Shining a fresh spotlight on a treasured theatre space

Constructed in 1988, the SaultCTC operates a multi-purpose theatre with 897 seats and ten wheelchair sites.

The performing space is equipped with comfortable seating and state-of-the-art lighting and sound that is expertly operated by a full-time technical director and staff and is part of White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School on Trunk Road. 

The Centre recently received a Canadian Heritage “Re-engaging Audiences Fund” grant for two new events to bring awareness to the concert and performance space: Soo Soundcheck and Northern Echoes.

The objective of the grant was to help stimulate the relaunch of the arts presentation sector by providing support to eligible professional arts festivals, performing arts series presenters and presenter support organizations, for targeted activities aimed at encouraging the return of audiences to the live performing arts.

“The grant provides an opportunity to support audience retention and build more public awareness of the space which was built to support local performing arts and the talented artistic community of Sault Ste. Marie,” says Josh Richards, Contract Marketing and Program Coordinator for the two events.

Along with other members of the non-profit performing arts centre, Richards helped to coordinate, as well as provide graphic design and marketing for the upcoming events.

“We kicked off the project by hosting Take 5 in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce back in March,” he says.

“We had a wonderful reception. We had developed a promotional film [on the Centre] with local film production company Polaris and Robert Peace and we showcased it at the event.”

The two upcoming outreach concerts feature local bands and performers.

The Centre wants to remind the community that the venue is available for similar shows and ensure artists are aware of the potential of the space.

When choosing acts for these events, Richards wanted to find artists and bands who are currently out in the community performing and actively promoting their own events.

“We had a tight timeline for selection so we looked for high quality currently active musicians with a mixture of experience to highlight the Sault’s talent,” says Richards.

The first event Soo Soundcheck, is taking place on June 10 at 6:30 p.m. and is featuring local, original musical artists Handsome Sandwich, Machines Dream, and Man Feelings. 

The Centre wanted a mix of up-and-coming as well as more seasoned acts.

“Handsome Sandwich just released their first album,” notes Richards.  

“Man Feelings and Machines Dream are both well-established and multi-faceted bands. Handsome Sandwich has a wonderful fusion of modern and classic styles that have a distinctly Sault Ste. Marie tone. Machines Dream is a call back to early progressive rock that has a real gripping storytelling while staying unique and modern. Man Feelings are storytellers with engaging riffs and hooks that have a regional feel to them.”

Richards notes that each band on the bill offered a “unique musical signature” and highlighted the Sault’s talent.

“It should be an amazing event,” he says.

The second show Northern Echoes is taking place on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. and is featuring musicians that focus on covering popular music

“We focused on known, quality bands that are active presently like BookcluB, Wyld Stallyns, and Blair St. John and Juliana Regan,” says Richards.

“The BookcluB and Wyld Stallyns both have a great local followings and will deliver a night to remember. Wyld Stallyns really brings those popular tunes to life and gets the crowd moving with their infectious energy. The BookClub has a vibe and energy they bring to the music is uniquely theirs and they always deliver a great night.” 

Richards says the audience should expect a rocking two hours of music at each event featuring some of the best Sault talent.

“We tried to get a good sampling of some of the different types of bands that call Sault Ste. Marie home,” he says.

“Connecting with the community members to organize this event has been a real pleasure. The Sault has so much hidden talent.”   

Soo Soundcheck with Handsome Sandwich, Man Feelings and Machine Dream takes place on Saturdays, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for this event can be purchased here. For advance tickets, use the promo code “bringfr!ends” to get a $4 discount on an adult ticket.

Northern Echoes with the Wyld Stallyns, BookcluB and Blair St. John and Juliana Regan takes place on Sunday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for this event can be purchased here. For advance tickets, use the promo code “st@gecrew” to get a $4 discount on an adult ticket.

There will be a licensed snack bar available at both events.