...Well, they never really went away. But as with many Peace Region bands, they've undergone their fair share of lineup changes and accompanying hiatus's (um hiatuses?) ... time off.  With the departure of FSJ's esteemed percustitute, Mitch Guindon, remaining members Adam Perrin and Tyson Mowat were not to be left alone for long. Ryan Hennessey offered up his services to fill the vacancy. He says:

"I'd been a fan and a friend of The Suspicious for years, since the first Rockin the Peace event. When Mitch left, I could see the growth that the band had undergone, the set that they had built, I knew I'd have a good time playing drums with them.  When a band, any band, works hard and puts in the effort you don't want to see that fade away.  Plus, I've always dug Mitch's playing so I've tried to rip off some of his chops. We'll see how it goes!"

In early 2012, the band is eager to play live in FSJ, Dawson Creek and perhaps further abroad.  The inaugural show of the year is at Egan's Pub, Friday Feb 3rd, at 8:30 pm.  Come on down for some straight up, loud and proud, decade-spanning rock and roll!

What do Ryan Hennessey, Mike Strandberg, and Steve Ryan have in common?

Well... quite a lot actually.

But most importantly they have a deep-seated love for Egan's Pub and playing songs that the whole room "gets". They are the ultimate house party band who won't stop playing until they get kicked out - even that may not stop them.

Most people 'round these parts know that these three guys are all amazing musicians in their own right but as Ryan put it "I'm so excited to be a part of this show, because even though we love to entertain the crowd, I'm going to be entertained by the guys I'm playing with! It's like, 'shit man, you're blowing my mind!'"

So if you want to see the best house party in a pub, come to Egan's Pub on Friday, December 2 at 8pm for the Three Amigos or Musketeers or whatever they're calling themselves... Ryan Hennessey, Mike Strandberg (who obviously missed out on being in the photo), and Steve Ryan.

It's nearing the end of the month and that means that it's time to show off those stunning mustaches. This Wednesday, Egan's Open Mic is becoming Mo'pen Mic and along with the great music, it's a night in honor of great mustaches. There's always a place on stage for anyone who wants to share their song or you can hang out with the crowd, listen to the tunes and keep score of shots done.

So brush your lip sweaters and head to Egan's on Wednesday, November 23rd at 8pm for Mo'pen Mic - the best in local music and now with 100% more mustaches.

Also for your viewing pleasure, check out Alysha Galbreath and Ryan Hennessey cover "Brand New Bitch" on the Open Mic stage!

Egan's has another great night of music gearing up and they're not even waiting for the weekend! This Thursday, November 23rd at 8pm, the man himself, Mat Savard is back in town and tearing up the stage at Egan's.

Mat Savard is one of the most passionate and positive young musicians that Fort St. John has been privvy to. He grew up in Fort St. John and has been an integral part of the booming music scene here since his early days in different bands to his soulful solos at Open Mics. He has a new album, Relax, Kick Back, and Love and has been promoting his music in other provinces.

It has been said that Mat is one of those musicians who makes everyone in the room feel welcome and his music carries you away. Egan's Pub is excited to welcome him back for an amazing live show on Thursday the 23rd and the show kicks off at 8!

Hope to see you there!

Ryan Hennessey is playing Egan's and ushering in the weekend. It's a grand Friday night live show on November 18th at 8pm and you don't want to miss it. 

Ryan is a guy with a guitar and a love of music - what more could you ask for? How about talent, charm, and a fun-loving nature that makes all his shows all-around entertaining. He is a much-loved staple of the Egan's Open Mic but tonight he takes the stage all on his own. 

If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing or hearing Ryan Hennessey, that is something to get on right now! Head down, Friday night at Egan's with Ryan Hennessey - it's gonna be great rockin' music in a great rockin' pub!

Henry See is an enigma.

His bespectacled visage is perched almost daily behind the counter at Retro Relics, quietly contemplating life, music, art, John Timber, and what meat goes with what other meat (and really, what meat doesn't go with another meat? The only thing better than meat and cheese is meat and meat. I'm not quoting Henry here, but I'm sure he would agree).

Henry turns slightly older today. But, much like that wizened little Jedi Master, Yoda... age does not seem to matter to Henry either. Or have any effect at all, really. Sure, Henry might not be able to run the one-minute mile anymore (nor does he ever profess to having actually done it in the first place), and there might be a few more laugh lines around the eyes... but Henry is still young at heart. Where it counts.

Tonight we invite and encourage you to come out to Egan's Pub for Open Mic and to wish Henry the absolute bestest of birthday wishes. Maybe even roll up a smoke and shiver in the chilled November air with him, sharing a conversation about the history of fonts (hint: typefaces, not the leather jacketed motorcycle dude from Happy Days), binary, mixing port with wine (thanks David Essig), or coming up with interesting questions to ask Siri (like where is the best place to spot Bigfoot, or if you are Bigfoot... the best place to hide).

Happy Bornday, Henry See, from all of us at Northern Groove, and probably all of us that read Northern Groove, too! Thanks for being part of the local culture, an awesome specimen of humanity and for looking so damned dapper all the time.

November 1 saw the kick off to Fort St. John's participation in Movember as some beards and moustaches were shaved off so participants could be clean shaven to start the adventure. The next 30 days will see men all over town growing moustaches as they raise money for Prostate Cancer Canada and raise awareness for men's health issues. 

Many local businesses are doing their part to raise to raise money for prostate cancer research. Marc Joseph clothing store is donating a dollar from every purchase, and both Patch Java locations will donate 10 per cent of every purchase made by someone participating in Movember. Every Tuesday in November, Remedies Lounge is hosting a Movember Poker Tourney at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, November 17, Northwoods Pizza will be donating $5 from each pizza sold from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-close. On Wednesday, November 23, Egan's Pub is holding a "Mo'pen" Mic night. On Saturday, November 26, Looney Tunes is hosting its Movember party starting at 9:00 p.m. Prizes will be given out for Best Costume and Best Moustache Combo. To finish it all off, the Official Movember Wrap-Up Party is taking place on November 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lido Theatre. 

To take part in Movember, men and women begin by registering online at www.movember.com, where friends and family can make donations to the cause. Women get involved as well by raising money, organizing events, and support those who can grow moustaches. 

All funds raised go to Prostate Cancer Canada, for research, education, support and awareness for prostate cancer. For more information or to register, visit www.movember.com.

Hey all! Just a quick update... Egan's Open Mic is not happening this week. No fear though, the mic will be open and the music will be live again next week like regular! You got a night off to pull together some awesome material for next week!

If you're looking for something to fill your time in the meantime, check out Northern Groove's Upcoming Events list and get the down low about other nights out you can have!

Yes it's true... FSJ's resident percustitute and box hitter extraordinaire, Mitch Guindon, is leaving our fine land to head back to his homeland of Vancouver Island. The lovely and talented Lorissa Scriven is continuing her adventures across this fine nation and will be setting up shop in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.

To celebrate their new adventures of both of these well loved musicians - we are requesting people come and join them for their last Open Mic at an Egan's Pub this Wednesday.

Wed. September 28th, 2011
8:00pm - Egan's Pub

If you haven't been to open mic in a while, or even if you go every week, this promises to be an unforgettable night of fine music and friendship and we hope to see you there!

Click here to RSVP on Facebook

Kyle Woolard is a guy from Virginia and currently he's a long way from home. Touring and promoting his band The Anatomy of Frank, Kyle has come through Fort St. John and headed up the Alaska Highway.