Entertainment Diversity

The experience of the north comes with its own unique soundtrack highlighted by some of the country's most incredible and talented musicians, in some of the most unique and picturesque environments.

When the sun goes down, Sault Ste. Marie offers a magnificent nightlife. At the heart of this musically diverse city you can find exactly what you are looking for; a unique place to go for every taste and style of music, whether you are looking to hit the dance floor or to relax 'lounge-style' and enjoy a delicious martini to cap off a day exploring the wonderful hidden gems Sault Ste. Marie proudly boasts, from downtown shopping on Queen Street, to outdoor oases such as Hiawatha, Bellevue Park, and the boardwalk.

The entertainment district of Sault Ste. Marie has something for everyone if you're looking to be entertained by some of the country's most talented songwriters, jazz ensembles, and rock and roll bands, not to mention a vibrant and fun club scene if you're looking to dance the night away only steps from the hotel lobby. Downtown Sault Ste. Marie's rich history and diverse entertainment opportunities are sure to captivate, leaving your ears humming with delight.

Tres Chic (Photo by Curt O'Neil)

There are a number of wonderful cocktail lounges in the downtown core of the city that offer a unique variety of entertainment opportunities for visitors who are eager to get out and explore the nightlife.

LOP LOPS Gallery and Lounge located at 651 Queen St East offers nightly entertainment sure to captivate. Showcasing a vast variety of musical acts from jazz and blues, to singer-songwriters, to rock and roll, the charm of this establishment is their unique lounge setting and their commitment to nurturing the incredible talent of the north. Showcasing some of the most talented local original songwriters and performers as well as hosting awesome touring acts, Lop Lops pleases your discerning ear with appealing music, as well as catches your eye with prominently displayed local works of art, offered for sale by our city's creative artists and painters.

Dustin Jones and the Rising Tide (Photo by Donna Hopper)

The Rockstar Bar located at 864 Queen St East has a Hard Rock Cafe vibe, displaying autographed guitars and memorabilia of legends of Rock and Roll, spanning the decades. The owners of this establishment have spent a lifetime entertaining local residents in this historic building. There is nightly entertainment that is sure to please, with a strong focus on both original bands and cover acts based out of Sault Ste. Marie and beyond, as well as local DJ's spinning everything from classic rock to top 40's and dance. With a new band and a new style hitting the stage each night, there is always a great time waiting for you at the Rockstar Bar.

Algoma's Water Tower Inn Pub located at 360 Great Northern Road offers an upscale but casual atmosphere that's a perfect accompaniment to its 16 draft beers, signature wood-oven pizza and three nights of live entertainment weekly. Wednesday, Blues fans will love this vibrant night of live Blues with Rusty McCarthy, the Dirty River Blues Band and regular guests. Begins at 8:30pm. Friday, Blues fans will love this vibrant night of live Blues with Rusty McCarthy, the Dirty River Blues Band and regular guests. Begins at 8:30pm. TGIF! Enjoy free popcorn, and chips & salsa from 4pm-7pm, then relax with Jeff Holmes for an evening of Jazz. Begins at 8pm.Saturday, there's a live band every Saturday in the Water Tower Pub. Begins at 9pm. Visit Algoma's Water Tower Inn for the events calander.

 The Porter Band

(New CD Release Thursday Sept 12th 8:30pm at Algoma's Water Tower Inn Pub located at 360 Great Northern Road Sault Ste. Marie ON)

Top Hat/Smokey's BBQ Pit and Patio located at 654 Queen St East, offers both a beautiful local billiards and gaming room, as well as the largest outdoor patio and dance floor outside of Toronto. Here you will find a nightly party with talented DJ's who keep the dance floor bouncing with their finger on the pulse of dance music culture, under the breathtaking star-filled sky only the north can provide.

Coches Corner at 708 Queen East caters to the singer/songwriter fan in us all, offering a quieter and more intimate setting, spotlighting our talented songwriters and bands that reach into every genre and style. Coches also offers local Karaoke nights as well as great DJs who keep the dance floor swinging.

Frank Deresti and The Lake Effect

The Docks Riverfront Grille, located at 89 Foster drive along the picturesque shore of St. Mary's River, is an enchanting dining and entertainment experience all in one location, offering award winning dining as well as nightly entertainment, showcasing jazz and soulful live bands playing everything from classic rock, to country, to top 40 hits of today which will surely lure you to the dance floor.

Sault Ste. Marie also offers fun local establishments outside the downtown core, for those who are looking to explore more of what the city's nightlife has to offer.

The Esquire Club located at 103 Second Line West, provides a comfortable pub-style tavern, with a stage that showcases a wide range of musical styles and a dance floor that is always packed with enthusiastic patrons enjoying our city's most seasoned, tried and true bands and musicians.

