I left before he finished so good to know he left everyone happy. He's a trooper!
I got into Toronto in the early afternoon between rain showers. I did a bit of shopping and had a bite to eat. I scoped out the store and came back around 4:30 or so. Todd was there and the folks were setting up the chairs and stage. There were about 15 people in line waiting to be seated. Todd and I sat in the fourth row I think and away from the centre aisle. The stage had a small table and 2 chairs to begin with but after the question section that changed to a writing desk and chair for Gordon to sit at.They had handed out sticky notes for us to put our names on and stick them to the booklet. The booklet was to be out of the CD cover and Gordon would sign his name with a silver Sharpie and personalize it on the front.
He came in to a standing ovation which was lovely and he was all smiles as you could see in the video. I found the moderator not all that familiar with all things Lightfoot and seemed to always hark back to the party/drinking stage of life Lightfoot gave up 30 years ago. She interrupted him and as I said earlier made him feel obligated to perform. (done with a smile and knowledge that there wasn't much a gentleman like Lightfoot would or could do in those circumstances in front of 300 people) (she owns INDIGO -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Reisman - she is married to a very 'accomplished Gerry Schwartz -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerry_Schwartz )Gordon seemed t be enjoying himself and was quite chatty. Especially about canoeing..lol Reisman tried to sidetrack him but he'd have none of it and we all had a chuckle when at one time she thought he'd finished and she tried to say something but he had remembered another portage story.lol What an amazing memory. He seemed relaxed and in no hurry to get things moving.
During the short break while a table was put onstage for him to use to sign the CD's we were instructed that we were to lineup in the centre aisle and file up row by row..When Gordon stepped down he was shaking hands and saying hi to people near the front when he made a beeline down about 4 rows and over 5 people to shake my hand and say HI and get a wee hug and peck on the cheek.SURPRISE! lol
A young fellow in front of me recognized me from corfid and had a book of drawings he had done. He said he was inspired by Lightfoot music and played it while he drew. He wondered whether Gordon would accept his book as a gift. I told him I was sure he would greatly appreciate it. When his turn came up I snapped a couple of photos for him of Gordon listening to him speak about his inspiration and shaking his hand...very moving moment to see.
A couple of other people recognized me too! too funny..
Gordon once more told me when I was getting my CD signed we'd be doing another chat for sure.So that's a great thing to look forward to.. I have to think of questions now! lol
I actually said to him "do you want me to ask you some NEW questions Gordon?" LOL
We always hear the same ones it seems...Of course the main one will be "What's wrong with the Maple Leafs? and how can we fix them?" !!
I got to speak for a while with Anne who helps Gordon run the EMP office.
As TG said, Rick was there with his lovely wife and the new Lightfoot love was watching the proceedings as well. Nice to talk with them for a bit too. Rick is always gracious and generous with his time. Todd was thrilled to get a signature from him.
It was good to speak with TG for a bit and spend some time with Todd (Milton GLFan) We were so busy talking on the subway we missed our stop at Union Station to get the train and had to backtrack.He headed west and I went east...lol
I'm so happy he finally got to meet Gordon and speak to him. His 14 month old son is being introduced to Lightfoot music...I'll let Todd tell you what Gordon said about that..
It was fabulous to see the turnout on such a cold,rainy,windy Toronto night.Indigo was thrilled and I'm sure Gordon felt it was worth a night out too.
If I think of anything else I'll post it..I have to think of questions to ask Gordon and post my YouTube videos..same stuff as above but I was closer..lol