Van's TV Interview On The Imus In The Morning Show October 26, 2009

Van Interviewed By Don Imus Part I

Van Interviewed By Don Imus Part II

Van Morrison In Concert 1967-1979

This list was provided to this blog by long time Van fan David Chance aka "DCat". Much thanks to him for all the great research he has done over the years. If you know of any other dates that are not on this list, please feel free to email me or write in comments section below. There will be another list covering 1980-2000s.

1967

03/09/67 BuitenSocieteit Deventer The Netherlands

09/04/67 The Bitter End New York NY

09/11/67 The Scene New York NY (2 shows)

09/12/67 The Scene New York NY (2 shows)

09/13/67 The Scene New York NY (2 shows)

09/14/67 The Scene New York NY (2 shows)

09/15/67 The Scene New York NY (2 shows)

09/16/67 The Scene New York NY (2 shows)

09/17/67 The Scene New York NY (2 shows)

09/30/67 Earl Warren Showgrounds Santa Barbara CA

10/07/67 Hullabaloo Club Hollywood CA

10/13/67 The Family Dog Denver CO

10/14/67 The Family Dog Denver CO

10/17/67 Crystal Ballroom Portland OR

10/20/67 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco CA

10/21/67 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco CA

10/22/67 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco CA

11/11/67 ABC TV Studios - Los Angeles, CA 'American Bandstand'

??/??/67 Loser's South San Jose CA ???

1968

??/??/68 unknown location New York NY (TV appearance)

??/??/68 unknown location Boston MA (TV appearance)

11/21/68 Steve Paul's Scene New York NY (2 shows)

11/22/68 Steve Paul's Scene New York NY (2 shows)

11/23/68 Steve Paul's Scene New York NY (2 shows)

11/24/68 Steve Paul's Scene New York NY (2 shows)

Late-'60s Les Cousins London England ???

1969

01/31/69 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco CA

02/01/69 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco CA

02/02/69 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco CA

02/05/69 Whiskey-A-Go-Go Los Angeles CA

02/06/69 Whiskey-A-Go-Go Los Angeles CA

02/07/69 Whiskey-A-Go-Go Los Angeles CA

02/08/69 Whiskey-A-Go-Go Los Angeles CA

02/09/69 Whiskey-A-Go-Go Los Angeles CA

02/21/69 Grande Ballroom Detroit MI

02/22/69 Grande Ballroom Detroit MI

02/23/69 Grande Ballroom Detroit MI

??/??/69 The Gaslight Boston MA

??/??/69 The Catacombs Boston MA

05/01/69 The Ark (Lansdowne Street) Boston MA

05/02/69 The Ark (Lansdowne Street) Boston MA

05/03/69 The Ark (Lansdowne Street) Boston MA

07/20/69 unknown venue Newport RI "Newport Folk Festival"

08/29/69 Cafe au Go Go New York NY

08/30/69 Cafe au Go Go New York NY

08/31/69 Cafe au Go Go New York NY

09/15/69 Ungano's New York NY

09/16/69 Ungano's New York NY

09/17/69 Ungano's New York NY

09/18/69 Ungano's New York NY

10/21/69 Le Hibou Ottawa Canada

10/22/69 Le Hibou Ottawa Canada
10/23/69 Le Hibou Ottawa Canada

10/24/69 Le Hibou Ottawa Canada

10/25/69 Le Hibou Ottawa Canada

10/26/69 Le Hibou Ottawa Canada
??/??/69 Queens College Flushing NY

1970

02/01/70 Village Gaslight New York NY

04/03/70 Fillmore East New York NY (2 shows)

04/04/70 Fillmore East New York NY (2 shows)

04/11/70 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy NY

04/23/70 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

04/24/70 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

04/25/70 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

04/26/70 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

05/24/70 Autostade Montreal
06/16/70 Boston Tea Party Boston MA
06/17/70 Boston Tea Party Boston MA
06/18/70 Boston Tea Party Boston MA
06/19/70 Cole Field House College Park MD

07/11/70 Summer Theater Mountaindale NY
07/17/70 Downing Stadium Randall's Island New York NY "Pop Festival"

07/20/70 Wollman Skating Rink Theater Central Park New York NY "Schaefer Music Festival"

07/22/70 Harvard Stadium Boston MA "Schaefer Music Festival"

08/01/70 Powder Ridge Ski Area Middlefield CT "Powder Ridge Festival"

08/07/70 "Harmonyville Music Festival" Harmonyville NJ

08/27/70 San Diego Community Concourse San Diego CA

08/28/70 Civic Auditorium Santa Monica CA
08/30/70 Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley CA

09/23/70 Fillmore East New York NY (Bcast 11/10/70 on WNET-TV)

09/27/70 The Spectrum Philadelphia PA

10/02/70 Baldwin Gym Drew University Madison NJ
10/08/70 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

10/09/70 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

10/10/70 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

10/11/70 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

11/13/70 Academy of Music New York NY (2 shows)

11/14/70 Academy of Music New York NY (2 shows)

11/15/70 Academy of Music New York NY

11/16/70 Academy of Music New York NY

11/21/70 Electric Factory Philadelphia PA

12/18/70 Symphony Hall Boston MA
12/22/70 Symphony Hall Boston MA

1971

02/02/71 War Memorial Gymnasium - University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada

02/04/71 Paramount Northwest Theater Seattle WA

02/10/71 Lion's Share San Anselmo CA

02/11/71 Fresno Exhibition Hall Fresno CA

02/12/71 unknown venue Santa Clara County CA

02/13/71 Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley CA

02/22/71 Capitol Theatre Montreal Quebec Canada (2 shows)

02/??/71 Le Hibou (?) Ottawa Canada ???

