Local Big Band 'The Reptiles' Plays Final Show After 30 Years

The Reptiles, a Sault Ste. Marie band, performed their last concert as part of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival after over three decades of raising funds for charity.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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After more than 30 years of performing together and raising over $1 million for local charities, the Sault Ste. Marie big band The Reptiles played their final show at The Machine Shop as part of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival. The band, made up of Sault College staff, local teachers, and theatre enthusiasts, has evolved into a tight-knit group over the decades, with the current lineup having played together for over 20 years.

Why it matters

The Reptiles' retirement marks the end of an era for the local music scene in Sault Ste. Marie. The band's ability to draw large crowds and raise significant funds for important causes made them a fixture in the community for decades. Their decision to step back highlights the challenges faced by large musical groups in finding consistent work, as well as the bittersweet reality of aging musicians deciding to move on from their passion projects.

The details

The Reptiles' final show on Sunday featured the band's signature pre-disco classic rock sound, performed for a packed house at The Machine Shop. With over 400 years of collective musical experience among the nine band members, the group said it has become increasingly difficult to coordinate schedules now that they have all retired. However, the band members emphasized their close-knit camaraderie, describing themselves as a 'family without the squabbles' after over 20 years of playing together.

  • The Reptiles formed in 1995.
  • The band has performed together for over 30 years.
  • The Reptiles played their final concert on Sunday, February 16, 2026 as part of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival.

The players

The Reptiles

A local big band from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan that has performed together for over 30 years and raised over $1 million for charity through benefit concerts.

Fred Pelletier

The drummer and longest standing active member of The Reptiles.

Rob Askin

The bassist for The Reptiles, who has played alongside Fred Pelletier for many years, building a strong rhythm section.

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What they’re saying

“It's very bittersweet. We're all getting up there. We've all retired now, so it's hard – believe it or not – it's harder to get people together.”

— Fred Pelletier, Drummer and longest standing active member of The Reptiles (sootoday.com)

“That experience of building the brotherhood, building the rhythm together for all those years, has been a very, very special experience for me.”

— Rob Askin, Bassist for The Reptiles (sootoday.com)

What’s next

While The Reptiles have decided to retire, the band members have not completely ruled out the possibility of reuniting for another show in the future if the right opportunity presents itself.

The takeaway

The Reptiles' retirement after over 30 years of performing and raising funds for local charities in Sault Ste. Marie highlights the challenges faced by large musical groups in sustaining their passion projects as members age and schedules become more difficult to coordinate. However, the band's close-knit camaraderie and significant impact on the community serve as a testament to the power of music to bring people together and make a difference.