ANAF CLUB 284

Dave Pennell was hard at work planning the 2024 entertainment calendar when we spoke about the ANAF Club 284. He is very excited about the musicians they are lining up. Dave says, “We are bringing in the best local bands around and the top acts in the Lower Mainland; it’s a fresh approach.”

He and the volunteer management committee are working diligently to revitalize the club after COVID-19 left the 76-year-old ANAF 284 Steveston without reserve funds.

Dave has been the club’s entertainment director since February 2023 and has been an ANAF member for many years. He has hung out with musicians most of his life and wants to give back to the community.

The goal is to increase interest and bring in more people to enjoy the club. It has been in its current location, below The Maple Residence, since 2012, when the senior’s residence opened. ANAF 284 provided the land and received a new clubhouse on the site in return.

The Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) is Canada's oldest veteran and community service organization.

The organization stretches from coast to coast with a membership that includes those who have served as military, RCMP, provincial and municipal police, direct relatives of members and affiliated members.

The original intent of ANAF clubs was to create a social environment for people who survived the war. Today, they accept membership from anyone interested in joining.

Crowds have been growing with the roster of talent Club 284 has been showcasing. At one time, they had turnouts as small as 10 to 15 people; now, they often attract as many as 250.

“This 250-seat space with a big dance floor is an amazing venue to catch live bands in the heart of Steveston village.”

Social media is the club’s primary method to spread the word, as they do not have an advertising budget. They post frequently, and you can watch numerous video clips as friends share their posts.

Recent shows include Colin Wiebe, best known for singing and playing with Canadian legend Randy Bachman of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive for over a decade. Dave says, “Colin is an uber-talented artist, and we are so fortunate he plays here.”

Angie Faith is the third generation of her family to entertain at Club 284; her grandfather and her dad, Johnny Fatiaki, have also rocked the house.

Johnny Ferreria is a dynamo saxophone player who toured the world with the Colin James band and has accompanied some of the world’s best acts, including Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steve Winwood, and ZZ Top.

Fans can look forward to his return on December 22 and 23, when he will play with the Grand Koolios as part of the 284 Blues Festival.

“Johnny is owed a great deal of thanks for his unselfish contribution and efforts to help this club.”

The musicians have been great, I can’t stress that enough. They have offered their time and talent to help the ANAF Club.

Weekly programming includes the free Wednesday jam night, which starts at 8:00 p.m. This is a chance for new performers to try the stage. Dave mentions that some 19-year-old musicians recently played and are booked to return. He finds this exciting as they represent Steveston’s next generation.

On Thursday nights, people take to the dance floor for line dancing lessons. Every Saturday, bands take to the stage.

The ladies’ auxiliary fundraising meat draws take place every Friday and Sunday; all revenue is donated to charitable groups. Dave says, “We are stringent about supporting local charities.”

Other events to look forward to include the Club’s Shady Island Christmas party, with Yacht Rock performing on December 15. Earlier that day, they also hold a small Christmas party for kids with special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Mark your calendar! Club 284 is hosting a Christmas craft fair on Sunday, November 26, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

If you are looking for a place to gather and ring in 2024, join your friends for a New Year’s celebration at the ANAF.

To beat the January doldrums, Legends of the Jam featuring Colin Wiebe, Budd Marr (former member of Sweeney Todd), Dan Hare (March Hare Band), Johnny Ferreira, Ian Paxton (former member of March Hare Band) and Johnny Fatiaki will perform on January 12, 2024.

Visit ANAF Club 284’s social media (Instagram and Facebook) @ Club284 Steveston and their website to discover more acts in the upcoming months.

Everyone is welcome at Club 284; you do not have to be a member, although you will save money on cover charges for live acts and invest in your community. On Fridays, members pay only $5 and guests pay $10. On Saturdays, members pay $10 and guests pay $15.

“We would like to see the club full every night. We hope to be open seven days a week by Christmas.”

The management committee also hopes to see the return of the Fisherman’s Lunch very soon, which is a very affordable and hearty meal. The Club’s menu has recently been updated and features pub fare at affordable prices.

If playing games is your thing, pool and snooker tables and eight dart boards are available.

“We invite everyone in Steveston to visit the club. Within a year, Club 284 will rival anything in Vancouver. This is a place musicians go to see a great show. We have something for everyone, and everyone is welcome.”

ANAF Club 284

11900 No 1 Road #105 Richmond, BC V7E 1S9

Phone 604-277-7350

www.anaf284.ca

(Story by Sarah Gordon. Nov 2023. PALLA MEDIA)