02/26/71 Fillmore East New York NY (2 shows)

02/27/71 Fillmore East New York NY (2 shows)

04/15/71 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

04/16/71 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

04/17/71 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

04/18/71 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

04/30/71 Keystone Korner San Francisco CA

05/01/71 Keystone Korner San Francisco CA

05/02/71 Keystone Korner San Francisco CA

05/06/71 New Orleans House Berkeley CA

05/07/71 New Orleans House Berkeley CA (2 shows)

05/08/71 New Orleans House Berkeley CA (2 shows)

05/13/71 Inn Of The Beginning Cotati CA

05/14/71 Inn Of The Beginning Cotati CA

05/15/71 Inn Of The Beginning Cotati CA

05/16/71 Inn Of The Beginning Cotati CA

06/??/71 Matrix Club San Francisco CA (possibly 4/71 or 5/71)

06/??/71 Lion's Share San Anselmo CA (possibly 4/71 or 5/71)

07/04/71 Fillmore West San Francisco CA

09/05/71 Pacific High Recording San Francisco CA

09/17/71 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

09/18/71 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

09/25/71 Fairgrounds Expo Hall San Jose CA

10/03/71 University of California - Riverside Los Angeles CA

10/16/71 Pauley Pavilion at UCLA Los Angeles CA

11/05/71 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

11/06/71 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

1972

??/??/72 Ruthie's Inn Berkeley CA (as per Ronnie Montrose)

01/14/72 Boarding House Theatre San Francisco CA (2 shows)

01/15/72 Boarding House Theatre San Francisco CA (2 shows)

01/21/72 The Village San Francisco CA (2 shows)

01/22/72 The Village San Francisco CA (2 shows)

03/03/72 Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley CA

03/25/72 Convention Hall San Diego CA

04/14/72 Freeborn Hall - University Of California at Davis CA

04/16/72 Civic Auditorium Stockton CA

04/19/72 Travelodge Theater In The Round Phoenix AZ (2 shows)

04/26/72 Granada Theatre Santa Barbara CA

04/27/72 Santa Monica Civic Santa Monica CA

04/28/72 Santa Monica Civic Santa Monica CA

05/05/72 unknown venue (possibly Paramount Theatre) Seattle WA

05/06/72 Salem Armory Auditorium Salem OR

05/07/72 Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver BC Canada

05/12/72 Macky Auditorium Boulder CO

05/13/72 Macky Auditorium Boulder CO

05/14/72 Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall Oklahoma City OK

05/16/72 Constitution Hall Washington DC

05/18/72 Carnegie Hall New York NY

05/19/72 Orpheum-Aquarius Theatre Boston MA

05/20/72 unknown venue Providence RI

05/21/72 Academy Of Music Philadelphia PA

05/??/72 Civic Auditorium Santa Monica CA

05/26/72 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

05/27/72 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

05/28/72 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

05/29/72 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

Summer 72 Desiderata Cabaret King's Beach Lake Tahoe CA

11/17/72 Bermuda Palms San Rafael CA (w/Joe McCord)

1973

01/??/73 Armadillo World Headquarters Austin TX (Thu)

01/??/73 Armadillo World Headquarters Austin TX (Fri)

01/??/73 Armadillo World Headquarters Austin TX (Sat)

01/??/73 unknown venue Arlington TX (Sunday)

01/??/73 Armadillo World Headquarters Austin TX (Mon)

02/15/73 Lion's Share San Anselmo CA (2 shows)

03/11/73 Marin Memorial Auditorium San Rafael CA

04/??/73 Shrine Auditorium Los Angeles CA

"Don Kirschner's Rock Concert"

04/??/73 Berekeley Community Theatre Berkeley CA

04/14/73 Fox Theatre Long Beach CA

04/15/73 Fox Theatre Long Beach CA

04/22/73 Lion's Share San Anselmo CA

05/08/73 Performing Arts Center Milwaukee WI

05/21/73 The Odyssey Room Sunnyvale CA

05/24/73 The Troubadour Los Angeles CA

05/25/73 The Troubadour Los Angeles CA

05/26/73 The Troubadour Los Angeles CA

05/27/73 The Troubadour Los Angeles CA

06/22/73 The Orphanage San Francisco CA

06/29/73 Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Santa Monica CA

07/07/73 Convocation Hall Toronto ON Canada

07/10/73 Syria Mosque Pittsburgh PA

07/12/73 Philharmonic Hall New York NY

07/13/73 Philharmonic Hall New York NY

07/14/73 Lenox Arts Center Tanglewood MA

(previously noted as 7/16/73)

07/19/73 Carre Theatre Amsterdam The Netherlands

07/20/73 De Doelen Rotterdam The Netherlands

07/22/73 Town Hall Birmingham England

07/23/73 Rainbow Theater London England

07/24/73 Rainbow Theater London England

"Old Grey Whistle Test" (BBC-TV and RTE-TV)

07/25/73 Colston Hall Bristol England

07/26/73 Free Trade Hall Manchester England

07/27/73 City Hall Newcastle-Upon-Tyne England

07/31/73 Carlton Cinema Dublin Ireland

08/20/73 The Orphanage San Francisco CA

08/21/73 The Orphanage San Francisco CA

Autumn/73 Carnegie Hall New York NY (Yorke pg.115)

11/02/73 RTE Studios Dublin Ireland "Talk About Pop" (RTE-TV)

12/01/73 Sports Arena San Diego CA

12/13/73 Texas Hall University of Texas - Austin TX

12/19/73 Keystone Berkeley Berkeley CA

12/21/73 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

1974

??/??/74 Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim CA

??/??/74 Celebrity Theatre Phoenix AZ (unconfirmed)

01/??/74 McFarlin Auditorium Southern Methodist University Dallas TX

(with Little Feat) --see 12/13/73 above

01/11/74 University of Houston Houston TX (2 shows)

01/13/74 Texas Hall University of Texas Arlington TX

01/16/74 Armadillo World Headquarters Austin TX

01/17/74 Cowtown Ballroom Kansas City MO

01/18/74 Ambassador Theatre St. Louis MO (2 shows)

02/01/74 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

02/02/74 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

02/12/74 unknown venue Oxnard CA (possibly 02/13/74)

02/15/74 unknown venue Portland OR

02/16/74 Paramount Northwest Theatre Seattle WA

02/17/74 War Memorial Gymnasium University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada

