Second Wind

Catching Their “Second Wind”

Free Pop-Up Concert on Grand Bend Beach this Wednesday, August 10!

Back in the early 1970s, Jerry Beernink and Don Pearson formed a high school rock band, playing at dances and concerts at North Lambton Secondary School in Forest.  After graduating high school, the guys went their separate ways.

Fast forward about 30 years, and the idea of a rock band sounded appealing again.  Jerry and Don had played together on and off, then Dave Robinson joined them, and later Ken Williams came on board for a church talent night.  “The four of us played together for a St. Christopher’s Church fundraiser at Taxandria in Arkona in the winter of 2000, which we consider our first gig,” says Jerry.  The name Second Wind seemed fitting.

Dave who was drumming wanted to move to keyboards, so Michael Pearson played the drums for a while until Dale Fisher joined the band.  Then Jack VanEngelen joined within the second year. Bert Roy started coming out to practices three years ago and fills in with percussion and drums.  All the band members live in Lambton Shores.

Second Wind says they offer “party” music.  “We all have varied tastes and we tend to pick songs we enjoy listening to,” says Jerry, “50s-60s, classic rock, pop, country, classic western and Celtic folk, we cover many genres.”  The group also reaches back to their 70s roots with songs like The Eagle’s Desperado.  Other crowd pleasers include songs from bands like Great Big Sea.  They tailor their line-up to what the audience enjoys, with many appreciating their selection of Canadian classics or favourite oldies.

Second Wind has been on hand in Lambton Shores for many auspicious occasions, such as the opening of The Shores Recreation Centre in Forest and The Legacy Recreation Centre in Thedford.  They also played for 10 consecutive “Relay for Life” events for the Cancer Society, sometimes playing all night, ending at 6:00 a.m., without repeating a song!

“We have played for five events for one family – four weddings and an anniversary,” Jerry says, “And I am also very proud of the John Denver tribute we did at the Kineto Theatre in Forest.”  Another highlight for the band was opening for Doc Walker and Michelle Wright at the Music in the Valley outdoor concert.

This Wednesday will mark their first appearance on the new Rotary Stage on Grand Bend’s beach.  Second Wind is playing a free pop-up concert August 10 at 7:00.  Everyone is welcome to bring lawn chairs, and enjoy the music along with the famous Grand Bend sunset.  Donations to cover the cost of stage rental, insurance and moving equipment will be gratefully received.  Main Street parking is free after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and Beach parking is free after 7:00 p.m.

Photo:  Second Wind catching their breath in the back of an ambulance:  Back row:  Jack Van Engelen – bass guitar, vocals;  Dave Robinson – keyboards, vocals;  Don Pearson – lead guitar, vocals;  Front:  Dale Fisher – drums;  Ken Williams – guitar, vocals; and Jerry Beernink – guitar, bass guitar and vocals.  Not pictured:  Bert Roy – percussion.