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Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The Sault Blues Society has finalized the musical lineup for our 15th Annual Blues for Food local fundraiser, Friday and Saturday Dec. 12 and 13 from 7 to 10pm at Soo Blaster!!

“This project is proudly supported by the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Arts and Culture Assistance Program.”

Blues for Food was started by Rusty McCarthy in 2010, which was one night with multiple musicians playing in the Pub at the Watertower Inn. Over the years it has grown into 2 nights, starting in 2018.

Our host venue has been Soo Blaster for the past 3 years. Many thanks to all those involved, including, Soo Blaster, Mike Blair 705Live Sound Co., the City of Sault Ste. Marie, our volunteers and all of the fine local musicians performing which are listed below and on the attached poster.
Over the past 15 years with local support we have collected and delivered over $50,000 in cash and non perishable food items to The Soup Kitchen and St. Vincent Place. 100% of donations are donated!!

Since its inception, Blues for Food has brought the community together to support local food banks while celebrating the rich tradition of live blues music. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make a cash donation at the door, all of which will go directly to assist those in need during the holiday season. The event continues to embody the spirit of generosity and community involvement that has been its hallmark since the beginning.

Please continue your generous support!!
Soo Blaster is offering a 10% discount on food items only for paid Sault Blues Society members. SBS membership does have its privileges and supports your Society’s ongoing efforts to present fundraisers, local community events and award-winning featured presentations!! 

LINEUP:

Friday Dec. 12th 2025 7 to 10pm > “Mudfoot Mike and the Muckrakers” with Mike McDonald, Paul Dell, Pierre Anthony and Mike Severin. Special guests with Mudfoot Mike are Jay Scali, Al Davis, Val Powley and Keith Conway.

Saturday Dec. 13th 2025 7 to 10pm > “Smokehouse” with Mike Yurich, Jeff Pennette, Keith Conway, and Tim LePlante. Special guests with Smokehouse are Jay Scali, Sheila Dollimont, Stuart Bolduc, Pierre Anthony, Rick Wysynski and George Alkhoury.

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*EDITOR’S NOTE : This interview took place in 2020

The Sault Blues Society was created in May of 2010, devoted to the followers of live blues music. Under the guidance of current president, Johnnie Tibbles and his administration, they have built upon the vision of the founders that came before them.

The Sault Blues Society assists local musicians in a variety of ways, promotes shows from touring acts, conducts workshops, and is tireless in its support of blues music in all its forms.

For more information, visit their website and facebook page.

“Blues is a tonic for whatever ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore.”

Date:13 November 2025 .

Angela Davey is an Author & Self-Help Blogger.
“I am an author dedicated to promoting my books and sharing my expertise through a self-help blog. As a passionate writer, I offer valuable insights and practical advice to help others on their personal growth journeys.”

Angela Davey is a self-help author. She is the author of F*ck You PTSD: 30 Things YOU Can Try to Help You Feel Better and the e-book Understanding Self-Care: Seven Important Things to Consider.

Angela Davey is a self-help author, certified master life coach, trauma-sensitive yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and Chartered Accountant, and has published articles on employee wellness in the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police HQ Magazine.

Angela currently supports clients through her business, Superior Coaching and Wellness Solutions, and works as an accountant for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. She lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with her husband and splits her time between a house in the city and a cottage on Lake Superior.

F*ck You PTSD: 30 Things YOU Can Try to Help You Feel Better – Tired of suffering in silence? Yearning to take charge of your life? Ready to say “f*ck you” to PTSD-or whatever it is you’re struggling with-and try something radically different?

In F*ck You PTSD, trauma-informed wellness expert Angela Davey takes the “woo-woo” out of alternative healing practices to help readers move through mental health challenges, heal invisible wounds, and achieve a greater state of well-being. With remarkable candor and refreshing pragmatism, Davey details her own mental health struggles, as well as the wellness journey of her husband, a police officer with PTSD.

