NEWS RELEASE
LIGHTFOOT DAYS FESTIVAL
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Join us for a heartfelt evening on Nov. 1, 2024, as we honour the legacy of legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot at Memories of Gordon Lightfoot: Stories & Music.
This special event will take place Friday, Nov. 1, 7 to 9 p.m. at Creative Nomad Studios, bringing together friends, family, and fans to celebrate the life and times of this musical icon.
The evening will feature an array of captivating stories shared by those who knew and worked with Gordon, including longtime booking agent Bernie Fiedler, all the members of the Lightfoot Band, and other special guests. Other presenters will include Gordon’s nephew, Steve Eyers, Wanda Hawkins, wife of Ronnie Hawkins, and John Swartz.
Interspersed throughout the storytelling will be musical tributes performed by renowned artists Steve Porter, Don James, and Steve McEown, ensuring that Gordon’s music resonates deeply throughout the night.
We are honoured to feature an exclusive video clip of an interview with Gordon Lightfoot, with Karen Hilfman Millson, who was instrumental in organizing the inaugural Lightfoot Days Pop-Up Festival in the fall of 2023. Karen, who served as minister of St. Paul’s United Church Centre in Orillia — where Gordon performed as a child — passed away in February 2024, leaving a remarkable legacy of passion for the legacy of Gordon Lightfoot.
We want to extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to our title sponsor, Tim Corney of RBC Wealth Management. Your generous support is not just appreciated; it truly transforms our efforts and makes a profound difference in everything we do. Thank you for being such a vital part of our journey. We are incredibly grateful for your sponsorship.
We are equally grateful to KnightVision Creative Agency for their dedication to supporting both the workshops and the Memories event. Your contributions are vital in shaping our festival’s success.
A special thank you also goes to Carole & Roy Timm Photography for their invaluable support of the Memories of Gordon Lightfoot: Stories & Music event. Your commitment enriches our community and creates lasting memories.
We are grateful to Wagg’s Uniform Services for contributing to the Lightfoot Band workshops, Nov 1, 1 and 2:30 p.m., at Creative Nomad Studios. This event will feature all the band members sharing their experiences working with Gordon and showcasing techniques and music.
Thank you to all the incredible companies that have generously sponsored services. Your support is vital to ensuring the festival’s success, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to making this event a memorable experience for everyone.
A series of paintings presented by North Simcoe Arts, featuring imagery of Gordon Lightfoot and his music, will be on display at Creative Nomad Studios during the Lightfoot Band workshops and the Memories of Gordon Lightfoot: Stories & Music event.
This event is free to attend on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved seating will be assigned for special guests and sponsors.
The evening will be masterfully hosted by Linda Leatherdale, an Orillia native and accomplished journalist. Known for her engaging storytelling, Linda shared a lifelong friendship with Gordon, making her the perfect guide for this memorable tribute. Linda is an award-winning financial journalist and personal finance expert, known as ‘the Great Defender of Main Street.’
This event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Gordon Lightfoot’s extraordinary contributions to music and culture. Join us for a night filled with laughter and unforgettable melodies.
Tickets:
No tickets required; entry is free. Arrive early.
For more information about the event, please contact:
Daphne Mainprize
Vice-president
Lightfoot Days Festival of Orillia
Email: [email protected]
We hope to see you there as we celebrate the enduring spirit of Gordon Lightfoot.
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