http://www.orilliapacket.com/2013/11...-for-lightfoot
Love for Lightfoot
By Sara Ross, Orillia Packet & Times
Sunday, November 17, 2013 4:38:55 EST PM
It was a concert at The Kee to Bala that sparked Earl Lewis' love for Gordon Lightfoot.
“I got in for free and saw his last two songs,” Lewis said Saturday. “I was just totally floored by the guy. I thought this is so amazing.”
Lewis was 14-years-old when he watched Lightfoot that first time.
Now 60, he's followed Lightfoot's career ever since.
“I have seen him countless times at Massey Hall. I would see him every year down there,” Lewis said. “I've been a huge fan of his.”
Lewis' mother also loves Lightfoot and the pair would go to concerts together.
“He spans generations and a lot of musicians don't do that,” he said. “That's one of the things I think is so amazing about him.”
Lewis brought his Lightfoot memorabilia to the Orillia Museum of Art and History Saturday to add to their display.
Downtown Orillia hosted a number of events over the weekend to celebrate Lightfoot's 75th birthday.
The international folk singer and songwriter was born in Orillia Nov. 17, 1938.
The Circle is Small Band, a Lightfoot tribute band, performed downtown at Brewery Bay Food Company both Friday and Saturday night.
“It was jammed packed,” lead guitarist Jack Nicolle said of the Friday show. “It was well received. We're happy.”
When the Mariposa Folk Festival returned to Orillia in 2000, Nicolle volunteered as a stage tech.
“I was standing beside (Lightfoot) backstage and I felt this little tug on my sleeve. He autographed my sleeve,” Nicolle said. “(Lightfoot) said 'I just thought you'd like that.'”
Nicolle has always been a fan of Lightfoot and was even a student of Red Shea, Lighfoot's original lead guitarist.
“(Lightfoot's) an icon Canadian songwriter, probably a worldwide icon,” Nicolle said. “He's just wonderful.”
Ernie Valcheff, one of birthday event organizers and a member of the tribute band, enjoys learning to play Lightfoot's songs.
“I came from other music, so it was a challenge for me to actually do his music,” Valcheff said. “It's a new wheel for me.”
Playing in The Circle is Small Band is very enjoyable, Valcheff said.
“It's exciting to do tribute,” he said. “It's my first time doing tribute.”
sara.ross@summedia.ca
Twitter: @Sara_VRoss