By Andrew Mayes

At just 280 square feet, ‘Mike and Kerry’s Garage’ in Marysville, may be one of Canada’s smallest music venues. It is the story a lifelong musician who turned an accidental space at the back of his home into a place where musicians, families and young people can connect and where a musician who inspired Mike as a teenager has taken the stage.

When Mike Honeyman and Kerry Morris’ home was built, extra fill had to be removed at the back of the house, creating an unplanned space. Originally, Mike built a climbing wall in it for his family in 2018-2019.

Mike was able to persuade Joe Keithly, frontman of the legendary punk band D.O.A., to come and play on a makeshift stage in the space. Soon afterward, COVID hit. With more time on his hands, Mike decided to transform the space from a climbing wall to a music venue.

Originally the stage was placed against the wall that separated the venue from their kitchen. However, after Kerry noticed that loud music was knocking dishes off the wall, Mike switched the stage to the other side of the room.

Mike credits Kerry for her support in the venture, saying, “She’s always supported me. She’s very even-keeled while I can be all over the place.”

Most surfaces in the venue are covered in posters and concert memorabilia. They represent memories of shows Mike attended or wished he had attended.

As a long-time musician who toured Canada, the U.S., Europe and Mexico as bass player for The Honeymans, Mike’s involvement and passion for music have not subsided. He is equally passionate about supporting musicians on the road.

The venue is concert-ready with an elevated stage, mixing board, amps and monitors. Even an electronic drum kit has been added as a traditional set takes up too much space. Touring bands can save on hotel costs by staying at Mike and Kerry’s and simply plug in their guitars and perform.

On Aug. 16, the band Star Collector (pictured above) took the stage on its way back to the Lower Mainland from shows in Calgary and Edmonton.

Their guitarist, Steve Monteith, had inspired Mike when they both were in high school. Mike vividly remembers watching Monteith perform at a Selkirk Secondary School Christmas concert decades ago.

Steve began playing in bands in his mid-teens. Sporting the big hair that was the style of the day, Steve moved to the Lower Mainland in the late 1980s and met up with Star Collector lead singer Vic Gailiunas.  They have collaborated ever since. With his local background and family in attendance, Steve said, “It’s really cool to come and play here.”

After nearly 50 years as a touring musician, Star Collector drummer Michael Nathanson has played in plenty of venues. His assessment of Mike and Kerry’s Garage was simple: “It’s the coolest venue I have been to in my life.”

Mike and Kerry want to encourage young people in the area to come and see bands. There is no age limit, and performance times are in the afternoon or early evening to allow young people to attend.

When asked why he has done all of this, Mike explained, “I like community. The whole world got me down, but this brings me up. I have this weird little thing that people can come and enjoy without worrying about what side of the fence they may be on.”

UPCOMING 

‘Among Legends’ will perform at Mike and Kerry’s Garage on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Admission is pay what you can. For more information on this and future events, visit “Mike and Kerry’s Garage” on Facebook.

Photos by Andrew Mayes

e-KNOW

Article Share