Ohbijou Farewell - Great Hall (Sept 7/13)

The current Ohbijou lineup consisting of six members who will go down in the Toronto music scene history books began the night with a standout set of Ohbijou's better known songs. To be frank, I am a discriminating fan who enjoys a number of singles but has also fallen asleep at previous shows (mind you they were in the grassy sunshine). With hits like Black Ice, Niagara and St. Francis it wasn't hard to retain rapt attention for this initial 40 minute offering. From here we had a break to commiserate over the lose of the Toronto gem before a whole host of local musical celebs paid tribute to a band who had shown such grace and generosity throughout the years. It was a veritable who's who of Live In Bellwoods with Nils from the RAA, Evening Hymns (Jonas and Sylvie), Gentleman Reg, The Acorn lead singer, Kat Burns formerly of Forest City Lovers, Neil Haverty (of Bruce Peninsula playing drums in a threesome calling themselves Pumpkin Foot), Wooden Sky, and Snowblink. Casey and sister, Jennifer, watched from the balcony, beaming at the outpouring of love. Further showered by John O'Regan aka Diamond Rings, Lisa Bozikovic and Nathan Lawr each doing a different take on an Ohbijou tune.

It was bittersweet then when the band returned for a final set of deeper cuts. Personally I wasn't enthralled the entire time but it was nice and a few guests came through to join them. In the end ALL the guests came out for one final crescendo to close the Ohbijou chapter. We will see what life is like without them (and hopefully what other artistic endeavors the members are now free to pursue).

Notes

Niagara flaws
St Francis. Extra drumming
Black ice
Other side

Reg violin guitar and cello just 4
Evening hymns.
Moving lights background video
Snow blink
~

Nils, banjo
Acorn, surging urgent

Kat burns solo, Casey singing along
Wooden sky
Jonas Sylvie evening hymns. 6 years only playing music. Tumble weeds
Acorn 2
Neil haverty drums pumpkin foot
John o Regan, e looping
Lisa bozikovic, Sylvie
Reg looping vocals . Weird
Snow blink

Nathan lawr, barking at your door singalong.
~

Encore
Casey around the floor, clap and laying. Neighbourhoods.
Finale x everyone. Come on!