John hails from the Ottawa area but moved to Northern Ontario with his now-wife over 16 years ago to work in aviation. After moving to Pickle Lake, then Sioux Lookout, they settled in Thunder Bay 8 years ago. A lover of music (both playing and listening), John also loves to spend his days cooking, snowboarding, and working and riding his motorbike (season depending). Quite the adventurer, he likes to try out new recipes and see how gourmet he can get with dinner for his family (all while listening to punk rock of course).

What makes the city special for John is the easy access to ski hills, where he loves to spend days snowboarding with his kids. With his love of food, he enjoys sampling all the local restaurants and bars and when he wants to get away, quick drive to the wilderness for camping, hiking, and mountain biking. Sometimes a simple evening is all he needs - “enjoying a charcuterie board and bottle of wine while watching Anthony Bourdain with my wife.”

His favourite spot in the north would be Mazukama falls just outside of Nipigon, followed by camping on the shore of Lake Superior at Rossport.

John feels most connected when seeing live music, particularly at The Foundary. Being out on the floor with friends and strangers alike, all listening and enjoying the music is something he misses and hopes to partake in once again soon.

During COVID, his appreciation for his family has grown. “Not really being able to see our friends for extended periods of time really sucked, but super grateful that I have such an awesome wife and kids to be locked down with.”

If John is ever missing, you are sure to find him in the garage. “I've been accused of "disappearing" out there at times. Love tinkering on my motorbike or lately trying my hand at putting together an electric guitar kit. It's my happy place where I can just relax and play the music as loud as I want.”