10 Years On.....

If it's the 40th anniversary today, then it's been 10 years since Colin Linden's gift of 2 magic nights at the Glenn Gould in Toronto.
Along with Blackie & the Rodeo Kings bandmates Tom Wilson, Stephen Fearing, John Dymond, Gary Craig, and a host of guest musicians, Colin produced an astonishing celebration of the spirit of "The Band", the music & that original event at the Winterland Ballroom.
It was a genius concept - bringing in up & coming talent, who've had this music woven into their lives & memories since birth. Switching out a few of the odder choices of the original guests for Canadian classics that unite the spirit of the crowd.
It's where I discovered Great Lake Swimmers, via Tony Dekker's take on "Case of You" - probably the best of the guest turns.
 And swapping genders on vocals to offer a fresh take, like Dione Taylor's vocals harkening to the presence of the Staples singers in the original film.  and Oh, Susanna! taking on Levon's lead in "Rag Mama, Rag".
So many amazing memories. Tom reminded us of Van Morrison's legendary jumpsuit before tearing through "Caravan".  Kathleen Edwards spent weeks reviving her school days violin training so "Evangeline" could get it's proper due.
Luke Doucet flew in from NYC & performed battling a horrible temperaturey flu.. That gorgeous white Gretsch Falcon did justice and more to "Ophelia".  Glad to have made friends from that experience and remain so to this day.
Rick Danko live on "It Makes No Difference" is my favorite piece of music in the world and Stephen Fearing is the only cover I have tolerance for (and in fact love quite a lot).
The iconic presence of Garth Hudson breathing a special kind of life into proceedings via the keys, and truly epic rendition of "Chest Fever".
Talking of the now bittersweet hope that Richard Bell would be with us for this anniversary.
I could go on and on.
Like Colin said that day - celebrating the spirit of the original event, not trying to recreate it.
It was recorded and aired a few times on CBC but rights prevent it from being released for purchase as originally planned. A great shame. For all it's complications & faults, "The Last Waltz" truly lives up to statements that get tossed around with too much ease - legend, classic, genius. It is these things because of the dents & scars make up its character. Far more than the sum of ingredients which make up its parts.
And that 30th anniversary event gave the music due respect and adoration.

It is a weekend I'll remember forever.
We had Indian food instead of traditional turkey & cranberry Bill Graham had provided back in '76. No chandeliers in sight. Our crowd 'celebrities' included Cathy Jones & Jay Linden. And there was something very right about winding up the evening with beers at pool at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern. Including a Strombo sighting, which involved a rasta hat that was so very wrong.
Met up with friends from Ottawa, Halifax, Orillia & basically had a slumber party at the Sheraton with brunch the next morning to hash things over.

The local theatre is showing "The Last Waltz" this evening and all weekend. Going to head to the matinee Saturday or Sunday. It might not be crowded but I know the B&RK boys will be with me in spirit. They serve beer & I reckon I can smuggle in leftover turkey or something appropriate.

My ridiculously talented friend, Trevor Weeks has provided a record of rehearsals and both performances for the ages.
 If you're ever at my place, ask to see those pictures. I promise it's worth it.


Photo courtesy of Trevor Weeks Photography©

#ImNotWithHim

Hillary was not my first choice. I've not kept that a secret. The longer the campaign has gone one, I've learned to admire her preparedness, strength and genuine desire to do a good job.
Do I think she's made mistakes? Yes. Do I think she will in office? Probably. Every other man President has in the history of the country. I'm not saying I like it. I'm saying I acknowledge it.
So I'm confused here still what people think electing the other option will accomplish?
this crap with the emails? it's a mess. but it's mostly hot air & the press. so remember that Fox & the Daily Mail & the like have all to gain by stirring the election. And by having T***p in office. this is the old boys money club waging war because they are afraid. And don't think for a minute he cares about making anything great besides other rich white men.
He wants us to be a country where segregation is acceptable again.
He wants us to be a country where sexual violence against women is something to wink & laugh at.
He wants us to be a country where a man can be on trial for child rape & run for President.
He wants us to be the country the rest of the world won't want to deal with.
He wants us to be the country which cannot explore reasonable gun laws.
He wants us to be a country whose leader will walk away & deny responsibility as he has with every company he's dumped in bankruptcy court.
He wants us to be a country where the wage gap increases, poverty levels rise & rich businessmen don't have to pay tax.
He has stated, without compunction, every step of the way, that anything that doesn't go in his favor is corrupt. But the same systems will be fine if he wins?
None of this makes us great.

We need reform in Washington. He will not bring it. With Hillary in office it's possible.

When I say #ImWithHer, it's not just HRC. I'm with her because as a result of his campaign, I'm far more afraid to be a woman living & working in this country than I was a year ago. And am afraid for other women, daughters of friends & family, & minority friends & family.
I'm with her because what isn't great about our country is the bucketfuls of hate & violence that have been unleashed.

I don't know. I've always said, I'll stay & fight. That if you love America, you don't quit when it doesn't go your way. I didn't leave when Gore lost. And I had the option.
But staying here is scary. I don't like feeling that.

I'm pretty good about listening people's opinions I disagree with. But I'm appalled if anyone would change their vote based on this flimsy shit Weiner's ex & the Murdoch empowered media are stirring up.

I just can't fathom why anyone can vote for him. You'd think the kiddie rape would be enough, you know?
The tax evasion. the lying about employment.
all the things you care about in your every day life.
I'm just sad.
My friends in UK & Europe are scared & angry. Today Sian asked if we have a plan if he wins? Do we?
I feel like we're not ready. And it's going to be really ugly.
I wish I had a better ending to this from a writing standpoint. and a human outlook.
But I'm just sad. And scared. And angry.
Because I was proud to be American. I'd still like to be. I love this country. Love takes work.
I just don't know.

But I know #ImNotWithHim #NeverHim