Greg Keelor

Hamilton, ON - Casbah - November 5, 2006

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Orillia, ON - The Opera House - November 4, 2006

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Toronto, On - Lee's Palace - November 3, 2006

Backed by an Equally Rockin' Band
by Carol

The show at Lee's last night was absolutely amazing. Well worth the wait, as Greg and The Fabulous Sadies didn't take the stage until late that night. I was thrilled to hear that The Good Brothers were one of the acts opening the show. They are a truly talented family, and I dare say the Canadian equivalent of the American Carter Family. Greg was in his glory backed by his very favourite band! He sang the songs from his new CD, of course, and added some of my favourite oldies as well. Greg seemed to be inspired and invigorated by the enthusiastic energy of the Sadies, and so were we. If you haven't seen Greg's latest solo performance, be sure to check for available tickets in your area before it's too late. You will only regret it if you miss this opportunity to see an amazing song writer, and an equally amazing rockin' band backing him up!

Kingston, ON - Elixir - November 2, 2006

The Sadies Do A Great Job
by Stacey

We arrived at Elixir Thursday night excited to see Greg and The Sadies. It was going to be our first opportunity to see The Sadies so we were anticipating that experience. The Sadies took the stage around 10:45pm and they played for an hour or so. They were incredible. Such energy! Dallas and Travis are such talented players it was a pleasure to watch. The crowd seemed to love them and it was entertaining to watch a couple of people at the front dancing away to every song.

After a break, Greg took the stage at 12:15am. We were all excited to see him and he seemed to relaxed and eager to play. He played a great mix of his new album Aphrodite Rose and Blue Rodeo songs. The crowd seemed more appreciative of his Blue Rodeo songs but they also seemed to enjoy his new album too. Personally I think Aphrodite Rose is Greg's best solo album yet so I was very pleased to hear the majority of it played live. The Sadies as your band makes most everything sound great and they did a wonderful job of filling in for Jim, Baz, Bob, Bob, and Glen in their absence! Greg's entire set was energetic and inspiring. After the show, he graciously mingled and signed autographs. Overall, a great evening was had by all. To anyone who is going to see Greg on this tour, enjoy it. Here is the setlist: You're Everywhere - No Man's Land - Steal Your Mind - Prisoner - Lost Together - Glory Oh - High Meadow - Dragonfly - In The Reflections - Are You Ready - For The Country - If You Go - Rose Coloured Glasses - Alaska - Hasn't Hit Me Yet - Encore: Diamond Mine

Does It Get Any Better Then That?
by Smitty

Hey folks just wanted to say I had a fantastic time last night at the show. Greg was brilliant as always and did not disappoint and a great small venue to see one of the best performers ever. And treated to an opening performance with the SADIES...UMM does it get any better then that? And then the Sadies backed up Greg; couldn't have asked for much more....Was also very pleased that Greg played "Lost Together," how often do you get to slow dance to such a great song with Greg a foot away ??Anyway for those of you planning on catching any of the upcoming shows do your self a favour and don't miss it for anything,,, Thanks Greg for a fantastic night and I love the new CD,,, Take care all the best

Ottawa, ON - Barrymores - November 1, 2006

It Took Until 2am for my Ears to Stop Ringing
by Shauna

I've loved Greg and Blue Rodeo since I was five years old, thanks to my mum being a fan. So naturally, when I heard that Greg's album tour would be bringing him to Ottawa, I got tickets. Attending the show meant skipping a night class, but sacrifices must be made when seeking musical perfection. Barrymore's is an excellent venue for a show. It's set up like a bar and has multiple levels of table-and-chair seating, so the show really felt like a party we'd all been invited to, and not like a typical concert-hall show at all. The concert itself started a bit late but was stellar nonetheless. The Sadies came on and performed a very good set (pun intended on Travis' and Dallas' last name!). Their cover of "Palace of Gold" launched a searing set filled with blazing guitars and fiddles. My knowledge of their songs stopped with the opener, but they have an intense yet well-crafted sound that had the place heated up in no time.

