CHat-SURPRISE call and I'll Tag Along-Mariposa/2010/50th SURPRISE

[charlene]

Ok – so I’m sitting here watch the Jays/Tampa ball game. Jays are up 2 – 0. All is right with the world.
It’s 7:40 p.m.

The phone rings..I look at the number on the tv screen..

omigoodness…it says LIGHTFOOT !
Hmmm. That’s odd. .I’m not expecting a call from Gordon..what could he possibly want? ! LOLOL

CW-Hello.

GL-Hello Char, it’s Gordon!

CW-Hi Gordon! How are you tonight?

GL-I’m doing well! Just wanted to call and let you know I don’t know if I can do your song for you at Mariposa. (“my” song is “I’ll Tag Along”)
I’m sitting here doing up the set list and I have too many G chord tunes! I’ve Got Sit Down young Stranger, Ponyman, Song For A Winter’s Night, Christian Island and I’m trying to get some variety in the list. I won’t have the whole band with me and I’ll have to cut a few tunes in G chord. I know you’re expecting your song and I’ll try to fit it in but wanted to let you know I might not play it.

CW-Omigoodness I never expect to hear it but I am thrilled when you do sing it. it’s your show so sing whatever you want! LOL
GL-Well I just wanted to call and let you know because I know you’ll be up there at Mariposa.

OKAY – this is where I think I may have had a major stroke and am now in some hallucinatory state just prior to my head blowing up.
Gordon FREAKING Lightfoot has just called me to discuss his Mariposa set list and let me know he may not sing a song I like to hear.
In what alternate universe am I in?

SO – to try to determine if I am indeed on my way to checking out I ask him how he’s doing and if he’s watching the Jays game or the hockey game. He says he’s just sitting down to do some practicing and thought he better call me but he’s not watching the hockey cuz last time with the Leafs he might have jinxed them and they lost. But he does have a bet with a fellow at the club for a twonie. (or 'toonie' - our 2 dollar canadian coin)

Oh – you’re a big bettor are you? LOL
GL-Yep – last of the big time spenders..LOL

So we chatted about the tour coming up, how many dates are already set and that there are still more fall dates to come –. I mentioned I’d love to see him out west this fall and he said to “keep watch for the new dates!”
He asked how the interview went over and I told him everyone enjoyed it a lot and thanked him again for chatting with me.

I profusely thanked him for his thoughtfulness and kindness in thinking of me and ‘my’ song and wished him safe travels. I told him about my summer plans and he said they sounded great.

ALRIGHTY THEN…
Lisa was sitting here throughout the whole phone call. When I hung up she said I should have told him it was my birthday when Mariposa is on.

SO …and here once again I leave my senses…..and I hit REDIAL….

OH LORDY the phone is ringing……4 times and then it’s picked up.

GL-Hello!

CW-Hello Gordon, it’s char calling back.

GL-Hi Char!

CW-Gordon!!, I know what song you can sing at Mariposa!!

GL-What song is that?

CW-HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! It’s my birthday that weekend! LOLOL!

GL-Oh jesus…LOL

CW-Okay Gordon, have a great evening, thanks again! Bye!

GL-Bye Char!

And THAT is what happened to ME tonight…

I think..
lol

[RM]

In what alternate universe am I in?


I have no idea.......but it sounds like paradise.

Congrats !!

[Acadia]

Gordon Lightfoot is just a class act all the way. What a fantastic call, and so thoughtful of him.

[bjm7777]

Very cool that you share this with the rest of us mere mortals. What a great call....

[Jesse Joe]

Felicitation Charline !!!

It seems he is calling other Corfidians as well, the man (poet genius) seems to be more @ ease with talking to fan these days than say in the mid 70's, more time on his hands probably ?

If I had the guts :redface: that you have I would leave my phone number @ EMP just to see if I'd be getting a call. The late Barry Harvey once did it for me & it was great. :clap:

Imagine you could have done timetraveler a big favor here, about her 'Quilt' that she is so much speaking about as of late... lol ! :biggrin:

You should invite him for your famous Charbeque & if he was to accept, :eek: not tell your other guests about it because you would probably have around a thousand people showing up. But for those that would attend imagine the great surprise they would have. Im thinking about that famous smart fellow..good guy,, jj for one... :cool: "It would be a scene man" is what I'd be saying from here.

All the best to you Char & Gord ! :)

[Yuri]

Wow!!

[Jenney]

Wow is right!!! Seems like Gord has you on his speed dial now! Still think it would have been funny if you'd said "What the &*%$ are you talking about!? You'll do that song, and do it well!!".

Bet you'd get another phone call!

[formerlylavender]

Our Gord is conscientious! Most performers would just have gone on and played whatever or even have forgotten about it by now. He is too cute!

BTW I think you'll guilt him into it with the birthday reference.

[charlene]

Hey Sparky, I should have suggested that since we'e having this huge heat wave and mid July is a hot time of the year he could eliminate SFAWN and insert "my" song there...but hey, who am I to tell GFL (Gordon FREAKING Lightfoot) how to run his show..?
lol
I don't imagine he'll sing Happy Birthday...perhaps if I get a chance to speak to him before/after the concert he might remember and say Happy Birthday..but I doubt he'll sing it..maybe it's a "G" chord tune!
lol

[Patti]

In what alternate universe am I in?


It's the universe of Gord showing he cares for Char.

[Peter Bro10]

Say Char, what were those funny looking mushrooms on your salad?? maybe you were tripping!!! ha ha
But seriously, that was very cool indeed!!!

[Unsettled 1]

That's just too cool. Thanks for the replay. Can a song with your name in it be far behind?

[imported_Next_Saturday]

Hmmm. That’s odd. .I’m not expecting a call from Gordon..what could he possibly want? ! LOLOL

Hahahahaha...

[patybear]

Oh wow! How cool that you actually got to speak directly to "THE MAN! Hope he sings Happy Birthday to you at Mariposa,Char!
patybear

[JohninCt.]

