The music community in North Bay lost a true legend this Monday when Steve Clarke passed away from a brain tumour.  Even if you didn’t know Steve personally, chances are you were at an event or nightclub where one of his bands played in the last 50 years.  Steve was the drummer for local groups The Prophets and Weekend Crew among others, and I was lucky enough to play with him in a group called Blackwater in the mid 90’s.  Steve was more than a talented musician – he was a good friend to many, particularly in the music community.  He was like an elder statesman of the music scene in North Bay and was always willing to help a fellow musician with kind words of wisdom or advice.  Steve worked at Boart Longyear for many years, and owned his own business, RePercussion Drum Shop.  That big smile will remain with me forever.  He was truly one of a kind.  My thoughts are with Steve’s wife Louise, his children Melissa and Tyler and grandchildren Jackson and Molly during this difficult time.
Steve’s family will receive family and friends at Hillside Funeral Services on Airport Road this Saturday, May 28th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm and his friends in the musical community will make beautiful noise in his honour during the Songs For Steve event Sunday from 2pm to midnight at The Voyager.  I hope you can make it out to help us pay tribute to a beautiful soul.  Check out the lineup below and click the play button to hear my interview with Brian Risk, Colin Norwood and Gunner Grolman.
steve_lineup