When the organizer of a popular, retro Richmond high school band concert passed away suddenly, plans for a second gig were shelved.
However, at John Caetano’s funeral in the spring, his friends vowed to keep the event going in his memory.
And on Saturday, Sept. 28, the second No Boundaries event will again bring together Richmond high school grads from all years to the Riverside Banquet hall on River Road.
Taking centre stage once more will be local rock band Thor – aka No Boundaries, aka The Purple Gang – all of whom went to McNair secondary, as did Caetano.
“At (John’s) funeral, everybody said that they wanted the event to go on because (John) put his heart and soul into it,” said Thor’s bass guitarist Brad Kilburn, referring to the No Boundaries concert, the first of which took place in February.
“Kate Harris, the girlfriend of (Thor guitarist) Johnny Fatiaki, who were close friends with John, is now the key organizer and Harv Opel is helping as well.
“The second No Boundaries will be in memory of John and proceeds will go to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.”
Kilburn reckons the event will be “Richmond’s biggest grad celebration” with organizers hoping to reach and breach the 300 tickets they sold last time.
“We’re hoping to sell 400 this time out. It’d be great to see everyone there,” he added.
“It’s a dance for all Richmond high school grads, from all years. In the old days, every high school had boundaries, that’s why we’re now calling it ‘No Boundaries.’”
Kilburn said that he’s also “90 per cent” certain that original band member and guitarist Jimmy Coletsis, who made a career in Europe, will be coming to play.
The band will include Brad Sakiyama (drums), Johnny Fatiaki (guitar), Gord Arnold (guitar) and Mike Kelly (guitar).
Last February, the No Boundaries event raised $4,200 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, in honour of Kilburn’s late daughter, Kelsey.
Tickets, at $28 each, are available by emailing kate@suncabo.com or calling 604-837-9575.