Ok, place your bets, will he sing happy birthday to Charlene or not? Also will he sing her favorite song? I would place a buck on each that he will.

[KHester]

Char,
That was quite a night you had.. kudos to Lisa for getting for getting you to hit redail...
Since Gord is in quite a great mood...Erin and I are getting married this year. It's going to a small wedding... but maybe we should invite Gord to drop in and sing Beautiful, which we're going to use anyway.


Thanks for sharing your wonderful news.

Kevin and Erin

[MaryO]

Char,

How lucky are you ?? !! It makes me shiver! Thanks for sharing. We all love Gordie!

[johnfowles]

Further fame for Char
I am certain that she will this very day have received a Google alert about herself entitled
"Scene and Heard with Will McGuirk : Gordon Lightfoot and Whitby (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://durhamregion.typepad.com/will_mcguirk/2010/07/gordon-lightfoot-and-whitby.html&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f1:v0:i2:lt:e0:p0:t1278455175:&cd=XO5onY1JCpE&usg=AFQjCNHt2M_bDB2_1Ee_cHFw7UiWN_22Qw)"
which links to a blog at:-
http://durhamregion.typepad.com/will_mcguirk/2010/07/gordon-lightfoot-and-whitby.html
I also anticipate that for once she is far too modest to post about it herself so I will!!
scroll down a tad and you will find this cosy photograph
http://durhamregion.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451d0c269e20134853f7519970c-400wi

[johnfowles]

I should have taken the opportunity to pont out a minor innacuracy in Char's caption as used when she added a very nice Video of Gord's SOLO I'll Tag Along in which with yet another striking act of modesty she used as the youtube video title:-
"Gordon Lightfoot - I'll Tag Along - sung for CHAR.mov"
YouTube- Gordon Lightfoot - I'll Tag Along - sung for CHAR.mov
But her caption currently says:-
"Gordon Lightfoot - I'll Tag Along. Orlando-February 2008
sung for Char. He came out on stage after the intermission, alone with just his guitar..and said:."this is for Char".
sadly I could not make the concert but Gord didn't know and came out and did it for me as a surprise. wow.
video by Lori - she missed recording the 'dedication' at the beginning because no one knew he was going to do the song!..darn!"
Unfortunately Gord actually sang this to open the second half of the concert the following evening in Tampa Florida not Orlando
the inaccuracy is possibly the photographer (Lori)
I am however most pleased that Lori recorded this as it fills in one missing sound file from that Tampa concert
I attended both Orlando and Tampa the latter with my lifelong friend and ex schoolmate l Alan his wife and a friend and I wanted to burn a representative "bootleg" souvenir CD for them using contemporary recordings from other concerts
But there are two on the Tampa setlist that are missing
http://www.lightfoot.ca/080221.htm
I'll Tag Along
and
My Little Love
I could have used a sound file ripped from one of the several solo I'll Tag Along videos in circulation but now I can use one from this video recorded on the actual night
In the case of My Little Love
I had already noted that at least two corfiddlers have a complete video of the earlier concert in Columbus GA
which fortuitiously also included the rare My Little Love
　
plus youtube poster anodisasgoodasawink has uploaded a total of seven songs from the setlist and might conceivably therefore also have My Little Love
I will when time permits be contacting these three possible sources of the remaining missing sound file
　

[timetraveler]

Ok – so I’m sitting here watch the Jays/Tampa ball game. Jays are up 2 – 0. All is right with the world.
It’s 7:40 p.m.
The phone rings..I look at the number on the tv screen..

omigoodness…it says LIGHTFOOT !
Hmmm. That’s odd. .I’m not expecting a call from Gordon..what could he possibly want? ! LOLOL

CW-Hello.
GL-Hello Char, it’s Gordon!
CW-Hi Gordon! How are you tonight?
GL-I’m doing well! Just wanted to call and let you know I don’t know if I can do your song for you at Mariposa. (“my” song is “I’ll Tag Along”)
I’m sitting here doing up the set list and I have too many G chord tunes! I’ve Got Sit Down young Stranger, Ponyman, Song For A Winter’s Night, Christian Island and I’m trying to get some variety in the list. I won’t have the whole band with me and I’ll have to cut a few tunes in G chord. I know you’re expecting your song and I’ll try to fit it in but wanted to let you know I might not play it.
CW-Omigoodness I never expect to hear it but I am thrilled when you do sing it. it’s your show so sing whatever you want! LOL
GL-Well I just wanted to call and let you know because I know you’ll be up there at Mariposa.

OKAY – this is where I think I may have had a major stroke and am now in some hallucinatory state just prior to my head blowing up.
Gordon FREAKING Lightfoot has just called me to discuss his Mariposa set list and let me know he may not sing a song I like to hear.
In what alternate universe am I in?

SO – to try to determine if I am indeed on my way to checking out I ask him how he’s doing and if he’s watching the Jays game or the hockey game. He says he’s just sitting down to do some practicing and thought he better call me but he’s not watching the hockey cuz last time with the Leafs he might have jinxed them and they lost. But he does have a bet with a fellow at the club for a twonie. (or 'toonie' - our 2 dollar canadian coin)

Oh – you’re a big bettor are you? LOL
GL-Yep – last of the big time spenders..LOL

So we chatted about the tour coming up, how many dates are already set and that there are still more fall dates to come –. I mentioned I’d love to see him out west this fall and he said to “keep watch for the new dates!”
He asked how the interview went over and I told him everyone enjoyed it a lot and thanked him again for chatting with me.

I profusely thanked him for his thoughtfulness and kindness in thinking of me and ‘my’ song and wished him safe travels. I told him about my summer plans and he said they sounded great.

ALRIGHTY THEN…
Lisa was sitting here throughout the whole phone call. When I hung up she said I should have told him it was my birthday when Mariposa is on.

SO …and here once again I leave my senses…..and I hit REDIAL….

OH LORDY the phone is ringing……4 times and then it’s picked up.