After intermission, Greg came on with them and performed his set. He played eight songs off Aphrodite Rose, four BR songs, and one cover that I had never heard before. Then in the encore he played "Colour and Rhyme" (my favourite song on Aphrodite Rose) as well as "Diamond Mine." A healthy portion of the crowd on the dance floor sang along, myself included, but not too many people actually danced. It was more about standing as close to the stage as possible and enjoying the music. Once the show ended, I stuck around, despite it being after midnight, because I wanted to see if I could get Greg to sign my copy of his CD. Luck favoured me, and I actually met him!! He signed my CD's lyrics booklet on "Colour and Rhyme" and posed for a picture with me, which I still can't believe actually happened. I guess you could say "it hasn't hit me yet." It took until 2am for my ears to stop ringing, but the excitement of seeing the show and meeting Greg hasn't worn off one bit. Here's hoping he comes back to Ottawa soon!

Waterloo, ON - Starlight - October 31, 2006

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Edmonton, AB - Powerplant - October 28, 2006

We Needed That Extra Hour
by John

What a great show! Not a big Blue Rodeo fan but my wife is so I had to go. I have to say that Greg Keelor is someone I would go out of my way to see live. Only disappointment was that he did not sit up on stage by himself for an accoustic solo. But that was easily overlooked with all the great guitar work. The Sadies were a a lot of fun to watch (and hear). Everyone looked a bit tired on stage. No wonder with the showing going until 1:30am (thank goodness we all gained an hour with the end of daylight savings time). Thanks for a great show. I am a new Greg Keelor fan!

Calgary, AB - Mac Ballroom - October 27, 2006

Made My Year
by Thomas

The tickets said doors at 8:30 but Greg did not actually start till just after 11:00. The Sadies were a lot of fun. I had never heard them play before but I really did enjoy there set. Found it a wee odd that every one of there songs seemed only a minute long though. When Greg finally came out, he opened with "You're Everywhere" which was awesome, but a little confusing as I am used to this being a closing song. From there, Greg played most of the songs from his new album with a half dozen or so Blue Rodeo songs thrown in. The Sadies accompanied him thru his set and I noticed something. While the Sadies were a good band, Greg Keelor really has a commanding presence. Even as he just stood there, you could feel that he was the man. Definite highlights include a beautiful "Lost Together" and a very fun "It Hasn't Hit Me Yet" not to mention a very groovy version of "Diamond Mine." The show ended late and there were people around at other tables who had passed out, but the show was worth it. Finally to see my musical hero made my year. I just regret I never got to meet him face to face. Thanks Greg!!

Awesome
by Erwan

The McEwan Hall is a small and personal venue...perfect. Andre Ethier opened looking nervous and not very confident. The Sadies were absolutely fabulous; these guys are musicians 100%. I saw them before and they were awesome. They played a full set well into 11:30pm. Andre joined them again singing two songs; a 100% turn around from before - a confident and loud, in your face performance. Amazing. A fiddle song by the Sadies had a couple two stepping like no other; almost slam stepping through the crowd. Then Greg came out with them, played six Blue Rodeo songs including "Diamond Mine" (mind, which one is it Greg? huh). Without keyboards this must be very hard to do. The Good Brothers were playing along with Greg like they've been doing it for years (they have). This was great night for music, even my brother who doesn't like this style of music testified by saying these guys are awesome... Oh, did I mention that while we were standing around before the show started, (drove from Edmonton to Calgary to see the show) Greg was at a payphone sitting there for 35 minutes. I told my bro in-law that I wanted to ask Greg if I could kiss his boot. I love this guy. He just sat there and chatted quietly on the phone. Then he got up and waved and walked the other direction. Damn you Greg. Your number one fan.

Nelson, BC - Finley's Irish Bar - October 26, 2006

A Great Night in the Kootenays
by Chelan

Well, it's been a long time coming, but had to share my big adventure in Nelson. Being basically born and raise in Nelson (now living in the lovely Okanagan) it was so nice to go 'home' and see The Sadies and Greg Keelor in a small venue. What a night! I thank "Merlin" for his very wonderful write up. I couldn't have described it better! It was great from the get go. No line up and with one of my best friends, Patti, from Nelson, we had no idea what to expect. We managed to park right in front of the bar right beside their tour bus. What's with that! I laughed and said I hoped we are not the only people here! We paid $20 at the door and walked in.

