Fans of Gordon Lightfoot will gather Saturday night in his hometown of Orillia, Ont., for a concert honoring the folk singer-songwriter.
In what was originally planned a few months ago as a tribute to a living legend, Early Morning Rain: The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot now serves as a celebration of a life well lived, following the singer’s death on Monday at the age of 84.
The two-hour show is presented at the Orillia Opera House by Leisa Way & the Wayward Wind Band, under the direction of Toronto composer Bruce Ley.
The program is described as capturing the spirit of Lightfoot’s stage performances, with interpretations of Early Morning Rain, If You Could Read My Mind, Carefree Highway and many other popular songs by the artist. The musicians will approach the show with anecdotes about the singer.
Organizers say the concert is sold out, with 677 seats.
Leisa Way, a native of Kitchener, Ont., who grew up in Sudbury, told The Canadian Press that she hopes the concert will serve as a comfort to people looking to celebrate the joy of Gordon Lightfoot’s music.
She said a concert tour was originally planned several years ago and with stops in more than 25 Canadian cities before the COVID-19 pandemic postponed those plans. She still intends to hit the road.
Many people are expected to gather in the singer’s hometown this weekend to pay tribute to his legacy. On Sunday, a public visitation will be held at St. Paul’s United Church from 1 to 8 p.m.
After Gordon Lightfoot’s death on Monday, Orillia residents began laying flowers at a bronze statue of the singer in a local city park. The city has lowered its flags and condolence books are available at the Opera House and in downtown Orillia.