Finally. Finally, I’m a real Canadian, a little bit over two years after taking my citizenship oath.
I survived many winters, I took my driving licence in the snow, ate beaver tails, went to hockey games… but I had never seen The Tragically Hip live until last week. And everybody knows that seeing Canada’s favourite band live is a must-do for all Canadians. The Hip are one of the stuff Canadians like. When I learned the band played at the Bluesfest in Ottawa, I decided I simply had to go to complete my Canadian education.
It took me a while to learn to like the band, probably because the lyrics are pure Canadiana and I couldn’t really relate before I understood Canadian culture. I get it now. Well, most of the time anyway.
The concert was great. Gord Downie, who is famous for going off-script mid-song, didn’t disappoint—he mimed the songs and his dance moves reminded me those of Thom Yorke, from Radiohead, who look like a puppet on the strings. I was surprised to see that I actually knew pretty much all of the song’s lyrics, which says a lot about how much The Hip are played on radio!
I managed to come with my beloved Nikon D60 and a couple of lenses. We weren’t close to the stage and since the concert was outdoors, it got really crowded, so shooting the show was pretty challenging. I followed my own tips—no flash, anticipate, wait for better light (I find blue and red lights always produce blurry shots, while white, yellow or green lights have the best results) and don’t forget the atmosphere shots. I’m pretty happy with the set!
Hi Zhu,
Yes, night events always have a special magic to them. I felt like I was in the crowds with these pics!
Excuse an American expat’s’ ignorance; I never heard of this group!
It is now corrected…
Look at you, Canadian! Up and beyond!
A lot of people aren’t familiar with the band although I’m fairly sure you could know a few songs. But again, you grew up in Hawaii, a lot way from Canada!
Lol a sea of cargo shorts, long time no see 😉
Ah yes, Canadian fashion at its best! My legs aren’t in the bunch I mus add.
Congratulations on your achievement. 🙂
🙂
I’ve never heard of them before. I think I only know one band which screams “We’re Canadian!” and that is Great Big Sea. I saw them live in a free New Year’s Eve Concert earlier this year in Niagara Falls, ON.
I think Great Big Sea played either at Bluesfest or on Canada Day. I have to check out their music!
Nice pics, I might have to see if I can listen to a sample of their tunes.
Some bands are hard to learn to like. For example I just didn’t great the Grateful Dead, nor the later Beatles. Bruce Springsteen had some nice songs but I didn’t get him either.
Is that collection of hairy stumps the best legs you could find;)
These were the legs attending the show! 😆
I’m sure you can find their music on the web. Let me know what you think of them!
Hi Zhuuuu… congratulations!! mwah 😡
It’s a milestone 😆
I don’t know why that emoticon looks like I have constipation. I wanted to send heart symbols 😉
😆 I shall interpret it the right way!
Wow!The pictures are fantastic!! Nikon D60 takes great picture! The atmosphere of the pictures “The Crowd” and “Paul Langlois” are the ones I like most!
Yay for you!!!!!
It was a fun concert 🙂
Congrats!
Was there ringing in your ears afterwards?! 🙂
Nah, I brought earplugs to help 🙂
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