GL-Hello!
CW-Hello Gordon, it’s char calling back.
GL-Hi Char!
CW-Gordon!!, I know what song you can sing at Mariposa!!
GL-What song is that?
CW-HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! It’s my birthday that weekend! LOLOL!
GL-Oh jesus…LOL
CW-Okay Gordon, have a great evening, thanks again! Bye!
GL-Bye Char!

And THAT is what happened to ME tonight…

I think..
lolAll I can say is...You lucky, lucky girl!!!:):):)

[charlene]

Will sent me the article yesterday..got the GOOGLE alert today but just am now seeing it..been busy and out till now..
He's a local writer who I've 'e-mailed with a couple of times in the last year or so.. I'm quite excited for him that he's seeing Gord for the first time at the 50th anniversary of Mariposa.
I thought it was Orlando..my sis/family wasn't there that night...but perhaps it was Tampa..
I've just checked and it was Tampa so I will edit the info..

[Wheels]

Way cool, Char! Next thing you know he'll write tune for you!

[GJA]

I'm closing my eyes and pretending he is calling me!!!

[New 12 String Mike]

Char,

Your sharing is appreciated.

Thanks.

[charlene]

HE DID IT!!!!!!!
He did I'll Tag Along!
first song! walked out on stage all by his lonesome with his geetar and sang it!!

more later.

off to bed...

:)
:)
:)

[Gitchigumee]

Wow, that is so special! Gives me goose bumps, and almost tears. Happy Birthday Char, how wonderful.

(way to go Gord!)

[charlene]

ALMOST???
lol
I shook and wept and so did everyone with me!
lol
it was FABULOUS!

[Same Old Loverman]

THAT is really cool! Looking forward to the details!

[Gitchigumee]

I found this clip from the LAST time Gord sang it for you Char, in February 2008. Hope you don't mind my sharing it here.

Gordon Lightfoot - I'll Tag Along - sung for CHAR.mov - YouTube

http://letras.terra.com/lightfoot-gordon/607560/

[charlene]

My friend Lori shot that footage in Orlando..great stuff!
there's a video of an even more recent time he sang it for me -January 2010 at Hugh's Room..and I have yesterdays video that I just viewed on my computer..it's quite shaky!!
I'll post some of them on YouTube asap.

[buzzard]

I shook and wept and so did everyone with me!
lol
it was FABULOUS


So true . . . Even brought a crusty old accountant to tears!
I'm sure there will be much more detail to follow. This was an amazing moment in a really great day.

Brian

[charlene]

http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2664219
pic at link
Folk fest fine at 50
Posted By SARA ROSS, THE PACKET AND TIMES
Updated 9 hours ago

Sitting under a tree, licking an ice cream cone 83-year-old Ruth Jones-McVeigh doesn't stand out among the throngs of eccentrically dressed individuals swaying to folk music.

But, without her, the Mariposa Folk Festival wouldn't be celebrating its 50th birthday.

It was Jones-McVeigh who in 1961, as a 33-year-old mother of four, came up with the idea of a folk festival in Orillia.

"Seeing Sylvia Tyson was a real shakeup for me," Jones-McVeigh said Saturday.

Tyson, then Sylvia Fricker, headlined the first festival as a duo with future husband Ian Tyson. She was back to entertain audiences in workshops on Saturday and on the main stage to help close the event Sunday night.

"She brought tears to my eyes. That took me right back to the beginning."

Pam Carter, festival organizing group chair, was excited to have both Ian and Sylvia Tyson back to perform for the 50th.

"I think it's amazing and it speaks to the longevity of the genre of folk that 50 years later they're at Mariposa again and they're still committed and passionate about Mariposa Folk Festival," she said. "That this calibre of artists would come back to help us celebrate is awesome."

The first festival attracted an audience of 6,000 to 8,000 people, but despite the success Jones-McVeigh never imagined it would grow to an audience of 25,000 50 years later.

"I honestly wasn't too surprised that the first one was a success, but to ask me if I could visualize myself being there 50 years from now with an audience 10 times as big, no I could not have imagined that," she said. "I'm overjoyed and I think it's wonderful."

Jones-McVeigh now lives in Ottawa, but said she attends the festival as often as she can.

"I love the people, I love the music, I love hearing new people and touching base with former performers that have been here for a long time," Jones-McVeigh said.

Mariposa has always had a strong focus on the music. Even the festival's winking sun logo was designed, then later redesigned, by two of Canada's best-known folk icons.

The original design was created by Ian Tyson and featured a sun with rays waving in a clockwise direction.

A 20-year-old Murray McLauchlan's updated logo, named 'Lion Face Sun,' debuted in 1968 when the festival was at the Toronto Islands. When it first appeared, the logo was half of a sun with a face. It had thick rays waving in a counter-clockwise direction.

Two years later the logo was a complete sun blinking its left eye. This logo is still used today.

"It was a variation on the original idea, the sunny face, because, essentially, it would make people feel good," McLauchlan said before participating in a workshop Saturday afternoon.

The singer/songwriter has performed in the festival several times, beginning in the late '60s.

"The people who perform and sing have certainly changed and music evolves, but the idea and the spirit of the event, I think hasn't really fundamentally changed," McLauchlan said.

"I think that's one of the reasons it is successful. People come expecting that."

People who came expecting recognition of the 50th milestone Sunday night were not disappointed.

The festival's 50th birthday was officially recognized on stage Sunday evening between performances by Murray McLauchlan and Sylvia Tyson.

Mariposa Foundation president Chris Lusty carried a huge birthday card on stage signed by performers and many audience members. Local dignitaries were given an opportunity to wish the festival a happy birthday and festival volunteers and foundation members were thanked.

Following that, Ian Tyson took the stage and was later accompanied by his ex wife, Sylvia Tyson in an emotional moment for many.

According to the online Canadian Encyclopedia, Ian and Sylvia Tyson's working and personal lives began to diverge in the 1970s.

They have appeared together just three times since 1975: in 1979, 1982 and in 1986 at a concert, later televised, that received a 1987 Gemini. And Sunday night.

