THE BAND

HISTORY

Formed in 2016, Mile High Club is the Kootenays’ premier party band, evolving from its predecessors Billy Jive and the Funktastics, Dewey, Cheatem and Howe, and Boogie Supreme—bands the members have played in since the early 2000s. Now, in their most streamlined form, they deliver a show that you can’t just sit and watch. You’ll be singing along and dancing to many of your favorites throughout the performance.

Mile High Club specializes in medleys and mash-ups, delighting audiences of all ages with a broad repertoire that spans the 50s, indulges in the 80s (“The 80s?!”), and includes the latest hits and everything in between.

BERNIE PRIMBS

Saxophone, Keyboards, Vocals

Bernie first picked up the saxophone at the age of 12, not realizing it would be the start of his musical career. He instantly fell in love with the instrument, earning top grades and musical scholarships throughout elementary, middle, and high school. Bernie played in jazz and concert bands, sang in choir and vocal jazz groups, and performed with several bands alongside his peers, discovering an insatiable love for the stage.

Determined to further his education, he pursued musical performance at Grant McEwan University in Edmonton. After completing the music program, Bernie joined a local 70’s disco show band for eight years, played with a jazz quintet where he wrote, recorded, and performed his original compositions, and now plays in his dream project, Mile High Club. At the start of this project, a keyboard player was needed, so Bernie took on the challenge of learning a new instrument. Song by song, he quickly became proficient, and the keyboard has now become his main instrument.

For Bernie, being on stage is not just about playing music; it’s about having fun and engaging with his bandmates and the audience. He believes in looking flashy and moving with the music. Unafraid to walk into the audience with his saxophone, he’ll serenade you until you join him on the dance floor. Bernie is not just a musician; he’s an entertainer. When he’s not playing music, you can find him volunteering as a ski patrol in the winter, working on his homestead in the summer, or enjoying various outdoor activities.

DAVID PHILIPPE

Guitar, Acoustic, Percussion, Lead Vocals

Dave and his glorious mustache have been a vibrant part of the Kootenays music scene for nearly 20 years. Performing with bands like Billy Jive and the Funktastics, The Surf Dragons, Dewey, Cheatem and Howe, Boogie Supreme, and now, Mile High Club, he has earned his reputation as a legitimate live entertainer.

Dave has also showcased his talents as a guitarist in Mt. Baker High’s productions of Rock of Ages and Mama Mia and as a bass player for Selkirk High’s production of Grease. His love for music and the guitar has been unwavering since his teens, evolving from playing saxophone in the school band to mastering rock, jazz, and pop as he matured as a musician.

Now, as a proud member of Mile High Club, Dave shares the stage with his fellow bandmates, continuing to captivate audiences with his performances.

SANJAY FISK

Bass, Vocals

A multi-instrumentalist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sanjay was born with music running through his veins. His musical journey began with piano at a young age, followed by tenor and baritone saxophones in school. Later, inspired by the Guitar Gods, he taught himself guitar – Extreme’s “More Than Words” being his first song. He spent his days playing all kinds of music on many different instruments, but largely concentrated on playing rock and metal on guitar. Occasionally, a compelling bass line would catch his ear, leading him to explore bass techniques as well.

Years later, Sanjay moved to Cranbrook, BC, and joined a band after being discovered by Shane. When he’s not rocking the stage with ‘Mile High Club,’ he performs in musicals at Key City Theatre or takes on roles both on and off stage at Cranbrook Community Theatre. Off the stage, Sanjay enjoys mountain biking in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, and pursuing a variety of other activities, driven by his insatiable curiosity.

SHANE BERRY

Drums, Percussion, Lead Vocals

Shane bought his first drum kit at 17 and never looked back. Playing in bands with quirky names like ‘Cinema,’ ‘Mystery Meat,’ and ‘Crossfire,’ he and his bandmates opened for acts like ‘Trooper,’ ‘Doug & the Slugs,’ and ‘Helix.’ A hand injury sidelined Shane from drumming for several years, during which he became ‘Billy Jive’ and, together with the ‘Funktastic Five,’ toured extensively across Alberta and BC, performing at many large festivals and shows.

However, Shane’s true passion was behind the drum kit, so he decided to give drumming another shot. He taught himself to play without the use of his right thumb and began singing and drumming simultaneously. Reuniting with his old ‘Funktastics’ bandmates Bernie and Dave, they formed ‘Mile High Club.’

When he’s not on stage, you can find Shane watching his Seattle Mariners frustrate him, grinding it out at the World Series of Poker, or listening to his extensive vinyl collection.