02/23/74 Waikiki Shell Honolulu Hawaii

03/07/74 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

03/14/74 Harvard Square Theater Cambridge MA (2 shows)

03/15/74 Felt Forum New York NY

03/16/74 Capitol Theatre Passaic NJ

03/27/74 Town Hall Birmingham England

03/29/74 Olympia Theatre Dublin Ireland (2 shows)

03/30/74 Olympia Theatre Dublin Ireland (2 shows)

04/01/74 unknown venue Paris France

04/02/74 unknown venue Mannheim W Germany

04/03/74 unknown venue Munich W Germany

04/04/74 unknown venue Frankfurt W Germany

04/05/74 'Ancienne Belgique' Brussels Belgium

04/06/74 Falconcenteret Copenhagen Denmark

04/08/74 Carre Theatre Amsterdam The Netherlands

04/09/74 unknown venue Groningen The Netherlands

04/10/74 Hammersmith Odeon London England

04/??/74 Sophie's Palo Alto CA

04/19/74 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA

04/22/74 unknown venue Montreal Quebec Canada

05/01/74 Chico State College Chico CA

05/03/74 Humboldt State University Arcata CA

05/08/74 University Of Maryland Baltimore County MD

05/12/74 unknown venue Bridgewater MA

05/16/74 unknown venue Kent OH

05/17/74 Memorial Auditorium Sacramento CA ???

05/19/74 unknown venue University Park PA

06/30/74 Congres Montreux Montreux Switzerland "Montreux Jazz Festival"

07/08/74 Kongresshalle Frankfurt W Germany

07/10/74 TV Studios Bremen W Germany "Musikladen Extra"

07/20/74 Knebworth Park near Stevenage England "Bucolic Frolic: Knebworth Fayre"

07/29/74 The Orphanage San Francisco CA (PBS-TV)

08/28/74 The Orphanage San Francisco CA (2 shows)

09/02/74 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

09/03/74 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA

09/13/74 Auditorium Minneapolis MN

10/16/74 unknown venue Columbus OH

10/17/74 Masonic Temple Detroit MI

10/18/74 Auditorium Theatre Chicago IL

10/19/74 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo MI

10/19/74 Hara Arena Dayton OH --as per attendee

10/20/74 unknown venue Flint MI

10/21/74 Maple Leaf Gardens Toronto ON Canada

10/23/74 Constitution Hall Washington DC

10/24/74 The Spectrum Philadelphia PA

10/26/74 Palace Concert Theatre Providence RI

10/27/74 Boston Music Hall Boston MA

10/28/74 Coliseum New Haven CT

10/31/74 Dome Arena Rochester NY

11/01/74 The Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden New York NY (2 shows)

11/02/74 Capitol Theater Passaic NJ (2 shows)

11/03/74 University of Maryland Baltimore MD

11/07/74 McFarlin Auditorium at Southern Methodist University Dallas TX

11/08/74 Music Hall Houston TX

11/09/74 Coliseum Austin TX

11/16/74 Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim CA

12/30/74 Keystone Berkeley Berkeley CA

1975

03/24/75 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

03/25/75 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

04/18/75 Sophie's Palo Alto CA

04/19/75 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

04/20/75 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

04/21/75 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

06/15/75 Civic Auditorium San Francisco CA All Day, All Night Boogie

06/26/75 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

06/27/75 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA (2 shows)

1976

03/30/76 Shangri-La Studios Los Angeles CA

08/05/76 Odeon Theatre Birmingham England (guest of Eric Clapton)

08/06/76 King's Hall Belle Vue Manchester England

08/26/76 Apollo Victoria Theatre London England

11/24/76 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

11/25/76 Winterland Arena San Francisco CA

1977

03/28/77 NBC Studios Burbank CA "Midnight Special"

06/15/77 Maunkberry's London England "Press Showcase"

06/??/77 The Speakeasy London England with Eric Burdon

06/??/77 Vara Studios Hilversum The Netherlands "Wonderland"

06/22/77 Vara Studios Hilversum The Netherlands

1978

08/??/78 Sweetwater Mill Valley CA (2 shows)

09/30/78 unknown venue Santa Clara CA

10/01/78 Coconut Grove Ballroom Santa Cruz CA (Our Times promo)

10/05/78 Old Waldorf Theatre San Francisco CA (2 shows)

10/06/78 Old Waldorf Theatre San Francisco CA (2 shows)

10/07/78 Old Waldorf Theatre San Francisco CA (2 shows)

10/??/78 unknown venue Boston MA

10/12/78 Wesleyan University Middletown CT

10/13/78 University of Connecticut Hartford CT

10/14/78 University of Vermont Burlington VT

10/15/78 The Paradise Boston MA

10/16/78 Orpheum Theatre Boston MA

10/20/78 Tower Theater Philadelphia PA (2 shows)

10/21/78 Orange County Community College Middletown NY

10/22/78 State University of New York Stoney Brook NY

10/23/78 Rutgers University East Rutherford NJ

10/26/78 O'Keefe Center Toronto ON Canada (2 shows)

10/27/78 unknown venue Buffalo NY

10/28/78 Music Hall Cleveland OH

10/29/78 Masonic Auditorium Detroit MI

11/01/78 The Bottom Line New York NY (2 shows)

11/02/78 The Palladium New York NY

11/??/78 The Palladium New York NY (guest of Johnny Winter)

11/04/78 NBC Studios New York NY "Saturday Night Live" (NBC-TV)

11/06/78 Constitution Hall Washington DC

11/16/78 Armadillo World Headquarters Austin TX

11/22/78 Blue Note Boulder CO

11/25/78 Royce Hall at University Of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles CA

11/26/78 The Roxy Los Angeles CA

11/27/78 Terrace Theatre Long Beach CA

11/28/78 Paramount Theatre Seattle WA (possibly 12/1/78)

