'I feel his presence'

Steve Zaat continues father's tradition of playing Andrews Senior Care homes

Stepping inside Andrews of Stratford for the first time was an emotional experience for Steve Zaat

For years before his death in January 2021, Steve’s father Cornelius “Con” Zaat, a beloved P E I musician, played regularly at Andrews Senior Care homes So, when Steve, a musician in his own right, started doing shows with Andrews in 2022, it felt like a sort of homecoming.

“I feel his presence, ” Steve said of the activity room where his father spent so much of his later years entertaining residents “I feel honoured to be able to follow in those particular footsteps I know he was really proud that music had continued.”

Music has always been central in Steve’s life Whether it was playing guitar around the house as a teenager, or singing with his sister in the local Dutch choir As he got older, music became less of a private passion and more of a trade In 2022, Steve released his second studio album “Not that Far”, which explores themes of grief, loss and healing.

His decision to start playing senior care homes was influenced by seeing the joy his father brought to people as well as his own religious beliefs

Continued on page 7