By: Kenneth Pastushyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Ask Joe Perry, founding member of the Wellness Band, what kind of music they play, and he will
tell you “We’re pretty much a classic rock, rhythm and blues, Motown mixture.”
Its directly proportional to which of the 10 or so band members are available for charity gigs like
Feeding Windsor and the Humane Society, plus annual events like the McGregor Music Festival for the Windsor Cancer Centre.
The band can also be a “more mellow band or a party band,” added Perry,
who is also one of the guitarists in the group.
The Wellness Band has been playing across the region for 15 years, founded by Perry and the late drummer Bill Pillon.
Perry estimates there have been about a dozen members in and out of the band over the years, many of whom have either passed away or moved on to other projects.
“And we all got sick,” said Perry, 60-ish, who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after starting his
job as the Director of Patient and Family Services for the Hospice of Windsor. “It was my work and personal life all rolled up
into one.”
Along with Pillon, regular jam sessions began as a form of therapy, which helps people cope together.
“The love of music, it’s good for the mind, body and soul” – the
message Perry wishes to send to others, who may be dealing with similar health and welfare circumstances.
Many of the Wellness Band members have been playing professionally around Windsor and Essex County for over 30 years. Some have been playing actively since they were teenagers.
Kevin Arsenault, one of the guitar players from LaSalle, has performed with Canadian great Jeff Healey.
“I’ve been with the group around four years,” said Arsenault. “I’ve been running into people I haven’t seen or played with in years.”
Perry gave a lot of credit to former band members late vocalist Dennis Solet and Bill Pillon –
calling them both ‘fundraising machines.’
“Founding Band member Dennis Solet, who passed away in 2016, attributed the music as giving him another reason to live along with the love of his family and friends,” Perry added, “As much as the music helped other people at the Hospice, it helped me too.”
Soon word spread, and the infamous jam sessions were achieving rave reviews. Perry felt they could reach out to assist other
local charities. So, he travelled around to other jams and open mic nights seeking out who he called “the cream
of the crop” of local musicians to start the Wellness Band as a fundraiser for the Windsor-Essex Hospice.
When asked about current Wellness Band musicians, Perry mentioned Mark Charron,
a bassist and one of the original members of the group.
“I was asked to join from the beginning. I’ve met so many great people over the years doing this. It doesn’t really matter what your ability, you can always participate,” said Charron, who also enjoys giving back to the community through playing music.
Then, there is Diane on drums, one of the previous Hospice directors in Windsor. That’s how Perry got her involved in the weekly jam sessions.
Some of Wellness Band musicians, like Diane, are healthcare professionals working in the
field. But, according to Perry most of the band members are suffering from health issues of some sort.
Keyboardist Debra McKeen, shares that “her health has been up and down” and
Yet, continues to host regular jam sessions at her house.
“I had met Marc Charron in passing, and had just lost my husband,” said Debra McKeen. “He suggested I come out and play some music…and here I am.”
The band members continually helping each other out, whether it’s
moving equipment from one place to another, or just being a friend in a time of need.
“It’s a family atmosphere,” said Perry. “The camaraderie of playing music together – there’s
nothing like it. We’ve had a lot of fun through the years, and Lord be with us, get to gig for a few
more years to come.”
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