LOCAL CONCERT ALERTS (Ten Kings), Stereo North Updates, And Much More!!

Before we get into the meat of this post, I want to note that a planned 5th Bloody Basement Jam from Blood Shed Productions this Saturday was quietly cancelled before we could even plug it on the site, though it's lineup would have been familiar to other recent house party concerts from the label. Disappointing, but be sure to check our Blood Shed acts on March 7th at The Oddfellows Hall! Now, today's post features assored updates, what a veteran quintet are planning, and a new punk band's next shows, but first, here's some LOCAL CONCERT ALERTS!!

New Sault Michigan hard rock quartet Ten Kings will make their live debut a little sooner than expected, as they'll be rocking The Rapids Lounge at the Sault Michigan Kewadin Casino THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY! Announced on their Facebook page on Thursday, this will mean that the new band featuring Nixxon Dixxon, Bottom Line, and Scofflaw alumni will be playing at the Soo Kewadin's bar for two consecutive weekends, and this will be a good way for the guys to establish themselves and work out the kinks at a familiar venue! For reference, these new shows have not been confirmed on Kewadin's entertainment page yet, but this weekend's Rapids Lounge dates were previously blank on their schedule. Like their other upcoming dates, Ten Kings are scheduled to rock at 9:00 PM both nights, you must be 21 to attend, and there's no announced cover charges. For more details, visit the Facebook event page, and stay tuned for more later this week!

Next up, here's the latest from new Sault Ontario punk band Stereo North, so when will we be seeing them next? Likely at next month's VM Radio Battle of the Bands, as they are the 10th confirmed band for this highly anticipated battle on every Wednesday in March at The Canadian Nightclub! Our source is promoter J.D. Pearce on the Facebook event page yesterday. Unless you saw them at Bon Soo, they'll be a wild card for many attendees, but can they make a big splash next month, and can bassist Bill Bennett improve on his 2012 Humane Society Battle run with T-Rex Manning? Stay tuned for more on the battle, including the complete daily schedule for the bands, and sign up A.S.A.P., as there are only two slots left! That said, if Stereo North don't play until March 18th's semifinal, then you'll next see them at the same venue on the 13th, as they and local death metallers The Bear Hunters (also in the battle) have been added to the lineup of that night's Exes For Eyes show!

Again, our source is J.D. on that concert's Facebook event page yesterday. Stereo North's addition is a little unexpected, especially considering Exes For Eyes' death & groove metal sound, but they're paired well with fellow openers Jack Spades, and any exposure will be a benefit, so don't miss them on March 13th or in next month's battle, and we'll let you know when more comes out on each!

Also today, have you been wondering where veteran classic/hard rock quintet That's Chester have been in the last 6 months? So have I, but we now know their next project, and it's an ambitious one, as they will be providing the live music in an upcoming local stage production of The Who's classic rock opera Tommy this November! The band revealed the plans on their Facebook page on February 3rd after prior personal postings. There is a lot to be revealed about this production, including the host venue (possibly the Kiwanis Theatre?), performance dates, actors, and admission criteria, but this is a famous musical with many classic songs like "Pinball Wizard" and "I'm Free", and a talented band like That's Chester should be up to the challenge! Note that the post revealing the Tommy plans also hinted that they're working on multiple "bigger projects", but the other(s) haven't been revealed yet. We'll keep you guys posted when more is announced on this local Tommy production as we approach November!

Finally for today, here's three shorter assorted items from the last while, and as usual, these are in alphabetical order by artist name:

• Local alternative/grunge quartet Haggith (at 8:00 PM) goregrind duo Rotopsy (at 7:15 PM), and pageless newer metal trio Them (at 5:30 PM) are new confirmations for the Benighted concert at The Oddfellows Hall on March 7th, as per promoter Tyler St. Amour on the Facebook event page on February 6th. Strong choices (though Haggith aren't a perfect genre fit), so be sure to come early for their sets! Remember, this is ALL AGES with $12 admission, $7 in advance, and see above for more info!
• Beaumont Avenue frontman Mike Gaetano is looking for a bass player for his new local music project (ability to sing harmonies is a plus), and this band would play multiple genres and originals. No word on what this means, if anything, for Beaumont Avenue and Urawk, but message Mike at this link or through his Musicians Wanted Facebook group post from Thursday if you're interested in trying out or getting more details!
• Local punk/grunge solo project Telephone & Address revealed on their Facebook page on Friday that physical copies of their new album "Rust Orchid" are back from being pressed, and that they're just awaiting printing of the front and back covers. No word yet on when they go on sale in CD or digital formats, but we'll keep you guys posted when we hear anything!

That's all for today, but stay tuned for more news and notes this week! Thanks everyone!