This band performing in the Sault is called Ontarians, which makes perfect sense

A talented band whose members don't spend a whole lot of time in the same room is coming to The Loft this Saturday night.

The musicians who make up "Ontarians" live in various locations — mostly in Ontario, as the name suggests — including two in the Sault, one in Collingwood and one in Austin, Texas.

Below is the full news release from the Algoma Conservatory of Music:

Ontarians released their debut album — "The Greatest Short Story Never Told" — to critical acclaim in the midst of the pandemic, in March of 2021. Shortly afterwards, they got right back to work on a new batch of songs, culminating in the completion of their second album — "More How It Is" — set for release in the autumn of 2024.

As a band whose members live in various locations across the continent, Ontarians have had to be creative in how they work together. Luckily, there is no shortage of creativity in this group, and the two songwriters for Ontarians — Frank Deresti and Craig Smith — have found themselves writing material for this album in various locations this time around — on retreats in the Northern Ontario wilderness, at each other’s homes in Collingwood and Sault Ste. Marie, and remotely through online sessions. Taking advantage of time surrounding gigs to add on recording sessions has allowed keyboardist Jay Stiles (Austin, TX), and drummer Chris Johns (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) to add their parts along the way.

Recent sessions have seen Frank travelling back to Craig’s studio in Collingwood to put the finishing touches on the songs, and we have arrived at a diverse collection of 10 songs wherein the songwriting team’s collective voice has been further solidified since their debut release. 

While there is a possibly darker/certainly more reflective lyrical thread throughout the album music making and a reluctance to take themselves too seriously — which results in a balanced output of songs with strong choruses, various musical and lyrical twists and turns, and an overall vibe that is sure to warrant repeat listens.

As with their first album, Deresti and Smith share the writing, vocal, guitar and bass duties as well as each doubling on various other instruments. The group is rounded out by Stiles on keys and background vocals, and Johns on drums. Smith handles the engineering and mixing duties. The live band is rounded out with Jay Case holding down the groove on the electric bass. Live, this five piece band is an unstoppable force — a must see.

Ontarians
with Frank Deresti, Craig Smith, Jay Stiles and Chris Johns
Album release show for "More How It Is"
with opening act Zachary Lucky

Saturday October 5, 2024
THE LOFT - 7:30 p.m.
Doors 6:30 pm - Cash Bar

Tickets: $40 (all fees included) or order with credit card by calling 705-971-4197.