Stage 1 is brought to you in conjunction with the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie & District, sponsored by OLG, and partially funded by the Government of Canada.
THURSDAY, JULY 19th – 2018
ACT #1 - JULY 19TH - THURSDAY – 6:00-6:50 pm
THE NORTHERN JAZZ ENSEMBLE - JAZZ
If you love Jazz, make sure you are at Rotaryfest to hear the incomparable sounds of the Northern Jazz Ensemble (90’s-10’s). The original “Jazz Night at Docks” founders, NJE was active for 28 years. Judi Holmes, Steve Ryan, Marc Dubreuil, Martin Virta and J. Holmes will offer up jazz and pop tunes for your listening pleasure.
ACT #2 - JULY 19TH - THURSDAY – 7:00 – 7:50 pm
ZAK’S ALL STARS - ROCK/BLUES
Zak’s All Stars (80’s) was a staple at Zak’s Bar and Dining Room where they covered a lot of musical territory from Blues to Rock. They were named “Rock Band of the Year” in 1985 and “Jazz Band of the Year” in 1986. The band includes all original All Star members, Bob Yeomans, Ray Gassi, Jay Scali and Brien Proulx, and boasts a whopping 200 combined years of experience!
ACT #3 - JULY 19TH - THURSDAY – 8:00 – 8:50 pm
POLISI BASSOON - CLASSIC ROCK
The Bassoon (60’s-70’s) was a very popular high school classic rock band that featured three front singers, and guitar driven tunes with great four-part harmonies. Some members eventually migrated south to play with notable acts such as Alannah Myles and Klattu before returning home. Members Michael Yurich, Rusty McCarthy, Ray Gassi and Stuart Bolduc are still musically active with local bands.
ACT #4 - JULY 19TH - THURSDAY – 9:00 – 9:50 pm
THE DARK SIDE - ROCK
Rewind back to the mid 1960’s with one of the Sault’s most popular teen dance bands, The Dark Side (60’s), playing classic rock tunes including Satisfaction, Mustang Sally, Route 66, and Midnight Hour. After 40 years, the band reunited in 2009, playing at the Elk’s Hall and the following year to a sold-out crowd at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25. Now, the guys are thrilled to be back together at Rotaryfest: Jack Potvin, Sam Coletti, Mick Chapman , Joe Marino, Jerry Rutledge and Don Kelly.
ACT #5 - JULY 19TH - THURSDAY – 10:00 – 10:50 pm
GEORGE PINDER AND PATCHES - COUNTRY
George Pinder and Patches was a popular country band in the 70’s and 80’s. Patches worked together for about 20 years, performing at several venues in the Sault and area, and also toured Canada. They opened for some of the biggest names in country music such as George Jones, Tom T Hall, Janie Fricke, and Tommy Hunter. Patches recorded an album in the 70's which enjoyed air time all across Canada. Band members: George Pinder, Valerie Powley, Rob AQskin, Fred Pelletier and guest bassist Steve Roussain.
FRIDAY, JULY 20th – 2018
ACT #1 - JULY 20TH - FRIDAY – 5:30 – 6:20 pm
TRIPOD THE DOG - HARD ROCK/SWING/SKA/FUNK
Tripod The Dog was a popular band during the 90’s performing their mix of Hard Rock, Swing, Ska, and Funk. In addition Tripod this talented trio of Mark Oliverio, Brian Egglesfield and Sean Berlinguette joined forces in other great local bands, including Boogie Fever, Alystr, Riggy Zomba and Foothill Road.
ACT #2 - JULY 20TH - FRIDAY – 6:30 -7:20 pm
ROAD FEVER - COUNTRY/ROCK/BLUEGRASS
Road Fever is a diverse, high energy band from the 80’s delivering quality music every time they take the stage! Country, Rock, Bluegrass, and everything in between, band members Dean Drebit, George Wright, Mark Brandow, and Ric Datson will put on a show that is sure to entertain you.
