Tyson Aubin slowly punches the name of his favourite band into his computer.
N-I-C-K-E-L-B-A-C-K.
With a dad who was the original drummer for Loverboy, Aubin can’t help but love music. His father Bernie’s iPhone is full of photographs of Tyson and his favourite bands.
Tyson, who has cerebral palsy, has pestered his father for years to hold a concert at the ACT. This year, he finally agree.
Bernie Aubin and his band, The Headpins, have recruited Jerry Doucette to play a charity show this Saturday, a few days after Tyson turns 23.
“His father wanted to make sure this birthday is one for the memories,” says Clay Ingle, who has been Tyson’s support worker for the past four years.
One of the west coast’s most energetic and magnetic live groups, The Headpins have an incomparable chemistry with their audience making them one of the hottest commodities in Canadian rock. Fronted by Darby Mills, whose signature growl is matched only by her purr, the band has produced such hits as Turn It Loud, one of the greatest rock anthems of all time.
Proceeds from the concert will go to the Easter Seals. Ingle has rappelled down the side of a building five times to raise funds for the charity. This year, Tyson hopes to join him.
“We are hoping this event will be a sell out so the charity will get a large portion of the revenue from this great concert featuring two great acts,” says Ingle.
Tyson in the meantime is getting ready for a busy two weeks. The Maple Ridge resident will be performing on stage Saturday and returns to the ACT next week for his role in the musical Oliver!.
• The Headpins and Jerry Doucette play the ACT March 23. Tickets are $42.50.