Frank Deresti and The Lake Effect

The historic Roosevelt Hotel, affectionately called "the Rosie" by the locals is another hidden gem that provides nightly entertainment, with a country and western vibe. A variety of local talent keeps this long-standing establishment at the top of the entertainment choices in our incredible city.

Your journey into the heart of the great lakes offers a unique experience beyond a "big city vacation", leaving you with a feeling of something discovered - something that is proudly yours. Experiences that are sure to last a lifetime are framed by the amazing northern skyline and wilderness. Venturing out into the entertainment district, you are guaranteed to be amazed and entertained by the calibre of the unique talent that calls the Soo home.

Sault Ste. Marie offers everything you would expect from the nightlife of a metropolitan city in the tranquil and embracing environment of a small town atmosphere. Discover your next unforgettable experience right here in Sault Ste. Marie - the heart of the great lakes!

About some of the Artists

Rachelle Risling has been part of Sault Ste Marie's thriving musical community for the past 12 years. In this time she has been active as a classical, jazz and even country musician. Her love for teaching has kept her busy at The Conservatory of Music where she teaches a variety of styles to students at any level.

As a keyboard player, she has enjoyed many tours with singer/songwriter Roger Marin, which include Texas, The Yukon, and most recently a Route 66 tour down to California. As a bass player in   the band 'Porter' she has participated in local events like 'Chillifest', Rotartyest, and on St. Joe's Island.

As on organist she performs weekly on Mackinac Island with opera singers both local and from throughout the U.S.

Her classical trio Tres Chic has performed locally for events like 'Saulticious' and Algoma's Music Camp, as well as presented concerts at St. Luke's, St. Andrew's, and Algoma's Water Tower Inn, and the Banff Centre for Performing Arts.

Tres Chic (Vanessa Mio, violin, Claire Burrows, cello) has recently enjoyed a 3 week residency at the Banff School of Arts and hope to return next Summer.


 

Hailing from Sault Ste Marie Canada, Dustin Jones (Vocals, Guitar), Mikey Hawdon (Drums), and brothers Sheldon (Fiddle) and Marshall Jaaskelainen (Upright Bass) make up this self-proclaimed “Drunkabilly” band. The brothers, both from the popular country band The Wild Turkeys, bring a unique Celtic Country musical style, along with vocal styles reminiscent of The Beach Boys, to Dustin’s unforgettable raunchy Punk Rock singing and songwriting prowess.  Prior to starting this band in 2007 Dustin was known for his punk rock band The Inner City Surfers. The collaboration of these two very different bands that now form Dustin Jones & The Rising Tide is something truly unique and amazing. Dustin says “playing with these boys is like having angels for singers”. The new album “Whiskey Will Be Our Sun” (Tidal Records/High4 Records) kicks off with an acapella tune entitled “Rise Up” that confirms this claim of grace.

This is the kind of band that, already do and will forever, spend their life on the road. "If I'm not on tour I start to feel kinda crazy! So I stay on tour." says Sheldon "I need to play. Every night. Period!" adds his younger brother Marshall "It is way too much fun playing with ALL of my brothers in the band."

You can visit dustinjones.ca for more information and show times!

 

Frank Deresti is a versatile and adventurous musician / singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and adventure seeker. he has been an active contributor to the canadian indie-music scene in recent years, touring and collaborating with several acts in a variety of settings, covering a wide cross-section of musical styles and genres.

"Frank Deresti and the lake effect", consists of a highly skilled group of ontario-based musicians performing arrangements of several original songs written by frank, as well as occasional tasty re-arrangements of songs by better-known artists. this 5-plus piece band brings a level of musicianship and energy to the singer-songwriter genre that place this group in a class by themselves. The cross-genre versatility of each of the players results in a fresh new sound covering elements of folk, jazz, roots, and various other influences sure to engage a wide cross-section of listeners.

Members: frank deresti - vocals, guitar, percussion, etc., jay case - bass, vocals, chris johns - drums, vocals, sheldon jaaskelainen - violin, vocals, percussion, josh norling - sax, vocals, percussion with occasional members including: shannon moan - vocals, percussion; al wood - harmonica; marshall jaaskelainen - mandolin, vocals

Jason McLeod - Porter formed 2009 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada. Original songs by Porter showcase a shimmering blend of alternative country, traditional country, folk, and bar room rock. Porter's instrumentation often features string band staples such as pedal steel guitar, mandolin and banjo overlaid by clever lyrics and smooth harmonies. Life experiences, family and the local area inspire their songs.

Joe -guitar,vocals,banjo
Jay -vocals, guitar
Carl -vocals,pedal steel
John-drums
Rachelle-bass,keys,vox
Derek Rice- bass

(New CD Release Thursday Sept 12th 8:30pm at Algoma's Water Tower Inn Pub located at 360 Great Northern Road Sault Ste. Marie ON)


Visit www.saulttourism.com for more information on things to see and do in Sault Ste. Marie!

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