Mario's Restaurant - Tony (Fingers) Magee on his white grand

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...