2010 IYCRMM Series
2010 Annual Gala
"If You Could Read My Mind" is an innovative new series created by the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and will bring together great Canadian songwriters in an intimate, humorous, spirited exploration of the source of songwriting and the impact of songs on our culture.
Through conversation and music, "If You Could Read My Mind" will contemplate the continuation of the Lightfoot lyric, ‘what a tale my thoughts could tell’ and will dig deep to unearth why Canada is such a hot bed for songwriting talent.
The entire series will be hosted by CBC Radio’s Laurie Brown, and will be broadcast by CBC Radio at a later date. The series will also feature performances from new and emerging Canadian songwriters.
Produced by CSHF Gala producer, David Kitching, "If You Could Read My Mind" will feature six events in all, each showcasing some of the best and iconic songwriters Canada has to offer, and represents the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame’s new commitment to regular, diverse music programming and outreach.
February 5, 2010
The CSHF was proud to welcome legendary Canadian songwriter and 2003 Inductee, Gordon Lightfoot, to kick off the first installment of the series on February 4, 2010, in conversation with The Tragically Hip front-man, Gord Downie.
A thoughtful and, at times, humorous conversation between the two icons and host Laurie Brown were interspersed with breathtaking performances. Lightfoot played Morning Moon, Shadows, If You Could Read My Mind and Let it Ride to the captivated, sold-out audience with long-time fellow band mates Terry Clemente on acoustic guitar and Rick Haynes on bass. Downie, on his acoustic guitar, played The Hip’s Morning Moon and Bobcaygeon, his solo track Willow Logic, and his latest single, (The) Hard Canadian, from his third solo album to be released May 2010.
Emerging Canadian singer/songwriter Catherine MacLellan performed her hit tunes Water From the Ground, Sparrow and a stunning rendition of Lightfoot’s I’ll be Alright.
Read the Toronto Sun review here.
January 2010
If You Could Read My Mind Featuring Gordon Lightfoot & Gord Downie
Thursday, February 4, 2010 - Showtime 8:00 p.m.
The George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre of the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street
Tickets: $25, $35, $45 - On Sale Now
Available at Ticketmaster.ca or by calling 416-870-8000
Gordon Lightfoot
A true singer-songwriter leaves not only the lasting impression of his performance but also the legacy of his song. Multiple awards, astonishing record sales, and endless accolades by his fans and peers have marked Gordon Lightfoot's career as a singer. As a songwriter, he is already a legend. Read More.
Gord Downie
While the occupation that Gord Downie lists on his passport is "musician", he
could just as easily have cited "songwriter", "poet", "video director", or even,
existentially speaking, "restless spirit". "I enjoy the process of writing to a fault,"
he admits. "I love doing the work. I love solving the puzzle."
Gord Downie is perhaps best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of Canada’s
most beloved band, The Tragically Hip, who have thrilled audiences around the
world with their live performances for over two decades. Read More.
Catherine MacLellan
Matching pure and ethereal vocals with poetic lyrics and her uncompromising song writing craft, there is no doubt as to why Catherine MacLellan has become one of the most celebrated new singer-songwriters in Canada, and around the world, by her contemporaries and media alike. Read More.