There were some surprise guests as well. Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor took an unexpected turn on stage before Orillia's own Gordon Lightfoot then closed the festival -- a highlight for many local festival goers.

While the ending was magical, the start was not. Thursday night's rain created some unexpected twists. The heavy rainfall dampened the entire park and left muddy puddles along pathways and in some grassy spots.

"We had somebody bringing hay in, we had other people bringing wood chips in to try and cover the wet areas," Carter said. "I think that speaks to community collaboration and partnership.

"Everyone we have reached out to has sprung into action and helped us out with the site situation."

The main stage became a "mud pit" Friday night with dancers jumping and splashing in the mud puddles, but they didn't seem to mind at all, Carter said.

"This is part of the magic of the festival," she said. "People are happy and making the best. They're having a great time."

sross@orilliapacket.com

[Jesse Joe]

Very good interesting read for sure. This 83-year-old Ruth Jones-McVeigh sounds like a great folk music fan. And of course Orillia's own Gordon Lightfoot closing the festival sounds just right on !

Great article... tks for posting it Charlene. :)

[Jesse Joe]

I shook and wept and so did everyone with me!
lol
it was FABULOUS!

The man has touched you in a very special way Char ! And he means so much to so many people. Vive la Gordon Lightfoot !! :)

[fusion]

I am glad having read the news. It touches me very deeply.

[BILLW]

Wow Char! That sounds like a lot of fun! Wish we had been there with you...

Bill :)

[jj]

HE DID IT!!!!!!!
He did I'll Tag Along!
first song! walked out on stage all by his lonesome with his geetar and sang it!!

more later.


ok. it is "later" now ;)

[charlene]

I'm working on it!
soon..real soon...
;)

[Auburn Annie]

That's okay, take your time, gotta get your feet back on the ground and the pieces of your exploded brain put back together, lol. Did someone have to remind you to breathe? I'm sure time stopped.

Belated happy birthday, btw.

[charlene]

oh crap - no one reminded me yet!
lol
Time has stopped for sure....best 55th birthday I ever had!
;)

[bjb]

If Gordon Lightfoot sang a song specifically to me, I'd be floating for days, if not years! :)

I had a wonderful time with Melanie, Brian, Char and Lisa at the folk festival this year. Somehow I expected some mediocre performances and a few standouts -- but every single performer I watched was outstanding! I have some interesting new songs to buy.

On the way to the show, we drove past a sign for "River Road", and I was thinking about the old song with the same name. What a surprise when Sylvia sang it that night! She said she knew she'd REALLY made it in the business when Crystal Gayle sang her song on Sesame Street -- I never realized Sylvia wrote it, but I always loved that song!

When Ian started singing Four Strong Winds during his encore, and called "Sylvia, get out here!", I got a huge lump in my throat and the tears wouldn't stop -- it's such a moving song, and took us all right back to those days...

A strange thing happened when I was watching Lightfoot sing the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. Several times it was as if I was seeing him as he looked on the original Lightfoot album cover! It must have been a trick of the lighting, or the way his hair lay or something, but it was truly surreal. I'm so glad I was able to be there.

[charlene]

Mariposa – 50th anniversary celebration – Tudhope Park - Orillia, Ontario
http://www.mariposafolk.com and http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2664219

Friday July 9, Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11, 2010

We arrived in Orillia around 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. The weather was perfect – no clouds, slightly humid and no rain in the forecast. The drive up with Brian (he drove), Melanie, Bonnie and Lisa was about 90 minutes and we listened to an old Jim Croce album that had EMR on it as well as J.P.Cormiers’ “The Long River” tribute CD of Lightfoot tunes.

The winding Highway #12 out of Whitby leads right into Orillia and past farmers fields of hay and corn dotted with beautiful old homes and churches, barns and silos. Horses and cows enjoying a beautiful summer day 90 minutes north of Toronto dotted the grassy areas.

Due to heavy rains on Thursday the parking area had been cut in half and was available in town at the arena with shuttle buses bringing people back to the park. We parked about5 minutes up the highway on the side of the road and trekked back to Tudhope Park with our chairs and blanket.

On either side of the highway near the park both Lake Simcoe and Couchiching waters were calm and had boaters out enjoying the weather and kids swimming along the shore.
Tudhope Park was filling fast with folks walking through the vendors area, down the winding paths to the various tents set up under the trees. In front of the main stage thousands of chairs and blankets marked the spots folks had saved while they went off to hear various artists performing on the other stages. Live music was available on all stages all day as it had been on Saturday and on Friday from 4.

Alongside the mainstage was a huge video screen and camera on a huge boom. This would be great for those who really wanted an up close view of the performers.
We set up our spots and started wandering through the park enjoying the respite from the hot sun under the beautiful old trees. We saw Murray McLauchlan with Catherine MacLellan and Little Miss Higgins doing a workshop entitled “The Field Behind the Plow”..Murray told us that every anniversary/birthday etc. he writes a poem or some such thing in a leather bound book for his wife. This year he wrote her a song and he sang it for us. It was absolutely lovely, entitled “Please Don’t Wake Me Up.”

Ian Tyson designed the original Mariposa ‘sun’ logo and several years ago Murray re-designed it to the winking eye on the suns face. I remember seeing Murray at High Park in Toronto back in the early 70’s singing his big hit “Farmer’s Song”, a tribute to the people who put food on our table. He was saving it for the mainstage show later in the evening.
http://www.myspace.com/murraymclauchlan
http://www.catherinemaclellan.com
http://www.littlemisshiggins.com

At another stage we listened to Mike Ford, David Francey and David Gunning at a workshop called “My Folk Heroes.” Both Mike and David Gunning have performed at the Lightfoot Tribute shows at Hugh’s Room in Toronto. I had a chance to talk to Dave Gunning for a while-what a lovely and talented young man.
http://www.mikeford.ca
http://www.davidfrancey.com
http://www.davegunning.com

At another we listened to Tribute show veterans “Madison Violet” – sublime harmonies from these two ladies. http://www.madisonviolet.com

