For immediate release
MISSISSAUGA, ON – March 16, 2022 – It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every industry over the last two years, but very notably, the events and music industries. The Dreamboats, formed in Mississauga in 2009, are an award-winning band of young gentlemen who play music inspired by the 50s & 60s era sound that they have always adored. They are no strangers to hard work but admit to the hardships that came out of multiple lockdowns and public health restrictions.
“Covid was a very difficult time for the band – at least for me. A lot of our shows were canceled right as we were on a rise. We had just finished an East Coast theatre tour playing to some full theatres, and we had just gotten back from California, performing there as well. The weekend we got back, the whole world shut down,” remembers Johnny G. Whiz, drummer and vocalist of the Dreamboats.
While trying to keep positive by spending the extra time with family, book virtual events, and plan for future in the “new normal”, some other changes to the band were made. “When we stopped playing shows, a lot of holes came to light… just putting into reality what our careers would look like moving into the future. And for some members, it just wasn’t in the cards so we had to move on with different lineup changes,” says Ritchie Hummins, lead vocalist and guitarist of the Dreamboats. Whiz adds, “We’re currently playing with Justin Zoltek on bass. Justin played with [another] Mississauga band, illScarlett, he also did some work with Walk Off the Earth. He’s really coming from a punk rock background, he’s toured and has been all over the place! On lead guitar we have Nicky Domino – I used to play with him in White Cowbell
Oklahoma. He’s a killer guitar player with a lot of character. The band is really feeling better than ever, it’s an honour to play with these two new guys. And we still have that brotherhood that we always hope for with a musical lineup.”
In January 2022, after some more show cancellations, the band made the incredibly tough decision to pack up their lives and head down to California to start a whole new chapter of their storied career. It was an incredibly bold leap of faith for the members, but they unanimously decided that if they were ever going to do it, it was the right time. “Leaving Ontario was a necessary move for us. If we had stayed here, the band may have fizzled into nothing,” reflects Whiz, “we chose California because when we’re down there, there are so many people of influence who can help us. It’s the entertainment capital of the world! There’s a lot more workflow down there for the industry that we’re in, and way more people who are willing to support.”
The Dreamboats have been keeping themselves incredibly busy in their new home in Joshua Tree, CA. When they’re playing gigs, recording, attending open mic nights, and introducing themselves to new connections, they’re at their computers following up on leads and booking up their calendar with more shows and festivals to keep them booked up for the rest of the year. The move has been paying off for this band of hard-working local men.
Shortly after making the move to California, however, they got a call to play the gig of their lifetimes back at home. “What’s next? We’re playing at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre – our biggest hometown gig to date… if not THE biggest ticketed event we’ve ever played! We’re also playing at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre which is almost sold out,” says Hummins. These gentlemen will be flying back home to play these two incredible shows, which they say are dreams of theirs.
“When we get back to California, we’ll be flying our videographer Eric Soto to live with us in California. We’re really going to base his time there on creating content and really telling our story,” adds Hummins.
If you’re looking to support the Dreamboats while they’re back home for a short time, take advantage of these two shows, and wish them well!
April 29, 2022 – Mississauga Living Arts Centre – Tickets here
May 3, 2022 – Burlington Performing Arts Centre – Tickets here
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For more information, please contact:
Chris Hummel & Gianmarco Fiacconi
The Dreamboats
thedreamboatsband@hotmail.com