Clarity, accessibility, and reader autonomy are top priorities in the presentation of these thirty recommended healing practices, which include reiki, grounding, breathwork, sleep, mindfulness, and more. Davey refuses to sugarcoat: “Some of this stuff is going to sound strange or hokey. Some of it you will scoff at. Some of it you will decide to try because ‘why not’? ALL of it has the potential to help you get better. You’re in charge.”

And with that first acknowledgement, you’ve already begun. Read on for some necessary real-talk, entertaining profanity, and the tools and encouragement you need to reclaim your power and kick PTSD to the curb.

Understanding Self-Care: Seven Important Things to Consider – This book looks at the foundations of self-care. Many people think self-care is making time for massages, hot tubs, bubble baths, or other “luxury” uses of time. Self-care starts with the decisions we make every single day and isn’t a luxury. Every day we have the opportunity to make choices to take care of ourselves. This book looks at managing stress, mindfulness, nourishing our bodies, staying hydrated, moving more often, getting good sleep, and staying social. These are the foundational aspects of taking care of ourselves.

“You have to understand that PTSD has to be an event that you experience, a very traumatic event. And actually, there is evidence that brain chemistry changes during this event in certain individuals where it’s imprinted indelibly forever and there’s an emotion associated with this which triggers the condition.”

Date:11 November 2025 .

NOV. 10, 1975

1 a.m. The Fitzgerald passes approximately 20 miles due south of Michigan’s Isle Royale.

2 a.m. The Fitzgerald and Anderson agree to take a northern route across the lake for protection from the gale. NWS upgrades the forecast to a Storm Warning, predicting northeast winds of 35 to 50 knots and waves of 8 to 15 feet.

7 a.m. The Fitzgerald calls its company office to report a delayed arrival due to worsening weather conditions. The ship is approximately 35 miles north of Copper Harbor.

1 p.m. The Fitzgerald is 11 miles NW of Michipicoten Island. The Anderson is approximately 20 miles northwest of the island, reporting 20-knot winds and 12-foot waves.

1:40 p.m. The Fitzgerald radios the Anderson to talk weather and course changes. Capt. McSorley reports his ship is “rolling some.” The Fitzgerald cuts closer to Michipicoten Island while the Anderson cuts west a bit to take rising seas from astern.

2:45 p.m. The Anderson changes course to avoid Six Fathom Shoal area north of Caribou Island. The Fitzgerald is about 16 miles ahead. Heavy snow begins to fall and the Fitzgerald is lost from sight. It’s the last time the ship would be seen by human eyes.

3:20 p.m. The Anderson records 43-knot winds and 12 to 16-foot waves.

3:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald calls the Anderson to report damage and say the ship would slow to let the Anderson catch up. Minutes later, the Coast Guard issues directions for all ships to find safe anchorage because the Soo Locks have been closed.

McSorley: “Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have sustained some topside damage. I have a fence rail laid down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. I’m checking down. Will you stay by me til I get to Whitefish?”

Cooper: “Charlie on that Fitzgerald. Do you have your pumps going?”

McSorley: “Yes, both of them.”

4:10 p.m. The Fitzgerald radios the Anderson to request navigational help.

4:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald passes 3 to 5 miles east of Caribou Island. Many theorize the ship unknowingly struck the poorly marked 6 Fathom Shoal on the island’s north side, but that has never been conclusively proven. The debate rages to this day.

4:39 p.m. NWS revises the forecast again, predicting northwest winds 38 to 52 knots with gusts to 60 knots and waves 8 to 16 feet.

5:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald is advised by the Swedish ship Avafors that the Whitefish Point beacon and light are disabled by power failure.

Avafors: “Fitzgerald, this is the Avafors. I have the Whitefish light now but still am receiving no beacon. Over.”

Fitzgerald: “I’m very glad to hear it.”

Avafors: “The wind is really howling down here. What are the conditions where you are?”

