my 25th anniversary show on August 25, 2026, at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. Thank you to Canadian Special Events for this incredible honour.Pat McGannon - Founder/Dueler-Dueling Piano Kings

We’re very proud to announce Dueling Piano Kings won ‘Entertainer of the Year’ @canadianeventawards on Wednesday April 30 in Toronto. This is our 4th time receiving this national recognition for our show!
Thank you to @pmgigs Entertainment Director @taffinel_leblanc_ for accepting this award on our behalf! My speech:

A heartfelt thank you to all of our clients and venues who have been booking our dueling pianos show for the past 25 years. I’m sorry to be missing this event after attending most of them since 2004 in Vancouver.

To our fans across Canada who attend our public shows—your energy is what fuels this show night after night. A special shoutout to the incredible crowds at the Calgary Stampede and to everyone in the Vancouver Lower Mainland who joins us every summer at the Pacific National Exhibition.

I’m proud to share the stage with an outstanding group of dueling partners who brought this show to life over 130 times in 2025:
Jesse Peters (Calgary) @thejessepetersmusic
Kate LaRocque (Lethbridge) @katelarocquepiano
Sadie Baker (Revelstoke, BC) @sadiebakermusic
Cal Toth (Lethbridge) @caltoth
Anna McBryan (Lethbridge) @annamcbryan
Jess Dollimont (Acme, Alberta) @jesseannedoll
Brenna McQuarie (Edmonton) @brenna.irl

This show is a leap of faith every single night—performed without a setlist, built entirely in the moment.

A huge thank you as well to our incredible stagehands and the sound, lighting, and backline crews across the country. Special appreciation to Yamaha Music Canada for supporting my keyboard gear, and to my videographer, @bencehorvai , a truly gifted storyteller.

To our hardworking team at PM GIGS—thank you for keeping this show moving. And to my wife Cynthia and my kids, Sloan and Alexa—your love and support mean everything.

Much appreciation to everyone in our event community who continues to hire and champion live musicians and entertainers.

I’m excited to celebrate my 25th anniversary show on August 25, 2026, at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. Thank you to Canadian Special Events for this incredible honour.Pat McGannon - Founder/Dueler-Dueling Piano Kings

Happy 4th work anniversary to Shirl Ratzlaff!

Shirl joined our PM GIGS team in the role of Client & Performer Relations in 2022 and has assisted in helping hundreds of events come together for PM Gigs over the years. Whether it’s 2000 guests at BMO Centre, or 25 guests at a backyard party, each event gets the same attention to detail it requires.

When she’s not working you will find her out hiking in the mountains or in her own backyard of Fish Creek Park.

Shirl says: “Looking forward to 2026!” @sheseesbeauty

Just some sound ✔️🍜

Cover photo : @kellyhofer @bridalexpoyyc

#electricviolin #yycmusic #violinist #violinplayer #yycevents

I am very grateful to have made the 2nd ballot for ‘Talent Buyer of the Year’ for the 15th annual Country Music Alberta Awards! Thanks to everyone who got me this far!
I’ve been nominated for this award a few times over the years. Always appreciative of the recognition.
The talent buying we do at PM GIGS doesn’t sell tickets,fill theatres, pack festivals, or get audiences into clubs.The work we do keeps bands and musicians busy year-round with corporate events, conferences, holiday parties, private events, gigs in Banff on a Wednesday night in January when the festival stages are tarped and clubs are closed.
Proud to be nominated along side many astute industry colleagues who keep our local music industry working.
Appreciate this nomination as we celebrate 25 years in business booking talent this year.
See you in March in Edmonton!
@countrymusicalberta @patrickmcgannon5969

Happy 1st work anniversary to Nicy Markin!
Nicky works in the role of Client & Performer Relations. In 2025, she played a key role in delivering several major onsite projects, including Canada Day at St Patrick’s Island featuring 23 artists across 3 stages and two large-scale corporate holiday events for 2,000+ guests.

Nicky is also deeply involved in our day-to-day communications, supporting both clients and artists to ensure smooth booking, coordination, and onsite execution.

