When it comes to Whistler's arts scene, Kevin Mikkelsen is no doubt a superfan.
Mikkelsen, a.k.a. "Big Kev," is a Thornhill, Ont. native who since 2005 has lived in Whistler. He's been employed at numerous local operations, including Black's Pub, iHost, Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, Whistler Hardware, the Point Artist-Run Centre (PARC) and the Whistler Question. None of those jobs have stopped him from faithfully attending as many local concerts as possible.
On Sept. 27, 2023, Mikkelsen was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) after nine months of gradually-building symptoms. In layman's terms, his immune system now attacks a protective sheath that covers nerve fibres called myelin, which disrupts communication between the body and brain.
This ailment has generated numbness in the hands and feet, electric-shock sensations that happen with certain neck movements, lack of dexterity and coordination, trouble with walking and balance, vertigo, bowel and bladder function issues, fatigue and brain fog. Previous attempts to walk with a cane and a wheeled walker led to an infected callus on Mikkelsen's right foot, necessitating a 60-day and a 50-day stay at Lions Gate Hospital—split by a 25-day period at Squamish General.
No longer able to work, Mikkelsen relies on a power wheelchair to get around. His friends love him, and they're going to help in a big way.
Merlin's Bar & Grill is set to host "Rock for Big Kev" on May 2: a concert packed with Sea to Sky standouts like Ruckus Deluxe, Stephen Vogler and the West Coast Front, Red Chair, Big Love, DJs Vinyl Ritchie and Foxy Moron, and the Rutherford Creek Collective. Everybody's donating their time to play, with XL Audio Visual taking care of production services. Whistler Blackcomb (WB) is lending support as well.
"It's a little overwhelming to have the community come together, and very humbling," Mikkelsen says. "I love the musicians we have in our town. Per capita, I think we've got way more awesome musicians than most towns our size. The one awesome thing about this town is: it has a really big heart. You don't think about it because we don't flash it, but whenever anybody comes across hardship, this town really bands together to look after our own."
'Land of misfit toys'
WFF founder Shauna Hardy is producing the concert and with help from Carol Severson, Chris Quinlan, Stephen and Peggy Vogler, Glenn Mishaw, Angie Nolan, Mike Tolton and Martha Kertesz, with Andrew Bowes of XL Audio Visual and WB's own Mike Wilson. Proceeds will go towards easing Mikkelsen's financial burden as well as purchasing equipment and furniture needed to improve his quality of life.
"He's just got a great attitude. He is a very kind, gentle human being and very well-liked," says Hardy about Mikkelsen. "He's the biggest fan [of local bands]. They've seen him go from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair. They all know that playing that night is going to help change his life."
Big Love frontman Erik van Meerbergen adds: "Kevin is such an ally of the arts. In the life of a musician, you get a few friends coming to a few shows—and then there's the few that go to almost every show. Kevin is one of those guys, and it makes such a difference for us to have that kind of support."
Mikkelsen chooses to view his life as a novel, ongoing adventure. He focuses on the good days, even though the bad ones are painful, as he believes staying positive is key. The proud Whistlerite faces his challenges and surmounts them, even trying to have fun along the way.
For one such as himself, music is an invaluable medicine.
"Music heals. It's good for your soul," Mikkelsen remarks. "I think of the arts as the land of misfit toys. A lot of artists don't quite fit into the mould of what people should be doing with their lives. Musicians follow their hearts and dream big—two things that you don't get in the nine-to-five world very often. You've got to step out into the fringe to really appreciate the incredible people that congregate there.
"I've known all these people for the last 15 or 20 years. We've had so much fun together. We've worked on some amazing projects and stuff. It's kind of hard to stop Shauna when she gets on a roll—she's a force of nature. I hope to remain in Whistler for many years to come, supporting the arts and Whistler's rich and vibrant music scene. This place is just too special to say goodbye to."
Visit to grab tickets to "Rock for Big Kev," which runs on May 2 from 6:30 p.m. to late.
