1. How old were you when you first started playing music?

Piano at 5, guitar at 8

2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?

In the early days, it must have been my father, a concert pianist and composer. I grew up with music in the house all the time. Besides him ~ The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, John McLaughlin, Return to Forever, Chick Corea, many others!

3. Where do you make your home?

Forest Hills Gardens, Queens, New York

4. Do you have any pets?

Many. But mostly silent. As in stuffed animals. 

5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?

That’s a hard question! Maybe the best one was back in 1983 when we played at a little place on Manhattan’s east side, called JPs. Larry Rosen, from the then brand new GRP Records, saw us and gave us a record contract. That was a good one!

6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?

Maybe the one when I was 15, at Central Park’s Wollman Skating Rink series (I think it was called the Schaefer series, or maybe it was the Ron Delsner Series) - John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra played. I had never heard or seen anything like that. It changed everything for me.

7. Do you have an all-time favourite song?

There are too many to list!

8. What musician would you still most like to work with?

The Rolling Stones! I’d be happy just strumming rhythm, guitar off stage to be on through with those guys! Legends!

9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?

Maybe a doctor. Or a teacher.

10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?

I’ve never been there, so I can’t wait! Any suggestions?

Vickie van Dyke ~ midday host