1. How old were you when you first started singing?
I was 4 when I did my first public singing performance. I don’t remember life before singing… it’s always been a main form of expression for me.
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
My biggest inspiration growing up and through adulthood has been my best friend’s mom (essentially my second mom) Suzanne Pasternak. She was always creating and she was always coming up with ways to be employed as an artist when it seemed like opportunities were scarce. She was at times a survivor in this industry and at times a thriver. She passed away in September of 2023 but her voice and mentorship and love still are very present in my life.
3. Where do you make your home?
I have a home in Kingston, Ontario and I also have a home with my husband Van Romaine in Vernon, New Jersey. Van is a touring drummer and needs to be close to Manhattan (and major international airports). It’s busy but fun having two homesteads.
4. Do you have any pets?
I have one of my daughter’s “Covid pets”. His name is Moo and he’s a 2.7 lb Netherland Dwarf bunny. He travels with me to and from New Jersey and he’s SO CUTE and hilarious.
5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
I’ve done a lot of awesome shows. I’m truly so, so fortunate. Special shows all over the world and special for so many different reasons.
If I had to choose one, it might be Big Music Fest in Bobcaygeon, Ontario in 2011 opening for The Tragically Hip. There’s a cool documentary about that event and I’m in it. It was an amazing experience.
6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
Wow! This is a tough one. Billy Joel in Toronto when I was 18? Or maybe Billy Joel at Madison Square Gardens at 42? Or perhaps one of the awesome multi-artist Latin pop shows my husband has played? NYE in Dubai where they covered the 4 Seasons beach sand with white carpet?! Haha. The music is one thing and the experience is another… so many great and unique memories of so many genres and all over the world. I hope to make many more…
7. Do you have an all-time favourite song or album?
Carole King’s “Tapestry” was a pivotal album for me. I found my Mom’s cassette tape of that album when I was nine. It was eye opening for me and hella inspiring.
8. What musician would you still most like to work with?
I’d love to work with Billy Joel. Sheryl Crow also comes to mind. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some really incredible people and those moments are always huge gifts.
9) What would you be if you weren't a musician?
Maybe a yoga instructor??!! I have no hobbies! Haha. Just music and keeping myself healthy so I can continue to run around a stage for as long as I possibly can.
10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?
I love British Columbia! Vancouver is one of the gems and this whole province absolutely knocks my socks off. Great people, beautiful landscapes… water, mountains, amazing festivals and art. This part of the world is one of my all time favourites and I try to perform here as often as I can.
Get your tickets to see Miss Emily at www.bluefrogstudios.ca
~Vickie van Dyke
Midday Host
I was 4 when I did my first public singing performance. I don’t remember life before singing… it’s always been a main form of expression for me.
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
My biggest inspiration growing up and through adulthood has been my best friend’s mom (essentially my second mom) Suzanne Pasternak. She was always creating and she was always coming up with ways to be employed as an artist when it seemed like opportunities were scarce. She was at times a survivor in this industry and at times a thriver. She passed away in September of 2023 but her voice and mentorship and love still are very present in my life.
3. Where do you make your home?
I have a home in Kingston, Ontario and I also have a home with my husband Van Romaine in Vernon, New Jersey. Van is a touring drummer and needs to be close to Manhattan (and major international airports). It’s busy but fun having two homesteads.
4. Do you have any pets?
I have one of my daughter’s “Covid pets”. His name is Moo and he’s a 2.7 lb Netherland Dwarf bunny. He travels with me to and from New Jersey and he’s SO CUTE and hilarious.
5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
I’ve done a lot of awesome shows. I’m truly so, so fortunate. Special shows all over the world and special for so many different reasons.
If I had to choose one, it might be Big Music Fest in Bobcaygeon, Ontario in 2011 opening for The Tragically Hip. There’s a cool documentary about that event and I’m in it. It was an amazing experience.
6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
Wow! This is a tough one. Billy Joel in Toronto when I was 18? Or maybe Billy Joel at Madison Square Gardens at 42? Or perhaps one of the awesome multi-artist Latin pop shows my husband has played? NYE in Dubai where they covered the 4 Seasons beach sand with white carpet?! Haha. The music is one thing and the experience is another… so many great and unique memories of so many genres and all over the world. I hope to make many more…
7. Do you have an all-time favourite song or album?
Carole King’s “Tapestry” was a pivotal album for me. I found my Mom’s cassette tape of that album when I was nine. It was eye opening for me and hella inspiring.
8. What musician would you still most like to work with?
I’d love to work with Billy Joel. Sheryl Crow also comes to mind. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some really incredible people and those moments are always huge gifts.
9) What would you be if you weren't a musician?
Maybe a yoga instructor??!! I have no hobbies! Haha. Just music and keeping myself healthy so I can continue to run around a stage for as long as I possibly can.
10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?
I love British Columbia! Vancouver is one of the gems and this whole province absolutely knocks my socks off. Great people, beautiful landscapes… water, mountains, amazing festivals and art. This part of the world is one of my all time favourites and I try to perform here as often as I can.
Get your tickets to see Miss Emily at www.bluefrogstudios.ca
~Vickie van Dyke
Midday Host
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— at Blue Frog Studios.