Behind the Scenes: Anthony Dupree, “Big Pappa” – Big Pappa and The Machine

Ian Smith, was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. He is a local musician, with a great passion for all music and entertainment in general, his formative years were spent in Newcastle, working a regular day job and playing in bands in the evenings and on weekends. Moving to Canada in the mid seventies he continued working, then began working for bands as a Personal Assistant and toured the world, then upon returning to Canada formed a rock Band “The 88’s”, who played around Southern Ontario, the Port Huron area, and became involved in promotions and marketing for Campbell St. Station in Sarnia, a well known entertainment establishment whilst living in Port Huron. After leaving the bar business, he started a Chemical Company with his brother, manufacturing a generic version of the weedkiller Roundup, with facilities located in Portland Oregon and Houston Texas, whilst still playing music in St. Clair County. Upon retirement in 2016, he was asked to assist the City of Port Huron in the booking, MCing (Master of Ceremonies) and running of entertainment at McMorran Theatre and now assisting with Casey’s on The Plaza entertainment, and “Rockin’ The Rivers bands with Kati Gardner. Ian, is still playing shows around St. Clair County and resides in Burtchville , Mi.