Issue: #268 August 8 to August 14, 2002    

by Joe Curtis

Brian Gladstone Thrilled Outdoors

Photo by Joe Curtis

Brian Gladstone and his whole band of psychedelic pholkies entertained a really happy-to-be-there group of people outside Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. in downtown Toronto on Thurs. July 11, 2002 as part of the noontime Concert In The Park series from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.. All ages showed up for the down-home friendly entertainment provided by Brian and the rest of his great band - the irreplaceable Tony Quarrington on guitar; Bonnie Gladstone on back-up vocals and some leads; and Toronto percussion legend, Maureen Brown playing the percussive side of things very nicely.

Some of my favorite Gladstone Pholk classics we heard that day were "Orange Juice Song", the moody and atmospheric "Save the Wolverine" and the quintessential Toronto traveling tune, "Don Valley Parkway Blues". Everyone there from eight months old to eighty were genuinely enjoying themselves in the beautiful, warm, sunny weather we had that day. Perfect music, audience and weather - who could ask for more? The Concert In The Park music series goes on every weekday throughout the summer at this great downtown, outdoor location, with different bands playing all the time.

Gladstone is also featured this coming Monday, Aug. 12, as the special showcase guest at Gary 17's acoustic open stage at Q Bar (592 Queen St. W.) at Bathurst. He'll be accompanied by Tony Quarrington and Bonnie Gladstone for a set from 11-11:40 p.m..