[lighthead2toe]

On Aug 30th in the acoustically refined concert hall of the Charles W Stockey Theatre in the picturesque town of Parry Sound, Ontario, Classic Lightfoot Live made it happen "like it happened once before" and hopefully for many more times to come. Interest in attending a concert performance of this talented group is generating constantly.
Next gig is Sept 30th in St. Catherine's.

On a beautiful summer's afternoon upon arrival at the Parry Sound Bayside Inn I was greeted by a welcoming gentleman behind the desk who mentioned there were several folks who booked rooms to attend the concert that evening as well. All very promising.

A short walk down the street passing by the well "cared 4" homes and gardens is the "Stockey" (as it's referred to) Theatre which also houses the "Bobby Orr Hall of Fame."
Parry Sound is the hometown of NHL hockey legend Bobby Orr.
Charles W Stockey was a generous financial contributor to the construction costs of having the theatre built, hence the naming.

At the time of my arrival backstage the band was in the midst of their soundcheck.
Lead singer, John Stinson likes the sound of my Gibson B45 twelve string guitar in select Lightfoot songs so it was delivered well intoned and placed in it's respective guitar stand.
It's a treat for me to be seated in the hall and listen to that instrument being played, especially by one who knows how to use it, and the added compliment of the full sounding Gordon Lightfoot like orchestra puts an extra layer of icing on the cake.

A very welcomed request came my way to be MC for this concert and what a delightful surprise that was. It had not entered my mind but was indeed a wonderful honour as well as a new experience for me and one which I thoroughly enjoyed.

As was expected the band put on an extraordinary performance to a full house and the extended applause and standing ovations evidenced all that very prominently.

The songs were interspersed with most interesting stories by the band members highlighting events leading up to the song. It was a well thought out and well coordinated show.

During the intermission, Mary Muter, spokesperson for the Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation gave a most interesting and up to date address regarding matters of grave concern for the Foundation.
The region is facing major challenges dealing with invasive species which require complex solutions involving government agencies as well as local communities. Classic Lightfoot Live is totally in support of this very dedicated and worthwhile organization. The inspiration for many Gordon Lightfoot songs originated here in this region.

With the intermission done the second half is well underway and the band is on fire! The songs are rolling out there in flawless fashion; Minstrel of the Dawn, Beautiful, Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald working it's way to Canadian Railroad Trilogy to finish the set. Then of course the applause kicks in, standing ovation and the encore, Talking in your Sleep and finishing off with Cotton Jenny. An amazing concert it was!
Now it's back to the green room for the crew to unwind with a nightcap and fond farewell to each other with sights on the next Classic Lightfoot Live performance.

On with the Summertime Dream before the autumn wind goes whistlin'.