Cohen in Calgary: The Real Post

Back in 2008 we saw Leonard Cohen in Kitchener, Ontario. I wasn't sure if it would be his last tour, and didn't want to miss the opportunity to see him. It was an amazing concert in an intimate setting (smaller than the Jack Singer theatre in Calgary).

When it was announced that he was coming to Calgary, and playing the Saddledome, I hesitated. I'm not a fan of concerts at the Dome. But it seemed silly that we would fly to Ontario to see him, and not at least try to see him when he's playing 10 minutes from our house.

And, just like before, he was sweet and gracious, to the audience and his band. He played for over 3 hours with two lengthy encores. He is 78 years old.

After the intermission (I guess when you're almost 80, and your audience is mostly 60+, you need a 20 minute break), he came back on stage and said, "Thank-you, friends, for not going home".

I know most of his songs (maybe there were 2 or so that I couldn't sing along with) and love them all, but part way through the concert it dawned on me that for someone who didn't really know his music they would probably just think it was a bunch of sleepy old person music that all sounds the same. And then I noticed the couple sitting beside Warren were asleep. Like full-on, leaning on each other, drooling as their heads bobbed. I figure they won the tickets, or else they have young children at home.

For me, Leonard Cohen music is pure nostalgia. And now I realize where my desire to put Rhys in a fedora comes from.

Here is my with my Mom and Dad.

An Evening With Leonard Cohen

The much anticipated 'Life List' concert came and went, and I must say, it was fabulous. Mr. Cohen far exceeded my wildest expectations with his voice, his looks and his stamina. He sang for 3 incredible hours in a very handsome tailored suit and hat (which he took off out of respect for his band after almost every song - the hat, not the suit). He was gracious and funny and the audience loved him for it. And he loved us back with 3 lengthy encores.

Thank you Leonard. You allowed me to cross this off my life list without the slightest bit of regret.

Editor's note: Unfortunately I was LAME and obeyed the 'no photography' rule at the concert. Warren's 'always follow the rules' decease must be rubbing off on me. So, these pictures are stolen screen grabs from a You Tube montage video I found (which is why the quality is piss-poor). But I really want photos to remember this with. So there you have it.

There was more to this trip than just the concert, and luckily I managed to snap at least a couple photos.

This is my little brother James, and my little sister Kayley.

Kayley wearing the AWESOME sunglasses I found at the Scottish store in Stratford.

Dundas Square (brand new) in Toronto with my cousin Ryan who picked us up at the airport and came out to have dinner with us.

Oh - and that stain on Warren's jacket is very sentimental. He got it in Paris when he dripped oil & vinegar on himself. Ahhh, memories.

But That's OKAY.

I am THRILLED to announce that my Dad & Pamela scored us some Leonard Cohen tickets, for June 2nd, 2008.

The kicker? We're going to see him in Kitchener, Ontario. Not quite what I had imagined in my dreams. Especially after seeing the amazing places he's playing...Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany...*sigh*. But that's OKAY.

Kitchener, I love you. Because you're hosting Leonard Cohen.

So, $100 each for 2 tickets, plus approximately $400 round trip airfare for both Warren & I. That's $1000.00 to see Leonard Cohen. I'm not phased by this one bit. I always told myself that if he ever played one more concert, anywhere in the world, I would try to go. So this isn't too bad. I mean, he could have been playing one concert in Australia. THAT would have been a pricey concert.

Yesterday I went shopping with my friend Kirsty, and when I told her all this, she kind of looked at me like I was nuts. And she asked me why I would spend that much for a concert.

I told her that is was just something on my Life List, and those things are pretty much priceless. When I'm 80 years old, looking back at my life, would I even for a second, no matter how destitute I was, regret spending $1000 to see Leonard Cohen? NEVER. I probably wouldn't even remember the money amount.

So, tell me one thing on your Life List that you would spend almost ANYTHING to do?

Ladies and Gentleman....Mr. Leonard Cohen

I was on You Tube looking for Leonard Cohen videos to post, when I came across a trailer for a Leonard Cohen documentary. How could I not of heard of this before?

So, I just ordered 2 copies from Amazon.ca.

Happy Friday!

Life List

Yesterday my dad called and left me a message saying "Amanda, please call me back right away. I have something very special to tell you".

Seriously, with a message like that, the news better be awesome. A few thoughts ran through my head. Was Pamela pregnant? Did he win the lottery? Was the family finally invited to 24 Sussex?

Needless to say, I had very high expectations when I called him back.

He didn't disappoint.

He had just heard on the radio that Leonard Cohen was going to be touring again. That's 1000 times better than winning the lottery.

Seeing Leonard Cohen live in concert was something I had on my 'Life List'. You know - that list we all have that notes all the things we want to experience before we die? And many years ago my dreams of that ever happening were shattered when Leonard Cohen shaved his head bald and became a Buddhist Monk. He disappeared off the face of the Earth, so that he could fast and take vows of silence and such.

A few years ago he made the news when an ex girlfriend stole all his money. The details are fuzzy. But, thank-goodness she did, because now he's broke and needs to tour.

So I pray to GOD that I can get tickets. I will pay whatever it takes. I will fly to Russia if I have to.