To honour the iconic Canadian musician’s legacy, CBC and Massey Hall, in collaboration with the Gordon Lightfoot Estate, present CELEBRATING GORDON LIGHTFOOT, broadcasting nationwide on Canada Day, July 1 at 12 p.m. (12:30 NT) on CBC Radio One and CBC Listen, 4 p.m. (4:30 NT) on CBC Music and CBC Listen, and available to stream as of 9 a.m. ET on CBC Gem in Canada and worldwide on CBC Music’s YouTube channel. Recorded live from Massey Hall’s Allan Slaight Stage in Toronto this spring, the special features a memorable night of music with Blue Rodeo and The Gordon Lightfoot Band as the house bands, welcoming some of Canada’s brightest talent to join them on stage to celebrate the late Gordon Lightfoot’s work, including: Allison Russell, Aysanabee, Burton Cummings, Caroline Wiles and Bob Doidge, City and Colour, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, The Good Brothers, Julian Taylor, Kathleen Edwards, Meredith Moon, Murray McLauchlan, Serena Ryder, Sylvia Tyson, Tom Cochrane, Tom Wilson and William Prince.
Lightfoot had many connections to the venue, having performed on the Massey Hall stage over 170 times – more than any other artist in the Hall’s 130-year history. Lightfoot was the last artist to perform before Massey Hall closed for renovations in 2018 and the first to appear after the re-opening in 2021. Following his death on May 1, 2023, Massey Hall opened its doors to allow fans to offer condolences and lovingly remember the legendary artist.
Also airing on July 1, the annual evening celebration CANADA DAY: FEEL THE RHYTHM will begin at 8 p.m. local time (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem hosted by Isabelle Racicot and feature performances by Chromeo, Corneille, FouKi, Kanen, Kiesza, Maestro Fresh Wes, Metric, Neon Dreams, Qattuu, Sara Dufour and Willows.