12/01/78 Paramount Theatre Portland OR

12/02/78 Winterland San Francisco CA

1979

02/18/79 City Hall Cork Ireland

02/20/79 Whitla Hall Belfast N Ireland

02/21/79 Whitla Hall Belfast N Ireland

02/22/79 National Stadium Dublin Ireland

02/23/79 National Stadium Dublin Ireland

02/24/79 National Stadium Dublin Ireland

02/26/79 Hammersmith Odeon London England

02/27/79 Hammersmith Odeon London England

02/28/79 Hammersmith Odeon London England

03/02/79 Apollo Theatre Manchester England

03/04/79 The Guildhall Portsmouth England

03/05/79 The Dome Brighton England

03/06/79 Colston Hall Bristol England

03/07/79 New Theatre Oxford England

03/10/79 City Hall Sheffield England

03/11/79 Odeon Theatre Birmingham England

03/12/79 De Montfort Hall Leicester England

03/13/79 Assembly Hall Derby England

03/15/79 Odeon Theatre Edinburgh Scotland

03/16/79 Apollo Glasgow Scotland

03/17/79 The University Lancaster England

03/19/79 City Hall Newcastle England

Summer/79 unknown venue San Francisco CA area (David Hayes' wedding)

08/1?/79 unknown venue & location France (TV)

08/16/79 Les Arenes Frejus France

08/17/79 Theatre Mogador Paris France

08/19/79 The Grand Palace Brussels Belgium

08/23/79 Falconcenteret Copenhagen Denmark

08/26/79 Kalvoya Sandvika Norway "Isle of Calf Festival"

08/30/79 Sportpaleis Ahoy' Rotterdam The Netherlands

09/01/79 The Royal Highland Showground Ingliston, Edinburgh Scotland "Edinburgh Rock Festival"

09/18/79 Rancho Nicasio Nicasio CA (2 shows)

09/19/79 Rancho Nicasio Nicasio CA (2 shows)

09/23/79 Inn Of The Beginning Cotati CA (2 shows)

10/03/79 Curry Hicks Fieldhouse at University of MA Amherst MA

10/06/79 Capitol Theater Passaic NJ

10/07/79 Avery Fisher Hall New York NY

10/??/79 Capri Theater (or Capri Ballroom) Atlanta GA

10/11/79 Armadillo World Headquarters Austin TX

10/19/79 Hollywood Palladium Los Angeles CA

10/20/79 County Bowl Santa Barbara CA

10/21/79 Berkeley Community Theater Berkeley CA

North American & European Dates Added To Van's Concert Schedule

03-Oct-10 Las Vegas, USA
The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel

05-Oct-10 Los Angeles, USA
Greek Theatre

06-Oct-10 San Diego, USA
Civic Theatre

08-Oct-10 San Francisco, USA
Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium

09-Oct-10 Santa Barbara, USA
Santa Barbara Bowl

23-Oct-10 Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

24-Oct-10 London, England
Royal Albert Hall

08-Aug-10 The Gorge Amphitheater, George, Washington Concert Review

Check It Out Music
After the busy weekend we had I couldn’t think of a better way to end it; at the Gorge watching Van Morrison. Tonight was the first time in a while that the three of us at Check It Out Music got to enjoy a concert together with some of our friends and family. It is a rare occasion for everyone’s schedules to line up and the company was grand. Van Morrison’s band walked out on stage just as the sun was slowly beginning to float behind the hillside. They all looked sharp in black suits with shiny shoes; it looked like they were getting a band photo taken. Then Van came out looking like a million bucks, never taking off his sunglasses and black fedora.

It was a disappoint that he is so serious about the no photo policy. People were getting in trouble for taking a photo on their cell phone. I thought that was ridiculous, people like photos it’s a way to remember the show. He looked great so I don’t know what the big fuss was about. We still managed to get a photo with an iPhone. Hello, it’s Van Morrison at the Gorge and we took it from our seat you can barely see him; he is like an inch big in the photo! The couple in front of us are in better focus… Psh.



No photo policy aside the show was impeccable. The weather was perfect for the evening with a smooth breeze and a colorful sunset. Not to hot on the floor, especially on the nice new paved Gorge floor! Also, they got new cushy seats that are super comfy. Everyone around us was sipping their wine and beers, laughing, talking, singing and of course dancing along. I felt like we were some of the youngest people on the floor, but the crowd still had some fire in them to holler things like “I love you Van,” or the best one “I love you more!”

Van’s band was seriously talented with everyone having solos and switching instruments. They had a flute, keyboard, piano, drum, stand up bass, bass guitar, electric guitar, violin, acoustic guitar, oh and gold microphones! Everyone was having fun on stage, except I didn’t see Van ever smile; he still looked like he was enjoying himself. I loved his monogram embellished gold microphone stand too; it complimented his white acoustic guitar effortlessly.


We got to hear some of our jams; “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Moondance,” “Into the Mystic,” “Talk is Cheap,” “Bright Side of the Road,” and “Gloria.” We had sneak out a little early to get everyone home before midnight. We all do have to work in the morning… and at some point our long weekend does have to come to an end. I wish we could have a show like that every Sunday. Absolutely lovely Van.
-Andrea

Setlist
Northern Muse (Solid Ground)
Brown eyed Girl
The Mystery
Fair Play
How Can A Poor Boy
Keep it Simple
Moondance
Talk is Cheap
Little Village
Playhouse
Into the Mystic
Bright Side of the Road
Baby Please Don't Go
Healing Has Begun
In the Garden
Rough God Goes Riding
Help Me
Gloria

Big Hand for The Band
Jay Berliner-electric guitar
David Hayes-double bass
Bobby Ruggiero-drums
Ralph Allin-violin
Richie Buckley-flute, saxophone
Paul Moran-grand piano, trumpet & organ

07-Aug-10 Rogers Arena Vancouver, Canada Concert Review

Vancouver Sun
Van Morrison Belts Out the Blues for Vancouver Fans

There’s usually no shortage of Van the Man fans in Van. And the Belfast Cowboy rode into Rogers Arena Saturday night for what the assemblage hoped would be an unforgettable set.

Or at least remembered for the right reasons. Last time Van Morrison played here – in what could be fairly described as an inconsistent performance – he walked offstage at the end without a word while the band continued to play his late-60s hit, Gloria. Despite enthusiastic encouragement from the sold-out crowd, he never returned.

