Bruce Coburn at International Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver

It was a glorious night.  A spectacular performance. A quintessential Canadian experience.  A lifetime of achievement.  We were there.  In the Centre for the Performing Arts. Bruce Coburn .

It was a drizzly dark night and finding parking was a bit challenging. But waiting in line with the others excited as we were to be there was worth it. When the doors opened we filed in early. We had time to stand in the mirrored foyer and look about us at the others of our tribe.  Mostly older. Grey hair.  Successful  Conservative but definitely with a past.  No doubt parents and grand parents about us.  We smiled and were polite. Canadians. The excitement building till they let us in to our seats.

The stage backdrop was sun and moon.  In the centre were guitars and a place for the master to sit.  He came out to standing ovation.  I was even a bit teary eyed. This great man, Gandalf like, a bit stooped with age and arthritis walking spiritedly onto the stage. taking his seat to open with a bit of blues.  How simple and yet profound.  Something like the blues has the world by the balls.  He never shied from the profane in the power of his message.  A fellow near us wore a t shirt.  I wish I had a rocket launcher.  Bruce Coburn’s  brother served in the Canadian military. Bruce visited him in Afghanistan, the place where too many Canadian hero’s died. .A bit of a different take on Lennon’s ‘give peace a chance.’ I was a hippy once.   

And this was the man who’d written of his Christian conversion experience, the gentle agnostic, instilled with the passion. A mystic and philosopher.

I heard his music first in the 70’s touched by the sound of his guitar. I’d been drawn to John Mayer years later in the same way. The virtuosity.  Bruce Coburn is the master of guitar, like Ravi Shankar and the sitar.  

We think of Lightfoot as our national poet coming out of the country folk tradition. Bruce Coburn came out of Ottawa with that laurentian urban suburban canadian sound.. I loved his Al Purdy song the poet I read in high school in Winnipeg where  Guess Who gained fame. Joni Mitchell  out of Saskatchewan with her unique guitar sounds as distinctive as Ry Cooder music to the southern US.A uniqueness of sound .  I don’t even remember what Coburn song it was that guitar I heard that resonated with my own Canadian conscious and spoke of the genius of strings that I associate with symphony.

Tonight I thought often that his guitar had that multiple personality disorder thing going.  I have no idea how he does it but the sounds were singing out of that instrument like a choir. Truly a master musician who coupled words and music  with his gift for  guitar. I imagined his guitars are very happy. Joyful even.

His own distinctive voice and lyrics were mesmerizing. I was just thankful to be there. Thankful to be back in the Centre for the performing arts where I’d heard ‘Driving my Indian Car’ and  ‘I scare myself awake ‘songs by native folk singer so many years ago. 

 Laura was happy this night. I’d look over at her face and see her smiling.  We’re growing old together and enjoy the wisdom in the words of this man who was so observant in his songs commenting on people and places, singing memories of eras past.

Some kind of ecstasy has a hold on me.   Wondering where the lions are. Wondering where the lions are.  That was the song so many years ago that lifted me out of some moment of despair.  There after when it came on the radio .and it did so often. my soul like a child within, danced.  I felt the joy again. That one song worth the night drive in the dark and rain.  I’d known he’d sing it. That or Lovers in a Desperate Time.  Those were always my favourites.  And it was worth it.  Some kind of ecstasy has a hold on me.

Well we sang along. Wondering where the lions are. Wondering lions are. We all stood and applauded long and hard for an encore.  He came out and played again. A trooper. Serving the packed hall.  We applauded long after he’d gone.

Holding Laura close we moved with the crowd to the dark and drizzling night.  I found the car and drove home to our waiting dog.  I’ve been listening to Bruce Coburn 50 years or more and finally got to see him in person. It was worth the wait . Just to hear him play guitar.  His style and the sounds it made were quite impossible but truly spiritual. We’d been in the presence of grace and majesty. An unmistakable moment with the divine.  Faces glowed in the foyer. I felt closer to Laura and closer to God coming home.  It was going to be okay. 

Thank you Bruce Coburn for your talent skill genius  hard work and discipline.  Thank you for your calling.  Thank you for an unforgettable evening.

Vancouver Opera, Die Fledermause, Johan Strauss,Queen Elizabeth Theatre

What a thorough delight!!!  The Vancouver Opera out did itself with incredible song and symphony, dance and humor.  

The Vancouver Opera Orchestra conducted by Jacques Lacombe opened with the  uplifting  party music of the 1870’s  backdropping a  Bat Man costumed carouser (Dr. Falke)left by his drinking buddy (Eisenstein) on a park bench in the middle of Vienna.  The musi was exquisitely synchronized with the passing baker, dog walker , street cleaner, school children, baby stroller, an immensely entertaining squirrel, hilarious judgemental nuns, and officious bankers. Wakening, surrounded ,this De Fledermause, Dr. Bat,  the new scandal and laughter of the city escaped with a walk of shame that quickly  turned to run.  A wonderful opening to the brilliantly written 1960’s adaptation by Mark Crawford.

The play then shifted to  the home of the Eisenstein, played by John Chest of immense vocal and acting range, the beautiful and extraordinary vocal wife Rosalinda, played by Lara Ciekiswicz and immensely funny and talented maid Adele, played by Clair de Sevigne,.  Alfred , byplayed Owen McCausland was trying to seduce Rosalinde . Mr. Eisenstein is enticed by Dr. Falke playe by Peter Barret to attend a party with Hollywood theme at the Cinema of Count Orlofsky played by Mirella Lebel. Their lawyer, Dr. Blind a three stooges type was played by Lyndon Ladeur . The duets and solos were spectacular renditions.  The set wsas terrific. The wit and humor was reminiscent of the Pink Panther with dialogue that John Cleese would enjoy.  Strauss was never better served.

The next act at the Cinema took me back to high school. Such frivolity and chaos with all the confusion of costume balls and mismatched lovers.  I so enjoyed the diverse characters from Star Trek, to Marilyn Monroe and no surprise the ultimate first champagne commercial.  The first time I attended Die Fleidernause I was negatively struck by this drunken promotion and performance but tonight it was just a part of a truly wonderful hilarity. I suspect  Director Ashlie Corcoran’s immense skill with choreographer Shelly Stewart Hunt’s light touch ensured this performance took the high ground of hilarious satire and didn’t descend into debauchery.  The chorus and songs were performed so joyfully and upliftingly. The audience was laughing. 

Of course the final act was in the Prison with Frosch, the jailer sharing humorous dialogue,  the likes of  which would have George Carlin and Voltaire  chortling.  Frank, played by Giles Tomkins, the jail director, dressed as Napoleon,was hilarious as well, The solo by Adelle on the life of an actress was rivetting funny,  The duet by the Eisensteins lifted the roof while the chorus crescendoed with the music. Conductor Jacques Lacombe had us all join in with synchronized hand clapping audience participation. It was such a Queen like moment with Elton John costuming I almost expected women’s underwear to fall from the ceiling like an Alice Cooper event. It was that sort of fabulous opera.  We could all have lit lighters and performed the wave .  It was that outrageous and uplifting. With standing ovations and laughter we celebrated this superb performance . We all left the theatre feeling just a little bit like teen agers again .  Such a fabulous show.  Well done Vancouver Opera, 