Fitzgerald: (Undiscernable shouts overheard) “DON’T LET NOBODY ON DECK!”

Avafors: “What’s that, Fitzgerald? Unclear. Over.”

Fitzgerald: “I have a bad list, lost both radars. And am taking heavy seas over the deck. One of the worst seas I’ve ever been in.”

Avafors: “If I’m correct, you have two radars.”

Fitzgerald: “They’re both gone.”

6 p.m. The Anderson is struck by a 25-foot wave.

7:10 p.m. The Anderson calls the Fitzgerald with navigation instructions. The ship is about 10 miles behind the doomed freighter.

Anderson: “Fitzgerald, this is the Anderson. Have you checked down?”

Fitzgerald: “Yes we have.”

Anderson: “Fitzgerald, we are about 10 miles behind you, and gaining about 1 1/2 miles per hour. Fitzgerald, there is a target 19 miles ahead of us. So the target would be 9 miles on ahead of you.”

Fitzgerald: “Well, am I going to clear?”

Anderson: “Yes. He is going to pass to the west of you.”

Fitzgerald: “Well, fine.”

Anderson: “By the way, Fitzgerald, how are you making out with your problem?”

Fitzgerald: “We are holding our own.”

Anderson: “Okay, fine. I’ll be talking to you later.”

7:15 p.m. TheFitzgerald disappears from the Anderson’s radar. More than an hour later, the Coast Guard begins an active search. The 29 crew members aboard the Fitzgerald all perish.

WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD (Shipwreck Mix)

Music & Voice

The Breakers
Stifflers Mom
Gordon Lightfoot
Rheostatics
Brainclaw
The Tragically Hip
George Houston
Headstones
Anna Coogan
Cadence
Janaya Salmond
Brian Burns
The Punch Brothers

Date:10 November 2025 .

Editor’s note: This story was produced for the ear and designed to be heard. If you’re able, WCMU encourages you to listen to the audio version of this story by clicking the LINK button above.

Gordon Lightfoot’s iconic song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, has to this day told the story of November 10, 1975, when the ship and 29 lives were lost in a horrific storm 50 years ago next week. WCMU’s David Nicholas spoke with musician Mike Fornes, whose Lightfoot tribute band has celebrated the singer’s music for 30 years.

NOV. 10, 1975

1 a.m. The Fitzgerald passes approximately 20 miles due south of Michigan’s Isle Royale.

2 a.m. The Fitzgerald and Anderson agree to take a northern route across the lake for protection from the gale. NWS upgrades the forecast to a Storm Warning, predicting northeast winds of 35 to 50 knots and waves of 8 to 15 feet.

7 a.m. The Fitzgerald calls its company office to report a delayed arrival due to worsening weather conditions. The ship is approximately 35 miles north of Copper Harbor.

1 p.m. The Fitzgerald is 11 miles NW of Michipicoten Island. The Anderson is approximately 20 miles northwest of the island, reporting 20-knot winds and 12-foot waves.

1:40 p.m. The Fitzgerald radios the Anderson to talk weather and course changes. Capt. McSorley reports his ship is “rolling some.” The Fitzgerald cuts closer to Michipicoten Island while the Anderson cuts west a bit to take rising seas from astern.

2:45 p.m. The Anderson changes course to avoid Six Fathom Shoal area north of Caribou Island. The Fitzgerald is about 16 miles ahead. Heavy snow begins to fall and the Fitzgerald is lost from sight. It’s the last time the ship would be seen by human eyes.

3:20 p.m. The Anderson records 43-knot winds and 12 to 16-foot waves.

3:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald calls the Anderson to report damage and say the ship would slow to let the Anderson catch up. Minutes later, the Coast Guard issues directions for all ships to find safe anchorage because the Soo Locks have been closed.

McSorley: “Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have sustained some topside damage. I have a fence rail laid down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. I’m checking down. Will you stay by me til I get to Whitefish?”

