Sioux Falls: Set List, Review (Oct. 2)

[seafarer62]

The I-29 tour continued on a dreary windy Friday on a highway just east of Omaha. (If you get that, you are a real fan.) The road would wind through northwestern Iowa, past catbirds in cornfields, through hamlets and bars. The breeze of North America was breathless and endless, moreover it made driving a Toyota Corolla downright treacherous. The drive was not nearly as long as the day before. I saw about 10 minutes of sunshine which was 10 minutes more than I saw the day before. The drive also gave me time to listen to Bob Dylan's latest album, "Together through Life." I had to listen to it twice- it was so different and in one word, Dylan-like.

I set up base camp at the Super 8 in Luverne, Minnesota, just east of Sioux Falls. I had been through Sioux Falls before and I knew the driving was not going to be nearly as intimidating as Omaha was. The Washington Pavillion was right smack downtown. For $5, an adjacent church let me use their parking lot. The car thermometer read 48 degrees and rain was falling. Darn miserable and damp.

The downtown of Sioux Falls looks as though some hard economic times have hit. Some stores were closed and abandoned. I guessed that the suburban malls, Walmart, and Home Depot must have done a number on this downtown. The buildings were very old, distinguished, somewhat like a movie set from the 1910's or 20's.

I went back to the Washington Pavillion. I was in Row 2 behind the orchestra pit- great seats. The fellow that sat next to me said that it used to be a high school and that his mother graduated from there. The school auditorium had been converted into a pleasing concert hall. Two steep balconies seemed to extend to the stratosphere. The concert was not sold out as there were some empty seats in the balcony. Still respectable attendance.

Get to your seats people. Gord and the band start on time. Here is the set list:

1) Triangle
2) Did She Mention My Name (full length)
3) 14 Karat Gold
4) Never Too Close
5) In My Fashion
6) A Painter Passing Through
7) Spanish Moss
8) Shadows
9) Beautiful
10) Carefree Highway
11) Hangdog Hotel Room
12) Ribbon of Darkness
13) Sundown
14) The Watchman's Gone
15) Alberta Bound

Intermission

16) Wreck of the E.F.
17) Clouds of Loneliness
18) Don Quixote
19) Minstrel of the Dawn
20) Waiting for You
21) If Children Had Wings
22) If You Could Read My Mind
23) Baby Step Back
24) Restless
25) Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Encore:
26) Blackberry Wine

Gord appeared to be in good voice and spirits. If there is a weak spot on the vocals I noticed after three straight nights, it is on Painter. To me, that song falls into the category of songs that are better on the album, than live. On the opposite side, I think Old Dan's Records and In My Fashion are much more enjoyable live, than on record.

Gord mentioned that he and the band had been many places in North America, Europe and Australia, but had never been to Sioux Falls before. That generated a big applause. Better late than never!

The Spanish Moss segue into Shadows is very pleasant and they really hold together as one song, both thematically in lyric and melody.

For Hangdog, he told a similar story with Jerry Jeff and Doug Kershaw at his house. Doug's fiddle had broke and it was being repaired. The song got a great response from the lively Friday night crowd. He closed the first set with a bouncy Alberta Bound.

During intermission I was able to talk with Dakota Rose (Nancy) and her husband Roger. I had met them in Minneapolis and two years ago at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa concert. They were planted second row in the orchestra pit- fantastic seats. So neat to meet up again with Corfidians and compare notes. This was the first night of their I-90 tour, with Rapid City following on Saturday. So great to talk to both of them again.

The lights dimmed quickly and we all ran for our seats. The Fitzgerald was a crowd favorite with many giving a standing ovation. The group of 6-string songs followed. I always have thought Clouds of Loneliness was a bit overrated and thought there were better songs off Harmony that he should do. But the song is growing on me. He mentioned the ex-wives introducing both Waiting for You and If Children Had Wings.

The whole place stood in applause after "If You Could Read My Mind." The band did a note perfect rendition of "Restless." I know Dakota Rose was pleased because she had asked me if that had been played in Omaha.

Gord took on the Trilogy- for the 2nd time in 3 nights. He got hoarse towards the end of part 1, seemed to recover, but then got strained again during third part... "All the battles have been won, on the mountaintops......." Not as good as Fargo's performance, but hey, the fact that he is even trying this song at age 70 gives us all inspiration to age with half his energy and determinism.

He came back for an encore and someone up front requested "Race Among the Ruins." Gord said he wished they could and then said, "The next song is named: Meet me by the rocks and I'll get bolder." I'm trying to remember the joke but it goes something about the shy guy who told his girlfriend to meet him by the rock so he can get boulder (bolder.) Oh anyway, Gord told it better than I just did. He played a rousing "Blackberry Wine" to close the set. The minstrel of the dawn came back for a final bow, the house lights came on, and he was on his way.

After having met Gord and the band many times, I didn't try to go backstage or take pictures. I decided to let others have that experience. Following Gord for two or three shows is fantastic and I know those of you who will be in Toronto will have a blast. Please tell us stories and share set lists,so we can share the time in spirit.

On Saturday morning, the dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait. (I was pretty darned tired.) As I headed back I-90 east bound towards the Twin Cities, my windshield wipers were on. (So what else is new?) A dreary trip home was culminated on the radio with my alma mater Univ. of Minnesota Golden Gophers losing to Wisconsin of all schools.

This trip was my early birthday present next month. My wife didn't want to go because she had joined me on the Thunder Bay-Sault St. Marie trip in April and not being the diehard Gord fan, she decided to stay home. Still she greeted me at the door and said Happy Birthday. She said she would go with me again if he plays in Minnesota.

So after seeing Gord so many times, for so many years, I still look forward to 2010. Gord and band- please come back to the Twin Cities and Duluth. Heck, I'll even go into Wisconsin to see them.

1,300 miles of driving. 3 concerts. Great memories. I think these were concerts # 43, 44 and 45 for me. I can't wait for # 46. Thanks Gord, the band and road crew. Nobody does it better !!

John/Minnesota

[RM]

One of the finest reports I've seen. Thank you.

If there were such things as prizes, this would surely be worthy.

[charlene]

great report!! - too bad about the craptastic weather.
45 days till Massey...41 till Orillia..these reports are just the thing to make the time pass faster and build up the excitement!

still no prizes Ron..sheesh..

[Jesse Joe]

Very interesting to read, thanks for sharing.

[TC]

Nice job!

[formerlylavender]

I enjoyed reading your review! You have a great memory. Happy early birthday!

[Peter Bro10]

Thanks for the review/report, John.
Nice usage of "Lightfootisms" intermingled in your writing!!
Glad to know you had a such a great experience in spite of the weather...

[jj]

superb: if there were any ice yet outside, i'd toss my cap on it in your honour

nice hat trick, john

[Dave, Melbourne,Australia]

John,

Thanks for penning the excellent Minnesotan I29-Road Trilogy!

VERY nice review/report AND early birthday present