2010 IYCRMM Series
2010 Annual Gala
"If You Could Read My Mind" is an innovative new master series created by the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame that brings 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" contemplates the continuation of the Lightfoot lyric, ‘what a tale my thoughts could tell’ and digs deep to unearth why Canada is such a hot bed for songwriting talent.
The entire series is hosted by CBC Radio’s Laurie Brown and feature performances from new and emerging Canadian songwriters.
"If You Could Read My Mind" featured two spectacular events in its 2010 season, 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.
October 22, 2010
On October 21, 2010, Canadian folk icons Ian Tyson and Jim Cuddy came together for an evening of performance and conversation in the second episode of “If You Could Read My Mind” presented by the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Tyson’s captivating performances included This is My Sky, MC Horses, Estrangement and Under African Skies with fellow musicians Gordon Lee Worden on guitar and Maxwell Gordon on bass.
Featured emerging artist, Wayne Petti from Cuff The Duke, and Canadian violinist/fiddler, Anne Lindsay, joined Cuddy in a startlingly beautiful performance of 5 Days in May, Pull Me Through, Falling and One Light Left in Heaven. Cuddy and Lindsay then joined in performing three songs written by Petti: You Were Right, Rocking Chair and Follow Me.
The show concluded with a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration, with Cuddy and Petti joining Tyson in a performance of his classic song, Four Strong Winds, which was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.
Hosted by Laurie Brown, the show will be broadcast by CBC Radio 2 at a later date (to be announced).
September 2010
If You Could Read My Mind Featuring Ian Tyson & Jim Cuddy
Thursday, October 21, 2010 – Showtime 8:00 p.m.
The George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre of the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street
Tickets: $30, $40, $50 – On Sale Friday, September 10
Available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 416-872-1111
www.cansong.ca
Ian Tyson
Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi award winner, Ian Tyson, is celebrating 5 decades of performance in 2010 with a full schedule of concerts and the release of a new book to be published by Random House of Canada. With shows planned from coast to coast in both Canada and the United States, Tyson continues to keep his loyal fans in awe with songs that range from his classics – Four Strong Winds, Someday Soon, and Navajo Rug, to his newest works which he continues to write with inspired vigor. Read More.
Jim Cuddy
The Light That Guides You Home was recorded throughout the Spring of 2006 at The Woodshed in Toronto. Produced by Jim Cuddy and Colin Cripps (Kathleen Edwards, Oh Susanna, Junkhouse) the album soars from the boozy, honky-tonk piano duet "Married Again" to the countrified "Country Wide Soul" to the full-throttle rolling rock of "Stagger In". Read More.
Wayne Petti
With his first stab at a solo project Wayne Petti sticks you right through the heart. Known for his work as lead singer and principal song-writer for Canada’s alt-country favourites Cuff The Duke, Wayne Petti offers his brilliant solo debut City Lights Align via Outside Music. Read More.
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.