Cooper: “Charlie on that Fitzgerald. Do you have your pumps going?”

McSorley: “Yes, both of them.”

4:10 p.m. The Fitzgerald radios the Anderson to request navigational help.

4:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald passes 3 to 5 miles east of Caribou Island. Many theorize the ship unknowingly struck the poorly marked 6 Fathom Shoal on the island’s north side, but that has never been conclusively proven. The debate rages to this day.

4:39 p.m. NWS revises the forecast again, predicting northwest winds 38 to 52 knots with gusts to 60 knots and waves 8 to 16 feet.

5:30 p.m. The Fitzgerald is advised by the Swedish ship Avafors that the Whitefish Point beacon and light are disabled by power failure.

Avafors: “Fitzgerald, this is the Avafors. I have the Whitefish light now but still am receiving no beacon. Over.”

Fitzgerald: “I’m very glad to hear it.”

Avafors: “The wind is really howling down here. What are the conditions where you are?”

Fitzgerald: (Undiscernable shouts overheard) “DON’T LET NOBODY ON DECK!”

Avafors: “What’s that, Fitzgerald? Unclear. Over.”

Fitzgerald: “I have a bad list, lost both radars. And am taking heavy seas over the deck. One of the worst seas I’ve ever been in.”

Avafors: “If I’m correct, you have two radars.”

Fitzgerald: “They’re both gone.”

6 p.m. The Anderson is struck by a 25-foot wave.

7:10 p.m. The Anderson calls the Fitzgerald with navigation instructions. The ship is about 10 miles behind the doomed freighter.

Anderson: “Fitzgerald, this is the Anderson. Have you checked down?”

Fitzgerald: “Yes we have.”

Anderson: “Fitzgerald, we are about 10 miles behind you, and gaining about 1 1/2 miles per hour. Fitzgerald, there is a target 19 miles ahead of us. So the target would be 9 miles on ahead of you.”

Fitzgerald: “Well, am I going to clear?”

Anderson: “Yes. He is going to pass to the west of you.”

Fitzgerald: “Well, fine.”

Anderson: “By the way, Fitzgerald, how are you making out with your problem?”

Fitzgerald: “We are holding our own.”

Anderson: “Okay, fine. I’ll be talking to you later.”

7:15 p.m. TheFitzgerald disappears from the Anderson’s radar. More than an hour later, the Coast Guard begins an active search. The 29 crew members aboard the Fitzgerald all perish.

WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD (Shipwreck Mix)

Music & Voice

The Breakers
Stifflers Mom
Gordon Lightfoot
Rheostatics
Brainclaw
The Tragically Hip
George Houston
Headstones
Anna Coogan
Cadence
Janaya Salmond
Brian Burns
The Punch Brothers

Date:10 November 2025 .

Editor’s Note: This interview took place in January 2021.

Brian Tremblay notes: This episode was only my second with an interview guest and this time I spoke to local music legend – Raymond Gassi.  Ray has been on the Sault music scene for decades and has taken his talents all over the country playing with various bands and musical projects.  I talk to Ray about the music scene back in the day in the Sault and the work he did with the group Klaatu.

Date:8 November 2025 .

Tickets: STONE’S OFFICE SUPPLY 529 QUEEN ST.

Rita Visser was born and raised on the shores of Lake Superior in rural Thunder Bay, Rita’s voice wraps the audience in a warm blanket as they join her around the campfire.
A natural storyteller, Rita weaves together daily moments, family life, conversations with friends, and interactions with new people to share her own story through song.
The reflective ballads about her life experiences are described as pure, emotional, and straightforward – always telling it like it is – and always leaving the audience wanting more.
As someone who grew up on a rustic fishing island, preserving Canada’s lakes is near to Rita’s heart. Through song, she is able to create a melodic image that pulls the audience in. Inviting them to experience the serenity and sense of power that comes when sitting on the water’s edge.

