Re: 50th anniversary of Mariposa report
If Gordon Lightfoot sang a song specifically to me, I'd be floating for days, if not years! :)
I had a wonderful time with Melanie, Brian, Char and Lisa at the folk festival this year. Somehow I expected some mediocre performances and a few standouts -- but every single performer I watched was outstanding! I have some interesting new songs to buy. On the way to the show, we drove past a sign for "River Road", and I was thinking about the old song with the same name. What a surprise when Sylvia sang it that night! She said she knew she'd REALLY made it in the business when Crystal Gayle sang her song on Sesame Street -- I never realized Sylvia wrote it, but I always loved that song! When Ian started singing Four Strong Winds during his encore, and called "Sylvia, get out here!", I got a huge lump in my throat and the tears wouldn't stop -- it's such a moving song, and took us all right back to those days... A strange thing happened when I was watching Lightfoot sing the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. Several times it was as if I was seeing him as he looked on the original Lightfoot album cover! It must have been a trick of the lighting, or the way his hair lay or something, but it was truly surreal. I'm so glad I was able to be there. |
Re: 50th anniversary of Mariposa report
Mariposa – 50th anniversary celebration – Tudhope Park - Orillia, Ontario
http://www.mariposafolk.com and http://www.orilliapacket.com/Article...aspx?e=2664219 Friday July 9, Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11, 2010 We arrived in Orillia around 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. The weather was perfect – no clouds, slightly humid and no rain in the forecast. The drive up with Brian (he drove), Melanie, Bonnie and Lisa was about 90 minutes and we listened to an old Jim Croce album that had EMR on it as well as J.P.Cormiers’ “The Long River” tribute CD of Lightfoot tunes. The winding Highway #12 out of Whitby leads right into Orillia and past farmers fields of hay and corn dotted with beautiful old homes and churches, barns and silos. Horses and cows enjoying a beautiful summer day 90 minutes north of Toronto dotted the grassy areas. Due to heavy rains on Thursday the parking area had been cut in half and was available in town at the arena with shuttle buses bringing people back to the park. We parked about5 minutes up the highway on the side of the road and trekked back to Tudhope Park with our chairs and blanket. On either side of the highway near the park both Lake Simcoe and Couchiching waters were calm and had boaters out enjoying the weather and kids swimming along the shore. Tudhope Park was filling fast with folks walking through the vendors area, down the winding paths to the various tents set up under the trees. In front of the main stage thousands of chairs and blankets marked the spots folks had saved while they went off to hear various artists performing on the other stages. Live music was available on all stages all day as it had been on Saturday and on Friday from 4. Alongside the mainstage was a huge video screen and camera on a huge boom. This would be great for those who really wanted an up close view of the performers. We set up our spots and started wandering through the park enjoying the respite from the hot sun under the beautiful old trees. We saw Murray McLauchlan with Catherine MacLellan and Little Miss Higgins doing a workshop entitled “The Field Behind the Plow”..Murray told us that every anniversary/birthday etc. he writes a poem or some such thing in a leather bound book for his wife. This year he wrote her a song and he sang it for us. It was absolutely lovely, entitled “Please Don’t Wake Me Up.” Ian Tyson designed the original Mariposa ‘sun’ logo and several years ago Murray re-designed it to the winking eye on the suns face. I remember seeing Murray at High Park in Toronto back in the early 70’s singing his big hit “Farmer’s Song”, a tribute to the people who put food on our table. He was saving it for the mainstage show later in the evening. http://www.myspace.com/murraymclauchlan http://www.catherinemaclellan.com http://www.littlemisshiggins.com At another stage we listened to Mike Ford, David Francey and David Gunning at a workshop called “My Folk Heroes.” Both Mike and David Gunning have performed at the Lightfoot Tribute shows at Hugh’s Room in Toronto. I had a chance to talk to Dave Gunning for a while-what a lovely and talented young man. http://www.mikeford.ca http://www.davidfrancey.com http://www.davegunning.com At another we listened to Tribute show veterans “Madison Violet” – sublime harmonies from these two ladies. http://www.madisonviolet.com I really enjoyed the Ian Tyson led group that was set in amongst the trees. Suzie Vinnick was sitting in with him. Ian was a totally laid back cowboy with a total style that just said “cool” He had his white cowboy hat on and a pair of shades even though there was no sun coming through the trees and he was sitting on a stage with a canopy. Man it was wonderful to hear him. I’ve wanted to see him for decades! He didn’t do 4 strong Winds tho – saving it for later.. http://www.iantyson.com http://www.suzievinnick.com We also enjoyed the so sweet