After having a nice conversation with Travis Good (whose Uncle Jeff is a great friend of mine) we found a table right in front of the stage. What are the chances eh! Andre Ethier was playing guitar and singing and, although I have never heard his music, I was definitely interested. Then, The Sadies came out and "kicked ass"!!. From one great song to another there was no way we could sit! I have seen them a few times down at the coast and have been totally taken by their music for years and could never get enough of their duel guitars! Now, that is a talent you don't see!! Gotta love them guys.

Then, after an hour or so of non stop 'sonic smorgasbord", Mr. Keelor came out and 'rocked the house'. There was so much great energy in the bar it is hard to describe! Dancing about two feet from the band just made your heart pound and smile!!! Although I have been a huge Blue Rodeo fan for 'years' it was awesome seeing Greg on his own with The Sadies. The crowd was definitely very "colorful" and just watching the expressions on the bands faces was enough to make you laugh. Only in the Kootenays! They came back for an encore and their last song was "Diamond Mine," which in my mind, could have gone on all night!!!. With their high energy and enthusiasm, you could definitely tell that they were also having a great time.

After the show I asked Travis for a set list and told him I was planning on writing a review and he asked if I could be 'bribed' to write a "good one!". How could I not!! Although Mr. Keelor did not stay around to chat and sign my new CD, I did get to thank him for one of the best nights ever!!!. He just smiled and said to me "I like your shirt!". (I was wearing my T-shirt from the Naskusp Music Festival from this summer). (Ya, music diehard/BR fan here!!). I turned around to find my friend in a wonderful conversation with Sean Dean on the dance floor. I joined them and thanked him for such a great evening. These guys are all so nice he thanked 'us' for coming!!! I asked Sean about how he felt about playing in big venues and then coming to Nelson? He admitted that they "loved" playing in small venues and apparently enjoyed more than the Artisan water in the Kootenays! It was a fabulous evening and I would hope that The Sadies and Mr. Keelor would get together again; soon, I am definitely in! I still can't get that evening out of my head. One of the best nights ever!! I am planning on going back to Nelson in a couple of weeks and may just have to go to Finlays just for ol' times sake. I thank them for their wonderful talent and I know this will not be the last time I see them! . Gotta love the Kootenays and "The Boys."

Dancing with my Sweetheart
by Merlin

Well, it's 3am, just got back after a 45min drive home from Nelson to Trail BC. A very special night for my wife Linda and I!!
First of all: The Sadies!! There are no words to describe how blown away I am by their music and stage presence. They were playing in a bar, to no more than 150 people, and they came out in those suits, and played just about the coolest set of music I've ever heard live. I'm speechless!!!! Must have played 30 songs in their one hour set, and I'll never forget it. A psychedelic hoe-down!! A sonic smorgasborg, and a wannabe guitar players dream.

And then starting at midnite, Greg Keelor started out with "You're Everywhere" and then played every (vocal) song from Aphrodite Rose, along with some favorite Blue Rodeo songs, as well as a fabulous cover of Neil Young's "Are You Ready For The Country," with fiddle by Travis Good. They obviously enjoyed playing together, and also seemed to enjoy the ecstatic/stoned hippie standing two feet in front of the stage doing his interpretive dance/twirling during the whole set. I guess the guys don't see the typical hippie-interpretive-dance too often, but it's a standard part of every musical event here in the Kootenays.

I slow-danced with Linda right in front of the stage to "Lost Together" and "Hasn't Hit Me Yet", among others. The solo album material certainly had much more energy when performed live with the Sadies, with "If You Go" and "Colour and Rhyme" being highlights for me. Last song of the night was "Diamond Mine" after a gloriously psychedelic "Color and Rhyme." So, when all is said and done, I danced with my sweetheart of the last 28 years to some of our favorite songs by one of my favorite songwriters, and on top of that, have a newfound respect for the dual guitar glory that is the Sadies. I can't believe I was in a small bar with just over 100 people and rockin' and dancing not five feet away from Greg Keelor and the Canadian music LEGENDS The Sadies!! Thanks guys, for visiting the Kootenays.

Whistler, BC - Garibaldi Lift Company - October 25, 2006

Real Talent, Real Gentleman
by Rick

Thank you all so much! The show grew through out the evening. To be able to be a part of this level of energy is truly a moment which re-enforces the gift we share living life. Once again, real gentleman, displaying a level of real talent who took the time after working to live the moment with their guests by standing in pictures, signing CDs, chatting and showing all of us real class. Thank You.