I really enjoyed the Ian Tyson led group that was set in amongst the trees. Suzie Vinnick was sitting in with him. Ian was a totally laid back cowboy with a total style that just said “cool” He had his white cowboy hat on and a pair of shades even though there was no sun coming through the trees and he was sitting on a stage with a canopy. Man it was wonderful to hear him. I’ve wanted to see him for decades! He didn’t do 4 strong Winds tho – saving it for later.. http://www.iantyson.com
http://www.suzievinnick.com

We also enjoyed the so sweet harmonies of Madison Violet – Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac who do such a gorgeous version of Poor Little Alison. http://www.madisonviolet.com

Nestled among the trees was a “Guitars on Parade” art installation Many others were installed in the downtown core but I didn’t get out to see them. I do have a souvenir book with great pics of the others so will scan them. Larrivee guitars are Canadian icons – especially the Florentine cutaway and classically inspired body shape of the Larrivee C-10. The guitars were made in this shape. This was a collection of 6 foot tall wooden guitars painted front and back in different themes. There was a stylized Canadian red maple leaf that I loved and of course a Lightfoot one that depicted his SUNDOWN cover on the front and a setting sun on the back of the guitar. I wanted to take it home but it wouldn’t fit in my purse!

In the tent where CD’s, T-shirts etc. were sold there was a sign hanging over some merchandise that said SURPRISE SPECIAL GUESTS – the CD’s and T-Shirts were Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo stuff. So much for the surprise!

Lisa and I ran into Kenyon and his girlfriend and we chatted for a while. Always a treat to see my internet son and the lovely Johanna.

There were some tasty things to eat as well as a beer tent with entertainment. It was a ‘green’ festival so there was a place you could have your water bottles filled for free. They were not selling water in plastic bottles this year. http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2665686

Around 3 p.m. or so the sky started looking troublesome. Grey clouds were moving in and circling around the area. It started to rain very lightly. Brian ran back to the car to get the rain slickers while we covered the seats with the blanket and umbrellas. The light rain didn’t last long but at 4:15 it started up again and it really came down hard. It didn’t look like it would be an all night rain but you never know with the way the clouds circle around the and over the two lakes picking up moisture to drop on festival goers!

On the Mainstage the closing concert events were starting at 5:00 and were only delayed about 10 minutes before the Whiteley Brothers came onstage for their set. Man they play the blues with such emotion ! http://www.kenwhiteley.com/index.php?show=31 Ken performed at a Lightfoot tribute show.

It started to rain again but didn’t last too long and Murray McLauchlan was up next. I’ve always been a fan of his and enjoyed his set back in 2007 and remembered back to the early 70’s when I saw him performing in High Park to a crowd on the lawns and in the surrounding trees. The Farmers Song was his big hit at the time – a moving tribute to the farmers who put the food on our tables. It never fails to make you thankful for the farmers of the world.

He sang his song for his wife again, Please Don’t Wake Me Up, On The Boulevard, Sunshine and Shadows, Whispering Rain, No Change In Me, The Child’s Song, Walk Away and for his encore he sang The Farmers Song with thousands of us singing along with him as we did with Whispering Rain. He’s a great storyteller and has a terrific stage presence. http://www.myspace.com/murraymclauchlan I got teary during a few of Murray’s songs remembering back 40 years ago and what those songs meant to me as a kid and how the meaning in them has changed for me over time.

Next on the bill were introductions of many Mariposa staff, founders, volunteers etc.
Sylvia Tyson was on next. It was around 7:10 p.m. and the skies were clear. Sylvia sang some of her tunes, some that I had heard over the years but don’t’ know titles. The one I did know was her hit “You Were On My Mind” which was another singalong for the crowd like it was for River Road.
http://www.quartette.com/sylvia.htm She is also a member of the group Quartette.

The Breakmen were up next – I’ve never heard of them but they had great voices and harmonies. http://www.thebreakmen.com

Ian Tyson – what a voice..so recognizable even with the rough edges it has now. He’s another wonderful storyteller onstage. He said “Sylvia sounds great and I can’t wait to hear the great Gordon Lightfoot” as soon as he stepped up to the mic. He’s a cowboy out in Alberta so many of his songs are about the countryside there and his images are vivid and romantic, telling about the hardships of being a rancher in the Canadian west. I loved his Big Alberta Sky and Ramblers and Mustangs..I think it was titled that anyway. He talked about the weather out west and how winter seems to last until the end of June and then introduced one tune he called his ‘oxymoron song’…Springtime in Alberta..lol. Bonnie knew exactly what he was talking about. I experienced snow out there in late April 2009 and thought it crazy! He sang 8 songs and left the stage but he was back to sing an iconic Canadian song that I love – Four Strong Winds. He strummed a few notes and the crowd went wild making him laugh and say “I think I recognize this tune, did I hear it on American Idol?” And then he brought all of us to our feet as he started his beautiful , sad love song. We all sang along, swaying back and forth and just taking it all in. At the point where Sylvia sang he called her onstage and a huge roar went up as she sang her part and then with Ian. It brought a lot of people to tears. It was beyond touching and memorable..it was truly ‘a moment in time.” I’m tearing up just typing this.
part 2 - next post..

[charlene]

part 2
The Surprise Special Guests were up next – the two frontmen of Blue Rodeo! Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor! http://www.bluerodeo.com They sang a few of their hits and were in fine voice and Jim Cuddy was looking as adorable as ever! The crowd sang along with them to a couple of tunes. If I recall they sang , We Are Lost Together”, “Five Days in May”, Until I Am Myself Again”, “Bad Timing”, “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” - perhaps a couple of others I can’t recall. When they came back for their encore they joked that they didn’t want to be too long because they were worried that Gordon Lightfoot was backstage waiting to go on and muttering to himself, ”why are they taking so long, get the hook!” lol
They finished at 10:00 and during the next 10 minutes while waiting for Gordon the crowd got a bit restless, clapping and calling out his name. I had my crappy little camera set on video to record some songs and perhaps, just perhaps I’d catch “my” song, “I’ll Tag Along” if Gordon had changed his mind and decided to throw it into the mix. I hoped so! Rick and Terry were the only band members that would be playing onstage but Mike was there backstage to help with tuning.