Maybe some fans haven't forgotten that: even with the stage pushed forward into a concert bowl setup, there were a conspicuous number of empty seats this time around.

Van Morrison's an eccentric fellow – for example, neither media nor fans are permitted to photograph his shows – but since both his aforementioned nicknames reportedly came from members of influential rock outfit, The Band, well, maybe he’s just cool enough to get a pass.

There’s also that ridiculously vast catalogue of fantastic music.

Of course, he doesn’t owe the media anything. But with tickets ranging from $50 to $150, on this night, the fans who showed surely hoped to be graced with more than just the man’s presence.

First, though, Windy City gospel legend Mavis Staples treated early birds to a powerful set of biblical blues.

Though Staples' music is much more spiritual than Van's, in a way, she's a great match for him. Both ooze talent and have been producing enviable material for decades (Staples voice has also been sampled by contemporary hip-hop acts like Ice Cube and Ludacris). That's why they've remained artistically relevant; neither can be labelled a nostalgia act.

"We"re gonna bring some joy, some happiness, some inspiration and some positive vibrations," Staples cooed at the start of her warmup set.

And along with her band, she did.

Staples' onstage demeaner - which is affable, chatty and often downright funny - differs drastically from Van the Man's serious approach.

Sauntering onstage wearing his trademark fedora, he got straight down to business, taking a seat at his piano without a word.

Backed by a solid six-piece, he knocked off a trio of songs, including his first major hit as a solo artist from 1967, Brown Eyed Girl, playing three different instruments - piano, sax and guitar - in the process.

Things got bluesier from there and, really, that's where he's at his best. A gifted storyteller (he's Irish, after all), there's no doubt Van Morrison was born to belt out the blues.

What's doubtful is that he was born to enjoy belting them from a stage. Reportedly, he once suffered from serious stage fright and one wonders if that's the root of his infamous disconnect with the audience.

Then again, the music speaks for itself. But would it kill the guy to feign a smile once in a while?

No matter. It was clear as the band deftly worked through tracks like Into the Mystic that this was strictly a clinic in musicianship. And the audience - politely reserved as it was - should be soley responsibly for any semblance of enthusiasm that might accidently seep into the atmosphere.

They didn't seem to mind though. And by the time Van the Man got to Gloria, more than a few of them got inspired to clap along with the band.

Only Mr. Van Morrison didn't seem to notice: because, like last time, he'd finished his bit, and had already turned his back and left the stage.

Which is too bad - he missed a lovely standing ovation.
-Graeme McRanor

Here's Sean's review
It was misty wet with rain all day in Vancouver after what a local cab driver told me had been 5 weeks of sunshine. We were sure to get Little Village this evening I thought as I walked through a downtown park and marvelled at the fact that the leaves did indeed appear to be magnetized. Van took to the stage at 8:10 PM following a 45 minute set from the legendary Mavis Staples. Her band struggled with sound problems and an indifferent and sparse audience but she did her best to inject some enthusiasm into the proceedings. Van immediately settled into Solid Ground and although the Rogers Centre is more suited to the sound of ricocheting hockey pucks he proceeded to deliver another stellar show. This concert didn't scale the heights of the Calgary concert but that's never been the object of the quest for Van. Rather, you might ask, how was it different than Calgary or Edmonton? The first real surprise of the evening was song 5 that began as a slow, burning blues that melodically sounded like Hoochie Coochie Man. Then Van began to sing "Had my congregation, had my flock, when I was a shepherd of men." What followed was a blistering version of an underrated song. Van went deep into himself as he told us over and over "How can a poor boy from the streets, from the streets, ever get through to you?" Stunning...and totally unexpected. Keep it Simple and Talk is Cheap followed and no matter how well performed they are, which they most certainly were, the audiences unfamiliarity with the material causes the energy level in the venue to sag. Not onstage, however, where Van was blowing his guts out on the harp. Next up was a lovely version of Little Village that featured some wonderful ensemble playing and Van on the sax duelling softly with Paul on the trumpet. Celtic Excavation just keeps getting better and better with each passing gig. Richie and Van shone together on this one as the twin saxes wound together into what became a truly heavenly sound. The version of Into the Mystic that followed featured Ralph creating the trademark foghorn sound on his fiddle and Van really letting loose on the vocals as he outlined how he longed to be "comin' home, comin' home, comin' home...Moondance came and went and we entered what was to be the heart of the show on this particular evening. Philosophers Stone again featured Jack O' Diamonds and Van, well Van rambled, he rambled all around. He rambled in and out, in and out of the town. The sound of his harp filled the arena up to the brim and his body reeled and rocked to and fro daddio, daddio, daddio...This led into another magnificent version of Game that went in a different direction than the wonderful one in Calgary. Tonight we were instructed that "If you open your heart it can fill you right up, right up..." Van ended this one with a plea to her to meet him "down by the pylon." Where could he go from here? Playhouse gave us all a chance to remember to breathe again which ushered in another spellbinding version of In The Garden. Garden didn't reach the heights scaled so wondrously in Calgary but in my mind the Calgary version is truly one for the ages. Time was winding down as Van lit into Help Me. Van truly loves to perform this song. I never tire of watching him stomp that left leg up and down as him and Bobby find that deep groove together. Gloria ended the proceedings as Van gave a very appreciative and attentive Vancouver audience 3 "Big Hand For The Band, 2 thank yous and that perfect half bow that's been missing for the past while. That's it for me for this run. 3 great shows each as different and distinct from the other as one could hope for. I know a lot of Van watchers weren't expecting much from this tour. We should never forget that this little man with a voice that can move mountains, who has brought so many of us together and enabled us to form friendships that will last a lifetime asks so little of us in return. To be able to sit in a theatre while we watch him turn himself inside out in that noble attempt to "make it real, one more time again" is such an honour. He doesn't always succeed as "lots of things get in the way." But, as someone once sang, "sometimes when the spirit moves me, I can do many wondrous things." Indeed he can. Thanks Van...

