The Amazing May Massing and the Pub Jam Sandwich [Archive]

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lighthead2toe

11-25-2010, 04:57 PM

Hey Folks.

We're on for Friday, May 27th/2011 between 2 and 4:30PM for a pub jam session at MeVeigh's Pub, located right downtown Toronto in the midst of the hotel district and a stone's throw from Massey Hall during the Gord concerts. Arrright!!

So, start saving yer nickels now and join us to experience the ultimate for any Gordon Lightfoot fan, and that is to see him perform live at Massey Hall in his hometown of Toronto.

This year we narrowed it down to just the one pub jam session mainly because it is such a beautiful time of year in Ontario and many folks would probably want to see as much of the country as they can while there. No doubt there will be sing songs in hangdawg hotel rooms etc. and we'll be sure to do it up real nice.

Hopefully we'll have some of the folks we see here on Corfid who can make it and will come forward and offer their talents on stage. We sure have some very talented ones amongst us.

As usual, the "Gord Guitars" will be there for the sharing (the Gibson B45 twelve string and the Martin D18 six string), lots of capos, strings etc.

Now first you must indulge me,
Count from one to ten,
Let the game begin.

Cheers,

RJ.

charlene

11-25-2010, 05:11 PM

Yay RJ!!
6 months to go!

More details/reminders about the pilgrimmage to the Church of Gord in Toronto in May 2011 will be sent out when details are finalised.

Can't wait!!

brink-

11-26-2010, 08:03 AM

Thanks Ron!! I can't wait, I love the jam sessions. I shall practice my hand clapping as to be in tip top shape as the professional audience member :)

lighthead2toe

11-26-2010, 01:16 PM

Excellent brink!
I remember well last time when you came in with Melissa in tow.I was great to see you both again.
The place sure lit up when she got up there and sang for us.
Sort of like a rose among all those thorns.
A repeat of that performance would be really great. Maybe you can have a word with her.
RJ.

11-26-2010, 01:32 PM

I remember well last time when you came in with Melissa in tow.I was great to see you both again.
The place sure lit up when she got up there and sang for us.
Sort of like a rose among all those thorns.

this fine moment was just like a Gord concert, complete with audience chatter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5J5EscDmSI

and from the time before, a little montage, kicked off by the master himself:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKU8iNpPyLQ&feature=related

...as for hangdog hotel jamming, there's No Hotel that still welcomes us, lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoInhVZ4dC4

mega-thanks for all you and char do, rj...i think i'm in town for the Thrs show

charlene

11-26-2010, 01:35 PM

mega-thanks for all you and char do, rj...i think i'm in town for the Thrs show

and you better be there on friday for a tune or two..

11-26-2010, 01:43 PM

would love to hear em all:)

i head further north west for kid pickup at 2:45 at earliest...last year I got into town at 4:25 Thrs and pulled out my vid cam and only caught this (but a fine moment...and i'm not exaggerating when i say "moment"!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA3bNs_xhpQ

and Fri made it by 4:10...i'm trying to free up Sat aft...maybe some can head out

good health to Gord and the boys til then...countdown on:)

charlene

11-26-2010, 01:57 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wGXnoG0aZk&feature=&p=1E486F6DF0E3E7A0&index=0&playnext=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13LzQ8wNEa0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQR1uBo7J1Q&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X59V90qwWPI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E7095Cg_lo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1N22_9_SUA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe_HsT-b-aA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt7vop3LZeE&feature=related

lots of others at Dan's youtube site..

brink-

11-27-2010, 03:05 AM

T.G.

11-28-2010, 01:18 AM

Sounds like a blast, and a good idea to have just the one session. See yas there ...

Melissa

11-28-2010, 02:17 AM

Wow - what great videos!

OK, I'm in!

Melissa :)

lighthead2toe

11-28-2010, 03:48 PM

Great news Melissa. I can hear that sweet voice already!

This should generate interest in our circle of talented Lightfoot fans to come on board and join us for a nice comfortable afternoon gathering where come to sing.

