Library to host local musicians

Yes, the library gig was a success for Chris Belsito and for the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Main Branch.

While the weather outside was frightful, Belsito and Craig West warmed the hearts of Sault Ste. Marie Public Library patrons on Sunday.

They performed some of his original music to a positive reception.

The library's Head of Public Services, Heather Moodie, said that she felt the performance was such a success that they will likely make it a monthly event.

"I think we will do it the last Sunday of each month," she said as she secured a tentative booking from West for the February 26 planned event.

Moodie said that there seemed to be a few more people than she expected at the library that day, despite the blizzard raging outside.

"We usually have a fairly good amount of people here at the main branch on Sunday afternoons," she said.

A few people sat in the comfy sofas and arm chairs arranged in front of Belsito and West as they tuned up and prepared to start.

Once the music began to fill the library with mellow come-hither sounds people began to pop out of the rows of books with books and magazines clutched to their chests.

Soon all the seats were filled with people reading and listening but that didn't reassure Belsito.

"You have no idea how nerve wracking this is," said Belsito between songs. "I just can't get over the idea that you're not supposed to be making noise in the library."

He managed to get over his trepidation and, along with West, gave a solid performance that found readers heads bobbing and feet swaying in appreciation.

Belsito even managed to suppress his fear of noise-making in the library when listeners applauded the performance.

For previous SooToday.com coverage of the event and a nifty picture of the true, inner Belsito, click here.