In mid-September the Manitoba Arts Network (MAN) announced a major step towards revitalizing rural and northern arts communities with an exclusive tour by the iconic Canadian band, the Northern Pikes.
Northern Pikes drummer, Don Schmid, says the band started in Saskatoon, SK back in 1984 and had a great time touring across the country, performing in many towns and cities over multiple decades.
After 10 years of intense road life and nonstop travelling, 8 Juno award nominations, 4 gold records and 1 platinum record, the band elected to go on an indefinite hiatus. The Pikes played their final concert on June 30, 1993, in Fort Frances, Ontario.
Something to note that in October of that same year the final recording was made when Jay, Bryan and Ross got together at Don's home studio in Saskatoon to record the theme song for the TV series "Due South".
Six years later, all original members Jay Semko, Bryan Potvin, Merl Bryck and Don Schmid reunited in December 1999 to assemble a greatest hits package for Virgin Records. That meeting saw the release of the Virgin LP Hits and Assorted Secrets, a collection of old favorites and buried treasures.
They haven't looked back, having recorded 4 new albums since. "It's a good thing to be making new music after all these years," adds Schmid.
The 4-man band is back on stage for their 2024 Canadian Tour. "We've got one show in Alberta, two in Saskatchewan and 6 in Manitoba, so it's a total of 9 shows in 12 days! And it's 5,000 km of travel so we're back in the van again, just like in the early days."
Schmid says travelling in a van gives the band members a chance to get together and talk about many, many things. "It's good! It's just the four of us and we're very good friends, and we don't see each other unless we're touring and playing together on stage. So, it's fun. We cherish those moments now because there are not as many of those as it was in the 1980's and 90's. We were together all of the time!"
There were many highlights for the band, certainly being the opening act for iconic stars like David Bowie and Peter Frampton are in that list. Additional highlights include performing the theme song for the Canadian TV show, 'Due South' in 1993, and being inducted into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
Please listen to more with Don Schmid below!
Starting October 18, 2024, the Northern Pikes will perform in six Manitoba communities. These concerts mark the beginning of a fresh approach to local arts, creating new revenue opportunities, building partnerships with local businesses, and strengthening community support.
Tour Dates:
- October 18, 2024: Eastern Manitoba Concert Association, Pinawa,
- October 19, 2024: Watson Art Centre, Dauphin, MB
- October 20, 2024: Flin Flon Arts Council, Flin Flon,
- October 22, 2024: Minnedosa Performing Arts Committee, Minnedosa,
- October 23, 2024: Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council, Killarney,
- October 24, 2024: Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment, Portage la Prairie, MB
This initiative, funded by the Province of Manitoba's Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund, equips rural communities with tools to strengthen their arts programs.
“The pandemic changed everything for the arts,” said Rose-Anne Harder, Director of Manitoba Arts Network. “Now more than ever, we need to build stronger connections and community support. By working with tourism departments and finding new ways to grow, we can help rural communities thrive and keep the arts alive.”
Local leaders are already feeling the impact with Giselle Beaupre, Arts Administrator for Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council, adding, “This funding allows us to work with MAN and other councils to bring the Northern Pikes to our community, where live music is cherished.”