ZOOM | SPRING 2024

SPOTLIGHT
LYNNE
ANDREG
THE MUSIC
MAKERS
T
he music scene on the Sunshine Coast is brimming with talent,
diversity, and heart. At its best, it is fuelled by communitymindedness
and inclusivity. Lynne and Reg Dickson, lifelong
performers, songwriters, and partners, have been making music
with and for our community for over 50 years. They continue to
show us all how it is done.
Generations of tots learned their first melodies and rhythms at
Music Makers Studio in Davis Bay, opened by Lynne in 1994. The
studio continues to operate with the preschoolers being taught by Sara
Munson, Lynne and Reg’s daughter, and a beloved teacher, for the past
20 years. It has expanded to include choirs for adults and children, fiddle,
ukulele, and other instruments. Lynne is passionate about community
fund-raising, always looking for opportunities to connect and contribute.
She is a member of Definitely Diva, a female vocal trio with a large
following. The Divas celebrated 20 years of singing together in February,
with a packed concert, a band that included sought-after pianist Miles
Black, and two hours of wonderful music and reminiscence.
The very name “Reg Dickson” puts a smile on many faces. Reg started
his musical career in 1973 after the owners of Lord Jim’s Lodge (now the
Rockwater Resort), heard him sing at a family wedding. He became the
house entertainer there for 13 years. For many years now, Reg has been
performing with guitar, voice, and harmonica at our local care homes.
He greets his audience members by name and spreads his joyful music
and light, sensitive banter. His repertoire is extensive, and his ego is not.
It's always about the audience. Reg's performances are about warmth
and giving.
When Lynne decided to retire from directing the Music Makers choir, Ken
Johnson took over. Also a lifelong musician and performer, Johnson says
it is hard to overstate the value of community music, and Reg and Lynne's
contributions, especially these days:
“As well as being excellent, dedicated musicians, Reg and Lynne have
a tremendous sense of community, contributing in so many ways over
the years. Since the pandemic restrictions eased, we've seen increasing
membership in our local choirs and a big surge in attendance at community
festivals and events. It's as if people now have a much stronger sense of
the value of community life. This is something Reg and Lynne have always
understood and promoted.”
Lynne and Reg have long been a popular performance duo on the coast.
They have a lifetime of material, can add accordion (Lynne) and harmonica
(Reg), and are still performing and learning new songs. The Dicksons are
both accomplished songwriters and recording artists and have released
two albums, Christmas with Harmony, and Walk in the Wind. They also
have a popular single, “Light the Lights,” which is performed every year at
Sechelt's winter Festival of Lights.
The Dicksons are filled with gratitude:
“Living on the Sunshine Coast for the past 52 years has truly been a gift
to us. We were able to raise our wonderfully large family in a loving and
caring community and have been so grateful to be able to give back over
the years.” ·
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE
PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNNE DICKSON
22