BIG DAN Blues

BIO

Big Dan knows the Blues....He is a self-taught powerhouse of a guitar player with over 30 years experience....His vocals are smooth and soulful....his songwriting deep and from the heart....he has a quick wit, sharp sense of humor and loves to entertain.

The Topside Band are masters of their instruments. They are sought after by many. They have been backing up Ontario's top musicians for decades. Together they can lay down a groove like no-one else.

We are a three piece band (Guitar, Bass, and Drums) and specialize in playing old school Chicago style blues. We take great pride in being able to draw, hold and entertain a crowd. We are a fun and professional band.

Big Dan started playing guitar when he was 8 years old. He caught on quickly and was gigging by the time he was 16. He soon became a big fan of the Blues.

He has shared the stage with many greats including....Downchild Blues Band, Colin James, Paul James, Jack DeKeyzer, Bobby Dean Blackburn, and Eric Burton just to name a few... The Blues has taken him around the world with tours in Canada, United States, China, Japan and Hong Kong.

The sound of Big Dan's voice and his guitar playing comes from deep within his soul. He gives it all he's got every song, every second, every bit of himself comes out in his music....

Donny Tops started playing professionally at 16 in a big band dance band, ran by his father and fronted by Gus Gordon formerly of the famous Ink Spots.

Don has played with hundreds of musicians during his career. Including blues artists and bands.: Hot Bananas featuring Dan Thomas and Bobby Hill, Doreen Smith and the Brick Band, Little Jimmy and the Headliners, Hot Tamales, Blueswinder featuring Paul Coombs, Shrimp Daddy and The Sharpshooters, Hock Walsh (of Downchild), Chicago Pete, Zoom, and James Knowles.

Steven Tomalty At the age of 9 years old Steven started playing in a local drum and bugle corp, where he was first introduced to drums and percussion. By the age of 14 Steve was playing drum set in all the high school senior bands and was looking forward to a career in music. He went on to study at Mohawk College for three years receiving his Applied Arts Diploma in Music and from there another three years at McMaster University where he received an Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance. During this time Steve was performing in local rock and folk bands which included a six summer gig playing in the "Leilani Kimm" show at the Grand River Dinner Cruises. Since then Steve has performed with tribute bands, country acts, and original performers including "Smooth-the Sounds of Santana", "Fifth Avenue", "Darren Handcock", "Andre Lapointe" "Hammertones" "Troy Harmer and the Persuaders" "Hot Bananas Blues Band" "RatRod" "Big Dan wand the Topside Band" At this time Steve enjoys teaching and performing and he still aspires to improve his craft and to expand his knowledge of drums and percussion.

BIG

DAN

and the Topside Band

2020

International Blues Challenge

Quarter Finalists!!

BIO

Big Dan knows the Blues....He is a self-taught powerhouse of a guitar player with over 30 years experience....His vocals are smooth and soulful....his songwriting deep and from the heart....he has a quick wit, sharp sense of humor and loves to entertain.

The Topside Band are masters of their instruments. They are sought after by many. They have been backing up Ontario's top musicians for decades. Together they can lay down a groove like no-one else.

We are a three piece band (Guitar, Bass, and Drums) and specialize in playing old school Chicago style blues. We take great pride in being able to draw, hold and entertain a crowd. We are a fun and professional band.

BIO

Big Dan knows the Blues....He is a self-taught powerhouse of a guitar player with over 30 years experience....His vocals are smooth and soulful....his songwriting deep and from the heart....he has a quick wit, sharp sense of humor and loves to entertain.

​

The Topside Band are masters of their instruments. They are sought after by many. They have been backing up Ontario's top musicians for decades. Together they can lay down a groove like no-one else.

We are a three piece band (Guitar, Bass, and Drums) and specialize in playing old school Chicago style blues. We take great pride in being able to draw, hold and entertain a crowd. We are a fun and professional band.