Diary: Nov 6: Legacy: A Tribute to Gord Downie
Hello all, a sleepy Emm writing you from her kitchen tonight.
Last night, they opened the MainStage at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for the first time in a long, long time and I was honoured to swoop in last minute to perform two Tragically Hip songs last night.
The night was in support of the Downie-Wenjack Fund which aims to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples by creating awareness and building cultural understanding between Indigenous & non-Indigenous peoples.
The last time I had performed this show, it was with Trent Severn in 2018. The weight, meaning, celebration, sorrow and heart of this show has amplified in recent years, and last night was a true example of that.
I won’t lie. In 2018, the internal stuff behind the Trent Severn show was getting so difficult. It’s never one person’s “fault” when a band has challenges, but in October 2018, they had risen to a point where we could not even function. There were tears, broken hearts….misunderstandings. We had traveled a long way since 2011, when Trent Severn was a joyous, fun band - with a spirit of exploration. No expectations. Just music and trying it out. By 2018, the tune had changed.
Last night, I surveyed the environment around me. I heard the voices of First Nations’ singers, poets, speakers and felt that the love for life, their culture, their communities was greater than the problems within government, the lack of movement, the lack of resolve. It reminded me of what matters…especially in Gord’s very heartfelt absence…his image pouring over us, as we did our best to carry the messages of his music and his wishes for a unified, more compassionate Canada.
And then there was the personal, the moments in the dressing room that were deliciously endless. I was reminded that I have to “go to work” to get some peace. I can’t remember the last time I had 2 hours to get ready for anything. A reminder I need to work on creating more time for myself. Don’t we all?
Love overflowed last night…the clip above was by Tammy Fox - Kevin Fox’s partner…Kevin played on Science Fair and it was a lovely moment to be able to give Tammy my book (in which I mention Kevin briefly and his role in the album). I felt like a fully bloomed flower in the warm sun of spring…not a wounded scientist…not a flabbergasted folk rocker…Right when the video ends, there was applause for this song…which if you’re not familiar with it, is one of The Hip’s most celebrated ballads, “Bobcaygeon”.
Last night, everything came in(to) view..to quote one of Gord’s songs. It was a reminder that we all can, one day at a time, rise to a place where the good is easier to reach…to see…to feel.
Wishing love and joy to each one of you. And of course…below I’m sharing another writing demo from the upcoming new album: “Burn The Boats”, it is titled for now. This song was the first song that Michael and I wrote together…and as I pieced it together at home alone one night…his words, my melody….I said to myself…”Now we’re in trouble. We are actually good at this songwriting thing.” As always, I’d love your feedback.
Speaking of the new album… I have amazing news…I have drummer Shannon Forrest ON HOLD for next year’s record. As someone who believes that records are often MADE by the awesomeness of the drummer, this is the greatest news I could have received. Shannon has played with everyone…but namely, he was the touring drummer in Toto for a while and also played with the Dukes of September (Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald), so just imagine these new songs with his vibe…I told Fred the producer that Shannon was a dealbreaker. No Shannon, no record. Well I didn’t say that, but sort of. I love getting older. It’s so much easier to be a diva.
Check out Shannon here:
Love, Emm