Summertime Dream in Ottawa

[lighthead2toe]

It's Friday afternoon, June 16th and my cell phone alerts me to an incoming call from my good bass player friend Mike Hewitt, aka "mandomyk" here at Corfid.

He's in a big hurry tying in last minute details to connect with several of us for the opening Gordon Lightfoot concert here in Ottawa at the Arts Centre. The conversation mentions something about having a drink at D'arcy McGees Pub, just across the street from the Arts Centre.

Everything is within walking distance for me and I've got time on my hands so off I trot and secure a comfortable chair outside on the patio at Darcy's and order up a fine glass of ale.

Running through my brain are thoughts all good. I'm truly excited!

It's a beautiful summer evening in Ottawa and from Darcy's there's a spectacular view of the majestic Chateau Laurier Hotel with all it's turrets and the Parliament Buildings of Canada.

No sign yet of Mike and my glass is almost empty, but looking at my watch I decide there's still time for one last glass of ale.

Overhearing some of the chatter around me I can tell there's more than just one Gordon Lightfoot fan sitting out here this evening. Sitting alone it's very tempting not to offer an engagement into the conversation because like myself it's evident some of these folks are guitar players but no, that would not be kind.

The anticipation factor now is building too high so a phone call to Mike reveals that we were to meet at Darcy's after the concert, not before.

Excitement sometimes can yield strange results for me. But all is well and fine as fine can be.

My watch is now showing 7:07 so I'd best be on my way. The concert will start precisely at 8PM and every Gordon Lightfoot fan fully understands how Gord interprets the word "punctuality."

As I drank down my last swallow I could see the crowd across the street waiting for the line to form and it's getting long. This is a sold out concert.

In the lobby I find Char, Mike and friends. Hugs and greets and then on to our seats.

The Ottawa Arts Centre is a beautiful concert hall. It was opened by Gordon Lightfoot in 1969. The acoustics are very pleasing to the ear. I especially appreciated how well the sound of his twelve string rang out there.

Unlike Massey Hall it doesn't have a main aisle, and having to enter your seat from the side of the room can sometimes result in disturbing patrons who are already comfortably seated. However, most of them understand. Baby Step Back. right?

The lights dim and to a thunderous roar of applause the Gordon Light Orchestra and the man himself waist no time and after a few gentle bows gets down to serious work.

MORE TO COME

RJ.

[charlene]

I LOVED hearing "CHAR!" yelled out as I walked thru the lobby and turning and seeing you and getting my big hug... The Merlot was a bonus that was appreciated but not expected..
The NAC was gorgeous and the only flaw (as the Place des Arts in Montreal) was not having a centre aisle for such wide rows of seats. my goodness!
I have always wanted to see Gordon there and lucky me -- I saw him 2x ! I only wish there was more time to get together and see beautiful Ottawa with you. What a stunning city we have as our capital.
I'm getting my pics etc. sorted and will do a quick report too...can't wait for part 2 RJ !!
It was great to meet with Diane too. Gwen and I saw her and her hubby in Montreal and Peter from N.Carolina (I think I remember that correctly) introduced himself and his wife to me @ Place des Arts in Montreal! Too funny!!

[lighthead2toe]

Hey Char,

It was great seeing you and the gang and the Merlot was just a token of thanks for how you go over and above the call of duty here with getting us great seats and all.

Yes, Ottawa really is a beautiful city. It has lots to offer for just about everyone. I love the bike trails here. The museums, art galleries are great and there's lots of entertainment, much of it in the restaurants and bars.

It was nice seeing Diane and Gwen. Hope they come to the Nov. concerts.

I'll get on now with part 2. I could see I was losing it there with grammatical errors and misspellings starting to happen.

Cheers,

RJ.

[lighthead2toe]

PART TWO:

Yes, the Gordon Lightfoot Orchestra and the main man himself waste no time getting down to the serious work at hand to open this Friday night concert.

Right away I could hear as in the past just how much stronger his vocal ability has improved since his serious illness in 2002 and it keeps getting better.

It's clear he's buoyed on the fact that he just arrived back from New York after receiving the prestigious American Songwriters Hall of Fame Award, and even clearer that despite the fact that he's only had five hours sleep he's on a roll like you wouldn't believe.
He talked frequently than usual about that event and the the other artists who were present. There's no question he thoroughly enjoyed being part of it all and the audience in Ottawa just lapped it up like honey.

A rare event it is to hear a lot of the speaking voice of Gordon Lightfoot in combination with his singing voice. We have a very happy main man up there on that stage entertaining us here tonight.

There's nothing more pleasing to an artist than to know that have they a sellout crowd in the room they're entertaining. Chuck Berry spoke those words at a sellout performance at Casino Rama once when I saw him there. Those words registered with me. It's evident here at the Arts Centre in Ottawa this evening that Gordon Lightfoot is very pleased.

As usual the band was tight as a rope and the stage appearance "top ten." Those guys look great up there.

I came out of that concert hall so pumped that I want to sing only Gordon Lightfoot songs till November when we get another jolt at the Massey Hall shows in Toronto.

The Saturday night concert was equally as entertaining. Char will also have something to post.

When all is said and done, lucky us to still have Gordon Lightfoot up there making it all happen in the mode of joy.

He's as down to earth on the floor of that stage as he is high when he's flying in that silver bird.

Much happiness to all.

RJ.

[buzzard]

Hey Ron,

Thanks for the great posts. Glad you had such a great time.

Gord and his band make their way to southwestern Ontario next. I will be at the concert in Chatham on Friday, and again in my backyard (almost) in Sarnia on Saturday. Yeah!! More to follow on that.

Brian

[lighthead2toe]

Hey Brian, Yes, thanks. It was a fantastic weekend.
Looking forward to hearing about the shows from that so beautiful part of our great Province.

Cheers, Ron.

[jj]

Originally Posted by lighthead2toe

...a phone call to Mike reveals that we were to meet at Darcy's after the concert, not before.

Excitement sometimes can yield strange results for me

hilarious, ron!

wonderful and clever write up...hi to myk for me...glad the ladies made it, char

[jj]

look forward to your stories, brian...have a great set of concerts!

[charlene]

I'm off to Kitchener...reports/pics from Montreal,Ottawa and Kitchener soon!