ACT #3 - JULY 20TH - FRIDAY – 7:30 – 8:20 pm
TURNER UP - CLASSIC ROCK
Turner UP! (10’S) was THE party band in the Sault serving up a steady diet of Classic Rock. This version of Turner UP! features original members Rob Brown, Jeff Brown and Scott McLurg. Joining Turner UP! from lineups that followed is Len Ward and Travis Sharpe. Grab your seats and come party with the boys of Turner UP!
ACT #4 - JULY 20TH - FRIDAY – 8:30 – 9:20 pm
A TRIBUTE TO BON JOVI & JOURNEY by MUSTANG HEART - CLASSIC ROCK
REWIND to the 80’s with Mustang Heart as they present a tribute to two of their favorite bands of that decade: Bon Jovi and Journey! Mustang Heart (90’s – 10’s) is a popular local band with over 30 years of tenure in the Sault music scene. Special Thanks to Marci Genereux-Chindamo, Dama Chindamo, Lorenzo Fabbri, Vito Tassone and John Muise for agreeing to pay homage to two iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bands for this year’s Rotaryfest.
TRIBUTE TO PAST BANDS AND MUSICIANS – JULY 20TH - FRIDAY – 9:20 – 9:40 pm
Mac Headricks will emcee a special tribute to local musicians, bands and venues from the past that were influential in creating and building the Sault music scene! Special thanks to Ric Datson of the Sault Ste. Marie Museum and Adrian Vilaca.
ACT #5 - JULY 20TH - FRIDAY – 10:00 – 11:30 pm
TREBLE CHARGER - POP/PUNK
Treble Charger (90’s-10’s) is a Canadian rock band formed in 1992 in Sault Ste. Marie. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Greig Nori, co-lead vocalist and guitarist Bill Priddle and drummer Richard D Mulligan. The band, initially consisted of four members (Nori, Priddle, Rosie Martin and Morris Palter), and disbanded in 2006. They reunited in 2012. They began with a melodic indie rock style, but evolved into more of a pop punk band after signing to a major label in 1997. Treble Charger was one of the inaugural inductees into the Sault Ste. Marie Walk of Fame in 2006.
SATURDAY, JULY 21ST – 2018
ACT #1 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 1:00 – 1:50 pm
THE KIDS FROM "SALLY" - CLASSIC ROCK/CLASSIC COUNTRY
The Kids from “Sally” is comprised of extremely talented young musicians from Korah Collegiate who perform with the band Mustang Sally (00’s-10’s) during the school year. Originating in December 2002, this band has changed personnel over the past 16 years, but their reputation for quality musicianship and superior vocals continues to amaze with every lineup, thus proving they are a force in the Sault music scene! Members: Jeff Rhude, Tobias Chong, Nicholas Gingras, Ethan Bedley, Trenton Whillans, Stephen North, Braiden Bryant, Madii Schomogyi, Ava Nori, Lauren Wilkinson, and Hannah Nicoletta.
ACT #2 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 2:00 – 2:50 pm
MARTINELLI, MCGILLIVRAY & ROY - FOLK/POP
Kelly McGillivray, Sue Martinelli and Sue Roy have performed for numerous audiences for over 35 years, with Champagne Breakfast (80’s), and then with
The Wailing Aztecs (90’s). This amazing trio performs folk, pop and original songs blending harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills Nash and Young and the Indigo Girls. This talented trio invite you to join them and sing along to the oldies but goodies you remember.
ACT #3 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 3:00 – 3:50 pm
SUMMER BEACH PARTY hosted by THE SUN DOGS FEATURING TRIBUTES TO JIMMY BUFFETT, THE BEACH BOYS, BOB MARLEY AND MORE - RETRO POP
The SUNDOGS has a diverse repertoire that focuses on the sounds of summer and features guitar driven tunes with cool old school four-part harmonies. 1960 and later Retro Pop songs with warm summery tropical themes by Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, Bob Marley, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Rascals and Mongo Jerry. Veteran musicians Rusty McCarthy, Stuart Bolduc, Josh Norling and Liam Seymour will host this summer beach party!
