Gordon Lightfoot Forums - View Single Post

Doug · 03-02-2008, 12:36 AM

A week or so ago I found my way to the chatroom. I was welcomed by Erica and was reminded of a "story" I had begun shortly after the 1st Lightfoot Convention in 1999. The central location was the Delta Chelsea but we obviously took in the concerts at Massey.

While she encouraged me to finish the story, too many years have passed for me to remember all the fun things that went on.

I'm going to share what I wrote, which I'll remind you was only the beginning of the story. If those of you who were there would like to add to it please feel free. I know there are some of you here, who were there, so I'll be mighty disappointed if you don't add to the story!

Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story

What follows is a somewhat whimsical and embellished view of my second pilgrimage to Toronto. Any reviews of the concerts are MY opinions only and not intended to cause or encourage debate, however comments are welcome. Some names have been changed to protect the innocent.

It is based on a true story.

*************************

What many of us had anticipated for so long has come and gone leaving many sweet memories. Some folks arrived as early as Tuesday, some not until Saturday, others who had made reservations and even purchased tickets, sadly not at all. We asked ourselves what could possibly have kept them from such an event. Surely not family or work commitments......after all........;-)

I flew in Wednesday about 4:30 pm and after an unanticipated and lengthy delay catching the shuttle was on my way to the Delta Chelsea, unofficial headquarters for the 1st annual Lightfoot Convention. But after a couple of 180 and 270 degree loops we were stopping again!! And who should board but Erica (sundreme@aol.com). I was about midway back on the shuttle so she didn't see me as she found a seat in the front of the bus.

We wound and ground our way through the rush hour traffic of 'Big Smoke' stopping frequently once we reached the downtown area, dropping off passengers. When empty enough I made my way to the front of the bus.

"Hey", I said, "I understand there are Gordon Lightfoot fans on this bus"

She looked up a bit startled as I stuck my hand out and said, "Hi Erica, Doug Kirk, Plumbguru2".

She said, "How did you know it was me?"

"Oh I've seen your picture......couldn't have been anyone else"

"And where did you see my picture?"

"Uh....a certain wealthy financier from Palo Alto, with a thing for Zippos send out pics of your visit there so I was able to recognized you".

"Oh, Hi Doug"

"How were you able to recognize me?"

"Well, here I am minding my own business and some stranger walks up, sticks his hand in my face and says hi." It wasn't too tough to figure out......I'm not just another pretty face."

"Gotcha", I respond.

So began my adventure of Nov '99.

Erica and I got to the hotel and as we were standing in line to check in, Laverne, aka Louise aka Vanna, known in real life as Lynn O, sweeps into the lobby, looking like the Belle of the Ball, greeting us both, by embracing us and welcoming us to the great Massey adventure. Upon check-in, Lynn escorted to the "Chelsea Bun" where the rest of the 'entourage' were waiting. The "Tour Director" Julie, aka Shirley, aka Thelma known in real life as Jenney, Andy, Darin, Sue, Val, John, Diane, Susan,.........

With tickets in hand and sporting "Canary Yellow Canoe" shirts we left the hotel about 7:00 PM ready to storm Massey Hall.

It's always a thrill to turn the corner from Younge on to Shutter St and have your eyes riveted to the "Massey Hall" sign glowing red and making the excursion a reality......we're actually here!!

I won't try to detail it too much but there was definitely an air of excitement walking up to the old hall. There were lots of folks standing around, some looking for last minute tickets others trying to sell unusable ones. If you've ever been to downtown Toronto you've seen the 'homeless' looking for help but I've never seen them be been loud or invasive. They were present and as usual unobtrusive.

03-02-2008, 12:36 AM	#1
Doug Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario, CA Posts: 260	Massey 1999 A week or so ago I found my way to the chatroom. I was welcomed by Erica and was reminded of a "story" I had begun shortly after the 1st Lightfoot Convention in 1999. The central location was the Delta Chelsea but we obviously took in the concerts at Massey. While she encouraged me to finish the story, too many years have passed for me to remember all the fun things that went on. I'm going to share what I wrote, which I'll remind you was only the beginning of the story. If those of you who were there would like to add to it please feel free. I know there are some of you here, who were there, so I'll be mighty disappointed if you don't add to the story! Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story - Story What follows is a somewhat whimsical and embellished view of my second pilgrimage to Toronto. Any reviews of the concerts are MY opinions only and not intended to cause or encourage debate, however comments are welcome. Some names have been changed to protect the innocent. It is based on a true story. ************************* What many of us had anticipated for so long has come and gone leaving many sweet memories. Some folks arrived as early as Tuesday, some not until Saturday, others who had made reservations and even purchased tickets, sadly not at all. We asked ourselves what could possibly have kept them from such an event. Surely not family or work commitments......after all........;-) I flew in Wednesday about 4:30 pm and after an unanticipated and lengthy delay catching the shuttle was on my way to the Delta Chelsea, unofficial headquarters for the 1st annual Lightfoot Convention. But after a couple of 180 and 270 degree loops we were stopping again!! And who should board but Erica (sundreme@aol.com). I was about midway back on the shuttle so she didn't see me as she found a seat in the front of the bus. We wound and ground our way through the rush hour traffic of 'Big Smoke' stopping frequently once we reached the downtown area, dropping off passengers. When empty enough I made my way to the front of the bus. "Hey", I said, "I understand there are Gordon Lightfoot fans on this bus" She looked up a bit startled as I stuck my hand out and said, "Hi Erica, Doug Kirk, Plumbguru2". She said, "How did you know it was me?" "Oh I've seen your picture......couldn't have been anyone else" "And where did you see my picture?" "Uh....a certain wealthy financier from Palo Alto, with a thing for Zippos send out pics of your visit there so I was able to recognized you". "Oh, Hi Doug" "How were you able to recognize me?" "Well, here I am minding my own business and some stranger walks up, sticks his hand in my face and says hi." It wasn't too tough to figure out......I'm not just another pretty face." "Gotcha", I respond. So began my adventure of Nov '99. Erica and I got to the hotel and as we were standing in line to check in, Laverne, aka Louise aka Vanna, known in real life as Lynn O, sweeps into the lobby, looking like the Belle of the Ball, greeting us both, by embracing us and welcoming us to the great Massey adventure. Upon check-in, Lynn escorted to the "Chelsea Bun" where the rest of the 'entourage' were waiting. The "Tour Director" Julie, aka Shirley, aka Thelma known in real life as Jenney, Andy, Darin, Sue, Val, John, Diane, Susan,......... With tickets in hand and sporting "Canary Yellow Canoe" shirts we left the hotel about 7:00 PM ready to storm Massey Hall. It's always a thrill to turn the corner from Younge on to Shutter St and have your eyes riveted to the "Massey Hall" sign glowing red and making the excursion a reality......we're actually here!! I won't try to detail it too much but there was definitely an air of excitement walking up to the old hall. There were lots of folks standing around, some looking for last minute tickets others trying to sell unusable ones. If you've ever been to downtown Toronto you've seen the 'homeless' looking for help but I've never seen them be been loud or invasive. They were present and as usual unobtrusive. __________________ Doug "When love is true.....there is no truer occupation"