Rock n' roll is alive and well at Lopstock (22 photos)

Contrary to what Gene Simmons believes, rock and roll is very much alive and well, and living right here in Sault Ste. Marie.

This afternoon's block of entertainment showcased during Lopstock II is proof of that.

The brainchild of local musician Brendan Garlick, Lopstock began in 2014 as a means to get his own band heard.

The initial event exceeded his expectations as a number of other young local artists joined the roster and got noticed.

And it was always a priority to make the event (at least partially) all-ages accessible.

"My dream is that Lopstock will continue to be an annual event and serve as sort of jumping off point for indie music in Sault Ste. Marie," Garlick told SooToday. "There's a bunch of bands here who are transitioning from playing basements to playing in venues. It's my hope that people can come to Lopstock for sort of a preview of what they're going to see that summer in the indie scene."

"Everybody says they want a thriving arts and culture community here in Sault Ste. Marie and it really comes down to supporting events like Lopstock," he explained. "Everybody that comes down and spends $10 on the kids who were playing in their basement, they're allowing these kids to start playing on better equipment and start playing in front of more people. This is, in my opinion, how you support your local music community."

Today's all-ages afternoon portion included sets from Id Iota, Aldous, Caroline Divine, K.I.C.K., Gneaus and The Galacticats.

Lopstock II continues this evening at Loplops (651 Queen St. East) with sets from Kirby, Honest Job and The Pixo Control.

Show time is 10 p.m. and admission is $10 at the door.

You must be 19 or older to attend the evening performance.

(PHOTO: Caroline Divine performs during Lopstock II on Saturday, June 6, 2015. Donna Hopper/SooToday)