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| Ad from The Canberra Times, August 6, 1980 |
by Tony Magee
My first professional and regular performing gig! Aged 20.
Mario's Theatre Restaurant was in Petrie Plaza, Canberra City. My friend David Boling took me there for a drink one night in early 1980.
There was a white "Belling" grand piano. David asked the bar manager if it was okay if I played a few songs, which she said it was. I was reluctant at first but later agreed to play. Movie themes of the time, Elton John and a bit of classical.
A few days later, a couple came into Kent Hi-Fi to buy a video recorder (new technology and a big deal at the time). I served them.
The guy said to me "I know you from somewhere". Then his wife piped up, "Yes, I recognise you too".
I didn't know who they were, but I told them I was a piano player.
"Ah ha! - you played in our restaurant last Wednesday night! We wanted to catch you but you left! Would you like a job playing there regularly?"
The couple were Ton and Antoinette Van der Zandt - owners, in partnership with Nick and Joy van Zommeron.
And so my pro musical life unfolded from there...
