SPECIAL CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT

A CELEBRATION OF MIKE ROBILLARD's LIFE IN MUSIC

Sault Ste. Marie, ON: On November 2nd, current and former members of the local music community will be holding a special event to celebrate the life and music of one of their own who succumbed to cancer in 2022. Mike Robillard was a bass player, writer, artist, and podcaster, whose passing left behind a legacy of passion for the arts. His former bandmates are determined that his creativity not be forgotten.

Mike was dedicated to promoting original music in Sault Ste. Marie, where he created "Shrug off reality...", an event series to host and showcase local talent. Shrug also produced a local compilation ("Extracts" '92) but is best known for the long-lasting friendships which developed there. The spirit of Shrug continued to inspired Mike years later as he explored the Toronto music scene and hosted regular poetry nights at the Savage Garden.

Having lived in Toronto, Victoria and Prague, Mike returned to Sault Ste. Marie where he became a well-known cab driver and continued playing the bass, often on stage at Loplops where this special concert will occur on November 2nd, a date chosen to celebrate what would have been Mike's 53rd Birthday.

Three bands will be reuniting and performing music to celebrate his life. "4 Really Nice Guys", Mike's first band formed in the early 90's during high school and featured fun danceable beats as well as a horn section. "Scissors for Erica" was a Toronto based band made up of former Saultites, and "Spiderback" a band from the early 2000s formed after Mike moved home.

In addition to celebrating and remembering Mike, the event also hopes to raise money for the installation of a commemorative park bench in his name, where future artists might sit, have coffee, relax and plan their artistic takeover of the world! Any additional funds raised will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. See details on the GoFundMe page.

Please note that this is a one-off special event and will not be repeated. Some of the musicians involved in this event are still actively performing and writing music, while others have not performed for many years. Whether you were a friend of Mike, a fan of his music, or whether you're simply curious about the music scene from 30 years ago, we hope you will consider attending the show and following Shrug off reality... on Facebook where more details and special content will be released as the event approaches.

Date of Event:

Thursday Nov 2nd,2023 Doors @ 7pm

Location:

"Loplops Gallery~Lounge" 651 Queen Street East

Event:

Shrug off reality... 2023 "A Celebration of Mike Robillard's Life in Music"

Contact:

Darryl Patterson,

Shrug Off Reality …

(416) 786-6116

events@shrugoffreality.com

Tickets