Rick was onstage plugging in some things but did not have his guitar. Gordon walked out with his guitar and Rick helped him plug in. I knew then he was going to do “I.T.A” ! Terry was nowhere to be seen and Rick left the stage. Gordon was alone onstage and he walked up to the mic after the standing ovation was over and started to sing it! OMIGOODNESS he really decided to fit it in! As the first freaking song of the set on such a memorable night of Mariposa’s 50th anniversary! WOW.

When he played the first couple of notes I gasped and started shaking so hard I could hardly hold the camera. The video is shaky and you can’t really see Gordon on the big screen because the camera isn’t that great but the audio is fine. I held the camera up with one hand and the other one over my mouth as I stood there in complete shock. Perhaps he re-thought his decision to probably not be able to fit it in as he told me when he called me on May 30th --because he knew it was my birthday? I can’t say for sure but I’ll go with that story! Lolol That phone call was so out of left field as it was but then he goes ahead and sings it? Makes perfect sense to me! Nice move Mr. Lightfoot! THANK YOU for making it the best 55th birthday I ever had! ;)

Gordon’s sound was quite low and a lot of people back where we were and behind us were yelling at the sound guy to turn it up. I don’t think he ever did. To make matters worse for those behind us the beer tent behind them had a live band playing and their sound coming at them from behind was drowning out Gordons voice.

Gordon tried to tell a few stories but the yahoos up at the front of the stage were yelling and just being major arses. I think it may have flustered him somewhat. One story he was telling was about how he only got one chance to sing the next song and then found himself flat on his back the next day before he could sing it again there at home. He said ‘it has a prophetic lyric’ in it..and he was going to continue but the noise down below was ridiculous. He stepped away from the mic scratching his head and then sang Couchiching.

The set list was:
1. I’ll Tag Along
2. Don Quixote
3. Clouds Of Loneliness
4. Let It Ride
5. Beautiful
6. Red Velvet (he mentioned to the crowd that this was an Ian Tyson song)
7. The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald
8. Christian Island
9. Fine As Fine Can Be
10. Couchiching
11. Restless
12. If You Could Read My Mind
ENCORE
13. Canadian Railroad Trilogy

We gave him another standing ovation with people shouting “More, more, more” but the show was over, it was time to pack up the chairs, blanket, and rain gear and make the 90 minute trip back home.

It certainly was a memorable day full of some treasured tunes performed by just a few of the Canadian icons that make this country proud. My heart soared and my tears fell for many reasons on this glorious Mariposa day in one more “sunshine sketch of a little town” – Orillia –the home town of a legend.

But for just over 4 minutes on the day after my 55th birthday with some good friends and my daughter sharing the day I was well and truly gobsmacked by yet another generous gesture from The Man.

videos - (the picture is lousy..sorry I hope someone else that was there posts some songs too) Close your eyes and listen.lol

YouTube- Gordon Lightfoot-I'll Tag Along-Mariposa/Orillia-7-2010.AVI - ITA
YouTube- Gordon Lightfoot - Beautiful-Mariposa/Orillia,Ontario-7-2010.AVI - Beautiful
YouTube- Gordon Lightfoot-If You Could Read My Mind -Mariposa-7-2010.AVI - IYCRMM
YouTube- Gordon Lightfoot-FineASFineCanBe-Mariposa-7-2010.AVI - Fine As Fine Can Be
YouTube- Gordon Lightfoot-DonQuixote-partial-Mariposa-7-2010.AVI - DQ - partial

[charlene]

Here's the Lightfoot guitar that was in the art installation:

[charlene]

photos at FLIKR (not taken by me)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_hayes/4787916077

[formerlylavender]

I just watched ITA...wow! That was so sweet of Gord to play it at all, but first song? He's the best. Thanks for posting the review and the videos.

[johnfowles]

My dear Ma'am Moderator
Firstly belated birthday wishes and I am so pleased that your day obviously lived up to your wild and wildest expectations
Secondly and apropos our earlier contretemps I must say that I sincerely appreciate and understand what your intentions were when you shared your 'stuff' about Mariposa. As usual you managed to make us feel that we had been there with you or at least behind your camera's lens in your moment of triumph even if the shaky video of ITA was atrocious!!

[charlene]

it really was atrocious wasn't it..thankfully the shaky hands didn't affect the sound!
lol

[Auburn Annie]

Char, I swear I could hear you hyperventilating while he sang, lol. SO happy for you!

[charlene]

yep - that was me...adds a special something to the tune dontcha think?
lolol

[Jesse Joe]

Here's the Lightfoot guitar that was in the art installation:

Great looking Lightfoot guitar thanks for posting it char.

[charlene]

pics @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/robinlphotos

[jj]

this will be tasty to consume, thanks A LOT, char! :)

yeah, love the I+S pics (and many more from that site) ...here is a Newland article if not already posted

http://blogs.canoe.ca/canoedossier/oh-canada/mariposa-minority-report-2/

[talbot10]

Great Summay Charzo! Happy for you that Gord did "I'll tag along" !
Bill

[charlene]

Hey Billyboy - practise up -you can do it for me in May..
;)

[charlene]

Lots of great pics at this site:
http://picasaweb.google.com/pmiller000/Mariposa2010#

[jj]

GREAT write up, char (and bonnie:)! you guys were real troopers and so nice of Brain to get you transported safely and unsoundly;)

i've learned that the campers (at all these type of festivals) really take over the staking of close up main stage lawn chair seating once they get there on Friday, hey but you guys witnessed history and thanks for those high res vids;)

i think Down By the Henry Moore would be Murray's most well-known tune...I'll bet his house has a ton of great guests and jams (his musical ties plus being married to Denise Donlan, music biz, power executress)

aint those picasa pics great...she also has some wee bits of video...did GL or Ian also do any workshops? i love this one with Sylvia, Murray and the adorable Serena Ryder (a paler version of Tracy Chapman)

http://picasaweb.google.com/pmiller000/MariposaVideos#5494167120809432610

you're not getting older, you're getting better (i made that up!;) ) and so are your birthdays...cheers and thanks again:clap::clap::clap:

[Miss B. Haven]

Several times it was as if I was seeing him as he looked on the original Lightfoot album cover! It must have been a trick of the lighting, or the way his hair lay or something, but it was truly surreal.