Setlist
Northern Muse (Solid Ground)
Brown Eyed Girl
The Mystery
Fair Play
How Can A Poor Boy?
Keep it Simple
Talk is Cheap
Little Village
Celtic Excavation->Into the Mystic
Moondance
Rough God Goes Riding
Philosophers Stone->Jack O" Diamonds->Didn't He Ramble?
All in the Game->You Know What They're Writing About
Playhouse
In The Garden
Help Me
Gloria

Big Hand for The Band
Jay Berliner-electric guitar
David Hayes-double bass
Bobby Ruggiero-drums
Ralph Allin-violin, viola
Richie Buckley-flute, saxophone
Paul Moran-grand piano, trumpet & organ

05-Aug-10 Calgary, Canada Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Concert Review

Calgary Herald
Van Morrison performed a sold out show Thursday at Jubilee Auditorium. Attendance 2,500.

Let's get one thing out of the way before the gripes commence, because there's no way to steer clear of that on this one.

Van Morrison's Thursday night gig at the Jubilee Auditorium was, for the most part, a fine affair, with flashes of greatness, even, in certain inspired instances.

And that's a good thing, because this show needed to be pretty damned special just to chase away the black cloud that preceded it.

That's because the events leading up to the concert amounted to a snafu of ridiculous proportions that frustrated and inconvenienced many fans.

First of all, it was originally Levon Helm of The Band fame that was booked to headline at the Jube on this evening, a gig that a lot of folks were excited about.

Then the promoter snagged Van the Man for an outdoor show at Fort Calgary and Helm was shifted over to that venue as Morrison's opening act, along with Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy.

Alas, in this summer of struggling tours ticket sales were poor, not coming close to meeting Fort Calgary's capacity of around 15,000, and Morrison was moved to the Jube (that show a sellout).

That was a bummer for Helm and Cuddy fans as those guys dropped off the bill.

Add to that the maddening Ticketmaster dance (newly assigned tickets had to be picked up for the Jube gig at the last minute) – and it's easy to see why many fans were seeing red.

Luckily, Morrison redeemed the event to a certain extent by putting on an intimate hour-and-a-half show to remember.

Despite his status as one of the great singer-songwriters of his day, the 64-year-old soul-man and folk rocker from Belfast has a hit and miss reputation as a live act.

He's notorious for being an aloof and sullen performer who often rushes through his performances, refusing to play his hits.

Those accusations were certainly leveled at him when he last came to Calgary, playing the Saddledome three years ago. Myself, I thought that show was quite a bit better than people gave it credit for. But it's true that, given Morrison's quirks, watching him play in a big, impersonal arena is not ideal. A smaller venue like the Jube, on the other hand, bridged the gap nicely.

That's because he and his six-piece band of smokin' hot pros played a show that one could imagine being a dream gig in some weathered, inner city jazz club.

Hitting the stage on his piano for the soothing soul of Northern Muse (Solid Ground), followed up by a lighter, jazzier version of one of his most beloved hits, Brown Eyed Girl, Morrison, dressed in a dark suit and sunglasses, was in fine form. His gruff voice was strong and packed with soul as he and his band served up a night of Celtic-infused blues, R&B and romantic jazz.

As he moved from piano, to saxophone, to guitar and harmonica, Morrison's set included select hits (though, perhaps not enough of them) like Moondance and Into The Mystic, now smoother and more bee-bop jazzy than ever.

He also brought out his considerable blues chops on newer tunes like Keep It Simple and Talk Is Cheap. His tender side came to the forefront on the spiritual ballad In The Garden with its lovely Celtic lilt.

We even got a taste of Morrison's rock 'n' roll side with a well-belted, rousing version of Gloria, which dates back to his first band, Them, in the mid-60s.

One thing that really stood out about the show was that Morrison actually seemed to be enjoying himself onstage, which is not something that is often said of the brooding artist.

It was seen in a couple of subtle but noteworthy moments when the singer dipped into great, lesser known tracks like Philosopher's Stone and Rough God Goes Riding, each of them soulful highlights of the night.

At one point Morrison playfully bopped the head of his microphone for effect and later, as he scatted along to the grooves, he stopped himself mid-scat and told the audience: “Gotta get that right.” He even let a little smile escape with that quip.

It may seem like a minor gesture, but to Van Morrison fans it's actually pretty significant and folks at the Jube who caught it were pretty warmed by it. Their cranky folk-rock hero seemed to be having a bit of fun with them.

Yeah, the road to the Van Morrison show was an annoyingly bumpy one, to be sure. But at least when we got there, the gig felt like a rare treat.
-Heath McCoy

Calagary Sun
The word legend has been associated with Van Morrison for a long time now.

And for the most part, it’s a fair description of the man who is quite possibly the most soulful-sounding white man of all time.

But even a legend needs to connect with the little people once in a while. There wasn’t a whole lot of connecting going on when Morrison performed in front of a near sold-out Jubilee Auditorium crowd Thursday night.

Wearing a black fedora and a pair of shades, the Irish singer walked on stage to cheers. And without barely a glance towards the audience, he sat down at a grand piano and began the show with a gorgeous, mellow version of Northern Muse (Solid Ground).

I’m not going to be the person who complains Morrison didn’t come running down the aisle whooping and high-fiving fans.

And let’s face it, a ‘What’s up Calgreeeee?!’ would have just sounded weird and wrong coming from Morrison.

But a few acknowledgements would have helped close the chasm between Morrison and his dedicated fans. To be fair, he did say a quick ‘thanks’ about 35 minutes in after a very well-received rendition of Philosopher’s Stone, but he spent more time facing his band than the crowd.

The 64-year-old performer chose to keep to himself and concentrate on delivering a professional and polished 90-minute set.

There was never a feeling the lack of audience interaction had anything to do with antagonism on Morrison’s part. He’s never been particularly comfortable being in the public eye, and getting the cold shoulder from him came to no surprise to longtime fans.

Still, there was little disconnect between the star and crowd, which seemed to grow as the concert progressed despite such an excellent set list.

The packed-out Jubilee crowd came to hear Morrison belt out such hits as Moondance, Gloria and the golden oldies staple, Brown Eyed Girl — which he obliged — but he made sure his crack band got ample time in the spotlight as well.

