Second Stage Showcases Second to None Talent

Sometimes I forget that not everyone in the Sault is aware of the mass of musical talent that exists in this city. But there is a strong sub-culture here of musicians who take the tough road with less support and smaller audiences in order to maintain their integrity and originality. They do not play covers...well...very few, anyway. They are the men and women of Second Stage.

With the generous support of Lucidia, Loplops Lounge and the Speakeasy, Second Stage returns this Thursday July 13 and Friday July 14 following the unexpected success of year one. Our local musicians are hungry for the opportunity to show us what they've got. So much so that organizer Craig West told me in an exclusive interview...or was it a puppy play date...either way, he told me they actually had to turn bands away. The organizers found themselves in a pickle....too many bands, not enough stage. It was decided that only those bands with CDs for sale could perform at Second Stage.

Like last year, the event will take place on the lawn across from City Hall and is free to the public. There will be a merch booth on site manned by Len and his rock and roll minion from the Rad Zone.

The official second Stage line up is as follows:

THURSDAY JULY 13
5:00 - Shauna Major
6:00 - The Dirty River Trio
7:00 - The Granola People
8:00 - The Chris Belsito Band
9:00 - Al Wood and The Rhythm Section
10:00 - Gates of Winter

FRIDAY JULY 14
5:00 - The Harmony Sisters
6:00 - Mark Dunn
7:00 - The Economy Studz
8:00 - Big Wheel and the Spokes
9:00 - Startlefish
10:00 - 12 Gauge Ready

Some of the performers are veterans from year one, others are new to the festival and some are locals who have since moved to other cities. Their only common musical thread is originality as their styles stretch from one end of the spectrum to the other. Being the only festival of it's kind in Sault Ste. Marie, Second Stage deserves more than a second look. So go look, listen and enjoy the richness of our music community. You'll be impressed...pinky swear...

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