Paul McCartney's "Freshen Up 2019 Tour" Vancouver

This was the best concert ever!. Paul McCartney was a true gentleman. I loved his tributes to John and George and celebration of Ringo and George Martin.  Nice words for Jimmi Hendrix. Great little anecdotes. Unbelievable band.  Special effects over the top. And the music of a lifetime.
The Beatles first formed in Liverpool in 1960.  The  first Lennon McCartney song was released in 1962 ‘Love me do’.  I remember it. . I was only 10 at the time. Last night Paul played their first Quarrymen recording. They’d gone to school at Quarry Bank High School in Liverpool. Paul, John, George were the core group. They played clubs including strip clubs in Hamburg from where they were deported, breach of contract, Harrison under age, and arson - burning a condom in a cement corridor.  Ringo Starr would join as drummer in 1962. Brian Epstein was their manager at the time but it was the genius of George Martin , ‘the Fiftl Beatle’, that contributed so much to their recordings.
“She Loves You’ released in 1963 is the song that I most remember as the first Beatles hit I really loved. Paul opened his Freshen Up Tour concert with this song to earth shaking applause. A Hard’s Days night followed in 1964 and by 12 years old I was now a great Beatles fan.  Paul played this too.  "All my loving" released in 1963 had me a blubbering teen ager.  "And I love her"  released in 1964 opened the flood gates more. The Beatles were literally describing the emotional roller coaster of my adolescent love life with my first chaste girlfriend. Can’t Buy Me Love was another from those early days.  There are just so many hits songs from the most successful band of the century that it must be nearly impossible to choose a setlist for a show.
He laughed about the popularity of their early music but their also liking their later music.
In junior high, Gr. 9, I helped organize the first Viscount Alexander Junior High School ‘sock hop’.  We were jerking and monkeying to the Beatles then. I was madly in love (puppy love) and the sadness of 1966 Eleanor Rigby caught the heart strings of a poor 14 year old boy. I loved hearing and seeing Paul perform this.   He played piano, bass guitar , acoustic and mandolin. I loved the horns section.  Brian Ray, Rusty Anderson, Paul Wickens and Abe Laboriel were as Paul called them the best band in the whole world.  He'd know, he's played in only the best bands himself.
 Throughout the show,  I was reeling with nostalgia and the good feelings of the Beatles songs.  Paul was like this grandfather with a whimsical streak,  so relaxed and confident. He’d been there with us through junior high school and senior high school. I’d even learned Beatles songs and sung them badly to girlfriends playing guitar badly and despite that actually was developing a love life.  Love was the message. The Vietnam war was the alternative. Peace and Romantic Love were all that the Beatles were about.  I loved John’s Intellectualism, George’s spirituality, Ringo’s humour and Paul was ,the favourite of the girls, the down to earth, the good guy.
I loved at the concert the videos of his life  running on the huge screen behind the band. The song he sang as a tribute to John and then one as a tribute to George had the former Beatles pictures huge in the back ground.  It  was so moving.  We've all had losses now. We carry on. I’ll ever remember the picture of him with his baby and his saying “she’s now a mother with 4 boys of her own and a husband.” Time sure passes. Yesterday. Where did it go?
There were grey hairs and beautiful people all around Laura and I. We were dancing mostly at our seats. I'd only sit down for his stories. My back and knee and feet  were hurting so I sat for one of the ballads but couldn't sit still.  I’ve been playing Lady Madonna on the guitar since it first appeared on the radio.  I loved it. Let it Be had me in tears.  Hey Jude I’d sung one amazing night I rode a carriage through the park in Bombay, I a psychiatrist at that time, my friend the missionary doctor with Mother Theresa and a big hearted east Indian businessmen.  Beatles songs are like that, the rubber stamp on a relationship or epoch time.  My heart almost burst out of my chest when I heard him sing those songs that were so close to me.

There were so many ‘fun’ songs in the concert to.  They reminded us of the ‘joy’ of Beatles music.  I bought so many of their albums.  Rubber Soul and Revolver  from 1965 and 1966 were my favourite Beatle's albums.   I was 13 and 14  years old and had my first portable turntable for 33's and 45's and played them over and over and over again.  The songs were distinctive but the arrangement was critical.  They were uplifting.
We were all singing along and dancing at our seats for  “Ob-la-Di’.
I loved Something.  "Back in the USSR" had the most incredible light show. It also came with then epocryphal story Paul told of the Russia high up government official saying ‘we all learned English listening to the Beatles.”
I loved that in the intro to Blackbird he spoke of loving the ‘Micmac’ native Canadian girls’ rendition of it that he’d heard.  She was there at the concert.  He was just so personable and humble and kind.  Grandfather.  Knight of the Queen.

Sgte Peppers Lonely Heart’s Club band was a great song to have as a closing number.  It was the studio album along with the White Album I most loved as I got older.  The Beatles have played on the radio my whole adult life and I've always enjoyed hearing those songs come on.
 Happy Birthday and Helter Skelter were psychedelic.  I drop acid and did mushrooms and smoked pot listening to the Beatles.  The Taoists say that you should sign contracts in two states of consciousness, meaning morning and night at very least or on different days, but I've loved the Beatles in all states of consciousness. Now I loved Paul McCartney after a Roger's Arena cup of coffee. He was the best ever tonight.  I think I'm getting old enough to appreciate his wisdom more.
I loved Band on the Run, seeing Linda and remembering the sadness of that time, knowing that Paul had lived a full life with loss as well.  Yet he still laughed and sang and had this truly touching sense of humour.  I was so thankful he came out to give us the concert of a life time.  3 hours of straight music and memories and entertainment. I was exhausted but he looked like he could have carried on for hours more.
When I get to heaven I hope to hear him there   This concert was that perfect in every way.

