Diverse acts recreate famed 1971 Neil Young concert in Toronto
Last Updated: Thursday, June 11, 2009 | 10:04 AM ET
CBC News
A diverse and accomplished group of Canadian musical talent assembled at Toronto's historic Massey Hall Wednesday night for a musical tribute to Canadian legend Neil Young.
The Canadian Songbook: A Tribute to Neil Young's Live at Massey Hall — a recreation of Young's famed 1971 concert — was a part of Luminato, Toronto's annual festival of arts and creativity, which continues through Sunday.
Vancouver-based blues, rock and swing star Colin James called it an honour to be able to participate in the Young tribute.
"He was just one of those seminal people like Joni [Mitchell] and Bob Dylan that we all grew up with," he told CBC News. "Just a really serious part of the fabric of our lives."
Following Young's exact set list from 1971, Wednesday night's line-up of acts comprised an eclectic bunch, from jazz singer Holly Cole to innovative singer-songwriter Danny Michel to artists like Stephen Page, Issa (formerly Jane Siberry), Sarah Slean and the Cowboy Junkies.
Guitarist Kevin Breit and the band Sisters Euclid provided backing for many of the 19 acts.
The crowd was enthusiastic about the show.
"We thought it was fabulous," said one audience-member. "It could have gone all night."
Young is currently on tour in Europe.
The tribute concert will air on CBC Radio 2's Canada Live in two parts, on June 29 and July 6, beginning at 7 p.m. It airs on CBC Radio One in its entirety on July 3 beginning at 2 p.m.
