Don't Miss Don Ross and Andy McKee This Thursday, July 3!

“The thing that came from somewhere” is on its way to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. World-renowned guitarists Don Ross and Andy McKee will be performing their technical, artistically brilliant work at the Soo Theatre on Thursday, July 3 at 8 p.m.

The two virtuosos are quickly becoming household names. Don Ross has the distinction of being the only person ever to win the U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice, in 1996 and also back in 1988. Andy McKee is YouTube’s Most Downloaded Artist in the World. His live recording of “Drifting” has been downloaded over 12 million times since 2006. You may have also heard McKee’s playing on Josh Groban’s 2007 Christmas album, Noel. The album reached the pinnacle of popularity, #1 on The Billboard 200.

Taking a time-out on their European tour to visit our small corner of the world, Ross and McKee will be performing duets and solos. Their unique styles feature techniques that are progressive, percussive, animated, and laden with a healthy dose of humor.

This is a rare opportunity to see preeminent musicians in an intimate setting. Show time is 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $22 for adults, $18 for students of STARS, Grooves Music, and Steve’s Music. Tickets are on sale at the Soo Theatre, 534 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For more information, call the theatre at (906) 632-1930.

Find out more at their website: Don Ross & Andy McKee

YouTube Video: Don Ross & Andy McKee performing “Tight Trite Night,” a track from their latest album, the thing that came from somewhere

International Idol Competition Starts Jul 6: Do You Have What It Takes?

Soo Theatre Project, Inc. & All Good Soundz Present... International Idol!

International Idol is American Idol meets Rockstar INXS. Contestants will be judged – sometimes harshly – based on technique, presence, audience rapport, and that magical quality that makes a great performer.

This is not a vocal-quality-only, Karaoke-style competition. We are looking for the best Frontperson in the Twin Sault Area. Own the song, stage, audience. Do you have what it takes?

Competition starts at 6:00 p.m. on July 6th and contestants compete every Sunday until July 27th when one is crowned as the International Idol. And, yes, there will be challenges, surprises and eliminations along the way.

Grand Prize is $1,000 studio time at Lake Street Studio in Brimley.

Download a sign-up form from the Soo Theatre website or stop by the Soo Theatre office to register. Registration is FREE!

For more information, call the Soo Theatre office at (906) 632-1930.

Photos: Week 1 Week 2

Sign Up Now for Stage-Fighting Workshop Starting Jun 30

A stage-fighting workshop in progress. Courtesy of the EDGE website.

Orion Couling, Kinross native, is returning back to the area to teach a stage-fighting workshop and performance at Soo Theatre Project. Since Kinross, Orion has graduated with honors from Northern Michigan University, founded EDGE (Esteem Development Through Greater Expectations), is the Artistic Director of Eudaimonia Professional Theatre and Gymkhana Studios, teaches studio classes in Chicago area, fight-directs with independent films, is recognized as an Associate teacher for Dueling Arts, and is an Advanced Actor Combatant for the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD).

Orion will be joined by his sister, Emily Couling. Emily is attending Northern Michigan University majoring in Theatre and Voice. Emily has been in many productions around this area and with Soo Theatre Project as well. Among the many productions that she was associated with last year, she directed All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten at the Soo Theatre and was the lead in Warrior performed through Northern Michigan University.

The two day stage-fighting workshops are June 30 and July 2 from 6-8 p.m. and will be performed Saturday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Soo Theatre Project in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. If you enjoy Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, or you have dreamed of knowing the secrets held within being a Jedi or a Kung Fu Master, then this is your stop.

Middle School, High School, College Students, and anyone ready to know the secrets behind stage-fighting are welcome. Register at Soo Theatre Project in person or over the phone (906) 632-1930. Hope to see you there!

Photos from the July 5 performance