Victoria, BC - The Central Bar & Grill - October 23, 2006

Such A Great Show
by Len

I saw Greg with the Sadies in Victoria. I love small venues. You can drink, dance and rub up against the stage. Greg is a huge part of what makes up Blue Rodeo. Half in fact. Jim is the other half. If these two guys didn't meet up in school we wouldn't have BR. Greg has such a great feel for classic tunes. The old style guitar work and his ability to write incredible songs is what draws me back again and again. The guy is my legend and am very proud to be Canadian. The Show in Vic rocked!!!! Greg and the Sadies ripped it up and put on a wicked show. I hope these guys tour together forever but I know that can't be. Trust me!!!!!! Get it while you can because you will never see a show like the show Greg and the Sadies can throw. The other dude (forget his name) who opened up for them was also a good listen. He pitched in a couple with Greg and the Sadies and fit right in. I will keep my eye open for another get together by these guys and would pay ANY price to see it.

Greg's a Pro
by Allison

Greg is a guy that looks comfortable in his own skin and sometimes a bit road-weary but I have a feeling he loves every minute of touring. He watched The Sadies' entire set from the audience like a big fan which of course he is. The Sadies looked divine in their natty threads and their music was killer wicked. They seemed to be having a mighty righteous good time and so were we. When it was Greg's turn to sing a few songs, The Sadies backed him and lent awesome harmonies, it felt like one big hoedown. Many onstage smiles were observed. Greg's Aphrodite Rose is a superb album and he sang most if not all the songs from it. "No Man's Land" was a highlight. When he sang three or four Blue Rodeo tunes over the course of his set and encore, the crowd was revved up even more. Familiarity and all that. Love the new songs and I got to tell Greg so when I shook/clasped his hand outside the venue as he was returning into it. Lovely guy, down to earth, another great show by a pro. Come back soon, Greg, and bring The Sadies, we love you.

Vancouver, BC - The Commodore - October 22, 2006

An Amazing Night of Music
by Torri

The Commodore show is one I will never forget. I am writing this review five days after the show and I am still flying high. Because it was Sunday night the crowd was small but it was clear everyone who was there really wanted to be there. You could feel the energy of the crowd as soon as the Sadies walked on stage. The Sadies were on fire from the opening song. They are all such marvellous musicians that it is always a pleasure to watch them. Travis in particular blew my mind. At one point he was playing the fiddle so hard I thought it might burst into flames. Too often the Sadies open for other bands & I leave wishing they could have played longer. This was the perfect set-up for me. The Sadies warmed up the crowd and then Greg Keelor with a few of his fabulous friends - the Sadies - musical heaven!

A few years ago a group of us caught some Blue Rodeo shows minus Greg. He had gone home for family reasons. Each night the show ended with Jim singing You're Everywhere. It seemed rather fitting that Greg's solo tour would open with it. Greg & Travis really love playing together - it was a real joy to watch them laughing and smiling at each other all night. Each appeared to enjoy when the other kicked butt as it were. At one point Travis broke a string on his guitar and managed to change it before the song ended & without missing any of his background vocals. Greg wowed us with pretty much all of the new songs as well half dozen BR songs. It was a stellar night of music. The crowd sang along to the oldies and some of us to the new ones. To hear "Prisoner" live was fabulous. It's not everyday you see Greg playing the tambourine. Other favourites for me were "Colour & Rhyme," "Glory Oh" & "If You Go." Hearing "Diamond Mine" with the Sadies was also a hell of an experience. The audience was happy to handle HHMY. Far too soon is was over. Shortly after the show ended we were surprised when Greg came out. He graciously signed autographs & took photos. A nice end to a night of music I will never forget. I suggest an annual Greg Keelor/Sadies tour. Pretty Please!