RJ.

lighthead2toe

11-28-2010, 03:52 PM

Sounds like a blast, and a good idea to have just the one session. See yas there ...

Thanks TG.

Hope you'll have your bass in tow. It will be good to see you again.

RJ.

lighthead2toe

11-28-2010, 03:57 PM

What was Lisa's little boy friends name? He was certainly a cutie! Maybe he can bring his guitar to the pub jam next year.

JJ I sure hope you can work something out for sometime off during Gord Week. It should would be great to visit with you without it being a rush for you.

Hi brink. His name is Seamus. He plays his guitar and he also has a huge harmonica that he is learning to play. He calls me "Granpa Jones."
Maybe his folks will come by and tag him along.

charlene

11-28-2010, 10:54 PM

Famous Seamus - what a cutie..

11-28-2010, 11:58 PM

Famous Seamus - what a cutie..

just great shots, three generations (Ron, Liam, Seamus)

i heard Kenny on radio dialogue (CFRB) recently...doing so well in all walks of life...if you're out there, KW, let's get the cover off that Steinway (i'm making that "call me" sign)

debbo, we can work it out, we can work it out...hey, glad all's well, Mel:)

brink-

11-29-2010, 01:36 AM

Famous Seamus - what a cutie..

Ah yes, famous Seamus and a small shot of Stanley too...bonus!! He ws very interested in Lisa, but still shy enough he wanted to stay at arm's length. He'll be buskin' soon like Grandpa Jones!

brink-

11-29-2010, 01:38 AM

I am so ready for Massey!!

charlene

11-29-2010, 10:16 AM

All the kids love Lisa..

I'm hoping Kenyon and Johanna make it to Hugh's in January..
I think RJ will..he's off to The Rock for a fab birthday this week- his mum is 95 - same b.d. as his grand-daughter Zaira (Liam's daughter) I think she's around 6 now..

Kenyon

11-29-2010, 05:54 PM

I'll be there Char! And so will Johanna. Oh, and thanks for the nod, JJ, re: CFRB. It's so good to hear that there are people out there listening! It's a fun show to do, but I've always wondered if we ever get any listeners!

charlene

11-29-2010, 07:20 PM

got your seats booked at Hugh's?? What night?

Hangdog

11-30-2010, 01:00 AM

Oh yes ...gonna be there for sure Ron Jones. Lets see if we can keep the place longer before and after the concert maybe. Close the place.

john s.

brink-

11-30-2010, 04:34 PM

I can not find Kenyon listed on the CFRB site - when is he on, it says I can listen live.

Kenyon

11-30-2010, 07:30 PM

Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

charlene

11-30-2010, 07:39 PM

Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

http://www.newstalk1010.com/hosts/assignment.aspx

brink-

12-01-2010, 02:42 AM

Sundays 5:30 - I am there!!!

12-01-2010, 03:06 AM

Lets see if we can keep the place longer before and after the concert maybe.

4:30 to 6:30 sounds cool (boost their dinner food sales to corfidians too)

we closed the place once...was deaf the following 2 days (amp volume @ 11) YouTube - McVeigh's Irish Rovers EMR (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pjprcjYhUk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL)

deb, you can do some pre-show reading prep, so you can get in on T.O. topics
http://twitter.com/kenyonwallace
:)

..

charlene

12-01-2010, 08:44 AM

follow him @ http://www.nationalpost.com/search/index.html?q=kenyon%20wallace - previous columns

and @ www.nationalpost.com

12-01-2010, 10:27 PM

Wow - what great videos!

forgot about this slide show/montage...thanks to a variety of folks for the pics

YouTube - Massey Hall - May 2008 Montage

brink-

12-03-2010, 02:41 PM

Nice memories JJ, thanks!