Rita’s album, Northern Daydream by Rita & the Daydreamers, has many drawn references inspired by our Canadian waters, including songs such as: “Skippin’ Stones”, “Batchawana Bay”, “The Helm”, and “The Current”. Rita loves to tour the Northshore.

Running time: 75 minutes.

Date:6 November 2025 .

“Light breaks into a thousand constellations, In absence, light still finds something to delicately touch. In my mind you move on with the rest of the butterflies and we are left in your wake. “

If you think you may attend an RSVP would be appreciated by emailing [email protected]

Date:3 November 2025 .

Vanessa Ferlaino is a two-time award-winning author, host of The Human Challenge, and founder of The Being Human Foundation. As a Certified 200-hr Mindfulness Teacher — Professional Level (CMT-P), she specializes in trauma-informed offerings and social justice. She holds numerous board positions and offers free mentorship to returning citizens with a history of incarceration. Vanessa is humbled by the recognition from national and international news outlets, including CTV, CityNews, and more.

In this, human: Expansive Edition, Vanessa revisits core themes of her award-winning book, human, five years later. With ripened wisdom and raw vulnerability, she challenges her own intentions, shares new revelations, and dives deeper into the vague experiences touched on in her previous work – and why she was unable to speak about them before. This edition features opening words by acclaimed mindfulness teacher, Hiro Demichelis; a foreword by Chip Skowron; a new introduction; the full first edition; and a hearty, all-encompassing reflection by the author.

“In exploring the depths of my inner world, I discovered something profound: deep within us, lies the entire world. I wrote this book to invite us all onto this journey of inner and outer transformation.” — Vanessa Ferlaino

Challenging the meaning of life is the truest expression of the state of being human.

Date:28 October 2025 .

Hip hop performer/producer Gomina and fly-fashion influencer Asiwaju are featured stars of ‘Only 1 AFROFEST’ where Afrobeats and Hip Hop meet high style.

Happening at Soo Blaster * Presented by Heavy North Entertainment

… some dope local talent…!!!

Mic SwiffRick EK O D E XJesse Lazarus

#Youtube#instagram#tiktok#SoundCloud#Twitter#clapper#saultstemarie#SSM#SooicideRecords#sooiciderecordsinc#fvksxvad#ricke#Kodex#comniption#rap#rapmusic#hiphop#music#culture#ontario#northernontario#recordlabel#squad#livemusic#performer#canada#radio#podcast#soundsxvad#micswiff

#BigLaz #heavynorthentertainment #gomina #sooblasters

Running time: 17 minutes.

Date:22 October 2025 .

Shannon Vit helps athletes, teams, and high performers strengthen their mindset to unlock their full potential. Through proven techniques in sports psychology, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and mental skills training, she guides clients to build confidence, improve focus, overcome performance blocks and thrive under pressure.

Shannon Vit – The Mental Edge: Developing The Mindset Of A Hockey Champion – Proven Mindset Strategies for Athletes, Coaches, and Parents

This transformative guide is packed with over 10 powerful and actionable mindset strategies to elevate performance, build resilience, and ignite confidence both on and off the ice. Designed for athletes striving to achieve their full potential, coaches seeking tools to inspire their teams, and parents wanting to support their young champions, this book offers a comprehensive roadmap to success.
Through evidence-based techniques and real-life examples from professional athletes, you’ll discover:

How to stay calm under pressure and excel in high-stakes moments.

Visualization exercises to create winning outcomes before stepping onto the ice.

Goal-setting frameworks that turn dreams into achievable milestones.

Strategies to overcome limiting beliefs and bounce back from setbacks.

The importance of gratitude, happiness, and self-belief in performance.

Packed with practical exercises, motivational insights, and tools to rewire the mind for peak performance, this book is your ultimate companion for success in sports and life. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a dedicated coach, or a supportive parent, you will find actionable strategies to foster a championship mindset and achieve extraordinary results.

Date:21 October 2025 .