Many fantastic performers have brought music to Agassiz throughout the summer, thanks to the Pioneer Park Twilight Concert Series. And finishing up the series next Wednesday is one of Agassiz's favourite musicians, Andrew Christopher.
True fans will know that he is the lead singer of Pardon My Striptease, and that has only recently changed to a stage name, from Andrew Putt. He is also the father of Lilee Jean, whose ongoing struggles with an aggressive form of cancer have been documented in the media. The band has supported "LJ" in her journey, and has raised thousands of dollars for Childrens' Hospital in the process.
The proud father was out of the country this week, but answered a few questions for The Observer via Facebook to help his fans get caught on his life. Read on, and then come out to Pioneer Park next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the music.
Observer: Why did you change your name?
Andrew: It was partly a privacy thing. Now that I have a family and am getting more and more attention from people I don't really know I'd like to keep my personal life a bit more private! And partly because some people think i say 'Butt' when i say 'Putt.'
Observer: Who have you been performing with lately, and is Pardon My Striptease still going strong?
Andrew: PMS is still doing great! We have played close to 10 different fundraising shows for Childrens' Hospital and cancer research since coming back from the break I took with LJ. Now we are playing/booking some more 'normal' shows to help fund our next CD! I've also been playing a few more solo shows around Vancouver/Lower Mainland, and busking out on Granville Island this summer a bit, and that has been incredible!
Observer: What has been your best gig so far?
Andrew: My best gig so far was our 'Comeback For the Cure' show at Joe's Apartment in Vancouver. It was PMS' first show in six months since LJ got sick. It was just SO nice to get back on stage and the crowd was unbelievable.
Observer: Who will you be bringing with you to the Pioneer Park show?
Andrew: Next Wednesday will be mainly a solo show. I'll check what the other guys are doing; maybe we will have a few 'special guests.'
Observer: What kind of music can people expect to hear?
Andrew: I play such a wide range of tunes, Some really fun, sing-along stuff, and some really deep, meaningful songs, too. I'll make sure it's a good mix that everyone likes. It will be mostly covers with a good amount of original tunes thrown in.
Observer: With your growing success, what advice do you have for young musician?
Andrew: Learn from everyone, and everything that you can. In every situation you get into there is something to be learned, so pay attention and apply it to your own life. AND! There are gonna be a few 'haters' — listen to them too. Do the opposite of what they say, and then call them stupid in your songs. Surround yourself with people who support you in your dream.
Observer: How has growing up in a small town helped you in your adult life?
Andrew: Growing up in a small town was one of the biggest blessings of my life. Everything that has gone on in the last year has been made so much easier because of the support I had from this small town. It brings me to tears thinking about it. I'm so proud of who i am because of growing up in Agassiz, and I'm so thankful that Agassiz is full of such beautiful people. Small town people have the biggest hearts!
The Pioneer Park Twilight Concert Series is presented by the District of Kent Community Services Department, and sponsored by the Agassiz Harrison Lions Club, Prospera Credit Union and Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer.
To help fund the series, volunteers will be passing around a hat for donations during the show.
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