Nicky holds an MBA in Entrepreneurial Management and is an award-winning alt-pop artist and producer behind Midnite Gossip. @midnitegossip

Happy 2nd work anniversary to Krista Wodelet! Krista works at PM GIGS in the role of Client & Performer Relations. We’re a couple days late! It was actually January 3 2026!
Krista now works part-time, mostly behind-the-scenes. She balances her work at PM GIGS with a busy freelance career on drums and bassoon, performing frequently with local artists and with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Merry Christmas from @fretlessfemmes
We had a busy year, and very grateful for all of it! I wouldn't want it any other way!

@angelaviolinist
@aywp.viola

#strings #stringtrio #alwaystogether❤️ #besties #violin #viola #cello #cellist #livemusic #christmas #christmasparties #holidays #sofestive #sparkles

KPMG party December 13, 2025
@pmgigs

Merry Christmas from @fretlessfemmes
We had a busy year, and very grateful for all of it! I wouldn't want it any other way!

@angelaviolinist
@aywp.viola

#strings #stringtrio #alwaystogether❤️ #besties #violin #viola #cello #cellist #livemusic #christmas #christmasparties #holidays #sofestive #sparkles

KPMG party December 13, 2025
@pmgigs

Merry Christmas from @fretlessfemmes
We had a busy year, and very grateful for all of it! I wouldn't want it any other way!

@angelaviolinist
@aywp.viola

#strings #stringtrio #alwaystogether❤️ #besties #violin #viola #cello #cellist #livemusic #christmas #christmasparties #holidays #sofestive #sparkles

KPMG party December 13, 2025
@pmgigs

This team! These are the people who handled 198 bookings from November 1 to New Year’s Eve 2025!
More data: 60% of these bookings occurred December 1 to December 14!This work requires a huge skill set of organization, patience, foresight, crisis management, and a dose of humour along the way! This team…makes it look easy…and delivers exceptional experiences for our holiday events.

Thank you to our clients, bands, DJ’s, entertainers, musicians, production teams, event producers who worked with us this holiday season and made it a great one! This year was our 25th consecutive holiday season booking entertainment putting us well into thousands of holiday gigs handled by our team since 2001.
Our team took a few hours off this week to take it all in and celebrate the holiday season.Hope yours can do that too!Happy Holidays from PM GIGS!🎄🙏 📸: @ashaw14@taffinel_leblanc_ @sheseesbeauty @kristawodelet @kalie.riane @theindiemba

Sometimes…you can’t put a price on sponsorship. This is one of those times. #countrymusicab

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw

[REPOSTED WITH MORE PHOTOS]
I played my first gig 40 years ago tonight — October 26, 1985.
The band was called Rain For A Day, and we performed at MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary for the annualCJSW Funding Drive. We were one of several bands on the lineup that night.

I played alongside Kevin “Johnny” Simpson, Jason Rubero, and Gary Backhouse. We’d only been together for about five or six weeks when that first gig came up, and suddenly we needed 30–40 minutes of material. So, we jumped right in — writing, rehearsing, and recording our own songs.

It was my first real experience writing, performing, and recording original music. My formal training was on piano, but I had been playing bass for three years — ever since my parents gave me an Aria Pro bass as a Grade 12 grad present (the same one in the photos!).

We managed to capture a rough mixing-desk recording that night on cassette, which became a great learning tool — helping us figure out how to improve our live performances, connect with an audience, and keep developing our songwriting and musical skills. Yes…I still have this recording…photos…and many many more from the Calgary music scene at this time.

The full recording from that night, exactly 40 years ago, is available here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fS4WVndnD7tI3eIZ Link is in bio

It’s a bit rough, we were very young. I think I was the oldest at 20, and the rest were still teenagers. But it captures something special — the energy, excitement, and sense of discovery that comes from playing original music live for the very first time.

I’m incredibly grateful to Johnny, Jason, and Gary for that experience. It set each of us on a lifelong musical journey that continues to this day.

Music has never been a hobby for me — it’s been my life. I’ve poured tens of thousands of hours into it, and still do. Last night, I played my 4,127th gig with Dueling Piano Kings, still performing over 100 shows a year...and hauling around my own PA...in a van..

No plans to quit anytime soon… and remember — there’s no such thing as being old. 🎶

@coach_kevins
@jasonrubero
@calgarycassettes
#cjsw