Blue Rodeo, A Winter Olympic Opener

Wow. Has it been five months since my last post? It has and time does pass quickly when you're not paying attention. Since my last post, I have relocated. I have fled the snowy, frozen confines of Fort McMurray for much more hospitable climate in White Rock, B.C. Which brings me to the point of this post.

Unless you live under a rock, you know the Winter Olympics have begun in Vancouver. Along with the requisite sporting events, Vancouver and its surrounding boroughs are collectively celebrating with free concerts. Artists such as Wilco, Ridley Bent, Blue Rodeo, Serena Ryder, Headpins, Streetheart, Randy Bachman, et.al. are featured at various venues scattered between Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, and North Vancouver.

Last night (Feb. 12) I attended Blue Rodeo's concert at Holland Park in Surrey. I went with Michele Raye, an old friend and fellow musician. Being February in Vancouver, it was raining and while walking to the site I naively asked if the show would be cancelled, given the wetness and all. "If things were cancelled because of rain," she said, "nothing would happen here." Nuff said.

The band was in great form. The sound was good, not too loud and an excellent mix. Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor and the rest of the boys played well and were obviously enjoying themselves immensely. The show started with "Rose Coloured Glasses" and the band did not disappoint. Mixing in some new tunes from their latest album The Things We Left Behind they satisfied the crowd with the usual staples like "Bad Timing," "Five Days in May," and "Till I Am Myself Again." Jim was in fine voice and with the exception of what seemed to be some miscommunication between Jim and Greg, which was "blamed" on the kind of confusion created by smoking too many joints, the show went off without a hitch. The band did have an extra member though, in a young fellow playing acoustic rhythm guitar and singing harmony. We surmised he was the son of either Jim or Greg.

I have seen Blue Rodeo on more than one occasion. The band is remarkably consistent with their performances. They always manage to deliver a good show and last night was no exception. Last night's show was a milestone of sorts for the band as well. They were celebrating their 25th anniversary. 25 years of Blue Rodeo. They have been pretty good years too, I think.

There are other concerts that I will be attending during the Olympics. Stay tuned for further posts, not five months between this time, I promise.

Here's some video of "Rose Coloured Glasses."