Michael Dunn has lived in New West for more than 20 years, and he’s been watching the city’s growth and revitalization with interest.
“When we first moved here, Columbia Street was not the kind of place you’d say, Saturday morning, ‘Let’s go for a coffee,’” he says.
He’s seen that change over the past two decades, but every time he talks about the revitalization of downtown, two themes keep coming up: the need for more cool restaurants and the need for some kind of a cultural-entertainment draw.
“It’s been the talk-talk-talk topic for years,” he said.
Now he’s decided it’s time to stop talking and start doing. With his own background in the music industry – he used to play the Vancouver bar circuit in a rock band and then worked as a record engineer at local studios – music has always been important to him. So he decided to organize and promote The Great Gig in New West – a night of rock music at the Columbia Theatre on Saturday, March 4.
Dunn has pulled together a roster of local musicians – from amateurs who perform on the side to professionals who’ve worked with the best of the best – to bring to life the music of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, the Police and U2.
“I’m trying to shine a light on local players and let people know there are some really good musicians in town,” he says.
He’s chosen to stage the show at the Columbia Theatre because he wants to take advantage of the “concert” atmosphere; the audience won’t be distracted by the goings-on in a bar but will be there to strictly focus on the music.
“The goal is to bring quality musicians together in a quality environment,” he says.
Dunn’s ultimate goal is as lofty as it is simple: “I’d like to brand New West as a cultural destination for the Lower Mainland.”
He notes that the work has already begun – Paul Minhas at the Heritage Grill, for instance, offers nightly entertainment. But Dunn figures that with two beautiful theatre facilities downtown, in the Columbia and the new Anvil Centre, there’s room for much, much more.
“I really think we can get New West on the map,” he says.
Even his poster for the event – which shows a guitar that blends into and becomes part of the Pattullo Bridge – is part of his “branding” efforts.
And, as an added incentive for local audiences, Dunn is donating $9 from every ticket sold to the band program at New Westminster Secondary School, where his three now-adult daughters all studied.
“This contribution is my way of helping support the great work they do to encourage appreciation of the arts and music in particular,” Dunn explains.
WHO’S WHO:
Here’s who’s set to take part in the Great Gig.
Guitar: Michael Dunn, Oliver Krajci, Mike Balser
Keyboards: Barry Warne
Bass: Bill Kassis, Matt Fisher
Drums: Jay Schreiber, Chris Draper
Hurdy gurdy/percussion: Stephan Stewart-Imbert
Harmonica: Robb Douglas
Sax: Mark Duifhuis
Vocals: Joani Bye, Nathan Aswell, Diego Viramontes, Omanie Elias
