From "Drums Etc." (A Canadian national music publication... eh!)

"Of all the gigs Rick Van Dusen has had in his career, he says his current one with the Shrine Circus is the most demanding. It's demanding because it takes him through Canada and the USA nine months of the year. It's demanding because it's two hours of intense concentration, sometimes four times a day.

Rick and the band entertain between acts, but he is the only one in the band that must accompany the acts during their performance. "The performers tell the music director what they want and he then transfers the information to me. Even though their routines are rehearsed, each show is different, demanding flexibility on our part."

The circus gig is also demanding because of the variety of styles played... "We play rock, jazz and latin. We even play a Dave Weckl tune!" An experienced drummer, Rick spent five years playing with a relief band in Las Vegas in the 70's and 80's. "In each hotel, the house band was given one day off per week. "We would rehearse in the afternoons and perform at night." Rick played with many great entertainers such as Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick, Eddie Arnold, Wayne Newton, The Osmonds and even Bob Newhart!

While in Vegas, Rick would commute to Los Angeles to study with David Garibaldi. "Dave is a fantatic player and a great person". When Rick does not play the circus gig, he teaches home in Saskatoon and works with local musicians. He just completed a country CD which features himself on vocals and some song writing.

Rick uses the Roland V-Drum which he says is great for the circus gig. His advice to others: "The key is to having good time is having confidence in your ability to keep time." Wise words from a great Canadian drummer.