GUELPH – Maybe it’s because they share a name and a profession, but when iconic Canadian Songwriter Gordon Lightfoot passed away on May 1 of this year, James Gordon’s phone started to ring with fans asking if there would be a Guelph tribute and would he be organizing it.
To Gordon, the number of inquiries and the outpouring of affection and grief over Lightfoot helped him understand what a major impact that great Canadian had on so many.
At the same time, Gordon has been working hard on a major advocacy project that he is co-ordinating: The Tumaini Letu DRC Project, so he has initiated the tribute as a fundraiser for this important cause.
The project came about after Gordon visited Africa earlier this year and heard of the plight of a village in the Congo that has no water, limited food, no health care or education, and a dangerous political environment.
From his experience as an activist and a former Guelph city councillor, he’s been able to create partnerships and plans that, with adequate funding, will bring much needed relief to this village in crisis.
More info about this project can be foumd at https://jamesgordon.ca/the-tumaini-letu-drc-project.
Gordon was thrilled with the number of talented local musicians and volunteers who have come together to make Minstrel Of The Dawn, which officials say is a wonderful concert experience, a good way to support a cause, and a fitting celebration of a songwriter who was a big influence on Gordon’s career and the career of two generations of Canadian writers and performers.
The performers include Gordon himself along with Guelph-based artists Gayle Ackroyd, Grant Campbell, Greg Denton, John Farley, Brenda Lewis, Harri Palm, Preetam Sengupta and Hellion Ton.
Gordon promises surprise guests as well as a top-notch backing ensemble.
The concert is 7:30pm on June 22 at Harcourt Memorial Church, 87 Dean Avenue in Guelph, and attendees of the concert will be pleased to see the efforts the church has made to make their sanctuary a welcoming performance venue, officials say.
Tickets are $30 in advance, available at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/minstrel-of-the-dawn-a-tribute-to-gordon-lightfoot-tickets-634883201747
Or purchase at the door for $35.
Visit Facebook event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/6206587602728445 for more information.
