Tragically Hip, Shaw Park

Hip last night was awesome.

The celebration actually started on Tuesday when I found out Ratte was flying in early so that he could come out to the Narrows for a couple of days. We spent a couple of days on the water and then drove back in yesterday specifically for the concert. We hooked up pre-game with Al and Larissa at Earls on Main for a little pre-game so that we could walk over to the park after dinner.

Uncle Ralph called me a couple weeks before the concert and started our conversation with “have you got your Hip tickets yet”. I actually did (thanks to Al), but when answering such a question it was important for me consider the question. Uncle Ralph picked up some seats in the Free Press Suite and wanted to know if I wanted them. Hells yes.

My beautiful wife graciously gave up her ticket when she found out Paul was coming in (reason #4567) so I offered mine up to Jordan and his Mom so it all worked out really well. The suite seats were awesome. No beer lines and the food was delivered right to your seat. Ratte and I were in our glory. It was nice to hang out with Uncle Ralph and Aunt Nancy and just a couple suites down we hung out with Timmy G and Russ Romaniuk. I made the mistake of asking Russ what he thought of the Jets coming back and we missed a couple of songs! It was cool to meet him again because I really liked him as a player (with the Jets circa NHL94). He’s a class act fersure.

Of course the concert was amazing. The Hip could come every year and play a different set. Gord was his animated self and served up a satisfying mix of classics and new material. My personal favorite was New Orleans/Nautical all wrapped up in one.

Back to the lake this morning to see my girls.