This post has been saved as a draft forever! The only thing holding me back was adding the pictures. I finally got around to it today….so here it is!
Back in March we attended the Tyler Yuke Memorial Open Mic Night at The Outback (Sault College). Greg won the Tyler Yuke Memorial Bursary this year, and not only was he performing, but many of his drumming students were performing and he was meeting Tyler Yuke’s family.
Being new to the Soo, I didn’t know much about Tyler Yuke, or the history of Open Mic night at Sault College. Tyler was a student in Sault College’s Outdoor Parks and Recreation program. From what I’ve heard, he was very passionate about his studies and brought a lot of spirit to his program (they all seemed quite close from what I could see!). Tyler also loved music and started a monthly open mic night at The Outback. He tragically passed away in a hiking accident in Gros Cap. Since then, an open mic memorial night has been held in his honour every year and his family continues to make the trip up to the Soo to attend. Tyler’s brother also shared some of his memories with us before treating everybody to an excellent performance on the bagpipe! He was very sweet and when everybody started clapping along he eventually had to politely ask us to stop as it was throwing him off. 🙂
Tyler's brother plays the bagpipes
More open mic performances (one of Greg's African Drum students)
This guitarist asked for volunteers for his rhythm section
Me, Marla and Lindsey enjoying the show
Greg's band
Greg's drumming students wrapped up the night
Greg is also not from the Soo and also enrolled in the Outdoor Parks and Rec program. Back in Toronto he used to drum as part of an African drumming circle. With nobody to drum with in the Soo, he decided to buy the drums, sell them to interested people (supply them!) and then teach them how to drum! His students played and they were amazing! 🙂
In all, the night was touching, entertaining and really showcased some of the local young talent and spirit in the city.
Plain Can Be Lovely 
Wow, great photos. Finding memories such as these are just incredible. The Sault is definitly a very special place and it is the people that make it so. We find the trip very difficult but knowing all the positive energy we are about to encounter makes our brief visits very special. The Sault is very close to our hearts, the people are always present in our minds eye as the years pass.
Thanks David and Liz Yuke
I’ve yet to make the trip for the Open Mike memorial night for my nephew Tyler, but this year I am hoping to attend. I look at the pictures and see Tyler’s essence and influence in the shots.
I am Tyler’s aunt. His three aunts made it to the Sault this year for the Open Mic. I don’t know if your friend Greg has completed his studies there but he too leaves a legacy. The drummers were fantastic – so many that the stage could not accomodate them all. It was a wonderful evening. Tyler would be proud to know that the Open Mic continues. It is hard to believe it was 7 years ago today.