12-07-2010, 11:50 AM

thanks deb:) i wish i could recall the pic takers...char? dan? lori? yes, lori!:)

charlene

12-07-2010, 12:23 PM

It's so great to watch that again and I'm thankful that you have the talent to turn pictures and videos that others have so graciously shared and turn them into such great montages...
I watch the old FOL video from 2001 and am thankful for having found so many people who are uber fans and that have remained such an important part of my life, not only here as "net people" but as personal friends as well.
An admiration for the talents of Gordon Lightfoot have taken us on a magical journey, learning about each other through our shared experiences with and about Lightfoot over the years.
Here's to Massey in May 2011 (and a new video!) and the rest of the 2011 concerts that many will attend in Canada and the U.S.

12-09-2010, 05:10 PM

nice words, char...is that Sun article about you and the net crazies;) still online?

the best footage on FOL is right off the bat with Lisa walking toward the lens!

btw, i just found the pic credits from 2008:

char
paul (check out "aplacetohideaway" channel for sharron's A1 pics & edits:))
donnie
cathy
kathyk

all i did was crop/treat/filters on many then find an appropriate RH recording

charlene

12-09-2010, 05:43 PM

Net Crazies - so apropos, oui?

geeze it was 5 years ago yesterday..wowza..time flies!

For those who have never seen it: I'll share it again..it's about The Net People! and our favourit guy with a guitar..

(Please note - Mike bestowed the title in the piece on me when he and the photographer came to my home to chat and I politely asked him NOT to put it in the column...)

Mike Strobel
Thu, December 8, 2005

Fans happy to see Gordon Lightfoot

By MIKE STROBEL

On that awful night, Char Westbrook has a ticket for GG-23 in the right balcony of the Orillia Opera House.

But it will be three years before she takes her seat.

She and other Lightheads mill about in the warm dusk of Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002, waiting for the doors to open.

When they do, it is a concert hall staffer.

"Mr. Lightfoot is ill," he says.

Soon, TVs have shots of medivac choppers and stretchers and doctors saying dire things.

And the Land of the Lightheads topples into shock.

First, let's go back to 1971.

Charlene Westbrook, 15, is in her room in Etobicoke. She has the blues. Boyfriend troubles.

She tunes her transistor to CHUM.

If you could read my mind love

What a tale my thoughts could tell

"I was hooked," Char Westbrook, 50, tells me in the study of her Whitby home.

Photos, autographs, mags, ticket stubs, all 20 albums. Even the 45 rpm she rushed out to buy in 1971. Lightfoot signed it on her 45th birthday backstage at Mariposa.

Back to that dreadful September night in '02. When Char gets home from Orillia, the Lightheads were waiting by their computers for her usual concert report.

She is moderator of corfid.com, where some of Gordon Lightfoot's most loyal fans hang out.

That night, her report is all bad news.

Any real Canadian knows the story:

Lightfoot stricken as he gets ouf of his car for a sound check at the opera house. Stomach aneurysm. Evac to Hamilton. Surgery. Six weeks of coma.

Stunning comeback. Rehab. New album, Harmony.

Benefit concert for the hospital that saved him, McMaster. Return to Massey Hall, the Church of Gord, Char calls it.

One helluva ride for the Lightheads. Worse than the booze years.

The Net People, Gordie calls them.

Charlene is their queen.

They hold conventions for every Massey Hall gig and come from around the world. They tour Orillia, where Lightfoot once sang soprano in the church choir. One year, they barbecued at Char's place, jammed with guitars in her basement.

Some have found love. A fan from Britain wed a Jersey gal. The Lightheads gave them a quilt with Lightfoot themes. Gord signed the middle square.

Some Lightheads remember what they wore for their first concert. Some can tell what song is next just by how Lightfoot rests his fingers on the strings.

"I keep old CHUM charts with his songs on them," Char says. "How pathetic is that?"

Pathetic? No. Passionate.

And I know that you will never stray

Cause ya been that way from day to day

For such a long, long time

Char sends him cards for his birthday (67 last month) and Christmas. No more Get Well cards, thank goodness.

Last Saturday, this one icy, she finally takes her seat, GG-23 in the right balcony, for Lightfoot's make-good concert.