Saskatoon, SK - Louis' - October 20, 2006

Greg Rocks the U of S
by Tracy

After seeing Greg and The Sadies perform the night before in Regina, and with Greg putting me on his guest list for the second night in a row, how could I not take in the Saskatoon show? It was well worth the almost 10 hours of driving just to see them again. The venue was different from The Distrikt, as tonight they performed at the University of Saskatchewan's campus pub. The crowd was much younger and much more energetic. The place was jam-packed even before Andre Ethier went on around 10pm. When The Sadies hit the stage around 11pm, the dance floor was packed. There was barely enough room to move, but that didn't stop the crowd from dancing and having a blast. The Sadies put on a show every bit as good as the night before, performing their wonderful mix of alternative-country-rock, as only they can do. As he did the night before, Greg popped out to listen off to the side of the stage - being the huge Sadies fan that he is. And who can blame him?

When The Sadies finished their set and the crowd cleared to refill their drinks, my Blue Rodeo buddy Lori (who spotted me in the crowd earlier - thank you, Lori!) and I headed for the front of the stage. After all, where else is there to be when Greg is performing? Lucky for us we moved when we did, as the dance floor filled quickly, people crowding to the front to get the best view they could of this icon. Looking every bit as delicious as the night before in his plaid shirt and blue jeans, and sounding every bit as fabulous, Greg dazzled the crowd by performing nearly every song from his new album, including my personal favourites, "Glory Oh" and "No Man's Land". Of course, it wouldn't have been the same without adding the Blue Rodeo favourites, "Lost Together", "Rose-Coloured Glasses", and ending a perfect evening with "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" - to which the crowd sang along. He had the crowd dancing, singing, and cheering for more all evening. For his encore he performed "If You Go", "Diamond Mine", and "Colour and Rhyme."

After the show, Greg came out to greet a group of fans waiting for autographs and photos. Taking the time to talk with each fan, patiently and graciously answering the same questions he gets asked time and again, he then made his way over to me, asking which show I thought was better. I told him that I wouldn't say one was better than the other - that they were both equally spectacular. He smiled, seemingly pleased with my answer. I left the venue around 3am, and as I began my long journey home, my head still spinning from all the excitement, I wondered if the last two nights had in fact been real, or nothing more than a dream. Surely experiencing Greg two nights in a row couldn't have been anything but a dream... "And in the reflections, I see the dreamer and the dream, the dreamer and the dream..."

Andre Ethier, The Sadies, Greg Keelor - all on the same bill - what a night! From the casual beginning with Andre Ethier walking out and launching into his first song, to the last encore, it was an evening filled with stellar music. We were seated to the far right, within five feet of the entrance onto the stage. At one point, just after Andre Ethier started his second song, I glanced over and saw Greg Keelor standing to the side, smiling and watching. Before I could gather my thoughts and move he was gone, later returning as The Sadies hit the stage. I grabbed the opportunity, asking for a picture, to which he very graciously agreed. My daughter quickly took the picture and we settled in to enjoy The Sadies.

Words fail to do The Sadies justice; just get on for the ultimate rollercoaster ride! The Good Brothers looked so dapper in their retro-cut suits - a refreshing contrast to the more casual jeans and t-shirts. Louis' has a tiny dance floor, which was packed with members of the audience, all vibrating in unison with the music and the band. It was rollicking, high-voltage, good fun! Watching Travis Good play, his face at times grimacing in concentration, and then breaking into smiles, was magic. He took a most willing audience along with him into a glorious frenzy. Near the end of their set, Andre Ethier was brought out to do a very entertaining version of "Talking Down". He was so animated and hilarious, his gestures at times reminiscent of Elton John.

Then Greg Keelor took the stage and sang every track on his new CD, as only he could do. Some Blue Rodeo classics were also included with a whole different sound, thanks to The Sadies (most notably, "Diamond Mine" taking on a whole new personality). The encores were "If You Go," "Diamond Mine" and "Colour & Rhyme," that Greg said was a good rehearsal song and a little bonus for Saskatoon. Too soon it was over. We walked out into a typical fall prairie night, snow softly falling, bringing to mind the words from an earlier song: "Autumn trees are changing Cold north wind cries I miss you when the leaves are falling I miss you most when the snow flies."

