Testimonials
“I went to a concert and wound up in a time machine, transported by the music to past decades of swing, bop and blues, then brought back with modern artists’ nods to those times.
The trip down Memory Lane came courtesy of Dock Side Drive, an eight-piece ensemble based in Victoria. With a focus on swing music of the 1940s to 1960s, the band closed out the Kelowna Community Concert Association’s 2023-24 season with familiar, feel-good tunes.
Led by Heather Burns on piano, with a solid foundation from drummer Anita Bonkowski and bassist Ross Macdonald, the group did a great job of portraying the upbeat energy of those songs — music meant for dancing and feeling good. Paul Wainwright on sax and Dave Flello on trumpet and flugelhorn rounded out the band.
Most of their song choices were vocally driven, and this was handled very nicely by Fran Bitonti, Chris Newstead and Angela Ireland. Each had his or her own voice, showcased in well-received solos, yet when they harmonized the sound was very reminiscent of the style of those eras. Heather Burns would add a fourth voice at times, creating a very full sound from the stage.
Most of the songs were familiar, with some pleasantly surprising arrangements mixed in with the classics. Standouts for me was a melding of Blue Skies and What’ll I Do, Comes Love and Puttin’ On the Ritz were great examples of having some fun with classic tunes, bringing a twist to the familiar.
The whole presentation harkened back to those years, with the perceived innocence of the lyrics — which really weren’t so innocent! Even the way the singers moved and dressed really felt like a time machine on stage. As for Dock Side Drive, keep an eye out for them in future. And, if you go, be sure to take your dancing shoes!”
Neville Bowman – The Kelowna Courier, April 2024
“Dock Side Drive took to the stage October 22 for Sunday Jazz at the Osborne Bay Pub. A large and enthusiastic crowd was on hand to enjoy a non-stop parade of great swing music. This was our best attended show of the season – creating a vibe that everyone loved. DSD once again showed the depth and quality of musical talent on Vancouver Island. Led by Heather Burns (on piano/vocals) and rhythm section of Joey Smith (bass) and Anita Bonkowski (drums) set down a solid foundation for Paul Wainwright (sax) and Dave Flello (on trumpet). Topping it all, fabulous vocals by Angela Ireland, Chris Newstead, and Fran Bitonti. What a band!”
Preston Davies, presenter of Sunday Jazz at the Osborne Bay Pub
“…As one audience member put it, ‘You hit the jackpot with these guys!’… A fantastic night of ‘big band’ style jazz and swing. Powerhouse vocals, riveting instrumentals, a wonderful richness & class to the whole show. This show rocked! We would bring it back in a heartbeat.”
Deb Renz, General Manager, Sid Williams Theatre, Courtenay, BC
“Dock Side Drive, with a musical repertoire that spanned decades and explored many genres, entertained with wonderful harmonies and witty repartee. They were a great choice for our gala evening event; elegant and entertaining.”
Pamela Burns, Executive Director, Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre, Vernon, BC
“…Accomplished, multi-talented musicians, whose relaxed style and upbeat presentation had us on our feet and dancing to almost every song. We loved the show!”
Diana Gault, Coordinator, Quadra Island Cultural Committee.
“What a delightful evening in Quesnel! Dock Side Drive was highly entertaining… with the variety of music and their polished performance. They were having a good time and so were we.”
Colleen Brines, Quesnel Live Arts
