About Us
Softcase is a Waterloo Region band formed from the former Southern Ontario band 78 North. Since 2019, the original members Lucas Lohrenz, Caleb Dodd, and Luke Collins have played together, putting on countless shows for a wide audience. Guitarist Tyler Schill joined this group in 2021, adding a new fullness and backing vocals to their sound and elevating it to a new level. At the start of 2024, Softcase was formed, continuing where it had left off, carrying on the success of 78 North.
While together as 78 North, the former members performed various shows from festivals, bars, and private events. They played mostly classic and modern-day rock covers while adding rock-inspired original music to their sets. Since starting together in 2019, they have built a strong following in Southern Ontario, always packing the venues, bars, and festivals they play at.
Show Experience
Festivals
Bars
Concert Venues
Private Shows
Breweries
Battle of The Bands - Winner
Since 2019, Softcase (formally 78 North) has been a staple act at the Kitchener and Cambridge annual Ribfests. These audiences surpassed 10,000 people in 2023. Later, in 2023, they played at Ridgefest hosted at Deer Ridge Golf Club in Kitchener, Ontario.
Over the past five years, Softcase (formally 78 North) has played at Bars throughout the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas. These venues include The Fixed Gear Canteen in Guelph, Descendants Bar in Kitchener, and even some acoustic nights at Prohibition Warehouse in Waterloo.
Throughout their time together, Softcase (formally 78 North) has been a regular at Maxwell Concerts and Events, opening for The Brokes, Ian Richards Project, and more! As 78 North, they have made appearances at The Rockpile in Toronto, The Conrad Centre for Performing Arts in Kitchener, and Rhythm and Brews in Cambridge.
Softcase (formally 78 North) has played many private shows for various clients around Southern Ontario. They have played Birthday Parties, Weddings, Holiday Parties, and More.
Additionally, since 2019 Softcase (formally 78 North) has played at many different breweries around Southern Ontario. These breweries include; Short Finger Brewing, Schooner Street Brewing, Block Three Brewing, Fixed Gear Brewing, and more! The breweries are a perfect place for Classic Rock music which is played by Softcase.
In April of 2023, Softcase (formally known as 78 North) was voted by the audience as the winner of the Browns Social House, Maxwell's Battle of The Bands. They played a 30-minute set full of high-energy classics by the likes of Led Zeppelin and Guns 'N' Roses.