Rising Stars: Meet Dave Van Dyke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Van Dyke.

Hi Dave, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
I began performing music when I was a teenager. In 1996, I moved to Oregon. The following summer, John Denver died, so I started performing in a John Denver Tribute band. 

I returned to SW Michigan in 1998 and started a band with my father, The Van Dyke Revue. We’ve been together ever since. I’ve released three albums of original music. 

I’m also a writer. Articles I’ve penned have been published in academic journals, Skeptic, and Michigan History magazines. 

In 2020, an essay I wrote won my hometown the designation “Nicest Place in America” by Reader’s Digest Magazine. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No – it’s been hard. Performing professionally is a lot of work. I’ve played thousands of dates. Some of the struggles along the meant letting go of friendships in favor of people who were better musicians. I’ve had to fire a few people just because they weren’t good enough. 

It’s also difficult to play songs you hate, but you play them because the audience wants to hear them. I’ve done Margaritaville hundreds of times. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in writing biographical songs. I’ve written and published songs about Patty Hearst, DB Cooper, Evel Knievel, Dick The Bruiser, and many others. 

Pricing:

• $200 per set (band)
• $500 (I’ll write and record a song for you.)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vandykerevue.org
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkHHWCoqeO4