Orillia Opera House - GL Auditorium

[jj]

hey there, at a gathering this past weekend, my family from Orillia drove down (following big storm) and while visiting they showed me a 30 min historical documentary of their local opera house that has been playing on local cable tv - quite enjoyable, my niece performs there a few times a year, i dont get up there enough

anyhow, there are a few images (most we have seen) attached from a section that included Gord chatting away - he and his young pals first attended old movies that were shown there - the first tune he performed on this stage at age 10 was This Old House - better add that one to the next GL Trivia board game edition

Gord wrapped up by commenting that although they play many wonderful venues, Massey and the local Opera house are his two most important concert dates every tour - I still dont think my family from Orillia and other locals realize just how well-known their local boy is - I showed them a short DVD (the hospital fundraiser version) production from our last Massey gathering and they were actually a bit taken back after seeing footage of so many of the GL faithful collaborate, lol ...they did say it sounded great, so thanks again, mandomyk! - I will soon send a copy of this latest doc to the GL museum in Whiteby

[Jesse Joe]

Thanks for posting all those great pics jj.

[Auburn Annie]

Boy, the face does not change, does it? Great shots of the very young Gord.

[Paul Farnham]

Fantastic pics! Thanks!

[charlene]

JJ - I was going to ask you about the show but you mesmerized me with yer piano playing when you were here .. I'll be waiting till the cows come home if you're gonna post it..just drop by again with a copy on your way to or from the folks..Harry was such a doll last week..must take after momma..


James - I'm pretty sure a lot of the folks in Orillia really have no idea about Lightfoot's fame..it's up to you to educate them!

[Rainbow Trout]

Thanks For Posting Those Great Pics. It Is Nice To See The Very Early Shots Of Gl. Keep Em Coming!

[lighthead2toe]

Originally Posted by charlene

JJ - I was going to ask you about the show but you mesmerized me with yer piano playing when you were here .. I'll be waiting till the cows come home if you're gonna post it..just drop by again with a copy on your way to or from the folks..Harry was such a doll last week..must take after momma..


James - I'm pretty sure a lot of the folks in Orillia really have no idea about Lightfoot's fame..it's up to you to educate them!

Absolutely Char. Did you take note on the video of how he took "That Same Old Obsession" and twirled it's winding wove around those 88's like Chopin does in some of his piano concertos? JJ, you never cease to amaze me the way you keep coming up with such great stuff. Looking forward big time to May. Cheers, RJ.

[Dream Street Rose]

JJ, what a wonderful job you did with those pictures. Thank you for sharing.

DSR

[Kerstin]

Amazing photos! Thanks for sharing.

[charlene]

JJ underestimates his numerous talents..his "Friends of Lightfoot" video from 2001 has many wonderful connections of images and music..all very subtle but the impact is huge..
He sat here last week and played piano/Lightfoot tunes for 2 hours while we talked and I played with Harry. It was a lovely visit..

[lighthead2toe]

Originally Posted by charlene

JJ underestimates his numerous talents..his "Friends of Lightfoot" video from 2001 has many wonderful connections of images and music..all very subtle but the impact is huge..
He sat here last week and played piano/Lightfoot tunes for 2 hours while we talked and I played with Harry. It was a lovely visit..

It was around this time last year when he paid me a cool visit also while I was in Toronto. We sat and sang songs in drop D, DADGAD, and even standard tuning. He did the most fantastic version of "You'll Still Be Needing Me" (track # 12, disc 1 in the "Songbook" collection). It was a magical afternoon. We were in the home, and he got to meet my late friend, Big Joe Mufferaw. Joe was the real guy who posed as "Big Joe Mufferaw" on Stompin Tom's recording "Stompin Tom Meets Big Joe Mufferaw." I don't mind giving Tom a mention here as I know he and Gord are friends, although they did celebrate their differences on occasion as well. Gord often gives him a mention at his concerts. Happy Paddy's Day to all. RJ.

[charlene]

I'll have to get a guitar for his next visit..Harry and I can play piano..
lol

[jj]

am so glad all enjoyed the pics, very welcome, I'll pass along the appreciation to sis

ahh, those were wonderful visits, char & ron, you both have such fine, courteous children

joe, a real guy (well said), such a real friend to our ron...meeting him was my good fortune

the flattery is typical of both your generous natures but in truth jj = stale, non-perfomer but may quietly pull off something 1/2 worthy in a basement studio or cottage sofa one rainy, retired day when I've had time diversify and add a fourth chord

whereas, rj = a truly captivating performer with a definitive style ...ok, plus 2 scoops of gord

btw)
char, the unlabeled dvd copy I spun for you has finally surfaced from a mega-unlabeled stack

[charlene]

Bring it to Massey JJ - (will we see you on Thursday or Friday afternoon??)

you downplay your musical talents - you played piano for a couple of hours while you were here and it was beautiful..I should hire you to just sit and play piano as I go about my daily chores..Harrison and I can kick back and relax..
lol