It’s time to hop in the way back machine to a time of big hair and hyper colors. You left your boom box behind and don’t have to worry about anyone posting a picture of you on social media. It’s just another night out, rocking with your friends, while live musicians fill the bar with your favorite hits. With the slogan “If it’s too loud, you’re too old,” the band Blind Fate has been transporting people back in time by playing cover songs on stages around Whatcom County since 2006.
Keeping a band going for nearly two decades is an impressive trick, but Blind Fate has a secret weapon for staying together: the band consists of people who are actual family — and additional members who might as well be. Not only do they perform everything from classic rock to current hits on stage, but the bandmates spend time together away from music, as well. Chet Zender, who sings and plays bass, had been in various bands before putting together Blind Fate. He added his lifelong friend and drummer, Drew Anderson, when he launched the band. His cousin, Chris Zender, and friend, Jeff Randal, play guitar and sing, and the band is rounded out by Chet’s younger sister, Ann-Marie Olive, on vocals. Their strong offstage camaraderie translates on the stage where years of band bonding creates an clear flow while performing.
