| Orillia
was a long trek from Ottawa, and we were cutting it a bit close.
The cell phone rang frantically with the news that the AETF's car had broken
down on the road. They threatened to hitchhike to the concert, but
things worked out ok in the end and their car limped to Orillia with ours
following closely behind. Or ahead as the mood took us!
Casino Rama (What a name! Couldn't they do better? It sounds like a bad joke.) is another example of a frequent Moodies venue-type these days: the Indian casino (Sandia, Viejas, Hinckley). Our trek from Ottawa took us to what can only be described as "the boonies". We drove north to nothing on route 13 wondering what could possibly await us. What awaited us was a very pleasant surprise! Casino Rama looks like the only thing in Orillia, but it sure attracts a LOT of people. The casino was well-filled, new and attractive if you like the casino scene (and I do!), and there was a long line at the box office an hour before the performance. A few pulls on Megabucks and a tasty hotdog later, we entered the showroom. This is a BIG place! The showroom easily sat 5000 plus and looked (and according to unofficial reports, was) sold out. The setup of the showroom was abominable. One section of the 5 front floor sections was directly in front of the long-ass stage. The front row of the two sections on either side of F3 extended halfway BEYOND the stage. And there was another entire section beyond that on either side! A large tv screen (say 13 by 13) was in front of those sections, and I would bet it was the only thing they were able to see. What a way to experience a live concert, to watch it on a tv screen. sigh (*I* would have been pissed) There was a large flat floor and raised sections in back. The stage was on the high side (quite non-jumpable), and the front row was at least 10 feet back from the stage and fronted by four pleasant and relaxed security guards. The sound and balance were good in the big room and well suited to sophisticated rock 'n roll. The full setlist was performed without an intermission. Got to get those suckers back out into the casino as quickly as we can and separated from their Canadian dollars, eh? The casino strictly adhered to their over 19 policy, which was the stated age to enter the casino. All fans who brought borrowed or rented kiddies to hold up to the stage for Band hand outs were severely disappointed! LOL!!! Shall we have The Fashion Report??? The Fashion Report: RT - Black on black GE - Jimi Hendrix shirt, black slacks JH - White long slvd shirt, black slacks, PMS (policeman shoes - odd to see on someone who didn't know who Joe Friday was on the stand) JL - White on white embroidered long slvd shirt, leathers, boots No half, therefore no change The Battle of the Buttons: We ended the tour on a disappointing note - a measly three button outing (so to speak) from TDMH. Well, it *was* Canada and I suppose we're lucky they weren't wearing thermal undies. The Concert: Great concert, no shocking errors. A few moments of interest were found at Casino Rama. I was STUNNED and AMAZED at Justin's introduction of The Actor, which not only included the pertinent reference to Canada, but tonight also included the never before spoken "with Canned Heat". (I wasn't sure my heart could take the shock.) JH went ON to say "we brought an album, although not too many people noticed!" I can only try to imagine the hypothetical introductions to The Actor in future concerts. It may come to the point where we can't shut him up! OK, probably not. The shuffle was down at our end this evening and we enjoyed it without any leg grabs. JL had a BIG smile for the Debbie Harry lookalike at his feet, and Darla seemed to enjoy it too. YWD saw the resurgence of the drumstick-toss after a few nights of the auto-toss. The score: GE 3, GM -3. Must be those lousy Marshall throws! HAHA Graeme ended the tour with a great recitation of Nothing Changes, using his back up band to great advantage. ; ) There was a WONDERFUL rolled R on "grouped" that brought a smile to my face. A good crowd, a great concert and a fabulous end to a successful Moodies tour. At least it was for me! MaggieMay |
| Ed: And, it was for me, too! We logged over 10,000 miles this trip, spent 31 days on the road, and had more fun than I can remember ever having. Next stop on the tour - Bristol, England! |