harmonies of Madison Violet – Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac who do such a gorgeous version of Poor Little Alison. http://www.madisonviolet.com Nestled among the trees was a “Guitars on Parade” art installation Many others were installed in the downtown core but I didn’t get out to see them. I do have a souvenir book with great pics of the others so will scan them. Larrivee guitars are Canadian icons – especially the Florentine cutaway and classically inspired body shape of the Larrivee C-10. The guitars were made in this shape. This was a collection of 6 foot tall wooden guitars painted front and back in different themes. There was a stylized Canadian red maple leaf that I loved and of course a Lightfoot one that depicted his SUNDOWN cover on the front and a setting sun on the back of the guitar. I wanted to take it home but it wouldn’t fit in my purse! In the tent where CD’s, T-shirts etc. were sold there was a sign hanging over some merchandise that said SURPRISE SPECIAL GUESTS – the CD’s and T-Shirts were Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo stuff. So much for the surprise! Lisa and I ran into Kenyon and his girlfriend and we chatted for a while. Always a treat to see my internet son and the lovely Johanna. There were some tasty things to eat as well as a beer tent with entertainment. It was a ‘green’ festival so there was a place you could have your water bottles filled for free. They were not selling water in plastic bottles this year. http://www.orilliapacket.com/Article...aspx?e=2665686 Around 3 p.m. or so the sky started looking troublesome. Grey clouds were moving in and circling around the area. It started to rain very lightly. Brian ran back to the car to get the rain slickers while we covered the seats with the blanket and umbrellas. The light rain didn’t last long but at 4:15 it started up again and it really came down hard. It didn’t look like it would be an all night rain but you never know with the way the clouds circle around the and over the two lakes picking up moisture to drop on festival goers! On the Mainstage the closing concert events were starting at 5:00 and were only delayed about 10 minutes before the Whiteley Brothers came onstage for their set. Man they play the blues with such emotion ! http://www.kenwhiteley.com/index.php?show=31 Ken performed at a Lightfoot tribute show. It started to rain again but didn’t last too long and Murray McLauchlan was up next. I’ve always been a fan of his and enjoyed his set back in 2007 and remembered back to the early 70’s when I saw him performing in High Park to a crowd on the lawns and in the surrounding trees. The Farmers Song was his big hit at the time – a moving tribute to the farmers who put the food on our tables. It never fails to make you thankful for the farmers of the world. He sang his song for his wife again, Please Don’t Wake Me Up, On The Boulevard, Sunshine and Shadows, Whispering Rain, No Change In Me, The Child’s Song, Walk Away and for his encore he sang The Farmers Song with thousands of us singing along with him as we did with Whispering Rain. He’s a great storyteller and has a terrific stage presence. http://www.myspace.com/murraymclauchlan I got teary during a few of Murray’s songs remembering back 40 years ago and what those songs meant to me as a kid and how the meaning in them has changed for me over time. Next on the bill were introductions of many Mariposa staff, founders, volunteers etc. Sylvia Tyson was on next. It was around 7:10 p.m. and the skies were clear. Sylvia sang some of her tunes, some that I had heard over the years but don’t’ know titles. The one I did know was her hit “You Were On My Mind” which was another singalong for the crowd like it was for River Road. http://www.quartette.com/sylvia.htm She is also a member of the group Quartette. The Breakmen were up next – I’ve never heard of them but they had great voices and harmonies. http://www.thebreakmen.com Ian Tyson – what a voice..so recognizable even with the rough edges it has now. He’s another wonderful storyteller onstage. He said “Sylvia sounds great and I can’t wait to hear the great Gordon Lightfoot” as soon as he stepped up to the mic. He’s a cowboy out in Alberta so many of his songs are about the countryside there and his images are vivid and romantic, telling about the hardships of being a rancher in the Canadian west. I loved his Big Alberta Sky and Ramblers and Mustangs..I think it was titled that anyway. He talked about the weather out west and how winter seems to last until the end of June and then introduced one tune he called his ‘oxymoron song’…Springtime in Alberta..lol. Bonnie knew exactly what he was talking about. I experienced snow out there in late April 2009 and thought it crazy! He sang 8 songs and left the stage but he was back to sing an iconic Canadian song that I love – Four Strong Winds. He strummed a few notes and the crowd went wild making him laugh and say “I think I recognize this tune, did I hear it on American Idol?” And then he brought all of us to our feet as he started his beautiful , sad love song. We all sang along, swaying back and forth and just taking it all in. At the point where Sylvia sang he called her onstage and a huge roar went up as she sang her part and then with Ian. It brought a lot of people to tears. It was beyond touching and memorable..it was truly ‘a moment in time.” I’m tearing up just typing this. part 2 - next post.. |
