After more than 20 years, local band MLC is still tuned in.
Once upon a time, MLC stood for Midlife Crisis Band – a name that made perfect sense when everyone was, well, mid-ride. But as guitarist and vocalist Dave McCauley, 67, cheerfully admits, “about 80 per cent of us are now well beyond mid-life.”
These days, the band sticks with the acronym, which may now stand for Make Life Count. And honestly, if you’re still rocking after two decades, you’ve earned the right to call yourself whatever you want.
MLC features Dave, Ann Higgins (vocals), Harold Bratten (bass, guitar, vocals), Kelly Arrey (drums), and Dave’s son Connor (guitar, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, vocals). Connor, 32, joined about a decade ago, officially turning MLC into a multi-generational musical adventure.
“It’s fantastic having Connor in the band,” says Dave. “Being able to perform and play music with my son is very special. Connor and I have also been doing shows as a duo, which has been amazing.”
The pair have played several shows at the Free Times Café on College Street – a venue that carries extra meaning for Dave.
“Fun fact: I played at the Free Times in the ’70s and ’80s,” he says. “It’s very special to go back there now with Connor.”
Dave, Harold, Kelly, and Connor all call Leaside home, while Ann lives near Hamilton.
“The best part is when people are singing along or dancing,” says Kelly. “We don’t do it for the money. We do it together – and it’s fun doing it with friends.”
Formed in 2005, MLC started when Dave and Ann – then performing as a duo – booked a show at The Fox & Fiddle (now The Leaside Pub) and wanted to build a band. Dave spotted Harold and Kelly playing Jazz Sunday at Northlea United Church and approached them after the service. The rest is local music history.
Dave says the camaraderie is what really makes the band sing. “When you play a song, it all just clicks.”
Kelly, 70, and now retired, says being on stage clears his head completely. The band has played for audiences as large as 200 people and feeds off the energy of the crowd.
“When you’re roaring along at 160 beats per minute and 100 decibels, it’s pretty hard to think about your problems at work,” he comments. “It’s an important source of energy that carries me through.”
Canadian artists play a big role in MLC’s sound. Their musical DNA includes Blue Rodeo, Sarah Harmer, Kathleen Edwards, City and Colour, The Tragically Hip, Bruce Cockburn, Neil Young, and Sarah McLachlan – basically the soundtrack to most Ontario cottage road trips. Their repertoire stretches well beyond that, as well.
Kelly says picking musical favourites, though, is a fool’s game.
“Music is art, and art isn’t a competition,” he says. “There’s a kind of addiction to superlatives.”
The band has also played several charity gigs, often jams informally with other local musicians, and with retirement freeing up schedules, they’re hoping to increase the number of shows they play.
Local fans are in luck. MLC will be performing at the Leaside Pub, 190 Laird Dr. – a venue Dave and Kelly both call their favourite – on Friday, April 17, at 8 p.m. There is no cover charge, and all are welcome. Rock on!
