Still Another Toronto/Massey Post...Looooong
Sundreme
of flights. I cleared customs with no problem and made my way towards the
shuttle coaches. I thought I would have to wait a while for the bus, but I was
lucky enough to find a shuttle that was just about to leave. I was very happy
for this, because even with my luck in customs, by the time I managed to walk
down the endless corridor that we had to go through to after we got off the
plane, it was close to five by the time I got my luggage. I knew everyone
would be leaving the get -together at seven and that it was a long ride into
the city, so I wanted to have enough time to meet and talk with everyone for a
little while at least. My eyes eagerly roamed the landscape as we made our way
to Downtown Toronto. It was rush hour and although I was told that there would
be not that many people going into the city at that time, the traffic was still
quite heavy and painfully slow. But my seat mate, a very pleasant woman from
Toronto, and I talked and passed the time. When she got off, I heard a voice
asking if there were Gordon Lightfoot fans on this bus. I look up to see Doug
standing there, he had a seat and we talked for a while till our bus finally
pulled up to the Delta-Chelsea well after 6pm. Doug and I walked to the
check-in and waited in line. Then we decided that I would try to find the group
and he would hold our place.
The Chelsea is a lovely hotel but quite big and labyrinth like, so it was hard
to find the bar where Jen said they would be...I went to a few places before I
found them in the Chelsea Bun. Jen introduced me to everyone and I was thrilled
to meet them all. Jen gave me a warm coat, and Darin gave me one those
beautiful T-shirts that had almost landed him in the hoosegow at the border.
But after seeing the shirts, I think I can safely say a that it would have been
worth it. I'm sure Darin would agree.(-:
After the introductions were made, I went back to the check in and got the key
to my hotel room. I was a bit worried because my roomie, Sue hadn't arrived
yet. I was scared something had happened. I dropped my stuff in the room and
went downstairs. Soon it was time to leave for Massey.
We all walked down Yonge Street and I drank in the sights of Toronto. I could
hardly believe that I was there. It was at least 35 degrees colder then Miami,
but the chilly air didn't bother me in the least. In fact I found it
invigorating. After walking for a time, we finally came to Massey Hall. The
crimson sign glowed like a beacon and drew us in. We spoke to Barry Harvey for
a while before the show and he was in very good humor that night. Extremely
pleasant to talk to and he even posed for a picture with us. Soon it was time
for the show and right before it started, I was introduced to Sue who had just
made it in time. Then the lights were dimmed and familiar figures appeared in
the darkness. We cheered the silhouettes as they took their places on stage.
Gord walked out and the place thundered with applause. The show was just
wonderful and absolutley perfect. I wont post the set list again, since its
already been written about. Just had to say what a perfect, special, warm
wonderful performance it was. It would have been sad to see it end if not for
the fact that we had two more days and nights left.
Friday was the infamous journey to Orillia. What a great trip that was...I
couldn't believe how much I enjoyed myself. Before we left Toronto, we were
able to find Gord's star (maple leaf) on the walk of fame and make fools of
ourselves oogling it and taking pictures, then we located Early Morning
Productions and made even bigger fools of ourselves posing in front of the
plaque that indicated which office number it was. After all that, we got back
on the bus and headed north (I think it was north, I'm not much on direction)
out of the city. The tall skyscrapers and urban setting gave way to rolling
farm lands and bucolic beauty. There were hills and wheat fields, making the
trip visually stunning, well at least for this here city gal! Finally we saw
the signs welcoming us to Orillia. Well, I guess they weren't welcoming us
personally, but they did say Orillia on them which was good enough for me.
However, as you've probably read already, we were told the signs that
proclaimed the town "Home of Gordon Lightfoot" had been taken down. I had heard
later that they were still up, but in another location. I don't know about that
though, we scoured that town pretty well and didn't see a hint of them, so I
think its probably safe to say they are somewhere in OKC right now.