"Sorry I'm late," says Gordie, and sashes into Spanish Moss.

Let go darlin'

I can feel the night wind call

Later, Rainy Day People, for the local docs and nurses. Triangle, Cotton Jenny, Carefree Highway. Is there a greater folk playlist in Canada than Lightfoot's? Or in the world?

Sundown gets Char's attention. Sexier, sultrier than usual.

"It's the music of our lives," says Char.

And as Canadian as wind on a lonely lake.

"Gord didn't go Hollywood. He didn't take the money and run. He stayed true to being a Canadian."

The illness scared all Lightheads.

"I used to think he'd always be there. That I could keep driving down the Don Valley to Massey Hall, buy his CDs, enjoy his songs.

"Now I know how important it is."

In the dark of the Orillia Opera House, Char scribbles pages of notes as the old man sings, for her report to the world's Lightheads.

She puts down her pen for If You Could Read My Mind. Older, wiser and more gravelly than when she first heard it. But note-perfect.

"You're back," she says. "You're home."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• You can call Mike Strobel at (416) 947-2265 or e-mail at mike.strobel@tor.sunpub.com

charlene

12-09-2010, 05:49 PM

James - your piecing together of the videos and pics for the FOL 2001 was remarkable, paired with the music you added it makes me tear up every time I watch it..Lisa was the young'un back then and she still is! So wwonderful to have such a tangible keepsake made from shared memories.
so sweet...

12-16-2010, 10:16 PM

piecing together of the videos and pics for the FOL 2001

char, remember how WMG wouldn't allow the original music to part 1? (it was the segue from the actual TLFP recording into the 'jam version' that clinched it i suppose, agh

anyhow, i've used audioswap to insert a fave old, recognizable piece (note: NOT my performance) that actually works nicely in places, imo...it reminds me of when folks were having their silent home movie films transferred to vhs with random music added w/slo mo effect, to boot

http://www.youtube.com/user/opus62?feature=mhum#p/u/12/7Kllwa5ivAI

it's also 'almost' the right length for Part 1 ... however it's also disheartening without the actual audio in so many spots ... i especially love that derek and matt and phone call segment ...am glad that the actual master exists here and there

man o' man, that was 114 months ago... anyhow, onward:)

Cathy

12-17-2010, 12:09 AM

Wow. I haven't seen that video in such a long time. Brought back a bunch of good memories.

Cathy

12-17-2010, 12:38 AM

anyhow, i've used audioswap to insert a fave old, recognizable piece (note: NOT my performance) that actually works nicely in places

jj,

Why the somber music ? Refresh my memory.......what is the title of that piece ?

12-17-2010, 05:45 AM

jj,

what is the title of that piece ?

oh, that's Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (btw, if any haven't seen the film Immortal Beloved, i would say it's time well spent...speaking of somber)

our good man, Dave can help you along on keys, he's even sporting a festive tie

YouTube - How to Play the Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven on Piano - Tutorial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd7Dw3pDuHs&feature=related)

i love his comments and chord notation...to heck with all those dots and clefs

re: 1st question, i just picked a song length that more or less matched the video length, previously there was no sound because youtube police axed the originally blended Too Late For Prayin track (plus the rest of the 'jam' audio)....but TLFP is also also quite somber, eh...maybe it's my nature but i do counter it with some bubbliness (that's a word) on the outside

i guess i could have used CYC but i was saving that for the E(nemies)OL video...that one will be very short, and more likely, non-existent:cool:

but the good news is that Part2 and 3 are uncensored and have the original audio, starting with Cathy's warm version of ROD...rich vocal and guitar tones!

anyhow, that was an analog project...Dan & Sir John :kiss: will be all digital in '11

charlene

12-17-2010, 08:47 AM

what if you posted the original video/original music at VIMEO or another video site that's available now? Would that matter?

