http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/nn/ne...-2856413c.html
Finnan gathers circle of friends for Lightfoot tribute
By Jeanne BeneteauStaff Writer - see more articles from this author
Jan 6, 2005
PORT HOPE - A much-acclaimed local singer/songwriter has gathered together a stellar cast of friends for a musical tribute to one of Canada's most beloved singer and songwriter.
Aengus Finnan and a host of who's who in the Canadian music scene take the spotlight at Port Hope's Capitol Arts Centre on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. for the third annual "The Way We Feel" - A Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concert. Mr. Finnan's 17-member entourage of folk, roots, blues and country performers include 2004 Juno Award winner, Lynn Miles; JP Cormier, Juno nominee and East Coast Music Award winner; Matheson and Ford from the band, Moxy Fruvous; 2004 Mapleblues Singer of the Year, Suzie Vinnick; Peterborough's own, Rick Fines; the concert's co-producer and Songs From the heart winner, Jory Nash. Performers will be joined on stage by a house band that includes John McDermott's guitar player, Jason Fowler, Blue Rodeo's fiddler Anne Lindsay and legendary bass player, David Woodhead. Discovery Television's David Newland will act as master of ceremonies.
Mr. Lightfoot's music, international hits such as "If You Could Read My Mind", "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", "Early Morning Rain", and "The Canadian Railroad Trilogy" not only helped shape the popular music culture of the country, but also influenced generations of listeners and performers, says Mr. Finnan.
"Each artist performs two Lightfoot songs, one of his hits and one a more personal favourite" he explains. "It's fascinating to hear and learn of the influence he has had on so many different artists and styles of music. One of the captivating parts of the show, beyond the music, is the stories told by each artist revealing their first impressions or experience with Gord and his work."
He added although he and the show's co-producer, Mr. Nash are obviously a generation removed from Mr. Lightfoot's career, they were deeply inspired by his work. He says he was an avid Lightfoot fan while growing up in Shelter Valley just east of Grafton.
Mr. Finnan has spent the past six years touring as a singer/songwriter. He was invited to include his original song "Lightfoot" on the first ever Gordon Lightfoot tribute album, "Beautiful", released internationally last year, featuring musical artists such as the Cowboy Junkies, Bruce Cockburn, The Tragically Hip, Ron Sexsmith, and Sylvia Tyson's group Quartette.
"Producing these annual concerts seems an appropriate way to say thanks by celebrating his work as a living legend," he explains.
Tickets for the concert are $27 and available at Port Hope's Capitol Arts Centre Box Office, 20 Queen St. or by calling 1-800-434-5092.