Guitarist Jay Berliner, who played on Morrison’s classic Astral Weeks album, was perhaps the best-known musician in the Irish singer’s six-piece band. His fluid playing was highlighted during solos and he complemented the rest of the band’s intricate and solid musicianship, which in turn lifted Morrison’s performance.

The quality of Morrison and his band’s performance was formidable throughout so there were no real highlights, although Keep It Simple and Moondance were particularly well done.

The people’s favourite, Brown Eyed Girl, came very early in the set and it was obvious Morrison was just going through the motions during that ditty. Yet he still managed to freshen it up with a slightly different arrangement.

Morrison may have played it cool, but he wasn’t entirely infallible. He messed up lyrics during You Know What They’re Writing About and laughed it off. It was probably the most charming moment of the show.

The use of cellphones, cameras and other recording devices are generally frowned upon during concerts, but a note — signed by Morrison and posted at the entrances — made it clear even fan photos would not be tolerated and that failure to adhere to that rule would result in ejection and confiscation. Or at least an annoyed glare from Van the Man.

While musical vibe was mellow, the restrictions and the fact a few people were given stern warnings from the Jubilee ushers for dancing, or getting too vocal about their excitement (one guy was even chucked out for being too exuberant) made things oddly tense.

Nevertheless, Morrison’s music spoke for itself and he did not disappoint with his song choices.
-Lisa Wilton

Here's Sean's review
4 hours after the concert ended I'm finding it extremely difficult to put into words what went on this evening. If I said that Van sung Jack O Diamonds/Didn't He Ramble before telling us that his job was "turning THIS lead into gold" during Philosophers Stone that wouldn't do it justice. If I told you how Van sung about "Opening Up My Heart Again" during a spine tingling version of It's All in the Game that built and built until it just overflowed that would be but the tip of the iceberg on this night. Ralph sounded so much like Toni Marcus dos on the original recording of Game that it was absolutely surreal. Rough God Goes Riding came complete with Clint Eastwood impressions and a tip of the cap or hat as it were. Celtic Excavation/Into the Mystic continues to evolve show by show into a wondrous creation before our eyes. And The Healing Has Begun ended with Van facing Ralph and cajoling him into playing sweet subtle sounds on the fiddle while Van commented "that's right...that's all right"...as he slowly took the music down to nothing while this wonderful audience held their collective breath and let the Van work his magic. Lots of smiles for Jay and David tonight from Van and a palpable collective joy running through the Van and the band. In The Garden climaxed with Van asking us to "take my hand, take my hand, take my hand and pray to our holy guardian angel...take my hand...can you feel it?" The "it" is what Van is trying to attain on that particular evening. What exactly is "it?" "It" is the Inarticulate Speech of the Heart, the Mystery, it's undefinable, it's elusive and ever changing. He reached that place tonight. That's why he still does this, I thought. Each successive song was better than the previous one. It's a feat of rare genius to be able to stretch out songs that seem to contain multitudes and at the same time have the entire concert pass by in what felt like no time at all. Time stood still tonight. I was told this evening that this band hasn't peaked yet. Van isn't ready to move on the way many of us thought or hoped he would. As always things are continuing to evolve. I wouldn't trade tonight for any of the shows I've seen since Nov 7 and 8, 2008. And I've been fortunate enough to have seen them all but for a few. The train may have veered off course a little bit but the train continues onward. Onward to Vancouver Saturday evening. All aboard...

-Sean

Setlist

Northern Muse (Solid Ground)

Brown Eyed Girl

Mystery

Fair Play

Philosophers Stone->Jack O Diamonds->Didn't He Ramble?

Keep it Simple

Talk Is Cheap

Moondance

All in the Game->You Know What They're Writing About

Rough God Goes Riding

Celtic Excavation->Into The Mystic

And The Healing Has Begun

In The Garden

Help Me

Gloria

Big Hand for The Band
Jay Berliner-electric guitar
David Hayes-double bass
Bobby Ruggiero-drums
Ralph Allin-violin, viola
Richie Buckley-flute, saxophone
Paul Moran-grand piano, trumpet & organ

04-Aug-10 Gallagher Park Edmonton, Canada Concert Review

Canoe
EDMONTON - Poor Van Morrison. He is by far the most prominent victim of the curse of high expectations in the history of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

This guy has been producer Terry Wickham's dream booking for so long that it became a running joke -- and now that he was finally here Wednesday night, Van Morrison could've cured cancer, achieved world peace, parted the Red Sea and still be slammed for not doing Domino.

He didn't do Domino.

But he did do Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance, Into the Mystic and Gloria, the classic rock songs, the "hits" that will be remembered long after their creator is forgotten. He played piano, sax and guitar -- none of them better than Bob Dylan can play harmonica, but points for multi-instrumentality. He also played harmonica in a terrific rendition of the blues standard Help Me, better than Dylan. Besides, Van's fellow band members were always close at hand to pick up the slack, solo-wise. He had an awesome band. Longtime guitarist Jay Berliner was especially strong. The sweet interplay between the violin and saxophone was unusual, but a welcome wrinkle. Arrangements and melodies were twisted, freshened up. And he sang as only Van Morrison can sing: With taste, power and as much soul as a white man is legally allowed to possess. He didn't say much to the crowd or even acknowledge their delirious cheers with so much as a "thank you." Like, would it kill him to shout "Ed! Mon! Ton!" and soak up the cheers? Apparently, it would. And the concert ended precisely after 90 minutes. There was no encore.

In short, it was a typical Van Morrison concert.

"Typical" maybe isn't the right word. Fans know he can be unpredictable, temperamental, even, sometimes disappointing, sometimes great, depending on his mood. The show Wednesday night veered more towards the great end of the Van Morrison spectrum. Much fun was had in playing "name that tune." Brown Eyed Girl was easy. He got that mouldy old albatross out of the way early. But it took at least one minute into Moondance before the cheers of recognition came. Likewise with the languid version of Into the Mystic. Gloria, last song, was also an easy winner. The candle-brandishing folks on the hill rose to their feet and shouted the chorus, which doesn't happen very often at this event.


