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On Susan's Floor · 06-19-2009, 07:38 AM

First time posting folks.... but I managed to show up for this one. Found the ideal parking spot a block or two away, no probs there, arrived an hour early and met with Riverboat Jane. You all probably know that she was a waitress for about 4 years working the Riverboat during those early years. I was just chatting but inquiring about who I would contact concerning getting an album or two signed by Gordon. She very kindly said she would try to arrange it. I told her I was 40 years waiting for this one. She laughed (sad but true!!) The Heritage Toronto team were already there doing set up, the sound and video guys doing their thing. Gradually the crowd started gathering, don't know the count, 100 or so maybe a little less, maybe a little more. After much ado, Nicholas took the podium and so it began. Turns out he was a dishwasher for Bernie Fielder before his life moved on which brought a big laugh

. Wish I had a photographic mind but there were many stories about how the placque idea came about mainly through Gee Chung and about the Riverboat years and the main players during that time. The many artists in attendance were introduced (hands were busy holding the camera, didn't take the names). Then Dan Hill and Murray Mclaughlin said a few words and finally Gordon was asked to reveal the placque so he removed the blue satin cloth and took a long look and smiled wonderfully.....applause, applause... Before you knew it it was over and time for me to grab my chance with Gordon... Met him briefly to give him a big thank you and Jane had him sign my album... Very delightful indeed. The guy was pretty well swamped with photo ops, etc. Next thing I see that CFRB was interviewing him. It seemed to go on for about 10 minutes and I thought, OK he'll get some good air time. Except when I did hear the clip on the radio going home, out of all that interviewing time and no doubt many good memories by Gordon, the only quote I heard that they played was an excerpt that Gordon said about "the coffee was real good"... huge letdown for me. I was looking forward to more radio time for Gordon for what was really a "Canadian" and certainly a very "Toronto" moment... Took a few pictures, will post at a latter date if anyone interested.... Time to wrap it up, maybe the newspapers will get the details for you. My brain was pretty well engaged and very occupied in being in the presence of so many incredible musical artists, but most of all with THE Gordon Lightfoot!!

06-19-2009, 07:38 AM	#9
On Susan's Floor Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5	Re: Riverboat plaque presentation First time posting folks.... but I managed to show up for this one. Found the ideal parking spot a block or two away, no probs there, arrived an hour early and met with Riverboat Jane. You all probably know that she was a waitress for about 4 years working the Riverboat during those early years. I was just chatting but inquiring about who I would contact concerning getting an album or two signed by Gordon. She very kindly said she would try to arrange it. I told her I was 40 years waiting for this one. She laughed (sad but true!!) The Heritage Toronto team were already there doing set up, the sound and video guys doing their thing. Gradually the crowd started gathering, don't know the count, 100 or so maybe a little less, maybe a little more. After much ado, Nicholas took the podium and so it began. Turns out he was a dishwasher for Bernie Fielder before his life moved on which brought a big laugh . Wish I had a photographic mind but there were many stories about how the placque idea came about mainly through Gee Chung and about the Riverboat years and the main players during that time. The many artists in attendance were introduced (hands were busy holding the camera, didn't take the names). Then Dan Hill and Murray Mclaughlin said a few words and finally Gordon was asked to reveal the placque so he removed the blue satin cloth and took a long look and smiled wonderfully.....applause, applause... Before you knew it it was over and time for me to grab my chance with Gordon... Met him briefly to give him a big thank you and Jane had him sign my album... Very delightful indeed. The guy was pretty well swamped with photo ops, etc. Next thing I see that CFRB was interviewing him. It seemed to go on for about 10 minutes and I thought, OK he'll get some good air time. Except when I did hear the clip on the radio going home, out of all that interviewing time and no doubt many good memories by Gordon, the only quote I heard that they played was an excerpt that Gordon said about "the coffee was real good"... huge letdown for me. I was looking forward to more radio time for Gordon for what was really a "Canadian" and certainly a very "Toronto" moment... Took a few pictures, will post at a latter date if anyone interested.... Time to wrap it up, maybe the newspapers will get the details for you. My brain was pretty well engaged and very occupied in being in the presence of so many incredible musical artists, but most of all with THE Gordon Lightfoot!!