For the last twelve years, Jake Rendell has seen some of the most creative minds in the music industry walk through his shop. Now, the owner of Case’s Music in Sault Ste. Marie is ready to show the broader community just how much local talent has been flying under the radar.
On Saturday, November 23rd, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Case’s Music will host its first-ever Local Builders Day, an event designed to spotlight local crafters, musicians, and instrument makers who are quietly honing their skills in the Soo.
“We have a ridiculous amount of talent here — not just musicians, but woodworkers, crafters, builders, and artists,” Rendell says.
But what makes the Soo such a hotbed of creativity? It’s all about the attitude, Rendell says.
“Northern Ontario is small enough that we don’t feel like a big town. People spend their time developing and perfecting their craft at home. There are incredible bedroom guitar players here that could shred with the best of them, but they rarely leave the house.”
This relative isolation – and the reflective quiet that comes with living in northern Ontario –is one of the key reasons why Rendell felt compelled to create Local Builders Day.
“Being so far away from major cities, it’s less common for local talent to make it out into the larger music world,” he says.
“But with this event, we’re giving these creators a platform to showcase their work right here in their hometown.”
Local Builders Day will feature makers who craft musical instruments and gear, many of whom Rendell discovered only after deep research into the local scene.
“I didn’t even know how many people here are building instruments until I started digging,” Rendell says. “This event is all about bringing those people together and celebrating their work.”
The event includes luthiers such as Treehouse Guitars and Siltanen Guitars, known for their handcrafted instruments that blend craftsmanship with a northern aesthetic.
For pedal enthusiasts, JFX Pedals will also be at the event, showcasing their lineup of handcrafted effects pedals, combining vintage sounds with modern reliability.
But beyond just a showcase, Local Builders Day will also focus on fostering community connections.
Rendell hopes it will spark collaborations among local builders and musicians.
“There’s never really been an opportunity for all these builders to gather in one place before,” he says. “I’m hoping this event will help them find ways to collaborate and grow together.”
The event will also feature presentations and performances every hour, allowing builders to not only show off their craftsmanship but also hear their instruments in action. For many of the builders, this will be their first chance to showcase their work in a local venue, as most have been relying on online sales or word of mouth.
“Most of the [builders] have become popular for their craft everywhere else but here.” Rendell says. “We’re going to change that — we’re going to scream it to the hills and let everyone know just how awesome the local talent is in Sault Ste. Marie.”
Event Details:
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 23rd, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
- Location: Case’s Music, 636 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie.