Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Here we are into the joyous month of June so the ball is rolling to get our traditional pub jam event in place to celebrate the Gordon Lightfoot Massey Hall concerts, June, 2018
The venue is McVeigh's Pub on the southwest corner of Church and Richmond Streets in downtown Toronto.
We'll get things underway Saturday, June 30th at 2PM and wind down around 5PM giving folks a bit of time to ready themselves for the Saturday night concert just around the corner at Massey Hall. Lots of restaurants close by and McVeigh's has a food menu as well.
No need for the scarfs, hats and gloves this time of year so things should run a tad "lighter."

As usual we'll have our "Lightfoot intoned" instruments on stage if you feel inclined to step up there and crank out a tune or two.
If anyone needs help with anything please send a private email here and we'll ensure you are "cared4."
Also public transit is available from Toronto's Pearson Airport as well as the Toronto Island "Billy Bishop" airport. The information can be accessed at : ttc.ca

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Hey Ron,

Thanks for all your efforts to make another pubjam happen.

As always, very much looking forward another fun afternoon at McVeigh's with the talented fans of Lightfoot.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Brian

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Thanks Brian,

Yes, we're really looking forward and things are gearing up to make it a great party.
This time we've recruited a pro sound person to help move things along a little smoother.
All are welcome to step up there and just sing "what you feel."

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Oh cool, I've missed the last couple of jams unfortunately but plan to be at this one. If you can fit me in for a tune or two, that would be great. But otherwise, happy to listen, too.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Hi TG.
Just hop on board the train. As long as we've been having the jams nobody has been left out of getting their chance up there.
Being a "pot luck" type of gig, until we can do a count of the numbers then we can sort out the rest.
Things are picking up. Just got word that Brady Corcoran and Andy Mauck will be joining us.
All very exciting.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Excellent! Should be a blast as always.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

So sorry I won't be there to join you guys! I will definitely be there in spirit, and will think back on the great McVeigh's experiences I've had.
Too bad there's not a webcam. :)
Sing loud and maybe I can hear you down here in Austin!

Melissa

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Hi there Melissa.
You really would have enjoyed the fun gig yesterday at McVeigh's.
There'll be more on the event later after the the thoughts that are spiralling in my brain begin to unravel.
The concerts are just unbelievable.
Well be telling everyone all about it!

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Hey Ron,

Congratulations another enormously successful pub jam. So many very talented people; I was there from 2 until 5 and it seemed like a few minutes.

Two clear highlights - 1. The fellow who played the cello (I realize that is a weak rhyme). But who wants to drag a cello to downtown Toronto on the hottest day of the year?

2. Your duet of Marvelous Toy with Seamus (sp?) on "percussion". That was priceless.

So very much hoping we do it all again in a while when they re-open Massey Hall.

Brian

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Thanks so much Brian. You are very kind and I recall you always attended the pub jams.

What I really love about this event is the fact that we never know how it's going to manifest.
Over the years it's been a judgement call sometimes when lots of folks want to step up for a song and nobody has ever been left out.
This time we didn't have to juggle figures, times, etc. because only a few showed up so the pressure was off and we could "just let it ride."
But yes, it sure was a special day for us all. Having Jason there doing professional sound really helped make things run smoothly. Jason tells me he really enjoyed the experience of working with a cello on stage for the first time.
Things still are beginning to unfold and I'll be sure to tell Seamus how much you enjoyed his contribution.
There will more as we sort out our facts and figures before we put posts up here.
I treasure this opportunity and strive to get things right but these days it takes a little more time.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

I can certainly echo Brian's sentiments. The time at McVeighs was delightful. Not too many better things to do on a sweltering afternoon than hang out with friends and listen to wonderful musicians play the tunes we all love. Thanks to all for providing such a great experience.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

this is just so great to hear!



congratulations once again, Ron - i dont know if i have a more favourite instrument than cello, even though i have never held a real wooden one


i had to venture in the heat (i dont like vehicle AC much but i gave in, bigtime) with 2 teens up to almost Lake Superior, ironically, ultimately to an ice arena ... i am back, and the drive was with solo, with windows down, sometimes just the sound of the warm air going by, other times, GL and other Canadiana ... you were on my mind... i'm not trying to be clever (ok, just a bit)... you really were! all of you - the Mass-onians, and McVeigh-ites


standing by for more... enjoy PMB(uzz)


and well done, char + jenney ... head Shriners .... flashback 20 yrs, wow

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Hi friends.
Your words are so endearing. It's an inspiration for me and I thank you.
It was a weekend like non other.
More on the way.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Hey again Ron. I meant to acknowledge Jason for his job on the sound in my original note. I told him on Saturday, but it bears repeating. Great sound. Great afternoon. I don't think there is much else to say.

Brian

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

man, a lot of work filming those pub videos, char ... good to see Myk! really like the cello in Pussywillows, so rich .... nice mic on the camera, and steady hands!:)

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

watch videos on YOUTUBE HD for best quality...
TOO LATE FOR PRAYING

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

I'LL TAG ALONG

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO CARE

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

BEAUTIFUL

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

CAN'T DEPEND ON LOVE

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

OH LINDA

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

YOUR LOVES RETURN

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

A TREE TOO WEAK TO STAND

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

I'LL DO ANYTHING

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

PUSSYWILLOWS CATTAILS

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

THE HOUSE YOU LIVE IN

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

SPANISH MOSS

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

COLD ON THE SHOULDER

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

COTTON JENNY

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

EARLY MORNING RAIN

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Wow!
What a great package of videos Char put together here for us. Together with daughter, Lisa they both worked very had to help make the pub jam a special event. Lots of dedication here.
Many thanks guys.

Still in the midst of a heat wave that arrived Canada Day Weekend we ran the traditional pub jam event at McVeigh's so we'll try best to give a recap of the afternoon's events as they unfolded.
To help with running things a tad smoother on stage without too much distraction we recruited Jason LaPrade, a friend and popular Toronto music producer to take care of the stage work.

Turned out to be a good decision as Jason handled everything remotely so there was no time wasted juggling things around up there on the stage during the show. Everything ran real smooth and it reflected in the performances of the entertainers.

It was all there from Spin Spin to Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle to Baby Step Back, A Tree Too Weak To Stand, and all in between.

Folks were arriving and greeting one another with hugs as many of us hadn't seen each other since the previous event.

So it begins:

All the way up from Prince Edward Island, on the east coast of Canada and opening the show was Wayne Francis.

Wayne is a Lightfoot enthusiast and a walking encyclopedia of anything remotely connected to Gordon Lightfoot and his music. He has a very accomplished website and just about every sheet of paper on a music stand with Gordon Lightfoot lyrics that I've ever seen came from Wayne's site.

His selection of tunes included a big favourite of mine, "Ode to Big Blue" which is a rare piece of work that unfolds well with the Travis style of fingerpicking that Wayne skillfully delivered. He also included "Baby Step Back" with the hilarious line Gord uses when introducing this song: "meet me by the rock pile baby and I'll get a little bolder" (boulder).
Great job there Wayne and it was good seeing and hanging out with you.

Following Wayne and no stranger to our event was Brady Corcoran. Brady performed a most worthy version of "Early Morning Rain" and "Oh Linda," a tune I was hoping for and he delivered it in his own unique style that could be mesmerizing. This is one talented artist believe me. Our familiar bass player, Myk Hewitt arrived in time to add a few licks toward the end on "Oh Linda."
Things are picking up real good now and the room is alive.

With Brady's accompaniment, onto the stage comes our hugely popular and most versatile Gordon Lightfoot entertainer, Andy Mauck. Andy is no stranger to the pub jam and when he enters the room we know that we are in for some cool entertainment. Andy can sing the song and act the act.
True gentleman is Andy and he honoured a request (I'm Not Supposed To Care) for me which I sent in an email to him prior to the show. To his lovely wife, Dorothy he dedicated "Shadows" and to Char, "I'll Tag Along." Now that's professionalism at it's finest.

To compliment this gathering we plug in for the very first time cellist Crispin Campbell.

A first for the McVeigh stage and a first also for our sound man, Jason who told me he really enjoyed the experience of working with a cello.
Crispin is a highly accomplished versatile musician and his presence and contribution is revealed when his bow crosses the strings of his treasured instrument.

We are now moved to a most joyous level of elevation much higher than the one on which we normally would reside when it comes to the "pot lock pub jam event." This is a whole new calibre and we're on a roll here. The band is in sync and a class act is now in gear.
The tunes are selective ones, most that tend to hang out in the "obscure" category of Lightfoot material, the place I like to visit often.
Char tells me they are now available for viewing on You Tube.

To blend in a bit of a different twist and maybe jog a memory for some folks who may remember my Grandson, Seamus when he graced the stage at a pub jam when he was five years old with his soulful version of Sit Down Young Stranger." this time now at eleven he joined us with his vocal percussion skills in "The Magnificent Toy," a song we would normally hear at Christmas time.
Seamus wooded the crowed but he's a tad shy these days so we could only manage the one tune from him. Big thanks there Shay.

Another interesting aspect of of the weekend celebrations was the fact that a documentary film titled "Lightheaded" was in the midst of production and the film crew were in the pub. Some filming was done there as well so it will be interesting to see the final product when it's released.

John Corcoran, a most dedicated Lightfoot fan and friend of Gord is the overseer of this monumental undertaking which from what I understand is 90% complete. (I refer to him as "Generous John") because he provided us with food and drinks after the concerts in the hotel lounge and was always there to greet you with a smile. A lovely family man, like Gord.

Still riding on an emotional high from the experience and saddened in a way with the closing down of Massey Hall for two years, we will try our best to maintain a positive mindset and prepare for that eventful 2020 opening.

Best to all. "Just Let It Ride."

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Great summary Ron. Wow. You doing Spin Spin and Wayne on Big Blue! Let me know when audio or video of this golden moments. A couple of new ones Andy added this year. You can tell me enjoys. Great work Jason. Did Myk play bass for the trio? I haven’t heard on good speakers that have bottom end. Lisa char way to go also. Capturing Hugh’s, Massey and Mcveighs for all the world who can’t be there. Her channel is a huge treat for any and all! Did TG play?

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Hi JJ and many thanks yous.
Other than the video work Char and Lisa did I'm not sure if there was any thing else.
Myk wasn't doing well with heat so he only came in on the one tune. No word from TG. It was very hot downtown Toronto so I can understand why some would take a pass, especially if you have to lug around equipment for any distance and parking sometimes can be a problem. It was a really great afternoon and yes, Andy sure did it up well. "We love the work" he'll say.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

My regrets for missing once again, but the blistering heat was just too much to venture into. Looks like I missed a classic with lots of great performances. And Andy's Lightfoot imitations are always a riot LOL

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Having just noticed that the pub jam thread has now topped the 1000 view mark in such a short time it's clear that the work put into that event sure paid off.

Just thought I'd share an interesting highlight that happened as I was leaving McVeigh's Pub that day.

Jimmy McVeigh called to me saying he had a camera cartridge that was left on one of the tables and probably belonged to one of the Gordon Lightfoot fans.

I knew that it belonged to Char as she was hoppin' busy that day making things work.

I ensured Jimmy that it would get into the right hands so on entering the lobby of Massey Hall later to attend the concert I was met by a rather distraught Charlene telling me she thinks she left a very important and precious camera cartridge at McVeigh's and before she could continue with her words the cartridge was in her hand.

The expression on Char's face took "The Agony and the Ecstasy" to a whole new level within a split second.

All is well that ends well.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

Ecstasy made easy.

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

That's the caption I was looking for Dave but it didn't come to me.

Great "finale."

Re: Pub Jam at McVeigh's 2018
 

I was in quite a tizzy about that battery being ''lost''.. I knew I'd left it at the Pubjam and hoped someone had found it and handed it in. When I called and they said they found it and gave it to Ron I was SO relieved! lol..