Rita Visser, a Niagara-based singer-songwriter with deep roots in Northern Ontario, is set to bring her unique blend of storytelling and music to Sault Ste. Marie on April 25.
The show will take place at The Art Hub at Spring, a downtown gallery space known for fostering local arts and culture.
The tour is stopping in Wawa, Bruce Mines and Sudbury before heading back to Niagara.
“This tour is all about building community,” said Visser, who has spent the past two-and-a-half years carving a path along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
“In a world where we’re so disconnected, I feel like music and art are what can bring us together.”
The showcase will feature an impressive lineup of artists from across Ontario, including Wawa’s Alex Charbonneau, Niagara’s Thunderclap! And Zach Bury, and Sault Ste. Marie’s own Lindsay Pugh.
“Lindsay is one of the best musicians in the Sault,” Visser said.
“I’ve been looking forward to playing with him for three years now.”
The event is part of Visser’s ongoing Niagara North Shore tours, which she describes as an organic creation aimed at connecting musicians and audiences from Niagara to Thunder Bay.
“It’s like people are joining the train,” she said.
“This will be our fourth tour, and it just keeps growing and expanding.”
Visser’s passion for the North Shore is deeply personal. Raised on a fishing island near Thunder Bay, she comes from four generations of commercial fishermen.
Her childhood was filled with tales about Lake Superior. These stories have shaped her songwriting.
Her latest album, Northern Daydream, reflects this connection through songs like Batchawana Bay, inspired by a road trip with her mother and daughter.
“I cry every time I play that song,” Visser said.
“It captures so much of what I love about this place. The beauty, the memories and the healing power of Lake Superior.”
The show was initially scheduled at The Loft at Algoma Conservatory but was moved to The Art Hub at Spring, located at 504 Queen Street, due to ticket sale challenges.
Local arts advocate Adrian Vee stepped in to host the event at his gallery space.
The venue will open its doors at 5 p.m. on April 25, with the show starting at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy food and beverages catered by Main Street Café.
“We invite the community to come out and hear some beautiful storytelling and share the room with authentic hearts,” Visser said.
Tickets are $35.
To learn more, find Visser on Instagram or visit her website.