The Tragically Hip frontman, Gord Downie, was at Huntsville’s Algonquin Theatre this week rehearsing for two upcoming shows in Ottawa and Toronto for Secret Path, a new album released October 18. The album began as 10 poems Downie wrote after he learned the story of Chanie Wenjack, a First Nations boy who died 50 years ago while fleeing from a residential school. Proceeds from the sale of Secret Path will go to The Gord Downie Secret Path Fund for Truth and Reconciliation via The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.
“I received a call from Kevin Hearn, the keyboardist for the Barenaked Ladies and also for the Secret Path show, who has been to the Algonquin Theatre a few times,” says Matt Huddlestone, the Algonquin Theatre’s Manager. “They had been rehearsing in Kevin’s living room and were looking for a venue to set up the show, rehearse and then take it to Ottawa for tonight (October 18).”
Keeping the rehearsals a secret wasn’t difficult, says Huddlestone, despite the 52-foot tractor trailer parked behind the theatre on Sunday and Monday. “No one made a big deal of it even though we knew it was a big deal.”
The theatre’s technical volunteers lent their time in support of the project under the direction of theatre Technical Director Chris Boon. “Our techs worked with Gord’s production crew, who were some of the best people we have ever worked with,” says Huddlestone. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us.”
The band rehearsed late into the night on Sunday and for much of the day on Monday, with a film crew recording the sessions, before packing up to head to Ottawa. “Gord was magical and the music was extraordinary to listen to,” says Huddlestone.
Downie announced in the spring that he had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. The Tragically Hip played a sold-out, cross-Canada farewell tour this summer. An interview with the singer on CBC’s The National with Peter Mansbridge aired last week. (See it here.) In it, Mansbridge mentions Downie’s insistence on getting a hug and a kiss from everyone, and Huddlestone was no different.
“Having the band rehearse here was an amazing experience for all of us,” says Huddlestone. “I’m proud to know that Huntsville played a part in the Secret Path project.”
Photo courtesy of Matt Huddlestone
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Secret paths.
Leslie, The show in Ottawa was last night and it appears that the show in Toronto on October 21 is sold out but you can check on that here: http://secretpath.ca/#Shows
tickets/ where and when can we get them