Ken Michael: A Vancouver Classic

You know this guy. He's unmistakeable, sittin' cozy on his wheels, camped out on Robson or Granville or somewhere, singing the pop classics; pumpin' karaoke beats backing up his bright vocals which just got poured out of the OJ squeezer. I recall the first time I saw him years ago, crooning My Girl in that way that unquestionably shows how In Love With Life you are. I caught up with Ken recently as he was parked outside London Drugs.

He was basking in the sunny warm spot of a crisp December afternoon. He passed me his card, and I noted the curious image of a smiling sun flexing its biceps, and the endearing bad grammar: Well do Parties and Special Functions.

Off hours Ken's all wrapped up composing songs and playing with samples and Cubase, but usually he's singing to the people on the street. He tells me he's been doing this for more than 25 years. My eyebrow inadvertently leans toward my forehead. He lets me know he's almost fifty years old, and feeling great. "Joy and peace are the way. No stress!" he claims, describing his youthful elixir. He's really optimistic, considering that he has and has dealt with numerous health issues. Even now he drinks around ten litres of water a day to help him deal with sweats he has. Which has nothing to do with his dislocated hip. Which has nothing to do with a condition which seriously affects his muscle coordination. Which has nothing to do with the drug abuse he used to inflict upon himself.

Ken used to sing to exclusively to support his drug habits, but he has since disabled his addictions. Sure, he still smokes pot as it helps him deal with his medical condition, and hell he likes it, but surely we can forgive this can't we? Consider it a first step to forgiving yourself, if you will. A man who was once focussed on the taking, he now states that Giving is the way. His spirit is contagious: the guy's really personable. I ask him about his role in the city, and he answers, "I'm a Vancouver Classic! I do classics, and..." his voice lowers, "I'm getting a little classic myself."