DRAYTON – Drayton Entertainment presents the story and music of Canada’s most celebrated songwriter in Early Morning Rain: The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot, which is at the Drayton Festival Theatre for two concerts on Sept. 21 at 2 and 7:30pm.
“It’s a musical party that you don’t want to miss,” organizers state.
‘All-Canadian cast’
Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band take listeners on a musical journey through the remarkable life and career of this Canadian folk-rock legend.
An all-Canadian cast of award-winning musicians, under the direction of Bruce Ley (composer of the Academy Award nominated film The Painted Door), capture the magic of Lightfoot’s live performances in this two-hour celebration, with fascinating stories, facts and anecdotes that pay homage to this iconic Canadian singer-songwriter.
The concert includes hits such as Early Morning Rain, If You Could Read My Mind, Carefree Highway, Sundown, For Lovin’ Me, Canadian Railroad Trilogy, Ribbon of Darkness and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Its a full stage show with a five-piece band and an “all-star lineup” including Way (Toronto’s Musician of the Year and recently on the cover of International Musician magazine); Junior Riggin, bass and vocals (Drayton’s Jersey Boys and Rock of Ages); Don Reid, drums and vocals (Pauly & the Goodfellas, Orchestra London); and Ley, piano & vocals (Tommy Hunter Show/Dolly Parton/Chet Baker, Brenda Lee etc.).
“This group of seasoned veteran performers, along with up-and-coming rising star, flatpicking guitarist & vocalist, Brant Garratt (Duke Street Turnaround), and Jack Gaughan, guitars and vocals (guitar prodigy who went viral playing Stevie Ray Vaughan), raise the roof on every stage they grace,” officials state.
Lightfoot’s legacy
Gordon Lightfoot recorded 20 albums, had five Grammy nominations, 17 Juno Awards, earned 16 number ones, 18 top 10s and 21 top 40 hits.
Other great artists who have recorded his songs include Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Blue Rodeo, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Sarah McLachlin, Harry Belafonte, Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Peter Paul & Mary, and Toby Keith.
In 2012, Lightfoot’s legacy was further enhanced when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and decorated with the Governor’s General Award and the Companion to the Order of Canada Honor of Merit.
In 2019, an in-depth documentary was made about his life, If You Could Read My Mind.
“Gordon Lightfoot is a national treasure and was a legend in his own lifetime,” officials state.
“What makes this performance special is the storytelling and the great connection these musicians have to the music, and to their audience,” said Way, the show’s creator.
“They love the music, they love Gord, and they perform these tunes from the heart. Audiences naturally respond with standing ovations and the best part is hearing the audience sing along to every song.”
Way has created 12 successful concerts including Sweet Dreams (Patsy Cline), Country Jukebox (duets), Across the Pond (The British Invasion), Rock n’ Roll is Here To Stay, Rhinestone Cowgirl (Dolly Parton), Opry Gold, and Oh, Canada, which “thrilled audiences across the country on a 44-city Canada 150 tour,” officials state.
“Take a trip down memory lane, and join Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band for this magnificent night of greatest hits from Canada’s favourite troubadour, Gordon Lightfoot,” they invite.
Tickets
For tickets visit draytonentertainment.com/whats-on/special-events or call the box office at 1-855-372-9866.
