Carihi Alum brings his one man tribute show to the Eagles Hall in April
Published 4:30 am Sunday, March 8, 2026
His musical roots trace back to Campbell River, where he and his family moved to in the late 70s.
His first band was called Phaser, where he met some livelong music friends and got featured in the Mirror back on Feb. 21, 1979. Phaser eventually morphed into The Elements which played, among other places, at Phoenix Secondary at one of the first dances held in the new school after the fire. Around that time he also formed a new band with his brother and a young fellow who lived up the road whom he mentored as a drummer and that person went on to join Trooper. This led to the formation of Big Rock, named after the iconic rock outside Campbell River.
So who is this guy? It’s Steve Hillis, former Carihi grad and international performer who just happens to be bringing his often sold out, one-man show to the Island this spring.
Hillis is best known for his Garth Brooks tribute, which he has been performing for more than 25 years. The Brooks tribute forms the backbone of the first half of his show with Voices of Legends multi-artist tribute closing out the two set show. He developed this multi-tribute concept out of a suggestion from an audience member years ago at a show in Comox. Over time, this portion of the performance gradually morphed with various costumes and characters.
This second half of the show tends to be more spontaneous and rock-oriented, shifting from country into classic rock from the 70s, 80s and early 90s. For his Campbell River date former band mate Rod Saunders will join him on stage, bringing things full circle to their shared roots.
The spontaneity comes into play with audience interaction, a hallmark of his performances. Hillis will take requests and often improvises, making each show an original. In fact, in a recent show in Buserios, Mexico, Hillis spontaneously handed his guitar to an enthusiastic audience member mid-set. He never fully scripts that part of the night; it goes wherever the energy takes it.
Hillis has four shows currently scheduled for Vancouver Island and the Mainland including Nanaimo on April 24, Campbell River on April 25, Esquimalt on May 2 and Aldergrove on May 9, 2026.
Tickets for the Campbell River show can be found on Eventbrite, at Tyee Marine or Long & McQuade or by calling Rod Saunders at 250-203-8145.
