A hip way to celebrate 10 years (8 photos)

The first time SooToday.com saw guitarist Paul Langlois on stage was during the Tragically Hip's first performance in Sault Ste. Marie.

The show took place in the gutted former library at Algoma University in 1990.

"I remember that show well. We had a great time that night," Langlois told us Tuesday night.

Twenty-three years, massive record sales, and thousands of shows later, Langlois is on tour behind his second solo release, Not Guilty, and made a stop in the Sault this week as part of Loplops' 10th anniversary.

Joining Langlois on stage for the up-close and personal performance were Mauro Sepe on drums, Jeff Montgomery on bass, and another Hip member, Bob Baker, on guitar.

Stepping outside the group dynamic of the Tragically Hip to become his own show's central focus hasn't been easy, Langlois told us.

"I feel like I'm a work in progress. I'm trying to be comfortable in myself," he said. "I don't necessarily know how to be yet while I'm singing and being the person that's talking and the focus. It's an adjustment for me. I'm pretty used to playing guitar and feeling good about that."

But with just under half the current tour ahead of of him, Langlois feels his role as front man will get easier with practice, something he says may not be true when it comes to writing for himself.

"With the Hip, we just search for something that we hope the other guys will like and turn into something," he explained. "Writing [for myself] has come pretty easy so far probably because I haven't done it much. I suspect it will become a lot more difficult."

To see additional interview segments with Langlois as well as some live performance footage from Tuesday night's show, please click here.

For more information about Langlois including tour dates, visit his official website.

Also check out his own music label website here.

The Loplops Gallery-Lounge 10th anniversary celebration continues with a variety of events throughout the week.

Tonight, Loplops is pleased to host the Sault first Unofficial Chive Meet Up charity event which includes games, prizes, a silent auction, photo-bombing and more.

Admission is $10 and donations in support of Christmas Cheer and the Sault Ste. Marie SPCA will be collected.

You must be 19 or older to attend and everything kicks off at 8 p.m.

On Friday night, Loplops presents a long-time Sault favourite, The Sunparlour Players, at 10 p.m.

Advanced tickets may be purchased at Loplops, 651 Queen St. East, or online at www.loplops.com

Closing out the week-long celebration Saturday night will be the Sault's own Jay Case and friends.

Show time is 10 p.m.