ACT #4 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 4:00 – 4:50 pm
ODD MAN OUT - ROCK
Odd Man Out (00’s-10’s) is a jam rock band based out of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. It features two epic lead guitars (Chris & Stephen Myers), a sexy sax (Josh Norling), a groovy bass (Mike Fera), funky drumming (Cliff Alloy) and power vocals (Nick Roy)! In 2005, they released their first album entitled “Lost in My Wondering” and a second album entitled “Over the Oceans” followed in 2016. This band only reunites a couple times a year so don’t miss this show!
ACT #5 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 5:00 – 5:50 pm
THE SUICIDE KINGS - ROCK
Royally Rockin the Soo from 2012 - 2015, this hard rock band is dustin' off some “tunage” and is ready to go one more time. Over their 3 year reign, The Suicide Kings (10’s) performed their high energy shows all over the area. Mike Gaetano, Steven Flint, Benny Boudreau and Mitchell Sirie also played alongside legendary bands, Trooper, Helix, Anvil, Honeymoon suite and Randy Bachman, as well as new powerhouses, Airbourne and Bleeker Ridge.
ACT #6 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 6:00 – 6:50 pm
PEGASUS presents the songs of CHICAGO, LIGHTHOUSE & MORE - ROCK
In late 1972, Pegasus (70’s) was born. They were the first Chicago-style rock band in the Sault complete with horns and keys. In 1973, they won the Yamaha/Sault Piano Battle of the Bands, recorded an original, won a regional competition in Winnipeg and proudly represented the Sault in a nationwide competition in Ottawa. Pegasus went on to have a lengthy playing career in the Sault. Rotaryfest will feature original members Frank Candido, Rob Burditt, Jon Frolick, Gary Elliott, Fred Pelletier and J. Holmes. Joining Pegasus are Rusty McCarthy, Jay Dinsdale, Ken Suriano and Steve Burditt.
ACT #7 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 7:00 – 7:50 pm
DUSTIN JONES & THE RISING TIDE - CELTIC/FOLK/PUNK/ROCK
Hailing from Sault Ste Marie, Dustin Jones, Chris Johns, Liam Seymour and brothers Sheldon and Marshall Jaaskelainen guarantee a foot stompin, harmony filled, fiddle and stand up bass riddled, humdinger of good time. The brothers, (formerly of The Wild Turkeys (00’s) bring a unique Celtic Country musical style to Dustin’s (formerly of the Inner City Surfers 00’s) unforgettable raunchy Punk Rock singing and songwriting prowess. The band has spent the last 8 years touring all over Canada and the United States. They have played many music festivals including The Vans Warped Tour as well as The Dauphin Country Music Festival.
TRIBUTE TO PAST BANDS AND MUSICIANS – JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 7:50-8:10 pm
Mac Headricks will emcee a special tribute to local musicians, bands and venues from the past that were influential in creating and building the Sault music scene! Special thanks to Ric Datson of the Sault Ste. Marie Museum and Adrian Vilaca.
ACT #8 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 8:30 – 10:00 pm
THE STAMPEDERS - CLASSIC ROCK
The Stampeders are a Canadian rock trio, consisting of Rich Dodson (guitar, vocals), Ronnie King (bass, vocals), and Kim Berly (drums, vocals). The band formed in Calgary, Alberta in 1964 as The Rebounds. They renamed themselves The Stampeders in 1965 and in 1966 they relocated to Toronto, Ontario, and became a trio. In 1971 they had a hit with "Sweet City Woman," which won Best Single and Best Group at the Juno Awards, On November 21, 2011, The Stampeders received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 SOCAN Awards in Toronto.." They continue to tour Canada doing fairs, festivals, casinos, and theatres.
ACT #9 - JULY 21st - SATURDAY – 10:30 – 11:30 & Encore 11:45-12:15 pm
THAT’S CHESTER - ROCK
Classic rock at its best! That’s Chester (00’s) exploded onto the Sault & area music scene in 2004 and rocked audiences wherever they performed. This 5-piece new & classic rock outfit were notorious for great lead vocals, sweet guitar harmonies and a tight backline, and was a crowd favorite at many past Rotaryfests. This year Chester’s original front man Rich Fullerton is back to sing a few with the most recent lineup of Greg Simpson, Gabe Tessaro, Aubrey Falls and Ric Datson, to ROCK STAGE 1 one more time! .