The latest news from
Mill Square
Congratulations
Algoma Conservatory of Music
Nov.20, 2013
The Algoma Conservatory of Music has signed an agreement with Blueforest Ventures Inc. to acquire the historically designated General Administration Building at the former St. Mary's Paper Mill. This fabulous sandstone structure, completed in 1901 by Francis H. Clergue as his North American headquarters, is one of the finest existing examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.
The Conservatory plans to open at the new facility in September 2014. A Phase 1 Capital Campaign will be launched later this winter to fund the purchase and required renovations. Building on its 42 year reputation of excellence, the Conservatory can now expand programs that were limited because of inadequate space at its current facility.
This will establish one of the most distinctive music education centres in Canada, will assist in the redevelopment of the Canal District and Mill Square, and breathe a second century of life into an irreplaceable local landmark.
"Action!"
Lights, Camera...
Nov.10, 2013
Once again the Mill Square site is the location of choice for film production in Sault Ste Marie. For those of you keeping score that’s six films shot on location in just the last few years alone; Edwin Boyd - Citizen Gangster, Pride of Lions, Midnight Sun, F.H. Clergue Bio & The Masked Saint.
Key components in attracting film interest to the site are the two unique designated heritage structures as well as the properties expansive size and scope, which offer the perfect backdrop for any movie production.
Location Managers seem to favor this particular location as it gives them flexibility and range, from the war-torn landscapes of Pride of Lions (exterior demolition) to the historical backdrop of the General building for Edwin Boyd (interior). Scenes and set design seem tailor made, with little or no preproduction required to get film crews quickly up to speed.
“It’s the most beautiful place to shoot in Sault Ste Marie!”
Srdjan Vilotijevic - Location Manager Extraordinaire
Naturallia
Gala dinner
Oct.29, 2013
Mill Square hosted the Naturallia 2013 gala dinner in the Machine Shop to the sounds of Frank Deresti and The Lake Effect, the culinary tastes of Thymely Manner and drinks from local microbrewery Union Jack.
Blueforest Ventures congratulates FedNor ( Industry Canada and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation), the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC), the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (SSMEDC) for bringing vital business initiatives from around the world to Sault Ste. Marie.
The Duo
Jan Vayne & Martin Mans
Oct.27, 2013
Jan Vayne is well known for his stunning recital at the inauguration of US President Bill Clinton and Martin Mans for his gold and platinum albums as well as accompanying the Holland Boys Choir.
During an inspiring performance in The Machine Shop this dynamic duo gave participants at this year’s Algoma Fall festival a unique experience. This world renowned piano and organ duo impressed as they worked in sync to create layers of music and melody. At times it seemed as if they were locked in musical battle for supremacy before compositions resolved themselves in tranquil harmonization.
The artists brought different approaches in building each musical score, while neither style dominated any arrangement, their hybrid sound thrilled all who were in attendance.
"The acoustics in the Machine Shop at Mill Square are phenomenal!"
Jan Vayne - World renowned pianist
Cape Breton Style
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
Oct.25, 2013
Algoma Fall Festival brought Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy to The Machine Shop at Mill Square. A record crowd of over 800 where in attendance to witness two of the world's most celebrated fiddlers share their Cape Breton style of music. The fiddling duo entertained the large crowd with their heartwarming renditions of all their favorite melodies.
The audience was in for a surprise as they introduced their young daughter Mary Frances who shortly after joining them on stage quickly stole the show, bringing the entire crowd to their feet in roaring applause!
“We’ve been to a lot of venues, but this place has vibe!“ Donnell Leahy
The Crooner
Gino Vannelli
Oct.19, 2013
Multi Juno award winner Gino Vannelli come to the Machine Shop with his seven piece Portland band. The artist played in front of more than 300 local fans with material that ranged from his early days in the seventies right up to his more contemporary favorites.
Gino updated some of his well-known hits such as Black Cars and Wild Horses by adding new arrangements to the delight of the crowd.
The audience was impressed by the production quality as well as the acoustics. Many couldn’t believe all of this took place in what was the old St. Marys Paper site.
Chef Lynn
Lynn Crawford
Oct.19, 2013
The Machine Shop hosted one of Canada’s Top Chef’s, Lynn Crawford who is world renowned for her appearances on the hit food network show Restaurant Makeover & Pitchin' In.
She gastronomically entertained a crowd of over 650 who thoroughly enjoyed her casual interactive style. Audience members were handpicked to join her on stage for a friendly cook-off. Contestants raced to peel potatoes as they attempted to create potato pancakes all while being under the watchful eye of Chef Lynn. Hilarity ensued as plates and dishes were dropped on stage as Chef Lynn commandeered one of the unsuspecting film crew’s camera as she quickly did an impromptu account of what it’s like to be in front of a crowd.
The event was deliciously catered by Thymely Manner who created two tasty dishes with recipes taken right from Chef Lynn’s latest cookbook At Home with Lynn Crawford. The event winded down while fans waited to get their books signed by the affable chef and entertainer.
1982
Jian Ghomeshi
Nov.03, 2012
The host of CBC’s Q was at Mill Square to promote his latest and first full-length work of non-fiction. The event kicked off as Mr. Ghomeshi took the stage and read from his now bestselling book 1982. The author related many poignant accounts of what it was like growing up as a first generation Iranian immigrant in the suburbs of Toronto, seemingly always on the outside looking in. His self-effacing style had the crowd in hysterics as he recounted funny yet introspective moments which shaped his youth.
A Canadian coming of age tale with a twist, all during the “badly dressed” 80’s.
Jian went on to describe what it’s like to host his award winning radio show Q before a quick Q&A session that ranged the full scope of his life and career. A book signing session afterwards allowed fans the rare opportunity to connect one-on-one with the famous broadcaster and author.
“The Machine Shop, man, what an amazing venue!”
Jian Ghomeshi - Host of CBC’s Q & Bestselling author
83 Huron St.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P6A 5P4 CANADA
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