We did get to see the lovely plaque in the archway of the Orillia Opera House
that said "Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium" I guess Shirl hasn't figured away to
get that down yet, but she's a smart lady so all those who wish to see the
plaque I suggest you do so promptly, before it mysteriously "disappears" too.
When we entered the Opera house, it appeared empty and I didn't know if there
would be any one to show us around. The doors inside were locked so as we were
standing around, I decided to be silly and knock on them, thinking that no one
would answer, but much to my surprise, the doors opened, nearly giving me a
heart attack. A woman peeked out, we told her who we were and she went to get
the other "Inchargetype" woman who was very friendly and proceeded to tell us
all about the history of the theater and the Lightfoot auditorium. Then we went
up to the auditorium itself. The man in charge of showing people around was
busy with some school children and we really didn't have time to wait, so we
didn't get the grand tour, but it was still fun. It was interesting sitting in
the "audience" listening to the man tell the children how the lights and sound
worked. One couldn't help but wonder if somewhere in that group of Orillia
young people was a future Gordon Lightfoot.
Oh I forgot to mention, but I suppose most of you have already read, that we
found his boyhood home on Harvey Street. I don't think the people who lived
there were exactly pleased to see a huge bus full of rabid Lightfoot fans pull
up to their house. I have no idea why, I mean wouldn't you love to see a bunch
of strangers staring at your house, I know I would!!(-:
We had lunch at the Brewery Bay Co. I just want to say that if you're ever in
Orillia, you should definitely stop by this place, I highly recommend it. They
were very accommodating, the owner spoke with us personally, the food was
great, the portions were generous and they even piped in Lightfoot songs for
us. How can ya beat it?!
The town itself is lovely in my opinion. I didn't think there would be much of
interest there, but I found the down town area, which is really just an old
fashioned type of mainstreet, just charming as could be. Lots of quaint little
shops and places to get a good cup of hot chocolate. It was truly enchanting.
After lunch we went down to the lake and found the Lightfoot trail. After
posing for some more pictures with the trail and the Orillia signs, we got back
in the bus and headed for Toronto and that night's show. It was a great ride
back and we watched videos, talked and generally had a blast. Soon we were back
in the city and it was time to get ready for the concert. I've heard some say
that Friday wasn't as good as Thursday's performance. I don't know about that,
I was so in awe of being there, I still thought it was great. I'll be darned if
I can remember what the heck I did afterwards. Its just a blur.
Saturday was the day of the big trivia contest. That was such fun, although I
did get a little over eager and thought I'd be kicked out of the room a few
times. For example, when I decided to give an answer before the question was
finished. It was the wrong answer, but nonetheless our team managed to be
victorious in the end. I'd like to thank my fellow Bitter-Green teamies, Anne,
Harold and Brian for being such skilled and knowledgeable players. I'd also
like to thank our worthy competitors for making it such a fun game. Oh and lets
not forget our officials, Doug, Jen and Val. You all were great, thanks again
everyone.
Before you knew it, it was time to head out to the Saturday show, I admit that
there was a touch of sadness knowing that this would be the final performance
and last night to hang with all the other Lightheads.
It was a great show though. I'm sure by now you've read about the mistakes that
were made, but not only did this NOT lower the enjoyment level of the concert,
I think in fact that somehow it made it even more fun. Not the mistakes per
se...well, actually I really don't believe Terry made any mistakes, I just
think he was having trouble with his equipment. It was as if someone had taken
the tuning heads on his guitar and turned a few of them until they were a note
or three off. As I said, not his fault!! But anyway, as I was saying before my
little tangent, I think the little glitches just made the band a lot giddier
then usual and as I think someone wrote in an earlier post, allowed them to cut
loose more than I had ever seen. It really was a terrific show. I did feel for
poor Terry when Gord decided to introduce the band right after TC's
mistak...ahem..I mean..technical trouble plagued solo. Terry looked a bit
mortified when Gord introduced him. Poor baby. But other than that, I enjoyed
every minute of the concert. Mike Heffernan really let loose on keyboards and
his solo on Alberta bound was just the best.