Regina, SK - The Distrikt - October 19, 2006

Greg Performs Magic in Regina
by Tracy

You see Blue Rodeo live. You see The Sadies live. But nothing can prepare you for the experience of seeing Greg Keelor and The Sadies hit the stage together. The crowd was just starting to pour in when Andre Ethier kicked off the evening around 10pm. By the time The Sadies took the stage, around 11pm, the place was packed. The Sadies rocked the place in their signature retro suits, playing all our favourites including "Loved On Look" and "Higher Power". Travis dazzled the crowd with his fierce fiddling. Dallas treated us to their version of Blue Rodeo's "Palace of Gold" - his voice deep and haunting - reminiscent of Johnny Cash. Everyone was on their feet and having a great time. Even Greg himself couldn't resist standing off to the side of the stage to sing and groove along with them. By the time The Sadies finished their set, the crowd was pumped and ready for Greg, who hit the stage around 12:30 am.

This was a first for me - seeing Greg perform live outside of Blue Rodeo - and being on his guest list really added to my excitement. The dance floor was packed. From the opening strains of "You're Everywhere" and "No Man's Land" right through to the three-song encore, it proved to be a magical evening. Greg looked incredible in his blue jeans and navy shirt with floral embroidered crests, sporting a growth which he referred to as his "road beard." His ragged, sensual voice was in top form. Belting out nearly all the tunes from his new album, and adding just the right mix of Blue Rodeo classics (including "Lost Together" and "Rose-Coloured Glasses"), Greg had the crowd mesmerized. He ended each song with his charming, "Thank you, folks!", and was thoroughly enjoying himself up there with Travis and Dallas. The set ended with "Hasn't Hit Me Yet", to which the entire crowd sang along. But that wasn't enough. The crowd cheered until he came back for an encore, performing "If You Go", the classic "Diamond Mine", and the ever popular "Railroad Song". After the show, Greg graciously talked with fans and signed autographs before having to tear down his own equipment. A far cry from touring with Blue Rodeo! The show was far too incredible to see only once, so the next night I was off to Saskatoon. Thank you, Greg, for a memorable and magical evening, as I count the days until you return...

Winnipeg, MB - The Pyramid - October 17, 2006

Come Back Soon!
by Jennifer

The whole show in general was amazing! The crowd was pumped and were ecstatic about all three performances. I have been employed by the Pyramid Cabaret for eight years now and I've seen all kinds of genre of music come and go there. Although I am a Blue Rodeo fan, some may think I am bias but the show was so energetic. The fans and patrons were so excited to be there and so they should! The Sadies and Greg Keelor performing together is a treat and it sure paid off for us all to be up so late on a Tuesday evening. Greg's new album sounds great; he was very relaxed and pleased to be performing for his fans. I wished it was a full house for him, but everyone that was in the Cabaret was right up front at the stage enjoying every moment. It was an all around entertaining night and I have to say one of the best I've seen in my eight years of employment there. I hope Greg and the Sadies will perform there again soon!

Well Worth The Drive
by Keriann

I'm so glad I made the two-hour trip into the city to see this show! Andre Ether and The Sadies were an awesome warm-up to Greg's set, which I was eagerly anticipating having listened to the new CD and loving every song! Greg sounded better than ever and seemed very relaxed. What a great place for a show. My head was still pounding on the ride home (and the next day!) Good to hear some Blue Rodeo songs, too.

Greg Keelor with the Sadies
by Valerie Key

I knew this evening was going to be different. The reason I knew this was that, having witnessed the Sadies play the Pyramid three times before, I am accustomed to seeing their humble tour van and attached trailer parked in front of the club. On this night, there was no sign of a van, but instead a large tour bus was parked in front. I thought - wow! - Greg Keelor is here with our Sadies! The Sadies have developed a faithful and ever-increasing following in Winnipeg. Tonight's crowd had an added buzz from the presence of plenty of excited Keelor fans waiting to hear him perform selections from his new CD Aphrodite Rose.

At about 9:30PM, the Sadies' friend, Andre Ethier, took the stage for a brief set of passionately delivered songs performed with his own guitar accompaniment. He has a very strong voice, quite Dylanesque, and his songs are dramatically and loudly delivered. One number entitled "The Pride of Egypt" was dedicated to the Pyramid club.