Re: 50th anniversary of Mariposa report
part 2
The Surprise Special Guests were up next – the two frontmen of Blue Rodeo! Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor! http://www.bluerodeo.com They sang a few of their hits and were in fine voice and Jim Cuddy was looking as adorable as ever! The crowd sang along with them to a couple of tunes. If I recall they sang , We Are Lost Together”, “Five Days in May”, Until I Am Myself Again”, “Bad Timing”, “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” - perhaps a couple of others I can’t recall. When they came back for their encore they joked that they didn’t want to be too long because they were worried that Gordon Lightfoot was backstage waiting to go on and muttering to himself, ”why are they taking so long, get the hook!” lol They finished at 10:00 and during the next 10 minutes while waiting for Gordon the crowd got a bit restless, clapping and calling out his name. I had my crappy little camera set on video to record some songs and perhaps, just perhaps I’d catch “my” song, “I’ll Tag Along” if Gordon had changed his mind and decided to throw it into the mix. I hoped so! Rick and Terry were the only band members that would be playing onstage but Mike was there backstage to help with tuning. Rick was onstage plugging in some things but did not have his guitar. Gordon walked out with his guitar and Rick helped him plug in. I knew then he was going to do “I.T.A” ! Terry was nowhere to be seen and Rick left the stage. Gordon was alone onstage and he walked up to the mic after the standing ovation was over and started to sing it! OMIGOODNESS he really decided to fit it in! As the first freaking song of the set on such a memorable night of Mariposa’s 50th anniversary! WOW. When he played the first couple of notes I gasped and started shaking so hard I could hardly hold the camera. The video is shaky and you can’t really see Gordon on the big screen because the camera isn’t that great but the audio is fine. I held the camera up with one hand and the other one over my mouth as I stood there in complete shock. Perhaps he re-thought his decision to probably not be able to fit it in as he told me when he called me on May 30th --because he knew it was my birthday? I can’t say for sure but I’ll go with that story! Lolol That phone call was so out of left field as it was but then he goes ahead and sings it? Makes perfect sense to me! Nice move Mr. Lightfoot! THANK YOU for making it the best 55th birthday I ever had! ;) Gordon’s sound was quite low and a lot of people back where we were and behind us were yelling at the sound guy to turn it up. I don’t think he ever did. To make matters worse for those behind us the beer tent behind them had a live band playing and their sound coming at them from behind was drowning out Gordons voice. Gordon tried to tell a few stories but the yahoos up at the front of the stage were yelling and just being major arses. I think it may have flustered him somewhat. One story he was telling was about how he only got one chance to sing the next song and then found himself flat on his back the next day before he could sing it again there at home. He said ‘it has a prophetic lyric’ in it..and he was going to continue but the noise down below was ridiculous. He stepped away from the mic scratching his head and then sang Couchiching. The set list was: 1. I’ll Tag Along 2. Don Quixote 3. Clouds Of Loneliness 4. Let It Ride 5. Beautiful 6. Red Velvet (he mentioned to the crowd that this was an Ian Tyson song) 7. The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald 8. Christian Island 9. Fine As Fine Can Be 10. Couchiching 11. Restless 12. If You Could Read My Mind ENCORE 13. Canadian Railroad Trilogy We gave him another standing ovation with people shouting “More, more, more” but the show was over, it was time to pack up the chairs, blanket, and rain gear and make the 90 minute trip back home. It certainly was a memorable day full of some treasured tunes performed by just a few of the Canadian icons that make this country proud. My heart soared and my tears fell for many reasons on this glorious Mariposa day in one more “sunshine sketch of a little town” – Orillia –the home town of a legend. But for just over 4 minutes on the day after my 55th birthday with some good friends and my daughter sharing the day I was well and truly gobsmacked by yet another generous gesture from The Man. videos - (the picture is lousy..sorry I hope someone else that was there posts some songs too) Close your eyes and listen.lol - ITA - Beautiful - IYCRMM - Fine As Fine Can Be - DQ - partial |
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Here's the Lightfoot guitar that was in the art installation:
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photos at FLIKR (not taken by me)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_hayes/4787916077 |
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I just watched ITA...wow! That was so sweet of Gord to play it at all, but first song? He's the best. Thanks for posting the review and the videos.
