Gary was born and raised in Seattle. He took guitar lessons in Seattle from a retired “big band” professional, and now plays acoustic guitar, tenor, baritone and banjo ukuleles, and the six-string banjo. He’s been playing the guitar since the 1960s and the ukulele since 2001. He is currently working on learning the Dobro and the lap steel guitar.
Gary and his wife moved to Grand in 2017 and he joined the Music Club during the Covid year of 2020. The announcement of Gary’s induction into the Music Club Hall of Fame included the comment that “He is one of the most entertaining members of our Club, with his smooth voice, reminiscent of the ‘20s and ‘30s vibe; excellent guitar playing and infectious, engaging personality.”
He says that he took a series of voice lessons when he decided to learn the ukulele, but surely his “...smooth voice, reminiscent of the ‘20s and ‘30s vibe” cannot be taught. It is a gift that we music lovers in Grand are the glad recipients of! Speaking of the ‘20s and ‘30s, that’s where the Hawaiian influence came from. Gary sings and plays many songs that originated in the Hawaiian Islands (or sound like they did.)
Gary served on the Music Club Board of Directors for two years, May 2023 to May 2025, as Show Coordinator. The announcement of his induction highlighted that Gary has performed in most, if not all of the Showcases and Celebration of Music shows in recent years, working as Director or Producer in many of them. And he is now the band leader for the popular Salty Dawgs.
Gary has performed in such Music Club productions as “Out of the Blues,” “Folk Music Journey,” “Who is Speaking, please?” “Sing Along with Santa,” plus Harvey Finstein’s Christmas and American Songbook shows. Now add all those shows in which he was also Co-Director/Producer: “Speakeasy: Music of the Prohibition Era,” “The Grand Band Jam,” “Broadway at the Grand,” and “Grand Sings the Blues.” Gary was also the Director and force behind “Return to the Amphitheater,” which we hear will take place again this year.
Gary’s Hall of Fame plaque is engraved with: “Thank you for your many years of service to the Grand Music Club and for being such a great contributor to our performances as a Director, Producer and Performer. Your musical talents are many, your love for performing shines, and your connection with people is special.”
I’m sure we all agree, as we look forward to many more wonderful musical moments with our friend Gary Povick!
Gary Povick thanking the Music Club for the honor of receiving the Hall of Fame Award.
Gary with his award.
