Gone Too Soon
Phil Kott
May 13, 1953 - November 21, 2011
John Willett
June 16, 1950 - Sept 2, 2013
It is with great sadness that the Powerhouse Band announces the passing
of trumpet/flute/lead vocalist John Willett, following a short but courageous
battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. John was the driving force behind
the formation of the band in the mid 80’s and was the only member to be
with the band from the start to his last show earlier this year. We will miss
John’s larger-than-life stage presence and the energy he brought to the
band from his great love of performing music. The band, understandably,
will be taking some time off live performances while we grieve the loss of
our good friend and brother.
The Powerhouse Band – September 2, 2013
Don was the last remaining member of the original POWERHOUSE band – one of the ‘original three’ who sat down in a Hamilton
basement in January 1986 and began work to recreate the horn band sound of the late 60’s. After 51
years of playing trombone in everything from rock bands to the Navy Band to Dixieland to Philharmonic
Orchestras, Don retired his horn at the end of 2014. He remains with the band, though, in a background
capacity – filling in as a second synthesizer player, occasionally bringing out his mandolin and acoustic
guitar, and building and maintaining this website. “Although I’m quite happy to spend my summers riding
around the country on my motorcycle, as long as there are places where I can help the band or the
music, I’m in,” he says. Don began his musical life at age 5, sitting at a piano, moved to the trombone
and other brass and woodwind instruments in high school, took up the guitar and mandolin during the
60’s hippy years and returned again to the piano about 20 years ago. “I love playing the piano,” he says.
“The whole world of music is under my fingers. I just have to go find it.”
When not involved with something musical, Don can be found riding around the country on his bike or
writing and researching his lifelong passion – the hi-tech world of industrial energy production (nuclear,
hydro-electric and alternate energy concepts).
DON BERRYMAN
~ October 1, 1950 - May 12, 2017 ~
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend,
bandmate and one of the original founders of Powerhouse.
On July 16th, 2017, POWERHOUSEs' past and present members, along with
other Hamilton musicians, family and friends paid tribute to the last founding
member of the band. It was an emotional day filled with tears, laughter and
music. A beautiful tip of the hat to this multi-talented, dedicated friend and
bandmate. Read More
Don was also the webmaster of the Powerhouse and Brass Union Websites. His
incredible storytelling and dedication to both sites will be gravely missed.
