We Are Rainstone
Bruce Dixon
First real gig was June 1969 four grade 9 students formed a band Philanthropic Unit to play for grade 8 graduation. Played two gigs.
Asked to fill in for Brother Dave’s band’ and then started “Small Town Soil” and” Flashback.”
1980 bought first bass guitar
1981 Honky Tonk Heroes and then joined Rainstone at Timothy’s Lounge in Newmarket in 1985.
Favourite Song: Brown Eye Girl
Favourite Artist: Elvis Presley
Favourite gig: Aw Shucks in Aurora
Favourite TV show: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Fred horvath
First real gig was Sorority party in Wainfleet Town Hall in 1972. First band The Mandarins
Took music lessons from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra percussion section
Lead drummer in Sea Cadets and drum major for the Welland Pipe Band
Played in numerous bands in the Niagara Region including the Bazil Young band which played 51 weekends every year for 10 years
Joined Rainstone in 1982 playing for a Men’s Baseball Team fundraiser dance
Favourite Song: Stand By Me
Favourite Artist: Roy Orbison
Favourite Television Show: “American bandstand” and “Car 54 where are you”
Favourite gig: Xmas Party Clarington 1999 which debut our gold jackets
Claudio Vanttese
I played in a school band guitar in the mid 60’s called the Empire review.
8 piece band with horns. We played Sam&Dave, Wilson Picket etc.
Late 60’s The spiders, rock & blues. Early 70’s various bar bands, then took a break 1975 to get married & have 3 kids. Then Rainstone talked me into helping for one night, while the piano player was sick and it turned out to be a 35 year run.
Favourite Song: Rock around the Clock
Favourite Artist: Eric Clapton
Favourite TV show: The Ed Sullivan Show
Memorable moments; Trip to Timmins to be part of the opening of the Shania Twain Centre
Favourite Gig: July 1st celebrations in Pickering
Ken Blyth
Started many years ago singing a few tunes of Buddy on stage with Rainstone. Now an Elvis and Buddy tribute Artist . Enjoyed jamming for years with various bands including Rainstone at Timothys in Newmarket. I was pleased to be part of Rainstone on and off for several years and becoming a full member in 2010.
Met Elena Santiago Holly many years ago. Purchased ring and running shoes of Buddy Holly at memorabilia show and recently sold the shoes to the Buddy Holly Museum in Lubbock Texas.
Favourite band memory: Millennium New Years at the Holland Landing Community Centre,.
Favourite Artist Charles Hardin Holly aka Buddy
Favourite Song: True Love Ways
Favourite TV Show : Batman