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My dear Ma'am Moderator
Firstly belated birthday wishes and I am so pleased that your day obviously lived up to your wild and wildest expectations Secondly and apropos our earlier contretemps I must say that I sincerely appreciate and understand what your intentions were when you shared your 'stuff' about Mariposa. As usual you managed to make us feel that we had been there with you or at least behind your camera's lens in your moment of triumph even if the shaky video of ITA was atrocious!! |
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it really was atrocious wasn't it..thankfully the shaky hands didn't affect the sound!
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Char, I swear I could hear you hyperventilating while he sang, lol. SO happy for you!
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yep - that was me...adds a special something to the tune dontcha think?
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this will be tasty to consume, thanks A LOT, char! :)
yeah, love the I+S pics (and many more from that site) ...here is a Newland article if not already posted http://blogs.canoe.ca/canoedossier/o...rity-report-2/ |
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Great Summay Charzo! Happy for you that Gord did "I'll tag along" !
Bill |
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Hey Billyboy - practise up -you can do it for me in May..
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Lots of great pics at this site:
http://picasaweb.google.com/pmiller000/Mariposa2010# |
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GREAT write up, char (and bonnie:)! you guys were real troopers and so nice of Brain to get you transported safely and unsoundly;)
i've learned that the campers (at all these type of festivals) really take over the staking of close up main stage lawn chair seating once they get there on Friday, hey but you guys witnessed history and thanks for those high res vids;) i think Down By the Henry Moore would be Murray's most well-known tune...I'll bet his house has a ton of great guests and jams (his musical ties plus being married to Denise Donlan, music biz, power executress) aint those picasa pics great...she also has some wee bits of video...did GL or Ian also do any workshops? i love this one with Sylvia, Murray and the adorable Serena Ryder (a paler version of Tracy Chapman) http://picasaweb.google.com/pmiller0...67120809432610 you're not getting older, you're getting better (i made that up!;) ) and so are your birthdays...cheers and thanks again:clap::clap::clap: |
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http://www.exclaim.ca/musicreviews/l...870&fid1=48106 @ charlene - thanks for the re-cap. The ITA video gave me a lump in the throat. Happy belated birthday |
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Good looking stage with that interesting LOGO in center which is probably the logo for Mariposa folk festival ? :redface:
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Ah yes indeed that is what I was presuming... tks Mr. jj ! :)
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Now what about that Lightfoot guitar in the woods, is that Lake "Couchiching" we see behind ? Am I "two 4 two" here ?
http://www.corfid.com/vbb/attachment...9&d=1279078438 |
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yep - Lake Couchiching in the background...
I think I wrote about the Mariposa sun logo being designed by Ian Tyson and tghedn re-vamped with the winking eye a few years ago by Murray McLauchlan. Mariposa means buttrfly in Spanish tho. lol |
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Thanks for the info Char, that is most definitely a great spot for a 'Gordon Lightfoot fan' to spend a summers' day. :)
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http://exclaim.ca/musicreviews/lates...870&fid1=48106
Mariposa Folk Festival featuring Gordon Lightfoot, Sylvia and Ian Tyson, Wooden Sky, Murray McLauchlin, Elliott Brood Tudhope Park, Orillia ON July 9-11 By Joyanne van Laarhoven This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Mariposa Folk Festival, and the main stage lineup boasted many returning Canadiana folk icons, while the side stages were aglow with younger talent. The Saturday set from Beyond the Pale was a tight mixture of Jewish folk, bluegrass and Balkan sounds. Their intricate rhythms and graceful sound was invigorating and refreshing. Later that afternoon, Sharon and Bram, minus Lois, gave a set that was infectious and so incredibly earnest that you could not help but get out of your seat to swoon. Saturday afternoon also featured some fine bluegrass and sweet finger-picking tunes from the eclectic Grass Mountain Hobos, while Catherine MacLellan played a set that sounded ethereal and pure. Elliott Brood was a crowd pleaser: their folk rock offerings were raucous and tight. And Ohbijou and Zeus paired up for a breezy workshop on the Bohemian Embassy stage next to the waters of Lake Couchiching. The two bands melded amid a maze of instruments to create a soft and airy sound. Fittingly, Mariposa's artist in residence, Travis Shilling, had a workshop at Studio Point, which was only a few steps away from the Bohemian stage. During the