COMMERCIAL TAVERN - Key Persons

Bill DeVries was a fine man, a great singer and musician, and a valued and trusted friend. He helped me to understand some of life's many mysteries. It was almost like he became a dad to me after I lost mine and now it's so empty and I'm lost without either one of them. I will miss his strength; his unending and tireless love of family; his great sense of humor; his fine "guitar pickin" and his beautiful voice and unique interpretation of a song. I'll miss the man who had that unusual ability to listen to your problems and concerns for a long while before he'd offer an opinion. But mostly I'll miss his great "smile". He could light up a room and warm your heart making you feel "good" even if you didn't. The smile said it all.

Brian was an entertainer at the Commercial Tavern for many years and a good entertianer, I might add.. We lost Brian suddenly and he is missed here at the Commercial Tavern and we often think about him.

Paul Weber has been singing country music since childhood, cutting his teeth in a family band headed up by his late father, Howard 'Smoky' Weber. In his teen years Paul formed his own band to play local venues and later became a member of Joe Firth's tour band, The Promised Land. Eight years later Paul formed his own band, Top Hand, and toured across Canada and throughout Europe until 1996. In addition to the Two Bits Worth Of Hurtin' (1981) and the Whiskey Tears (1983) albums, Paul Weber also released the CD Older & Wiser (1991) and was part of the family album, The Webers - Together (1985). In 2011 Paul released a double album set, By Request Volume 1 and By Request Volume 2. Early in his recording career Paul Weber was a first-round contender for two Academy of Country Music Awards: New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Paul was nominated for a Juno Award as the top Country Male Vocalist of 1982. In the fall of 1983, Paul was nominated in 3 categories by the members of the Canadian Academy of Country Music: Vista Rising Star, Single of the Year for Where Beauty Lives in Memory and also Album of the year for Two Bits Worth of Hurtin'. Paul left the hard life on the road in 1996 and purchased The Commercial Tavern in Maryhill, Ontario determined to build a first-class establishment providing entertainment true to the authentic style of country music which he has performed throughout his life. Today it is rightfully known as "The Home of Country Music" because Paul not only entertains there himself but also brings in other talented entertainers and musicians as well as special event musical shows.

Mr. Keleher was a close friend of Paul Weber's and he will be missed here at the Commercial Tavern. Mr Keleher started Keleher's Western Wear 50 yrs. ago quite an accomplishment.