shaniasupersite.com

Twins lead a double life in Cookstown and Las Vegas

Simcoe.com
By Bruce Hain
July 24, 2013

From Cookstown, Ontario to Las Vegas isn’t your typical commute.

Yet for Ryan and Dan Kowarsky, romping with the assorted dogs that come to stay at their 45-acre “ranch” on Simcoe Rd. 56 can be as exciting and fulfilling as singing for thousands of people.

The twin brothers have enjoyed a musical journey that has taken them around the world, first as popular boy band b4-4, then now on stage at Caesars Palace, appearing in Still the One with Shania Twain, one of Canada’s premier talents. The show began a two-year-run last year.

The youngest two of five children they grew up in Thornhill and shared the lead role in a high school production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat before getting their professional start in the business in a very proactive manner.

They went to Sony Music and asked to meet with executives. Gently rebuffed, they began singing in the lobby until they were noticed by a vice-president and producer.

“We were signed the next day,” Ryan says. “We went home and told our father. He looked at us and said, ‘That’s nice.’”

Their dad is Paul, an accomplished operatic singer and cantor and their mom is Adele Gould.

Their first performance in front of an audience was for 10,000 Girl Guides and Scouts at SkyDome in 2000.

“We had never been onstage before,” Ryan says.

“Ryan even got sick beforehand,” Dan laughs.

Their recording sessions began in earnest and the young men received a Juno nomination in 2001 for Best New Group but lost out to Alberta-based rockers Nickelback.

An extensive international career ensued in the years since, culminating in the release of several albums.

Yet the constant touring weighed heavily on the brothers as they had to leave their dogs, Tia and Sienna, behind in kennels.

This led to a real estate search for a property the twins could convert to accommodate themselves and serve as a year-round retreat for their dogs and other furry friends.

“We found a house no one wanted,” Ryan recalls. “We had it fixed up and we had Mennonites build a heated and air-conditioned horse barn to be a home for dogs we would take in.”

Dubbed Camp Cookstown, the facility offers doggie day care services, grooming, training and photography.

The Kowarskys employ 10 people at the camp and are also known for taking in strays.

A few years ago, one of their albums deeply touched Twain, who had gone through a very difficult personal time.

“We were told she loved our album RyanDan,” Ryan says.

“The album RyanDan brought me to my knees in complete, uncontrollable tears and also gave me a feeling of peace and inspiration,” Twain was quoted as saying on the duo’s facebook page.

“Shania then signed to do a Vegas show for two years and she wanted us,” Ryan says.

“When our manager called, we didn’t believe it at first,” Dan says.

They have fond memories singing in Twain’s hotel.

“Shania’s an amazing, sweet person,” Dan says. “She’s like your next door neighbour.”

The next series of Still the One shows begin Oct. 15 and run until Dec. 14. It will resume production in 2014.

Still the One alternates with shows by Celine Dion and Elton John, Ryan says.

“It’s an amazing experience sharing the same stage as these performers,” Dan says. “Some nights, you’re looking around and sometimes you almost forget the lyrics. Many celebrities have attended the show. They are such fans of Shania.”

“She really commands a room,” Ryan says. “We’re so happy to be living the life we’re living.”

For all the glitter and bright lights, the brothers agree in unison there is one major shortcoming staying in Las Vegas.

“There’s no Tim Hortons!”