The Sadies came on after a short break and launched into a full length set with their usual energy. They started with a song I had expected they would
save for Greg's appearance, "Stories Often Told," which we Blue Rodeo folks know as "Palace of Gold." Their influence on Greg's latest Blue Rodeo performances of that song can be heard, as they deliver it thoughtfully and slowly, like a story-telling session. Another song I thought they would save for Greg was "Loved on Look" from Tremendous Efforts, which features Greg on vocals.

A personal Sadies favorite for me is the energetic traditional spiritual "Higher Power." Travis accompanies this one with his fiddle, while Dallas sings those lyrics with great conviction. It's a real foot stomper. I couldn't help but notice that many of the fans crowded around the stage were singing along with every song, and a few song requests were being shouted out from the audience. Other Sadies crowd pleasers included "16 Mile Creek," "Stay a Little Longer," "Northumberland West," "Rat Creek," (which I believe was written about a place here in Manitoba) and "Red River Reel" and "Red River Jig," again a reference to Manitoba places. They also gave a nod to some of the collaborative efforts on their new live CD with "Lonely Guy," a Dexter Romweber song, and "Food, Water, Etc." - a new number from The Sadies in Concert Volume 1. Their set concluded with "Tiger, Tiger." By then the crowd was in a mood to dance, sing and party!

The buzz started but the Sadies continued, as the expectant audience began crowding to the front of the stage again in anticipation of Greg Keelor. Greg, tuning up and looking relaxed and happy in his blue jeans and a nice brown plaid shirt, took his time coming to the stage for his set, which only increased the growing anticipation in the crowd. By the time he and the Sadies returned to the stage, a wild applause broke out. Greg opened his set with "You're Everywhere," also on the Sadies In Concert album. This rendition seemed slower and more measured in timing, with good results. The fans were obviously already familiar with much of Greg's new record, Aphrodite Rose, since the new tunes were greeted with applause and some of the "stage-huggers" were singing along with many of them. "No Man's Land" and "Steal Your Mind," both new songs of Greg's which comment on our political times, were well received.

The band continued with "Rose Coloured Glasses." I was continually amazed through this show as to the different outlook the Sadies gave to many of Greg's familiar Blue Rodeo and solo tunes. The pace and volume are enhanced and some of the songs sound almost new. The guitar solo in this song was well delivered by Dallas, and the meat and potatoes drumming style of Mike Belitsky gave a fresh sounding basic beat to the song. As the set continued, Greg moved amongst the other musicians, coaching them in some of the rhythms and egging on the solos. He is obviously comfortable with these guys and was having a great time, and I can see that as this tour progresses, the songs will get tighter and tighter and reveal an amazing collaboration.

Five more songs followed from the new album: "Prisoner," "Alaska," the acoustic and folky "Glory Oh," "Aphrodite Rose," and the heartfelt and quieter "Miss You." "Lost Together" was given new life with the Sadies along for the ride and got the crowd really wired up. "High Meadow" and "In the Reflections" were followed by the Travis/Greg favorite "Ready for the Country."

Before launching into his last number, Greg said that he wanted to thank all of us very much for not shouting out, "Sing ‘Try'!" He then proceeded to sing "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" with many of us die-hard Blue Rodeo fans singing along. I must say I've missed hearing Greg's voice on that first verse lately, and I was happy that he didn't wait to see if the crowd would carry that first verse for him but just launched into it himself. The crowd called the band back for a late night encore, which consisted of "Diamond Mine," where Dallas and Greg traded some very psychedelic vibes and whistles on various sound machines. Also featured was "If You Go" and finally a charged-up version of the "Railroad Song." I think we can safely say that a satisfied crowd left the Pyramid at 1:30 AM knowing that they had been treated to a memorable and fun night of great music!

Greg Brings His Ginormous Talent to the 'Peg
by Deborah

What an incredible night. Andre Eithier began acoustically with a strong voice and sincere lyrics. (He was later brought back to play along with the final few numbers) The Sadies followed displaying their legendary musical brilliance, energy and enthusiasm. Then Greg came on, with the Sadies backing him. Wow! He was on fire mesmerizing everyone in the house. Greg charismatically offered selections from Aphrodite Rose, some new tunes and some Blue Rodeo favourites, thanking everyone for singing along with "It Hasn't Hit Me Yet". Greg was as cool as ever filling, a small house with ginormous talent. This evening is forever etched in my ears, eyes and heart. Surely a night to be remembered.