12-18-2010, 11:28 AM

oh, i don't have that on the hard drive any longer...i digitized it from the vhs (now back buried in the basement 'hoards', lol) last year and posted in segments... when they stripped the audio from part 1, i noted the members who expressed interest in the thread and then uploaded the original to some LARGE file (i think it was 60 MB) sharing utility site and contacted each one by pm...they seemed to enjoy it

i imagine vimeo and those others are also monitored but the audio might survive a few days longer than it did at youtube

char, i hope you finally got a 'vhs digitizing' device for your own 'hoards'? lol

you could always use the jessie joe (his youtube channel now has zero uploads, eh... ya think he got an EMP scolding, perhaps and it boycotting corfid as a result? we hope he's well) technique of taking one's digital camera and aiming at the tv screen as you play your vhs tapes...innovative

charlene

12-18-2010, 11:35 AM

I haven't got one of thos digitizing devices yet...just the thought of so many tapes to convert paralyzes me..

2silent2breal

01-09-2011, 07:45 PM

Wow, this sounds like an incredible time and something I would truly love to do. However, since my youngest son graduates from high school on the 28th. a trip to Toronto is not in the offing this year. Maybe in 2012 with an empty nest, we will find our way to join in.

brink-

01-09-2011, 09:39 PM

2silent2breal

01-10-2011, 09:22 AM

Again, a couple of nights sounds great, but lots of family coming in that week. I would be looking for a new job, and likely a new wife if I left that week.

lighthead2toe

01-21-2011, 02:02 PM

Had a pint (or maybe two) of Guinness with Paul McVeigh yesterday and he's given us the green light to tag on an extra hour and one half plus he will try and book the same band they had last time for some Gord tunes after the Massey concerts. The pub is just a stone's throw form Massey Hall.
So the pub jam will start at 2PM and run till 5:30PM, Friday, May 27th. All aboard!
RJ.

lighthead2toe

02-08-2011, 03:12 PM

Hi friends,
Well, interest in the pub jam is heating up and it looks like a fun time is in store for us all.
Emails are coming in regarding the format etc. and it seems that the "open mike" has worked ok in the past although please feel free to send along a private email for suggestions.
Once we have a scope on the numbers and the tunes folks have in mind, we'll work things out.
Simply "accentuate on the positive."
"Love the ones who care to love, be a friend to those in need, and help the weary traveler in the night,
Forgetting not the wasted soul, the beggar man, the con man and the widow and the orphan in the street."
(RJ borrowing from GL)

BILLW

02-09-2011, 05:07 PM

Well I think we'll be rolling into town jus' in time. I do needs to see one of these jam things before I can say my life's list is complete. Hope to see you all there.

Bill :)

lighthead2toe

02-10-2011, 12:37 AM

Hey Bill.
It will be great to have you there with us.

Having read through your posts and they no doubt reveal very much the same sentiment that is most prevalent here regarding your appreciation of the the works of Gordon Lightfoot, I'm quite comfortable in saying that you're in for a real up close and personal adventure.

The folks who come to this gig are there for an afternoon of socializing in an atmosphere of music and song and connect with many of the same like minded posters who we correspond with here on this site.

The mike is open, and sometimes an opportunity like this is all that is required for that aspiring Gordon Lightfoot fan; that is to climb up there in a non intimidating atmosphere, take that very first initial step up to the mike, and share with us what guys like me once aspired to share with others in an earlier day.

The legend lives on.
RJ.

brink-

02-11-2011, 09:10 AM

lighthead2toe

02-11-2011, 03:04 PM

Will do brink.

I'll send the thread along to Paul. He'll need to know what's happening as regards to the approximate number of folks to expect etc. so he can staff the pub adequately.

A fun time is in store for all.

RJ.

02-12-2011, 12:54 PM

ron, i think you should be hosting a weekly Ed Sullivanesque show, what a vibe

are any videotaping for a group keepsake? i believe Dan (any others?) has done and shared for all in the past...i've occasionally caught bits and pieces from the back of the room...it's been a challenge to get there and parked before 4pm

ron, would all be plugged into the PA, if so, is there an audio output for sound capture?

lighthead2toe

02-13-2011, 02:31 PM

Hey jj, you are too kind.
I'm a student of David Newland, the guy who hosts the Tribute Shows at Hugh's Room. He's my mentor but he wouldn't know it unless he reads this.
A whole new world opening up here. (just in a good mood today following a relatively good night's sleep)

But videotaping etc.?
So far nothing official, but all are welcome, like the CBC, Toronto Star, all aspiring video folks. We won't discriminate, and we sure would love your participation, that is on stage, on camera, or just being there.
We'll have to figure out a way to get you there for the complete gig. Maybe a payoff to your boss and babysitter. Will work on that as the date approaches.

Re- the sound output etc.
Paul lets us use the house PA and we just plug into it. I usually secure a recruit (aid) to help me with that end of things as I'm not much of a sound guy (the call is out guys).
Will try and get more info from Paul re the capacity of the system.

T.G.

02-17-2011, 03:37 AM

02-17-2011, 12:29 PM

Well I've got over three months to arrange the bass lines, hopefully add some bottom end here and there to the tunes ... if we're in the same key!

oh, is there a McVeigh song list with key signatures? or are all playing in Gord's keys? i think Mel has 'custom fit' capo positioning, any others?

please share if so, maybe can add some strings (on keys, although what i'd give to play a real cello or viola) if the cards are aligned...it would be a hack, adlib arrangement and hardly audible, unlike my heavy handed (that's what my family calls it anyhow, lol) piano attack

rj, yer too kind also...i can think of a good video setup spot...near left speaker there is that close up bench seat or by the 'pole' (assuming char's not got it reserved for dancing, lol)

...btw, we dont' have and 'solid' local babysitters...our only group of neighbours are basically widows who begin sipping the sherry at about 11am, it's sad.... atleast i wait til noon! :)

will figure something out...just the right blend of planning and spontaneity..and if i can't make it, i trust mr fowles or danno will have their trusty counter-KOAS Shoe Phone/cam technology rolling and then prepped for broadcast soon thereafter

T.G.

02-18-2011, 01:30 AM

oh, is there a McVeigh song list with key signatures? or are all playing in Gord's keys? i think Mel has 'custom fit' capo positioning, any others?

That's what we gotta figure out!

lighthead2toe

02-18-2011, 12:50 PM

It's great to see the enthusiasm factor kicking in guys.

I'll start the ball rolling by putting together my potential list with the key I do the songs in and send it along in a private email and hopefully others who would like to have bass accompaniment will follow.

It sure is a plus having that nice cool bottom end rollin' along in those tunes. Reminds me of the sound Gord had in the "Early Morning Rain" days.
RJ.

charlene

02-18-2011, 12:59 PM

I remember when Gord used to introduce Rick and his 'walking bass' in certain songs and Rick would take a walk...lol

longevitydrugstore

02-21-2011, 05:28 AM

Happy Week End everyone and enjoy by posting and share with individual opinion in this forum God Bless all PipZ

T.G.

02-22-2011, 09:56 PM

lighthead2toe

04-24-2011, 07:51 PM

Hi Friends.
The days are quickly moving by and before we know it the pendulum will be swinging and time will be at hand for us to pull out those instruments and crank out a few tunes.

Just a heads up for the folks traveling:
The transit system is Toronto is very good. As an example, it's possible to travel from the Toronto Airport to anywhere in the city for just one fare. Info is available at: ttc.ca.

Also from past experience traveling, especially by air, it's wise to boost the immune system to help ward off illness. Pharmacists could provide the best advice for this.
I have found that "Cold FX" works very well for me.
When I flew to Ottawa in March there were lots of flu bugs etc. around and luckily I managed to get by without catching anything.
If anyone needs help with anything please send me a private email and we'll work it out.

Cheers,

RJ.

BILLW

04-26-2011, 05:08 AM

Thanks for all the work you put into this RJ. It seems that those of us who just plan on listening have it pretty easy. See y'all soon.

