The Havingas

The journey began in September 2002. The Havinga’s started playing as a family band together in a community church. Before they knew it, they were playing for other functions and learning new songs. Rick and Susan had no idea what they were getting into because they were also learning their instruments for the very first time and trying to catch up to their boys Justin and Josh who had already spent a few years in lessons. In their first function, both Rick and Sue knew only three chords and had to sing and play. “It was pretty scary the first time we played but the feeling of playing with our own boys was overwhelming, we all knew that this is what we wanted to do as a family”. And so their journey begins as they continued to play for community functions.

Justin’s gets nominated

When it comes to Justin Havinga, the associated name Jerry C comes to mind, especially if you type in the name Havinga on Youtube.com. His accomplishments already include being a regular recording artist and musician, winning third place at Agrifair’s Teen competition, or having over 10000 hits in just one month on Youtube for a ‘Canon in D’ cover. His playing is being compared with that of Joe Satriani as many youtubers will state in their comments. His ventures are also taking him into song writing and singing such as ‘Girl of my Dreams’. One of his goals this year is also to obtain his RGT making him a registered and recognized guitar player with the London College of Music. This would be a great feat should he accomplish this, this year at his young age of 16. He’s completed recording a full cd as well playing at numerous fairs and pubs such as Merritt Mountain fest, Agrifair, BerryFest, Kamloops Band shell, Cameo functions such as Retrofest and Rockin on the River and many other functions all across BC. To finish off the year, Justin has also been nominated for Guitar Player of the Year at Cameo Canada. Without a doubt, there’s still a lot more to see from Justin Havinga.

Rick’s gets nominated

When Rick isn’t maintaining computers networks at his day job, he’s either recording in his studio or playing on the weekend with the Havingas. Some of his accomplishments this year include finishing a full cd of the Havingas ‘Knockin on Heavens Door’. Having produced mixed and mastered this cd, he also finds time to work on audio projects for Gallery 7 theater as well as trying to find more time to write songs like ‘Not Much Time’. Rick’s love for gadgets also has provided him with a full digital sound system as well as recording studio. One of his goals this year will be to get a Music video happening and compete with Justin for the most hits on Youtube.com and as always keeping his voice and his body in shape. One thing he has also achieved this year is a nomination for best male vocal and original song (Not Much Time) through Cameo Canada. Definitely a good way to end the year.

They have also completed a full CD which is opening new doors for them all across BC. This cd is a greek salad of songs like 'Knockin on Heaven's Door' (Bob Dylan),'Just Between You and Me' (April Wine), 'We Are Family' and many other covers as well as their original music such as 'Not Much Time'.

Some of their past venues (list of past and current events) include local events such as Merritt Mountain Festival, Agrifair, Abbotsford Berry Festival, Jammin' in Jubilee Park, Hyack Festival, Fraser Heritage Park, Abbotsford Farmer's Market, and recently just doing an opener for the Powder Blues Band. They recently shared the stage with a band from Germany called Merqury (considered one of the best tribute bands to Queen) and they were in awe of the musicianship these players had to offer. "Here we are after only one year of playing in the community, and we're playing with seasoned players of 20 years and more. Unbelievable, what are we doing here?. It must be something bigger than us."

The Havinga's are still amazed at how quickly this has all happened in just two years and look forward to the next year as new opportunities come their way. Without a doubt, you will hear and see more of the Havinga's in the time to come.