I wasn't at the concert but got the same surreal feeling when I saw the accompanying photo to this review

http://www.exclaim.ca/musicreviews/latestsub.aspx?csid1=145&csid2=870&fid1=48106

@ charlene - thanks for the re-cap. The ITA video gave me a lump in the throat. Happy belated birthday

[Jesse Joe]

Good looking stage with that interesting LOGO (http://www.corfid.com/vbb/attachment.php?attachmentid=3514&d=1279222171) in center which is probably the logo for Mariposa folk festival ? :redface:

[jj]

Good looking stage with that interesting LOGO (http://www.corfid.com/vbb/attachment.php?attachmentid=3514&d=1279222171) in center which is probably the logo for Mariposa folk festival ? :redface:

http://www.mariposafolk.com/index.php?show=logo_and_name

[Jesse Joe]

Ah yes indeed that is what I was presuming... tks Mr. jj ! :)

[Jesse Joe]

Now what about that Lightfoot guitar in the woods, is that Lake "Couchiching" we see behind ? Am I "two 4 two" here ?

http://www.corfid.com/vbb/attachment.php?attachmentid=3509&d=1279078438

[charlene]

yep - Lake Couchiching in the background...
I think I wrote about the Mariposa sun logo being designed by Ian Tyson and tghedn re-vamped with the winking eye a few years ago by Murray McLauchlan.
Mariposa means buttrfly in Spanish tho.
lol

[Jesse Joe]

Thanks for the info Char, that is most definitely a great spot for a 'Gordon Lightfoot fan' to spend a summers' day. :)

[charlene]

http://exclaim.ca/musicreviews/latestsub.aspx?csid1=140&csid2=870&fid1=48106

Mariposa Folk Festival featuring Gordon Lightfoot, Sylvia and Ian Tyson, Wooden Sky, Murray McLauchlin, Elliott Brood
Tudhope Park, Orillia ON July 9-11
By Joyanne van Laarhoven

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Mariposa Folk Festival, and the main stage lineup boasted many returning Canadiana folk icons, while the side stages were aglow with younger talent.

The Saturday set from Beyond the Pale was a tight mixture of Jewish folk, bluegrass and Balkan sounds. Their intricate rhythms and graceful sound was invigorating and refreshing. Later that afternoon, Sharon and Bram, minus Lois, gave a set that was infectious and so incredibly earnest that you could not help but get out of your seat to swoon. Saturday afternoon also featured some fine bluegrass and sweet finger-picking tunes from the eclectic Grass Mountain Hobos, while Catherine MacLellan played a set that sounded ethereal and pure.

Elliott Brood was a crowd pleaser: their folk rock offerings were raucous and tight. And Ohbijou and Zeus paired up for a breezy workshop on the Bohemian Embassy stage next to the waters of Lake Couchiching. The two bands melded amid a maze of instruments to create a soft and airy sound. Fittingly, Mariposa's artist in residence, Travis Shilling, had a workshop at Studio Point, which was only a few steps away from the Bohemian stage.

During the weekend, the music played by the many artists who graced the Bohemian stage intertwined with the creative pulse set by Shilling and the painters at Studio Point. This pulse seemed to work together in order to produce a rich and inspired atmosphere. Across the park, however, Saskatchewan's Little Miss Higgins, a pint-sized powerhouse, nearly raised the roof with her infectious charm and catchy tunes. The Deep Dark Woods played twangy, real, and gorgeously arranged sets all weekend that seemed to melt the hearts of the listeners. The Wooden Sky likewise brought a sense of authenticity to the stage; the narratives of their songs were certainly compelling.

Later Sunday afternoon, the Sultans of Swing ripped up the Pub tent in a workshop that also featured the Breakmen. Sunday night, however, slowly drew more and more people to the main stage as it was the night to tribute Mariposa's musical past: perhaps nothing pleased the crowd more than hearing Murray McLauchlin singing about that dusty old farmer and his old tractor wheel. Both Sylvia and Ian Tyson, in separate sets, put on solid performances. And surprise special guests Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor played songs that were smooth, pretty and tight.

Closing up the night was a weathered Gordon Lightfoot. While the volume may not have been quite right for Lightfoot, or perhaps it was the open nature of the large stage he played on, if you listened closely enough, you could still hear his magic as he quietly played on for the Sunshine City.

[T.G.]

Rick's got to chuck that godawful ponytail.

[jj]

I wasn't at the concert but got the same surreal feeling when I saw the accompanying photo to this review

http://www.exclaim.ca/musicreviews/latestsub.aspx?csid1=145&csid2=870&fid1=48106


it sure is a nice angle

[jj]

Rick's got to chuck that godawful ponytail.

well, it used to be a ponytail, now it's a mane

[lighthead2toe]

HE DID IT!!!!!!!
He did I'll Tag Along!
first song! walked out on stage all by his lonesome with his geetar and sang it!!

more later.

off to bed...

:)
:)
:)

Wow, this is amazing Char. It must have been a surreal moment for sure. Wish I could have been there.

Thanks for the most comprehensive coverage of events as they happen.

I've been extremely busy and not kept up as I usually do but I'm taking a breather for the month of Sept. to relax and visit friends and family in Ontario.

Cheers,

RJ.

