SAULT STE. MARIE — Starting Wednesday, live performances from some of the most talented musical acts in the area will be performing every week in the Soo Locks Park.
The 2021 Music in the Park summer concert series kicks off at 7 p.m. Wednesday with the Soo Theatre Project, Inc., and takes place every Wednesday throughout the summer into August. Concerts are free to attend but donations are welcomed to assist in covering the series. A diverse selection of local and regional entertainment will perform tunes from a variety of musical genres ranging from traditional country, folk, rock, blues, original music and more.
“I anticipate the community to come out and support the event similarly to years past,” said Kayla Gugin, executive director for the Downtown Development Authority. “However, the trend downtown has been businesses are seeing a lot of traffic so it’s possible this, too, will have a great turnout while people are looking for things to do outdoors. This event in particular is important as it features local and visiting artists, is uniquely located in the Soo Locks park and attracts community residents and travelers to our downtown area. Downtown has something for everyone and there are several new businesses and events to explore as communities begin to open and host more activities.”
In keeping with tradition, Soo Theatre Project will begin the concert series, previewing selections from their upcoming theatre season. The Music in the Park schedule and guests is as as follows:
- The Soo Theatre Project, Inc., June 23
- The Pub Runners, June 30. Irish music, folk and sing-alongs
- Night of Native Music, July 7. Sights and sounds of Native American music
- Gentleman George, July 14. Traditional country, folk music and original songs
- Petoskey Steel Drum Band, July 21. Sounds of the Caribbean on the banks of the St. Marys River
- Mark Bowe, July 28. Jazz, blues, classic rock, pop, classic country, modern country and top 40
- The Good Cookies, Aug. 4. Wide variety of rock, blues R&B and jazz
- Legal Rehab, Aug. 11. Wide variety of rock, blues, R&B, Irish and jazz
- Troy Graham and Colton Ort, Aug. 18. Lively, interactive, all ages show with worldly blends of blues, folk, Irish folk, traditional, bluegrass and gospel styles
Depending on the event, a couple hundred to thousands attend the events. In the case of inclement weather, the venue for the event typically has an alternate location, such as the Soo Theatre or a local downtown church.
“Our events will abide by any current outdoor guidelines,” said Gugin. “We will also have sanitation stations and the health department will be on site to administer vaccines to anyone interested.”
Each year, the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority receives a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs that helps offset the summer’s concert series. Additionally, 22 local businesses and community partners also assist in paying for Music in the Park in addition to crowd donations.
Gugin gave a special thank you to this year’s sponsors, which include Soo Co-op Credit Union, Fudge Du Locke, Monocle Jewelers Oh Crêpe and Coffee, Robert P. and Ella B. Hudson Foundation, The Hotel Ojibway, Sault Printing & Office Supply Company, Soo Brewing Company, Lake Superior State University, Central Savings Bank, Honorable Eric Blubaugh, Das Gift Haus, Honorable James P. Lambros, Prim Aesthetics, Proper Apparel and MBANK.
Find the Downtown Development Authority on Facebook for updates on rain locations at
