After a long day of travel and meeting up with dear Dan and Nanci we finally arrived in Bieberville! I hadn't been to Stratford since high school when we'd go for English class and see a Shakespeare play or two. THe theatre was beautiful and a very unique spot to see a concert.
http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/abou...e.aspx?id=1865
Prior to the concert we ran into Brian (buzzard) who had driven in from the Sarnia area. It's always terrific to see him. Also said a quick HI to Dan McD. from Toronto who checks in once in a while.
The concert started right on time and after two days off Lightfoot sounded terrific while singing Sweet Guinevere. A few times during the show he did take drinks of water and do the 'bend over to clear the sinuses" tho. Hangdog Hotel gave him a bit of trouble and when someone yelled out a request he informed us 'we've got a plan.' It was the last show of 2012 and he was doing things his way..lol
Prior to singing CRT late in the 2nd half he said he might be doing some ad libbing. He had already done The Wreck at the top of the 2nd half so it was quite something to have both epics in one concert let alone in one half of the evening. Alluding to a press article earlier in the tour he said "I never stop."... A standing ovation at the end let him know we don't want him to ever stop. The sound in the theatre was excellent and the wrap around seating setup made the room feel very intimate.
After the show there was quite a crowd of folks waiting to speak with Lightfoot so we sat back and waited our turn. Justin Bieber's grandparents (who are probably younger than me! lol) had a few moments with him. Everyone was looking forward to the time off over the Christmas holidays. After a quick 'hi' with Gordon and hugs for and Merry Christmas wishes to everyone we headed out for a drink and then off to our hotel. The whole evening flew by so fast it was hard to believe it was over and the 2011 concert year was complete. I attended 4 shows in Toronto @ Massey Hall in May, 1 in Salamanca, NY in September, 3 in Alberta in November and 1 in Stratford in December...9 in total for 2011.. and it's not enough!
All concerts were shared with wonderful friends in beautiful venues making them extra special for me. Each visit with Lightfoot that is enjoyed with my friends is a gift beyond the music he has given to me all these years. I am thankful for all of it. I'll be tagging along in 2012 and hope to see many of you along the way.
Stratford - Friday December 9, 2011
SETLIST and a few pics to come ...
Stratford
