playing in other projects, we come together to form this large ‘super group’ when we can.” Particularly, Noel Lesperance joins on keyboard and saxophone; Paul Atkinson plays guitar and electric violin; and Jim Tone is on acoustic guitar. “We also have two horn players, being Andy Lusher on saxophone and Bruce Smith accompanying on trumpet -- who is a former AVSS music teacher.” Jonathon, Andy and Ken are all former students of Bruce’s, as Ken beams, “Bruce taught us music. He got back into playing the trumpet, and this is his third time playing with us.” Their first performance was in support of the Port Bur- well Lighthouse, and they have since been involved in an organized series of concerts. As a cover band, Via Satellite ’s catalogue is composed of the unexpected classics. “You will certainly be able to sing and dance to everything we play,” Ken delightedly assures. With their upcoming concert taking place on December 12th at 7:00 pm inside of the Old Town Hall Theatre in Aylmer, Ken intentionally highlights the support of Port Burwell Legion members who will be operating the bar and have been helping to promote this project. Asked what excites Ken about this concert on the horizon, he voices, “Performing with this level of musicianship that I am sharing the stage with. It’s incredible to play with this calibre and as I look around, I am really humbled by the experience. I wanted to put together an all-star band, and I really feel privileged to be on stage playing with these individuals.” Appreciative to have three cameras recording throughout this concert, a video production post-event will be created. This footage will then be used for promotional material, along with giving the people in this band a cherished memento of their performance. Tickets are currently available at the Port Burwell Legion, as well as by messaging Ken on Facebook at ‘Ken Kokko’. “I am easy to find,” he warmly welcomes. As Ken concludes, “It’s amazing when all of the musicians are on the same level of musicianship. We look forward to playing these shows. It really is special to all of us up there.”
Via Satellite, Upcoming Performance by Peri Hayes Ken Kokko of the band, Via Satellite , offers their back- ground: “This began with high school friends in the late- ‘80s. We started playing and evolved, changing members and becoming a band that played in and around St. Thomas and London for a number of years. We were all part of Arthur Voaden Secondary School (AVSS) at the time when we started to play together.” Presently presenting as a nine-piece band, Ken introduces their members: “Jonathon Russell is our lead singer and Guy Miskelly is on guitar, while Ryan Van Acker plays drums and I play bass. Then, what we’ve done is bring in guest musicians to become part of the band. Currently
Page 8 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • December 2025
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