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

Don't Miss A Grand Night for Singing: Opera and Broadway Favorites, June 5 and 6

Pickford local soprano Karen Hughes will be singing in A Grand Night for Singing: Opera and Broadway Favorites. Tenor Dr. Christopher Hollingsworth, soprano Rosemary Hollingsworth, pianist Rachelle Deresti, string quartet Simply Strings, and local talent will be joining Hughes. A Grand Night for Singing will have pieces from Wicked, My Fair Lady, La Traviata, Così fan tutte, and pieces from Die Fledermaus, an opera that is being performed at the Soo Theatre Project in September.

Tenor Dr. Hollingsworth has performed leading and featured roles in Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, The Magic Flute, Le nozze di Figaro, Madama Butterfly, Roméo et Juliette, La Traviata, Die Fledermaus, and others. Dr. Hollingsworth is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice at Illinois State University where he serves as Coordinator of the Voice Department.

Soprano Rosemary Hollingsworth has performed leading roles in Tales of Hoffman, Don Giovanni, Die Fledermaus, The Magic Flute, Roméo et Juliette, Kismet, Così fan tutte, and The Medium. Ms. Hollingsworth has served on the voice faculty of Illinois Wesleyan, Lycoming College, and Illinois State University.

Soprano Rosemary Hollingsworth and tenor Dr. Christopher Hollingsworth

Soprano Karen Hughes has performed extensively in opera, musical theatre, and oratorio in the United States and abroad. Hughes will head to Italy this summer to sing the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro with La Musica Lirica in July. Hughes holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Harp Performance from DePauw University and Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Nebraska.

Soprano Karen Hughes

Pianist Rachelle Deresti holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Music Degree in Piano Chamber Music from the University of Toronto. Rachelle returns to the Soo Theatre for Grand Night, having been the rehearsal accompanist for The Magic Flute and the pianist in the orchestra for Annie. Rachelle teaches piano at the Algoma Conservatory in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

A Grand Night for Singing: Opera and Broadway Favorites is being performed at the Soo Theatre Project on Thursday, June 5th and Friday, June 6th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. There will be a June 6th Special: $30 tickets for the middle section towards the front will include an after-performance on-stage reception to meet the artists. Wine, punch, coffee, and light appetizers will be provided.

For advance tickets or more information, call the Soo Theatre office at (906) 632-1930. The Soo Theatre is located at 534 Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Photos from the Performance

WWII Revue Salutes Veterans on June 1

Back by popular demand, WWII Revue is being performed in Soo, Michigan. Recently performed in Soo, Ontario, this performance showcases the great talents of the Northland Barbershop Chorus and the Lock Cities Chorus of Sweet Adelines. Both choruses are known for their harmonies and energetic stage presence.

The show is a salute to all veterans, especially those who served in WWII, with a night of song and skits. All of the WWII greats will be there: FDR, Bob Hope, Carmen Miranda, Kate Smith, and more. There will also be an authentic tank parked in front of the Soo Theatre Project as another form of commemoration.

The WWII Revue will be performed at the Soo Theatre on Sunday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and WWII veterans have free admission.

Photos of Soo Theatre's WWII "Makeover"

Photos of the Performance

More Photos of the Performance