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VIDEO: Local band, The Kingfishers ready to rock at Big Texas BBQ this weekend

Michael Walters, who has autism, stepped up to the mic and surprised everyone, including dad Laurence, who plays bass in the band

As they've done throughout the pandemic when permitted, local band The Kingfishers has treated Newmarket neighbours and friends to driveway performances, but a special guest singer at the last one truly brightened spirits. 

Bass player Laurence Walters said his sons don’t often come to his gigs, so he was surprised when 17-year-old Michael came out and then wanted to get up and sing at the show on drummer Rick Pickard's Clancy Crescent driveway Saturday, Aug. 28.

“Michael loves music but he is not that keen on performing,” Walters said of his son, who is autistic. 

He said that Michael took piano lessons and participated in his school’s talent show when he was younger, but as he grew up, he didn’t want to perform as much. 

The second surprise for Walters was the song choice, as Michael wanted to sing End of the Line by the Traveling Wilburys. 

“He listens to a lot of music and he’s always singing around the house but I’ve never heard him sing that song,ever,” the bassist said. 

While Michael had to read the lyrics off his phone, he sang out confidently and even used different voices to represent the multiple singers in the original song. 

Walters said the number garnered the biggest applause of the afternoon. 

“He has a really strong, beautiful voice. It really projects, very loud,” Walters said. 

He said he hopes Michael will continue to use his voice in the future, whether that’s singing or other voice work. 

While he’s not sure what’s next for his son, Walters said The Kingfishers have a number of shows on the horizon. 

While they have a number of private gigs coming up, the band — composed of Ron Fleming (guitar and vocals), Walters, Pickard, and at times Al Turnbull (lead guitar & vocals) — will be playing at Big Texas Barbeque in Bradford on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 3 p.m.


 

Elizabeth Keith

About the Author: Elizabeth Keith

Elizabeth Keith is a general assignment reporter. She graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2017. Elizabeth is passionate about telling local stories and creating community.
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