“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.“

 -Matt Prokopchuk