SUNDOWN, Nov. 17, Alberta Rose Theater
Northwest musicians support The JWF while paying tribute to Gordon Lightfoot on what would have been his 88th birthday.
Tickets to Sundown: A Salute to Gordon Lightfoot can be found here
By Claire Levine
Robbie Robertson called fellow Canadian Gordon Lightfoot a national treasurer. Bob Dylan said he couldn’t think of any Lightfoot song he didn’t like.
Gordon Lightfoot is considered one of North America’s best songwriters. With countless Juno awards, five Grammy nominations, membership in halls of fame across the continent and many other honors, Lightfoot was unparalleled for lyrics, melodies and vocals.
This year, on November 17 – which would have been his 88th birthday – Northwest musicians will gather at the Alberta Rose Theater to pay tribute. The show’s title, SUNDOWN, comes from one of Lightfoot’s most popular songs and albums.
Lyrics and Legacy
Lightfoot’s music remains with us for so many reasons.
His melodies are haunting, and his chord structure was like no other. But for many, it’s his words that stick.
In addition to telling love stories in a so many ways – from mysterious to mournful to playful --he tackled a whole world of thought and struggles. Many will remember him for “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," a heart-rending shanty describing tragedy on the Great Lakes.
Kate Power
Photo by Norm Eder
His “Don Quixote” adds dimension and relevance to the fictional tilter at windmills. He commemorated Canada’s centennial with the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. He wrote about blue whales – and, in “Redwood Hill,” how Mother Nature’s heart was breaking.
He wrote about his own foibles and those of the people he knew. He wrote about wearing out his socks chasing his lover through the woods.
And he tore our hearts out describing the end of a relationship in, “If You Could Read My Mind.”
“Early Morning Rain” is found on recordings by more than 40 artists, ranging from Harry Belafonte to Eva Cassidy to Elvis Presley. Bluegrass legend Tony Rice and the extraordinary Mac Wiseman recorded tribute albums.
Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel
Photo by Norm Eder
SUNDOWN. Singer-songwriter Tom May, now a Clark County resident, met Gordon Lightfoot in the Midwest in 1967. Tom was trying to figure out what to do with his life and his music, when Lightfoot suggested Tom try performing in the vibrant Toronto music scene.
During those early years in Canada, Tom opened many a show for Lightfoot, who introduced Tom to people and places that set him up for life as a touring musician. Lightfoot remained an encouraging and supporting friend throughout his life.
Tom had hoped to honor Lightfoot for his 85th birthday, but the musical icon died before that date. Tom went on to produce a concert that autumn at The Alberta Rose Theater to great acclaim – compelling Tom to organize two similar tributes in the last two years.
Doug Smith and Tom May
Photo by Norm Eder
Remembering how Gordon Lightfoot was a man of values and dedication – and remembering Lightfoot’s support of other musicians – Tom has chosen The Jeremy Wilson Foundation’s Musician Health & Services Program to receive after-expense proceeds from the show.
Doug Smith, Sarah, Jeremy, Tom
Photo by Norm Eder
Tom has had an inside view of an independent musician’s life through his own more than 50 years of performing, as well as through the hundreds of musicians he has interviewed on his syndicated radio show, River City Folk. So, he knows all too well how musicians often live on a financial ledge that can crumble in the case of illness or accident. And he knows his friend would be happy that his songs are being used to help people in the music industry who need some support.
Tom said, “Gordon’s music is possibly the most played and loved of any songwriter of our generation other than Bob Dylan (and Dylan Knew and loved Gord’s music, too). The covers of his timeless songs run the gamut of genres, from bluegrass to classical.
“From a personal standpoint, my life would have been completely different without his encouragement and help,” Tom said.
Join Tom, many other wonderful musicians and The Jeremy Wilson Foundation on Nov. 17 at the Alberta Rose. Tickets available here.
