The Stares are an energetic Eastern Ontario rock band known for their powerful live performances, infectious stage presence and wide-ranging musical repertoire. Based in the Kingston/Gananoque area, the band has been entertaining audiences since 2013, delivering a mix of classic rock favourites, modern hits and crowd-pleasing surprises. From Led Zeppelin and Heart to Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, The Stares bring plenty of musical versatility and personality to the stage.

Fronted by the dynamic Kate Rombough, the band has developed a loyal following with its ability to get audiences singing, dancing and having a great time. Kate has also performed acoustically with guitarist Scott Burns as Scott & Kate Live!, with the duo earning recognition as a Kingston-area act in the 2021 CBC Searchlight competition. The Stares are ready to rock The Cove Inn on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 8-11 pm. Details and reservations here. 

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Seamus Cowan: If you could steal the vocal cords of any singer for one night, living or dead, who would you choose—and what song would you absolutely have to sing?

Kate Rombough (lead vocals): No one wanted to answer this one, so here goes. I’d pick Lady Gaga, and I’d sing Telephone or Just Dance. I think she is one of the most rocking pop stars and her talent is unmatched. I also secretly covet her stage outfits and choreography.

Seamus: The Stares have tackled everything from Zeppelin to Stevie Wonder. What song is your secret weapon—the one that makes you think, “Okay, NOW we’re cooking”?

Evan Veenstra (bass): Good Times, Barracuda, Ramble On, really anything Zeppelin I guess.

Mike Hogan (drums): Ain’t No Sunshine. 

Scott Burns (guitar/vocals): Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers. 3 chords.   Grove. No hiding. When the 4 of us lock in that one it makes me appreciate what my best friends can do with their respective instruments. That is a fun one.

Kate: Anything Zeppelin, although The Chain and Miss You are also on my list. Both are super dynamic and I love how we deliver them. 

Seamus: What’s the funniest, strangest, or most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you onstage?

Evan: I think the dude getting tased.

Mike: Playing a private show  on a deck at a cottage, leg on my drum throne broke and I fell backwards through the patio screen door.

Scott: Mike and I have played together for 26-plus years. There have been so many things and a whole bunch that are not PG! It is always unexpected that people come out each and every show to share a genuine excitement for an interpretation of our favourite music.

Kate: Chris Pardy’s yell (guest bass player, super fan), which can be heard in most of our video clips over the years. It’s a very distinct “yeeeeeaaaaaahhhh”. You can literally see and hear him from any stage. 

Seamus: If The Stares were forced to perform an entire concert using songs from only one decade, which decade are you choosing—and why?

Evan: 70s. It’s tough ‘cause I’m pretty sure the first 2 Zeppelin albums were ‘69. But most of what we do is 70s.

Mike: Easy, 70s.

Scott: 60s. No question. Such an amazing time for music! The ultimate convergence of technology and creativity that produced a soundtrack that has been relevant for over 70 years!

Kate: 4. Late 60s-70s. Evan nailed it. I am convinced I am a reincarnated hippie/rock diva. 

Seamus: After years of playing together, which bandmate would you trust most to get you out of trouble at 2 a.m.—and which one would be most likely to get you into trouble in the first place?

Evan: I’m too old to be getting into trouble at 2am. I’m in bed by 9! And honestly, I wouldn't think twice about calling any of you in a pinch at 2am if I needed help. Although I guess Mike lives the closest.

Mike: In trouble: Kate, or myself. Out of trouble: Scott or Evan. Scott: Easy answer. Kate, Evan and Mike. All diabolical in their own way. Any one of them could get me into trouble in a heartbeat. However, Kate, Evan or Mike would fight to be the one to bail my butt out at 2 AM!

Kate: Evan, if you’re old, what does that make Mike??!! Haha. I would say I feel the same way - that all of or any one of us would equally get all or any one of us in and out of trouble. However, the bandmate that is also my better half (Scott) has a slight edge on the OUT of trouble side, although he’s tough to wake up at that hour. Mike has a slight edge on the IN trouble side, ‘cause he has way more recent stories of getting sloshed or having strange and hilarious accidents than the rest of us.

Photos in this article by Paula Leroux.

Posted: Nov 5, 2026