Bill :)

lighthead2toe

04-28-2011, 12:19 PM

Thank you Bill for your kind words.

It's the kind of work that has a similarity in what we talked about in an earlier post on this thread regarding taking that important first initial step up to the mike.

It all seems to become more enjoyable. I guess in a way, a sort of addiction.

But having our audience there is of the utmost importance. An audience will always know first hand when things are working and when they aren't, and entertainers sometimes, unfortunately underestimate their audience.

So I guess the point I'm trying to make is having you there "just listening" is part of that "utmost importance." And of course you will be traveling a long way to get there as well and that alone takes lots of work.

See you there,

RJ.

05-08-2011, 09:25 AM

It's great to see the enthusiasm factor kicking in guys.

I'll start the ball rolling by putting together my potential list with the key I do the songs in
RJ.

Hi Ron
Let us know when you have relocated

Also could you post the list of all songs by those who are appearing?
The keys would be nice but titles more of interest as time moves along.

You are truly a coast to coaster! Be well. J

charlene

05-08-2011, 12:30 PM

I just got a call from our wandering minstrel...he's safely home in Ontario now!

05-08-2011, 01:29 PM

I just got a call from our wandering minstrel...he's safely home in Ontario now!

Thx:) When he finally settles in the canadian arctic he will have all the nation's corners covered:)

lighthead2toe

05-09-2011, 10:42 AM

Hi Friends.

Aurora, the home town of Red Shea is a town that really makes one feel totally "home."

After being on the road since May1st from Vancouver in my old 95 Chevy Lumina mini van, packed to capacity as only one with a "pack rat" mentality can achieve, yesterday I pulled into the driveway of my son, Greg who has a home he's offered to share with me till I get settled.
After we unloaded with the skillful help of my 5 year old grandson, Aiden, then a cup of tea and a snack we decided to take a bicycle ride around the town.
I managed to fit my 21 speed mountain bike in after making a few minor adjustments, like pulling off the front wheel before I cold make it fit. I hate having to to that just as much as I hate having to find a parking spot for the van if I go downtown anywhere.

It was a beautiful spring day in Ontario, with full sun and the early morning chill giving way to the dead heat of mid day and then cooling down as evening set in.
Aurora has everything to offer and I decided after a close look that it's the place where I want to live. I really love Aurora and want to make it my home.
I just have to convince my gal, Marian from the mountains to join me here.

Life has many different twists and turns, Gord only knows, so we move on to a new era and the focus now is our our pub jam and the Massey concerts. How could you top that?

This time we are working on a package to help make the pub jam a real fun time for all and there are a few emails coming through and as the requested information comes I will ensure it gets back to all.
Being an "open mike" thing it no doubt will have an element of excitement and basically it's always a learning process for me. We'll give it our best shot!

Cheers,

RJ.

T.G.

05-11-2011, 12:55 AM

Welcome to Aurora, Ron. Glad you're finding it home.

05-11-2011, 01:29 PM

Emails are coming in regarding the format etc. and it seems that the "open mike" has worked ok in the past although please feel free to send along a private email for suggestions.
Once we have a scope on the numbers and the tunes folks have in mind, we'll work things out.

Ron, glad to hear you are comfy in the new community, nice stuff

do you know the tunes folks (who've been contacting you) have in mind? keys?

cheers
J

lighthead2toe

05-13-2011, 09:51 AM

Thanks guys for your kind welcoming words. It's so good to be here again and I'm anxious to get moving as "I got a lota livin' to do."

Yesterday I took my van to my son's mechanic to have it checked out, after having driven it 5000 km and "all is well." The mechanic tells me he also serviced Red Shea's car.
He told me he really enjoyed it when Red came by. He said something to the effect that he was the kind of guy who would "make you laugh and bend your ear." Wow!

Also Marian has decided to come down from the mountains and join me here for a new life in the warm comfort of the beautiful Province of Ontario. Guess I've made my peace where highways never end.

