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lighthead2toe · 11-09-2016, 06:57 PM

Hi Friends.

Finally after a monumental weekend of festivities in the Gordon Lightfoot hometown of Orillia, Ontario, the opportunity has arrived as promised to recant a few of the enjoyable moments encountered in that quaint little town.

The weather was just beautiful throughout the whole weekend. Warm sunny days and bright starry sky nights.

I love to brisk walk for thirty minutes every day if at all possible so the golden opportunity was there for me to accomplish that each day. In fact the walk included passing by Gord's original home at 283 Harvey Street. Just a short pause to look at the house and reflect on the lyrics in his song, "Old Dan's Records." "High above the fireplace there's a smile on Old Dan's face." So much rich history there.

Many local folks were outside on this lovely autumn day raking leaves and taking care of the usual work that needs to be done before winter sets in. Lots of civic pride in that neat little town.

On my way back to the downtown area I stopped off at the Orillia Opera House and took in Nicole Howard's concert being held in the "Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium." Nicole's performance included a mixture of classic folk songs, many from the early Lightfoot era. She had a very fine harp accompanist who also provided harmony. A most satisfying concert performance. Unique version of "Ode to Big Blue."

The festival began Oct 1st and runs till Dec 31st with the weekend of Nov 4th, 5th and 6th being the musical part and the one that makes the town come alive. The itinerary overlaps in places as there's so much going on that the pie has to be shared.

Lucky for me I received an invitation from Paul Bartlett to accompany him and his singing partner, Lilly Mason and her husband for the drive from Toronto so we sort of went as a team. Lilly and Paul were on the bill for two performances and boy, did they ever make a hit. They performed Friday and Saturday evening, and Sunday afternoon they were called on to fill in for "Circle is Small" lead singer, Adrian who came down with a bout of laryngitis. Hope you're better by now Adrian. The cake cutting ceremony was also included during the Sunday performance so it was a highlight event. Another fine entertainer, Don James helped out as well. Don has a very nice Lightfoot sounding voice.

Orillia Mayor, Steve Clarke was most impressed with Lilly and Paul's performance and he gave them lots of stars. Steve is a huge Gordon Lightfoot fan and praised Lilly and Paul for their version of "Beautiful." It was the song Steve and his bride danced to at their wedding.

As many can now see from the postings on social media, etc., Gord was in town and did show up to greet the folks and mingle about. His presence sure made everyone's day who came to the gig. It's always an unknown if he'll show up, and even then, where and when? Nothing is for certain, eh?

Now it's on to Toronto and prep for the Massey Hall Concerts. It just keeps getting better!

11-09-2016, 06:57 PM	#4
lighthead2toe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: canada Posts: 920	Re: LIGHTFOOT DAYS in Orillia Hi Friends. Finally after a monumental weekend of festivities in the Gordon Lightfoot hometown of Orillia, Ontario, the opportunity has arrived as promised to recant a few of the enjoyable moments encountered in that quaint little town. The weather was just beautiful throughout the whole weekend. Warm sunny days and bright starry sky nights. I love to brisk walk for thirty minutes every day if at all possible so the golden opportunity was there for me to accomplish that each day. In fact the walk included passing by Gord's original home at 283 Harvey Street. Just a short pause to look at the house and reflect on the lyrics in his song, "Old Dan's Records." "High above the fireplace there's a smile on Old Dan's face." So much rich history there. Many local folks were outside on this lovely autumn day raking leaves and taking care of the usual work that needs to be done before winter sets in. Lots of civic pride in that neat little town. On my way back to the downtown area I stopped off at the Orillia Opera House and took in Nicole Howard's concert being held in the "Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium." Nicole's performance included a mixture of classic folk songs, many from the early Lightfoot era. She had a very fine harp accompanist who also provided harmony. A most satisfying concert performance. Unique version of "Ode to Big Blue." The festival began Oct 1st and runs till Dec 31st with the weekend of Nov 4th, 5th and 6th being the musical part and the one that makes the town come alive. The itinerary overlaps in places as there's so much going on that the pie has to be shared. Lucky for me I received an invitation from Paul Bartlett to accompany him and his singing partner, Lilly Mason and her husband for the drive from Toronto so we sort of went as a team. Lilly and Paul were on the bill for two performances and boy, did they ever make a hit. They performed Friday and Saturday evening, and Sunday afternoon they were called on to fill in for "Circle is Small" lead singer, Adrian who came down with a bout of laryngitis. Hope you're better by now Adrian. The cake cutting ceremony was also included during the Sunday performance so it was a highlight event. Another fine entertainer, Don James helped out as well. Don has a very nice Lightfoot sounding voice. Orillia Mayor, Steve Clarke was most impressed with Lilly and Paul's performance and he gave them lots of stars. Steve is a huge Gordon Lightfoot fan and praised Lilly and Paul for their version of "Beautiful." It was the song Steve and his bride danced to at their wedding. As many can now see from the postings on social media, etc., Gord was in town and did show up to greet the folks and mingle about. His presence sure made everyone's day who came to the gig. It's always an unknown if he'll show up, and even then, where and when? Nothing is for certain, eh? Now it's on to Toronto and prep for the Massey Hall Concerts. It just keeps getting better!