I think we were all thrilled when Gord mentioned that that we, the Internet
group was in the audience. It was great to be acknowledged, he even mentioned
our shirts. Boy did they get a lot of attention. People kept asking we're we
got them and why weren't they selling them at the concert.
After the show a bunch of us went to the Pickle Barrel. I wasn't hungry, but I
did enjoy the company and even got an impromptu history lesson as Jen told us
how Canada got its name!
When some of the group went back to Massey to wait for Gord and the band, I
decided what the heck, I'd go with them. I'm not one for hanging out by stage
doors, especially when I've met them before. After you've been backstage, the
whole waiting outside thing seems like a let down. But I figured it was my last
night, and I knew there was one thing that I hadn't gotten that would really
make my trip perfect and complete. We were told that Gord had already left, but
that the band was still there.
After a short time they came out and everyone started talking to them and
getting autographs. They are a most accommodating bunch of guys and they posed
and signed for whomever asked them. Finally I approached Terry, and told him
that although I had nothing to be signed, I'd met him before and appreciated
that he'd been always been so nice. He kind of cocked his head and looked down
at me as if trying to remember where he'd seen my face before. Then he either
remembered, or was sweet enough to pretend he remembered, because he smiled
wide, opened his arms and gave me a big hug. Everyone wanted to take pictures
of this so I was "forced" to hug him a bit longer. Oh the horror!:-D Then he
suggested I turn around so that they could see my face in the shot. I was
grateful for the suggestion, but felt a bit dense that I didn't think of it.
After a few nice, but all too brief words with Barry K and Mike, it was time
for them, as well as us, to depart.
We went back to the Pickle Barrel and I walked on air the whole way. I don't
think any of us wanted to leave. But time marches on and we made our way back
to the hotel. We said our extended good-bye's in the lobby and went back up to
our rooms. Sue and I spoke for a good long time, neither of us wanted to go to
sleep, I think. My plane didn't leave till 820 PM on Sunday, so I didn't check
out until the last minute. Sue's plane was earlier so she checked out before me
and it was kind of sad to see her leave. I went downstairs and was happy to see
that Jen was still there. I caught up with her, Lori, Anne and Lynn and it was
time for another round of hugs and good-bye's. Jen and Lynn took off and then
there were three of us. Eventually, everyone drifted away and I found myself
alone in Toronto. It was kind of a melancholy feeling walking the same streets
solo, that these last few evenings I had strolled with the other Lightheads. I
was going to take one last look at Massey but just couldn't do it. I explored
the streets and shops, making sure to buy lots of Canada memorabilia, including
a full sized Canadian Flag. I went back to the hotel, and sat in the lobby,
just pondering the wonderful weekend. Eventually it was time for the bus ride
back to the airport and my flight home. When I arrived in Miami, it was warm
and beautiful. In the morning I awoke to sparkling blue skies and temperatures
in the 70s. But despite all that, I would have gone back to the cold of Toronto
in a minute if I knew that Gord was playing and the other Lightheads would be
there to share the experience.
Erica
Sbloo5013
look on your face during and after the extended Terry hug was pure bliss! I
hope the photos turn out! You were a great roommate - let's start making plans
for 2001.
Sue Bloo
hw
When I arrived in Miami, it was warm and beautiful. In the morning I
awoke to sparkling blue skies and temperatures in the 70s. But despite
all that, I would have gone back to the cold of Toronto in a minute
snip
I'd trade places with you in a minute. Current temp is -2 C.
Windchill is about -7 C. I'd throw in a couple of Lightfoot cds.
I'm packing lite....just golf clubs and suntan lotion.
Virago1124
forgotten a moment or two of the weekend (don't blame it on the beer),
you managed to capture it and remind us of what we did. Now if I could
only remember where I put my keys.
Lori
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