Sault's own Mary Lou Sicoly in town for fundraising concert

A musical collaboration in concert, with proceeds to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie, is coming to town this Thursday. 

The fundraiser is bringing home to the Sault singer Mary Lou Sicoly, now based in Toronto, with her musical director John Ebata from Nova Scotia.

They will be joining forces with the Sault’s own Cantation Choir under the direction of Barbara Gallagher.

A Juno-nominated jazz singer, Sicoly started singing in her dad’s church choir and his dance band in her hometown here in the Sault, the Algoma Conservatory said in a news release.

She has sung with everything from duets to big bands and released her debut  jazz album “Lemon Meringue Pie” in 2022, followed by tour dates in Ontario and the East Coast.

She is an award-winning singer and music educator and has also written and recorded five children’s albums.

Sicoly said she is thrilled to be performing in her hometown as part of a wonderful fundraiser concert. She thanked her vocal coach, Micah Barnes, musical director Ebata, Karl Scholz and Pacline Corporation, which is sponsoring the show, and her loving family for all their constant support.

Sicoly's musical director Ebata is respected in all the extended categories as a musician, song writer, producer, musical director, arranger and recording engineer, the Conservatory noted.

He is equally versatile in all musical styles from jazz to world folk songs to rock and R&B. 

"He has become the first-choice accompanist of many great singer songwriters and acclaimed to be one of the top Canadian piano-keyboardists and continues to work with artists from all parts of the world." 

Recording engineer for Juno-nominated jazz albums, Black Music composer’s award for song of the year, he has performed and recorded with the likes of Buffy St. Marie, Morris Albert and Oscar Peterson.

Thursday's performance includes excerpts from his show "Life Onstage with the Stars", played on Lady Gaga's PianoArc.

Cantation is a celebration of female voices based in the Sault. "Cantation is about enjoying treble choral music in all genres, pursuing musical excellence… and having fun."

The fundraising concert is proudly presented by Pacline Corporation.

CONCERT DETAILS
Mary Lou Sicoly with John Ebata and the Cantation Choir
Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at The Loft
Doors at 6 p.m. - Cash Bar
Tickets $40 (includes all fees)
Link to Tickets Online