FOCUS: Kevin Sands

Kevin Sands will perform at the Allen Park Center for the Arts.

Kevin Kachigian, a.k.a. Kevin Sands, will be performing September 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Allen Park Center for the Arts. Kachigian and his wife, Virginia, have a girl and a boy, 12 and 9 respectively.

Born on August 14, 1961 and raised in Allen Park, Kachigian was a Class of ‘79 graduate from Aquinas High School.

From 1987 through 1999 Kachigian was the assistant coach for the Allen Park Jaguars football team. “All along I had a great opportunity to impact people’s lives, and I had a lot of fun,” he says. “I gave it up when my second child was born and I wanted to spend more time with my family.”

He was introduced to the idea of singing by one of the football players, and that started a fire in him that would not easily be extinguished.

Kachigian began singing at the age of 28, attributing the development of his singing voice to karaoke bars. “I went from beer and bars to big band,” says Kachigian. “By the time I was 38, I was singing professionally. Since singing with the Monroe Band, I have been using a vocal coach, but I am mostly self taught.”

“I enjoy making people happy through music,” Kachigian says sincerely. “People like to check out from their daily activities. If I can help, then I’m doing my job.”

Kachigian has performed for some of the best private clubs in Grosse Ile, Bloomfield Hills – and so many more. There is usually a charity involved when he performs, ranging from Breast Cancer Awareness, to the Leukemia Foundation, to Parkinson’s Disease, and many, many more.

Kachigian performed regularly with “The Rat Pack Is Back”, a Las Vegas Rat Pack tribute [Web]. "I auditioned with 20 other men," he says. "We were all sent home. On my way out, Sandy Hackett, son of the late Buddy Hackett, called me over and said, 'Sands, I can use you.'"

“The Monroe Big Band is comprised of consummate professionals – they all have day jobs. They do it because they love it,” he reveals. “Most are band teachers at various schools by day. They have brought me to a higher level.”

By day, Kachigian is a financial advisor for New York Life where he provides retirement planning and wealth management. Before that, he spent 20 years in the real estate industry. Before that he owned Park Video in Allen Park when he was just 24 years old.

Kachigian says, “I am proud as ever to play for my home town. It is an absolute honor – especially since it’s for the kids and for Christmas. I am jubilant to be playing at Allen Park, especially at the beautiful $12-million venue.”

“Allen Park, Kevin’s back, and I can’t wait to sing for you. I am honored to sing for my fellow citizens.”

Sands will perform with the 17-piece Monroe Big Band, with special guest appearances by members of the highly acclaimed Allen Park Jazz Band and chorus. Tickets are $25 -- $20 for ages 60 and up, or for students. To purchase tickets, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (313) 928-0071, or at the door. See you at the show!

Thanks to the Allen Park Community Council who is organizing this exciting event. This will be a night to remember in Allen Park, and it benefits the Allen Park Lighted Christmas Parade [Photos].

FocusALLENPARK.com thanks Kevin Sands for his support, and for the support he gives his home town. Visit Kevin's website www.kevinsands.com for more information.

(September 2008)