[charlene]

YouTube- Tyson-4 StrongWinds-Mariposa-7-2010.AVI - Tyson

YouTube- Murray McLauchlan-FarmersSong-Mariposa-7-2010.AVI - Murray McLauchlan

[Wheels]

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

[curiousmoonbeam]

Thank you, Char. This is all fabulous! Ian & Sylvia are my #2 favorites. I'm currently listening to Sylvia's "The Very Best of Sylvia Tyson" - for some reason a summer cd for me along with Carly Simon's "Reflections". I've always thought of Sylvia as a complete 50% of that duo with her strong voice and knowledge of the ancient folk songs. Her voice is still pretty strong. Would give anything to have been there! Gord is always #1 of course and so appreciated hearing his song for you - what an emotional event. I appreciate so much all of your work on this site keeping us all up to date with so much information. Just got my tickets for the Oct 7 concert in Sewell, NJ - amazingly close to my home - haven't been to two concerts in one year for some time and am so looking forward to possibly getting another autograph. Thanks again!
CM

[charlene]

It was really special to hear Ian. I've always loved his voice. I enjoyed a few tunes that Sylvia sang (someday soon, river road) but am generally not a huge fan of the female voice ... but when she came out and sang with Ian it was truly a 'moment' for everyone.
Her work with Quartette is nice-this is a Christmas show they did - http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20081214qrtet
She did this song at Mariposa - written in response to the Prime Minister's cuts to the arts: YouTube- Sylvia Tyson, Bohemian Embassy Revival lots of stuff at youtube.
thanks for thanks!
Enjoy the concert! - it will be the night before the Letterman show airs!

[charlene]

It was really special to hear Ian. I've always loved his voice. I enjoyed a few tunes that Sylvia sang (someday soon, river road) but am generally not a huge fan of the female voice ... but when she came out and sang with Ian it was truly a 'moment' for everyone.
Her work with Quartette is nice-this is a Christmas show they did - http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20081214qrtet
She did this song at Mariposa - written in response to the Prime Minister's cuts to the arts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8Tb7DaOExY lots of stuff at youtube.
thanks for thanks!
Enjoy the concert! - it will be the night before the Letterman show airs!

[charlene]

Here's some photos of Ian and Sylvia taken by a friend who is a fabulous photographer - James Dean. He got some wonderful shots!

[Jesse Joe]

Wonderful shots is correct ! :)

[jj]

it really was atrocious wasn't it
lol

lol. here is a pretty clear (and steady:) ) clip

YouTube- Four Strong Winds, Ian and Sylvia Tyson, a Mariposa 2010 moment

[charlene]

geeze - it was obvious that Ian would come back out and sing 4 Strong Winds...he shoulda had his camera ready!
steady or not!
lol

[charlene]

Murray McLauchlan - two beautiful songs: Sunshine and Shadows (War Song) and Please Don't Wake Me Up.

http://www.youtube.com/user/cedartravis#p/u/3/3vVloW_y5gg

http://www.youtube.com/user/cedartravis#p/a/u/2/uK8yjmNDyiI

[curiousmoonbeam]

This is just great! Youtube is wonderful - all that we need is time! I am so looking forward to the Oct 7 concert. Thanks for taking the time to post these!!

CM

[charlene]

pics are up at Mariposa site: http://www.mariposafolk.com/index.php?show=16&gid=138

[charlene]

The woman behind the "Guitars on Parade" is Orillia's Citizen of The Year.
congrats to Leslie Fournier! Her next project sounds amazing too.
http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2911365
Fournier city's best
Local News
By SARA ROSS, THE PACKET & TIMES
Updated 3 days ago

Leslie FournierSEANNA KREAGER Submitted photo - at link

From her Mississaga Street storefront window, shop owner Leslie Fournier dreamed of a vibrant downtown Orillia, bustling with people.

Tapping into the talent of local artists, Fournier began the Festival of Banners, which grew into a Streets Alive! celebration and this past spring, she rolled out Guitars on Parade. Fifty-seven-foot-tall guitar sculptures adorned Mississaga Street all summer, attracting residents and tourists into the core.

For bringing life to downtown Orillia, Fournier has been named Orillia's 2010 Citizen of the Year.
Fournier was nominated by Susan and Bruce Waite, Gini Stringer and Bill Cook.

"Through the Festival of Banners, and this year, the Guitars on Parade, Leslie's group has given the downtown a renewed vibrancy. For six months, these giant and colourful guitars were the talk of Lake Country. Leslie has captured and captivated the spirit of Orillia's arts community, which grows in size and stature every year," the Waites wrote in their nomination letter. "She has added greatly to the promotion of Orillia as a "must-visit" destination.

Fournier, who owns Jack and Maddy A Kids' Store, founded the Festival of Banners in 2007.

In the inaugural event, 150 banners depicting the Sunshine City through the eyes of people who live here, hung from down-t ow n street posts for all to admire.

"This caught on beyond the wildest dreams of some — exactly as Leslie had imagined it would — and could — and should be," the Waites wrote.

Through the successful banner festival, Fournier created Streets Alive! in 2009. The event is an annual weekend-long celebration of art and entertainment to kick off the annual Festival of Banners.

The most amazing aspect of Fournier's dream is the way she keeps the festival funded, wrote Cook.

"She does it not by begging the city for funding, but by hustling sponsorships to get the ball rolling and then after the mission is complete, she organizes an auction to raise more money to make the next year even more eventful."

Pleased with the success of Guitars on Parade last summer, Fournier's next endeavour will be themed Sixty Sails.

The concept is similar to Guitars on Parade, in that the sculptures will be painted by local artists. But the new project is expected to be bigger and better -- bigger, for sure.

Each sailboat sculpture will be about eight-feet tall (a foot taller than the guitars) and there will be 60 of them (10 more than the guitars).

"Leslie is as vibrant and brilliant as the guitars themselves," Stringer wrote. "Leslie Fournier is a thinker, a visionary, an innovator, and definitely, a doer! Our community is blessed to have her as one of our citizens."

In closing, Cook wrote "Leslie is an amazing inspiration to all, that where there is a will, there is a way."

sross@orilliapacket.com

[charlene]

pics: http://lauraproctorphotography.smugmug.com/Photography/Music/16197862_9jmsgr#!i=1229439722&k=t6Q4Dd2