Sarah Brightman

Laura loves Sarah Brightman.  I liked that she was a classical singer and had been married to the Cats creator, Frank Lloyd Webber.  I’d heard her Pie Jesu somewhere along the journey. I got us tickets late surprised that the best tickets were sold out and we were in the balcony, centre but still, balcony.  The advantage was that we had a really great view of the show. I was glad I’d brought the Nikon binoculars (opera glasses) because they allowed us to zone in on her face. The venue was sold out.

She was marvellous. What an incredible voice! What a great performer! Standing ovations! Such elegance.

No photos or recording was allowed. The female guitarist was entertaining in leathers as a contrast to Sarah in great gowns and tiera. The light show was spectacular. Nearly thirty people in the choir, a symphonic orchestra and a rock jazz group. That’s a wall of sound. Sarah Brightman’s voice was a symphony of it’s own.  

The Queen Elizabeth is a great venue.  We loved the evening.  

In contrast to the normal swag of t shirts and cd’s, Sarah Brightman had jewelry and a really glamorous bag which looked good on Laura.  We just needed it to carry home the CD’s. I’m looking forward to listening to her Hymn cd. So many beautiful songs.

Post Modern Jukebox

Laura and I loved our night with Post Modern Jukebox at the Vogue Theatre Vancouver.  Their Utube performances give a good hint at what one gets in personal. Tremendous music and great ideas. The really joy is in the live performance. It’s almost vaudeville.
The most incredible tap dancer I’ve ever seen was hoofing it through most of the show. They could never appear in Cape Breton Island, Maritimes,  without her being kidnapped.
The saxophonist was so mellow and cool.  Where do you get a trombone and banjo on the same stage. Fabulous music. I loved the hot piano and funky guitar.
The voices were to die for. I love the original voice. She is so original.  She could sing and catch pop corn as well.  The fantastic torch singer was a  heart throb. The MC was everything one could want in a singer and a performer.  Funny, engaging, a true character.   It reminded me of Cabaret and the best of Vegas.
The costumes period and punk  added to the show. The audience joined in.  For future reference one dresses in period for PMJ shows.  Lots of can can and 1920 to 1929 paneche.  Rocky Horror Picture Show and Blue Man Group for the jazz set.  I loved the sparkles.

Then there was the Tom Jones Engelbirt Humperdinck Frank Sinatra voice. What a voice. The whole show though reminded us of a 1920 Carole King New York musical. We were transported into another world for a night. Speakeasy and ‘all about the bass!”  Thank you PMJ.

    

Nutcracker, Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Royal Winnipeg Ballet did an awesome performance of  Tchaikovsky “Nutcracker”.   Artistic Director Andre Lewis is to be commended royally. Choreographers Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon were amazing. Paul Daigle’s costume design was out of this world.  I loved the mice. The polar bear were terrific too but all the ballet dancers were colourfully costumed in what seemed perfect for each of their roles.  Brian Perchaluk, Scenic designer with Michael Whitfield lighting designer made the best of  sets that showcased so well all the performances.  The sleigh was terrific.

I loved all the dancers and all the performers.  They were simply outstanding.  The children were delightful.  All in all it was a fabulous evening. I was enchanted from beginning to end.  The intermission was a bit jarring given how captivated we were by the wonder of the production. The skill of the dancers was such that they made the most gruelling dance appear effortless.  

Tonight’s performance made me proud to be from Winnipeg.  I had had seasons tickets  to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet 40 years ago. I loved seeing the Nutcracker over and over again but this surpasses all I’ve seen before.  Tchaikovsky is timeless.  The music is so uplifting.  I love classic ballet. 

I love Ballet BC and so enjoy season’s tickets. I love that they hosted the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. It was such a jolt of nostalgia.  I remembered fondly Arnold Sporr . All the men in the audience wore dark suits and the ladies wore great gowns back then. Winnipeg was such a sophisticated city and so supportive of the arts. .  I’ve enjoyed Ballet BC gaining the recognition and appreciation they deserve through the leadership of Emily and John. 

Thank you all for an unforgettable evening.