Yesterday's a memory but I'll still have to return to Vancouver after the shows and wind things down there and hopefully when we return we can find a suitable place to live and settle here in Aurora. It's a place that's close to my family as well.

But now back to the pub jam, songs, keys and all-a that Zen.

So JJ, now that my IMAC is all fired up I can send you off an email with what I have so far, and maybe if possible we can connect for a "pre pub jam prep session." That would be cool.
My guitar collection survived the journey totally intact. In fact the B45 was still totally in tune.
I'll tell ya--that John Laroque guy at Ring Music in Toronto is one specialist when it comes to setting Gibson B 45's.

Back to work now as today is again a beautiful spring day, the cardinals are singing and there's still a few windows left to clean. All is well.

Cheers,

RJ.

lighthead2toe

05-18-2011, 10:23 AM

Hello again friends.

It's hard to find the right words to describe just how overwhelming it feels to be here again in Ontario and to have that feeling combining with all these wonderful events that are happening with the upcoming concerts and all. I really am very lucky and very thankful.

A thought occurred to me that we should make a mention of the parking situation re McVeigh's pub.
A Google search of McVeigh's pub can help with directions etc.
I honestly do hate parking downtown, but....
Anyway, the pub's location is on the southwest corner of Church and Richmond Streets and Richmond is a one way street. It runs from east to west.
There is a parking lot next door to the pub on the south side of Richmond St. and that's where I usually park. There are other parking lots as well close by.
Richmond Street can be entered from either Church, Jarvis, or other streets which run north and south and are East of the pub.
As rates go with downtown parking in most big cities it's a tad pricey. Sometimes it's best to go with just the "flat rate" for the day. Most parking lots take credit cards but a few coins close at hand might be good.
I'll be online regularly to help "If you Need Me."

Cheers,

RJ.

charlene

05-18-2011, 11:02 AM

If it is a nice day the walk is not far and takes about 30 minutes or less from the area of Massey/Yonge and Shuter.
I sent along a map with my last e-mail to attendees with locations of hotels/massey/eaton centre/pub etc. If it's rainy and folks don't have a car it's not to pricey for a cab ride..

BILLW

05-19-2011, 10:09 AM

Wow - sounds great. Thanks for the map Char and thanks again for all your planning Ron, seeing you folks play together has been on my to-do list for a long time now. (since I somehow missed the trip to jjs place when we were in Hamilton) Now "God Willing and the creek don't rise" we'll see you all next Friday.

Bill :)

charlene

05-19-2011, 10:25 AM

I missed that trip out to JJ's place too!
It hasn't rained today...and it's getting warmer...keep yer fingers corssed and your wellies and brollies handy tho!

T.G.

05-26-2011, 09:38 PM

Well tune up yer guitars and get ready to drink yer glasses empty. Unfortunately, the forecast is calling for rainshowers, but it's sure to be warm and dry inside McVeigh's with good music and friends. Working feverishly here to arrange some bass lines ... I have more admiration for Rick Haynes after this.

T.G.

05-28-2011, 11:31 AM

Well a tip of the hat to all the fine performers who graced the stage at McVeigh's for the traditional pub jam. Hope the shaky bass playing didn't mess anyone up too much. Nice to see some audio and video recording taking place; perhaps we'll get to enjoy some highlights in the near future. Time to start rehearsing for November 2012 hehe ...

lighthead2toe

05-28-2011, 12:17 PM

A big thank you to all the fine players who came by to help make the pub jam a fun afternoon for all who could attend.
The room was full for the most part and for me it was, as always a "natural high" complimented of course with the odd pint of McVeigh's finest poured pint of Guinness.
Hope everyone enjoyed our show and TG, the bass was just fine. It kicked in I remember during Ed Mullen's fine rendition of Early Morning Rain and just fit right in there perfect.
Time now to get ready for the dinner and final Massey Hall performance of Gordon Lightfoot in concert for this round.
Cheers,
RJ.