There's Still Time to Sign Up for International Idol!

Last week's International Idol contestants wowed the judges. This week's competition will be on Sunday, July 13, at 6 p.m. at the Soo Theatre. From left, Executive Director/MC Jack Bradway, William Kritsellis, Jennifer Payment, Annis George, Corrine Koenemann, Lola Kennedy, Danielle Petingalo, M-E Polquin, Anna Wilson, and Brandon Carr. Seated are judges Mark San Angelo and "Gentleman George" Snider.

Sunday July 7, 2008 on the Soo Theatre Project's stage at 6 p.m. was the first of many International Idol vocal competitions being held every Sunday of July. Nine local talents took the stage, each unique in performance and style of music. The competitors ranged in ages from 13 to 80, with 2 male performers and 7 female performers.

The celebrity judges were "Gentleman George" Snider and radio announcer Mark San Angelo. Both judges had constructive criticism for each performer's first time on the Soo Theatre Project stage. The judges were especially wowed by Danielle Petingalo, the youngest competitor. She not only had the stage presence of a performing veteran, she sang with a maturity that is hard to find in the oldest performers out there now.

Each performance is accompanied by the karaoke styling of All Good Soundz. All Good Soundz has many songs to choose from and the latest technology out there. If they do not have what you want, send an e-mail to admin@allgoodsoundz.com and they will find what you are looking for. They can also answer any questions you may have.

On Sunday July 13, 2008, you should expect many twist and turns. There will be prizes and surprises each Sunday, all leading up to the grand prize of $1,000 of studio time with the Lake Street Studio in Brimley, Michigan. Lake Street Studio is located on the waterfront of Brimley and is always accepting musicians looking to broaden their experience.

If you love singing and performing, this is the competition for you! There is still time for new applicants to join the competition series this Sunday July 13, 2008. New applicants can pick up registration forms at the Soo Theatre Project between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday. The Theatre asks for contestants to be ready and at the Theatre by 5:30 p.m. each Sunday. If you have any questions, please call the Soo Theatre office at (906) 632-1930.

For more information on the contest, see the previous posting.

Photos from Week 1 of the Contest

One Night Only! Rock Starz In Concert July 11!

Soo Theatre Project presents Rock Starz, featuring B3NT Rollercoaster, Set to Random, The Darwin Project, and Scofflaw on Friday July 11, 2008 at 5 p.m.

These four uniquely talented Northern Michigan bands will be performing as a benefit for the Soo Theatre Project. All representing a certain genre of rock, you won't want to miss this distinctive combination.

B3NT Rollercoaster has exclusive stage energy that is not worth missing. Set to Random has a grounded earthly sound all their own. The Darwin Project has a hardworking, grassroots approach to performing live, and Scofflaw are full of an energy that is hard to forget.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and are available in advance or at the door at the Soo Theatre, 534 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For more information, call the theatre at (906) 632-1930.

Preview the bands on www.myspace.com under the music search engine and attend this one-time-only performance.

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