Downtown Paris ready to dance at annual Block Party

40 Daze reunites for the 2025 Paris Block Party, with Grant Silverthorne, Mark Ward, Kevin Konyu, and Kevin Bethune (not pictured) stepping in on bass for original member Bobby McFadden (not pictured), who is sidelined by an unfortunate rehearsal injury.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Downtown Paris is gearing up for a night of music, dancing, and community spirit when the annual Evenings in Paris Block Party takes over Mechanic Street on Friday, September 19. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the street will transform into a hub of entertainment with stores open late, a Legion-run beer garden and BBQ, and activities spilling out into the heart of town.

The lineup includes Michael Bryan opening the stage at 6 p.m. with a mix of originals and covers, followed by Urban Cowboy Line Dancing at 7 p.m. But the most anticipated performance of the night begins at 8 p.m.—the long-awaited reunion of one of Paris’s most beloved hometown bands, 40 Daze.

Formed in 2004, 40 Daze quickly carved out a reputation across Paris and beyond. Their debut CD, The Cloudiest Day (2005), introduced fans to their classic-alternative sound, highlighted by their radio-played single California. The group—made up of Kevin Konyu (guitar, vocals), Mark Ward (drums, percussion), Grant Silverthorne (guitar, vocals), and Bobby McFadden (bass)—was a fixture at local hotspots like Knuckleheads, The Crossing, the Canadian Tavern and the Grandstands. They shared stages with Canadian icons including 54/40, Honeymoon Suite, Teenage Head, and even Pete Best, the former Beatles' drummer.

“Recording and playing alongside the bands we looked up to and often heard on the radio were some of my favourite memories,” Konyu recalled. “It was surreal to hear California on local stations.”

Although life pulled the band members in different directions around 2009, they stayed in touch and even started jamming together again in 2019 before COVID-19 paused their plans. The Block Party provided the perfect spark to bring them back officially.

“The discussion started just six short weeks ago,” said Konyu. “We’re rehearsing hard—spending 8 to 10 hours on weekends—around family and careers to prepare for this show,” added Ward.

Fans can expect a mix of favourites and a surprise—if rehearsals go well, 40 Daze hopes to debut a brand-new original song. And in true playful fashion, one member may even make their stage entrance on a live farm animal – but don’t hold us to that one, says Ward.

While original bassist Bobby McFadden is sidelined by injury, the band is grateful to Kevin Bethune, who is stepping in to help carry the sound. The group emphasizes that this performance isn’t just a one-off; it marks their official reunion.

“Music is something that brings us together,” Konyu said. “We enjoy playing and we enjoy creating it.”

For the band, playing in their hometown makes the night even more meaningful. “We’re excited to see old friends and familiar faces in the crowd,” they said. “It will be a night to remember.”

Looking back, the band reflects with humour and heart. If they could tell their younger selves anything, it would be simple: “Play for the love of it first. Don’t get so caught up in being ‘good’ that you lose the joy of music.”

That joy will take centre stage once again this Friday as 40 Daze steps back under the lights, guitars tuned, ready to relive the glory days and write the next chapter of their story—right where it all began.