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Memories of Gordon Lightfoot brings fans closer to Orillia legend
The spirit of Canadas beloved troubadour will shine in Orillia during free event on Oct. 31 that brings together musicians, friends, fans, and collaborators
OrilliaMatters Staff
The Lightfoot Days Festival of Orillia unveils Memories of Gordon Lightfoot: Stories & Music.
A captivating program blending personal live performances, and tributes to celebrate the enduring legacy of Canada's iconic folk troubadour.
Taking place on Friday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m. at Creative Nomad Studios in downtown Orillia, the program weaves together heartfelt narratives and soul-stirring melodies, offering fans a rare glimpse into the life and artistry of the man behind classics. Admission is free. Wristbands will be distributed beginning at 5:00. Limited seating.
"We are beyond excited to host this special evening," said John Winchester, President of the Lightfoot Days Festival. "Gordon's music and stories touched millions, but hearing them directly from his collaborators and friends makes this a truly unforgettable experience. It's our way of keeping his light shining bright in Orillia, the town that shaped him."
The evening unfolds with a dynamic lineup of stories and songs, highlights include:
Jiggs McDonald Legendary NHL broadcaster Jiggs MacDonald, a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee renowned for his 50+ years calling games for teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Flames, and New York Islanders, shares personal tales from his encounters with Lightfoot, bridging worlds of sports and song.
Music: Don James and Jack Nicolle Acclaimed musicians Don James and Jack Nicolle take the stage for renditions of Lightfoot's beloved tunes, channeling the folk essence that defined his career.
Stories: John Corcoran Devoted Lightfoot fan and executive producer of the documentary Lightheaded: A Gordon Lightfoot State of Mind, John Corcoran who has attended over 400 Lightfoot concerts recounts his lifelong passion and the global fan community known as "Lightheads."
Music: Steve Porter Orillia-based singer-songwriter Steve Porter, a staple of local tributes to Lightfoot, delivers evocative performances of the icon's hits, drawing on his deep roots in the folk tradition.
Tribute and Sponsor Thanks: Remembering Karen Hilfman-Millson, the visionary founder of Lightfoot Days who passed away in February 2024 after spearheading the inaugural pop-up event.
Interview: Linda Leatherdale with Gary Lucas Award-winning journalist and consumer advocate Linda Leatherdale sits down with Gary Lucas, a longtime Lightfoot associate, for an engaging conversation exploring the singer's influence on music and culture.
Music: Samantha Windover Rising Orillia talent Samantha Windover, whose folk-rock style echoes Lightfoot's poetic storytelling.
Panel Discussion: The Lightfoot Band and John U. Bacon Members of The Lightfoot Band the original ensemble that recorded and toured with Gordon for over five decades, including bassist Rick Haynes, drummer/percussionist Barry Keane, keyboardist Mike Heffernan, and lead guitarist Carter Lancaster, and lead singer Andy Mauck who pays tribute to Gordon Lightfoot with grace and style. join New York Times bestselling author and sports commentator John U. Bacon for a lively panel
Final Music: Steve Porter The evening closes on a high note with Steve Porter's poignant finale, leaving audiences with echoes of Gordon's magic.
This program is part of the broader Lightfoot Days Festival (Oct. 30 Nov. 2), which kicks off with a concert by The Lightfoot Band at the Orillia Opera House and features interactive sessions with the Lightfoot Band, a folk music crawl and documentary screening.
https://lightfootdaysfestival.ca/
Memories of Lightfoot - Orillia Matters
