Dryer Fire brings must-see artists to the Sault

Dryer Fire, the community-based, sustainability-focused events coordination and promotional organization led by Nicole Dyble, looks stronger than ever.

Earlier this year, the organization launched a fundraiser to get it up and running again after the pandemic dashed most of its plans for nearly two years.

The $5,000 fundraising goal was to help the company put on five shows between May and September, including guaranteed payment for artists and staff, PPE, location costs, and PA and sound equipment.

“Between the funds raised through the IndieGoGo campaign, sponsorship from SooToday, and a donation from Case’s Music to order a PA, the fundraiser came close to the goal of $5,000 for five shows,” says Dyble.

“I really appreciate everyone who contributed to this. The money raised covered the cost of the venue and helped end up giving the artists payment guarantees for six shows, and the PA was due to arrive by November, just in time to start planning for 2023.”

Dyble considers the shows held during the summer months a success.

“The performances and venues were all incredible and a lot of really good connections were made as well. It’s so wonderful to be getting together again for live music and having people coming across town to play.”

Dryer Fire have just announced their Fall 2022 performance line-up, including a diverse array of acts playing a variety of genres including dark folk, art rock, prairie country music, loud folk bluegrass blues, doom rap, represent industrial and dark synth-pop.

“I’m pretty fortunate that artists these days usually contact me and people make really good music,” says Dyble.

“The Canadian indie touring scene is pretty small, so word gets around as to whether bands have had good or bad experiences somewhere.”

Dyble notes that running events can be challenging.

“I think the few people that have booked shows similar to mine have mostly veered off for one reason or another,” they say.

“Also there aren’t many companies in the city that want to put on live music early in the week, pay the artists a guarantee or risk an admission fee affecting patronage. COVID times have obviously made things weird and difficult on so many fronts, so I don’t blame business owners for those calls.”

Dyble feels fortunate to be able to do what they do with the support of the community.

“Knowing that artists pass through the Sault and have difficulties booking, I’m just trying to make these events more possible. Building those human connections and cultural exchanges is important to me.”

Dryer Fire often brings together out-of-town acts with underrepresented local acts.

The concerts take place at different locations in the city.

“Choosing the spaces is a combination of curating what works best for each show and using what’s available,” says Dyble.

The first of the upcoming shows is September 17th and will feature dark folk band Ghostly Hounds with support from local art rock act SlumShine at 285 Wilson Street.

“The Wilson Street space is a mixed-use building where my partner and I rent office and studio space. So it’s a low-cost, low-impact space to host occasional events.”

The next show will be by Prairie Country artist Zachary Lucky on September 20th at Elk’s Hall with local support from folk group Penno Cash.

“It’s the first show I’ve booked at The Elks Hall,” says Dyble.

“It’s difficult to find a venue for a show on a Tuesday and I had heard of punk shows being held there at the time. Case’s Music sponsored the event fees for this event to make it possible. I think it’s a pretty good place for a country show and I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with their in-house caterer, Jiggs and Reels.”

On September 30th, Dryer Fire has an Ottawa folk/punk/bluegrass band called Bastards and The Buzzards who will be playing at Outspoken Brewing.

“I always love hosting events at Outspoken,” says Dyble.

“The space is cozy, the staff is great and the beer is good.”

Finally, doom rap act Garbageface, backed by local industrial act Molten Imp, dark synth act Owen MK and No Funeral will perform at 285 Wilson Street on October 21st.

Following this series of shows, Dryer Fire will be on hiatus for the winter season as its lead actor, Dyble, will be studying in Sault College’s culinary program.

“The next thing I’m thinking about is some food pop-ups,” laughs Dyble.

We know Dyble means business and it’s going to be amazing.

All upcoming shows are “all ages”. Doors will open at 7pm each evening

Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://dryer-fire.square.site/ or at the box office.

Tickets for Zachary Lucky and Penno Cash’s September 20 show are also available from Case’s Music (636 Queen Street East) or the Rad Zone (721 Queen Street East).

For more information about Dryer Fire visit their Facebook or Instagram pages or contact Nicole Dyble at [email protected].