In Concert

I’ve been told that my first concert was seeing Fred Penner perform at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium when I was around four or five years old. I only vaguely remember the show, which is why seeing him some 30 years later at Kenora’s Oktoberfest (I’m serious!), playing a mixture of more adult-oriented fare and, yes, some of those childhood favourites, was a real trip. There’s something about being immersed in live music that really stimulates the senses, and with that aspect of our lives having effectively been put on ice for two-plus years, in our November issue we’re taking a look at the current local scene. Our cover story will feature seven bands and artists who are storming the stages in town, as well as a look at 14 venues that welcome musicians, both local and from away. Also, Kelsey Raynard speaks with several TBay promoters to get a sense of how they’ve managed the past few years, and we delve into the history of the iconic Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. Keeping with our theme, film columnist Michael Sobota profiles four films where music plays a central role, music columnist Gord Ellis reflects on seeing one of his favourite artists live for the first time in well over a decade, and drink columnist Jeannie Dubois features a selection of wines and spirits where musicians are heavily involved. Elsewhere in the November issue, Bonnie Schiedel speaks with champion high diver Molly Carlson, who has roots here, Taylor Onski reviews a Magnus Theatre performance of Meet My Sister, and in honour of Remembrance Day, Kat Lyzun delves into the local history of a celebrated WWII fighter plane. So as you continue to make your own memories in front of the stage, we hope our November issue shines those stage lights bright on the talent and venues our city has to offer. Keep the music playing. -Matt Prokopchuk