weekend, the music played by the many artists who graced the Bohemian stage intertwined with the creative pulse set by Shilling and the painters at Studio Point. This pulse seemed to work together in order to produce a rich and inspired atmosphere. Across the park, however, Saskatchewan's Little Miss Higgins, a pint-sized powerhouse, nearly raised the roof with her infectious charm and catchy tunes. The Deep Dark Woods played twangy, real, and gorgeously arranged sets all weekend that seemed to melt the hearts of the listeners. The Wooden Sky likewise brought a sense of authenticity to the stage; the narratives of their songs were certainly compelling. Later Sunday afternoon, the Sultans of Swing ripped up the Pub tent in a workshop that also featured the Breakmen. Sunday night, however, slowly drew more and more people to the main stage as it was the night to tribute Mariposa's musical past: perhaps nothing pleased the crowd more than hearing Murray McLauchlin singing about that dusty old farmer and his old tractor wheel. Both Sylvia and Ian Tyson, in separate sets, put on solid performances. And surprise special guests Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor played songs that were smooth, pretty and tight. Closing up the night was a weathered Gordon Lightfoot. While the volume may not have been quite right for Lightfoot, or perhaps it was the open nature of the large stage he played on, if you listened closely enough, you could still hear his magic as he quietly played on for the Sunshine City. |
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Rick's got to chuck that godawful ponytail.
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Thanks for the most comprehensive coverage of events as they happen. I've been extremely busy and not kept up as I usually do but I'm taking a breather for the month of Sept. to relax and visit friends and family in Ontario. Cheers, RJ. |
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Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
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Thank you, Char. This is all fabulous! Ian & Sylvia are my #2 favorites. I'm currently listening to Sylvia's "The Very Best of Sylvia Tyson" - for some reason a summer cd for me along with Carly Simon's "Reflections". I've always thought of Sylvia as a complete 50% of that duo with her strong voice and knowledge of the ancient folk songs. Her voice is still pretty strong. Would give anything to have been there! Gord is always #1 of course and so appreciated hearing his song for you - what an emotional event. I appreciate so much all of your work on this site keeping us all up to date with so much information. Just got my tickets for the Oct 7 concert in Sewell, NJ - amazingly close to my home - haven't been to two concerts in one year for some time and am so looking forward to possibly getting another autograph. Thanks again!
CM |
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It was really special to hear Ian. I've always loved his voice. I enjoyed a few tunes that Sylvia sang (someday soon, river road) but am generally not a huge fan of the female voice ... but when she came out and sang with Ian it was truly a 'moment' for everyone.
Her work with Quartette is nice-this is a Christmas show they did - http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20081214qrtet She did this song at Mariposa - written in response to the Prime Minister's cuts to the arts: lots of stuff at youtube. thanks for thanks! Enjoy the concert! - it will be the night before the Letterman show airs! |
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It was really special to hear Ian. I've always loved his voice. I enjoyed a few tunes that Sylvia sang (someday soon, river road) but am generally not a huge fan of the female voice ... but when she came out and sang with Ian it was truly a 'moment' for everyone.
Her work with Quartette is nice-this is a Christmas show they did - http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20081214qrtet She did this song at Mariposa - written in response to the Prime Minister's cuts to the arts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8Tb7DaOExY lots of stuff at youtube. thanks for thanks! Enjoy the concert! - it will be the night before the Letterman show airs! |
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Here's some photos of Ian and Sylvia taken by a friend who is a fabulous photographer - James Dean. He got some wonderful shots!
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Wonderful shots is correct ! :)
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geeze - it was obvious that Ian would come back out and sing 4 Strong Winds...he shoulda had his camera ready!
steady or not! lol |
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Murray McLauchlan - two beautiful songs: Sunshine and Shadows (War Song) and Please Don't Wake Me Up.
http://www.youtube.com/user/cedartra.../3/3vVloW_y5gg http://www.youtube.com/user/cedartra.../2/uK8yjmNDyiI |
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This is just great! Youtube is wonderful - all that we need is time! I am so looking forward to the Oct 7 concert. Thanks for taking the time to post these!!
CM |
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