The South Etobicoke News

Serving Humber * Mimico * Lakeshore Village * Long Branch * Alderwood

Local singer Dante Matas making his mark

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Etobicoke’s up-and-coming artist Dante Matas loves music and began writing tunes on the piano at the age of eight.

After forming his first band at the Etobicoke School of the Arts as lead singer and guitarist, Dante realized music was his passion and a means to his creative expression.

A multi-instrumentalist and producer, he has obtained a Master of Arts in Philosophy and a penchant for poetry. Dante has combined his interests to create his own unique brand of indie-pop, folk, and experimental music.

He is influenced by the likes of Radiohead, Tame Impala, Sufjan Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and Leonard Cohen among others.

Dante’s music tends to have a contemplative and introspective character to it, but never at the expense of a catchy melody.

Having released both “A Colourful Headache” LP in 2018 and “Midnight Sun” EP in 2017 and promoting them both with an east coast tour, Dante has been steadily putting out new singles to add to his musical repertoire.

His music has been used in commercials, public service announcements, popular YouTube channels and gets airplay on both Canadian and U.S. college radio.

Dante writes and records music, plays frequent shows with his band, and is constantly perfecting his craft. Dante’s overall drive is to communicate human emotion through music and lyrics in a way that resonates with a diverse audience.

He can be reached at dantematas.com

Joe of Mimicombo roller rink will be sadly missed

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The popular owner of a Mimico roller skating rink who brought James Brown, The Byrds, Ronnie Hawkins, David Clayton Thomas and dozens of early bands to the community has passed.

Joseph ‘Joe’ Bobechki, long-time owner of The Mimicombo, died peacefully on April 18, at Rideaucrest Home, in Kingston, according to his obituary.

Joe was married to wife, Frances, for 54-years and father of daughter, Tanya. He was grandfather of Madeleine, Samantha and Emily. He has brothers Don, Walter and William.

Family members say A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, when COVID-19 has passed.
Joe and his brother, Wally, are best remembered for taking over The Mimicombo in 1958. It was a popular club and roller skating rink that operated at Lake Shore Blvd., and Mimico Ave., for about 25-years.

Young people and adults from Mimico and across the city flocked to the hall to skate, bowl and listen to up-and-coming bands. There was a banquet area for weddings and the venue was a social meeting place for residents.

The brothers are credited for bringing many top-named artists and bands to The Mimicombo. James Brown performed here in November 1965, so did The Ardels, Bobby Kris & The Imperials, Bill Hailey and the Comets, Frank Motley and the Hitchhikers, The Motley Crew, Richie Knight and the Mid-Knights and many others.

It is said that on the evening that James Brown was to play at The Mimicombo, there was a blackout in Mimico and the surrounding areas. When Wally went to pay Brown (even though it looked like the concert was cancelled). James Brown said “No Wally. You are a good man and this is not your fault and he handed the money back to Wally. As soon as the money changed hands again…the lights came on!  The concert was a go.

In May 1966 the club was converted to roller skating and attracted young people from far and wide.

The skaters and dancers would never know that the bowling alley doubled as a homeless shelter at night, with Joe and Wally opening their doors to the unfortunate. Many of the less fortunate took advantage of the family’s generosity to get back on their feet again.