Singing With The Yo-dells at World Expo 86

The summer of 1986, Vancouver was the center of the universe.

Debra Peters singing swing music at Exposition 1986 with the yo-dells in Vancouver BC Canada — yo-dells at Expo 1986

Expo 86 had transformed our city into a glittering world stage. Pavilions from every country, fireworks over False Creek, and music pouring out everywhere. I was still in my early twenties, singing and playing piano in lounges around town, when I got the call to join the Yo-dells. It was shortly after that we were playing the EXPO 86 stages! 2 Full weeks of daily performing at one of the big outdoor stages.

I’ll never forget stepping onto that stage with The Yo-dells. What a band! The best of the best of Vancouver local musicians. Mike Van Eyes, Herald Nix, Jamie Kinloch, Joanie Kepler, Howard Rix, Steve Taylor. The Yo-dells do have some recorded tracks over at my YouTube Channel. The sun was setting, thousands of people filled the plaza, and the air smelled like ocean and cotton candy. We opened with a soulful ballad, then I switched to some swinging jazz. The crowd grew bigger with every song.

That night I realized music really is a universal language.

People from Japan, Germany, Australia, and right here in Canada were all smiling, swaying, and clapping together. No politics, no borders — just shared joy.

Expo 86 gave me something even more precious than applause. It confirmed that I belonged on stage. That my voice and my accordion (and yes, my piano too) could reach people far beyond the smoky lounges I’d been playing in. It planted the dream that one day I would take this music across borders — a dream that eventually carried me all the way to Austin, Texas.

To this day, when I play certain songs, I can still feel that warm Expo evening breeze and hear the roar of that international crowd. It reminds me why I fell in love with performing in the first place.

Have you ever had a moment on stage when you felt the whole world was listening?

Share it in an email — I’d love to hear your story.

And if you’re just starting out and dreaming of your own big moments, my Lesson s page is here to help you find your voice.