Van is a strange cat. He loves his music, he hates the fame that comes with his music -- even the ephemeral stardom that comes from being the centre of attention for 20,000 eager fans at an outdoor music festival. It explains why he doesn't interact with his fans much. He used to suffer from stage fright. In addition to being the perfect iconoclastic punk rocker long before that sort of thing became cool -- not showing up for his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was typical -- he comes off as a rare example of someone who puts his music above himself. He serves the songs first, his ego second. This was clear from the generous solos given to his musicians, often before or just after one of his own much less impressive instrumental forays. Paradoxically, Morrison seems to sing for his own enjoyment, not to please the crowd. He expresses soul for his own satisfaction. On a good night, and this was one, he digs deep to make every song memorable. And if people pick up on that, that's the whole trick, isn't it? It's the answer to why Van Morrison is "the Man" at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Opening the show in low-key style (and this was the place to do it) was the Bobby "Blue" Bland Band featuring the legendary Bobby "Blue" Bland -- say that five times very fast. The ensuing cabaret-style set of Memphis-flavoured blues standards would've seemed quite ordinary if one didn't know that this guy actually invented a big chunk of this stuff. Was this another case of legend exceeding performance? Bland, at 80, might be the first person to admit he's past his prime. But while his voice was thin and reedy and afflicted with an unfortunate tendency to snort out every now and then, he sang with obvious joy and love of his songs, his blues, which, as mentioned, he helped bang into shape with seminal recordings from the '50s and '60s. Bland's band, a bit sloppy around the edges, grooved and cooked where it counted, featuring great solos from saxophonist Charles Campbell and guitarist Charlton Johnson. Running the gamut from barroom shuffles to tear-jerking ballads, the material dealt mainly with loneliness, doing wrong, having been done wrong to and generally having only bad luck for lack of any luck at all. Them's the blues, as they say.
-Mike Ross

Edmonton Journal
There are many Van Morrisons. The party rock version ( Gloria), the wedding dance Van Morrison ( Brown Eyed Girl), the mysterious Van Morrison ( Moondance) and the heartbroken genius Van Morrison ( Astral Weeks). They are united by the most powerful force in music, and life: Sex.

On Wednesday, several generations gathered in Gallagher Park to witness the magic. Morrison isn't just a voice, though from the first whoop of his opening song, Northern Muse, it was the voice that enchanted the sellout crowd at the opening-night fundraiser of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Those of us who weren't seated ran to see him, to ensure it was really real.

Though Morrison is credited with performing one of the best recorded live shows in history, It's Too Late to Stop Now, in 1974. More recently, he has become famous for his reticence. On Wednesday, it's true, he did not ask how all 20,000 of us are doing tonight, nor did he praise the local sports team or recount the amusing story of how he almost missed his flight or visited the mall. This was, to some people, cold. To others, those who had gathered to watch their favourite singer sing, it was a benediction.

Some artists are seducers, like Leonard Cohen. Others, like many of the artists at this festival, are affable. You could imagine taking a pint with them. Morrison drew back to allow his fellow musicians to play their solos, he led the band masterfully to crescendos and back down to whispers. He turned away from the audience at times. At times, he shouted at them. Morrison was not cold, Wednesday night, but he was cool.

Morrison and his seven-piece band, including the legendary guitarist Jay Berliner, who played on Astral Weeks, concentrated instead on a graciously loose and inventive set of songs everyone knows.

He sang Brown Eyed Girl, Into the Mystic and Gloria, all those sexy songs; and fans hugged, kissed, touched each other, looked around and smiled at strangers. Plenty warm, plenty warm.

In the recent past, Morrison has toured stadiums with a large R&B band dominated by horns. Wednesday night's outdoor show was gentler and more intimate, dominated by strings, the piano and flute, and that indescribably beautiful voice. He wore a black shirt and suit, a black hat and black glasses, a hint at history.
-Todd Babiak

Sean sent this review:
Van took to the stage at the Edmonton Folk Festival at exactly 8:25 PM after a wonderful hour long set from Bobby "Blue" Bland. Bobby laboured a little bit getting on and off the stage but still retains his immense charisma and that trademark snort. Van entered all in black and immediately settled into Solid Ground with great gusto. The first shock of the evening was the sighting of a new fiddle player in the position occupied so wonderfully by Tony. The new fellow, yet to be identified, was just an absolute joy to listen to. He played the first of many wonderful solos on the opening song and Van dug deep down into the heart of down as he brought the song home. BEG followed and was BEG as Van moved from the piano to play some sax centre stage. The version of Fair Play that followed contained what to me will live on as showcasing one of the most gracious acts of Van's vulnerability that I've witnessed. Jay began to play a wonderful solo; Van just stood and listened to him play. He let Jay play for a long time and it was just magical to listen to the sound he was making and to watch Van watching Jay. That seemed to me like as close an apology that Van is likely to offer. We know that Van had some harsh words for Jay at the last show the band played in Belgium. Fair Play went on and on and evolved into No Prima Donna/All Change that was unexpected and worth the hassle of standing around in some archaic cattle car fenced in nightmare that we spend the day suffering through. The version of The Mystery that followed was full of explosive dynamics and it had already become so obvious that Van was totally engaged in this evenings performance. His vocals were full of passion and commitment. Talk is Cheap was as good as it can be and was followed by unique version of Moondance. My travelling companion described it as sounding "islandy." All that was missing was the steel drums. A great version of a song that for tonight, at least, seemed brand new. Keep it Simple showcased just how tight the band was. It seemed apparent that the addition of the new fiddle player has injected a lot of enthusiasm into the band. He plays with a very aggressive style and it reminded me of the sound Toni Marcus created so many years ago. Van sung about how he had to keep it simple or else "he would get screwed...again and again and again" before telling us to "Save Yourself" at the end. School of Hard Knocks was straight ahead and well performed. The instrumental that began next unfolded into something wondrous as Celtic Excavation went on and on before transitioning into a masterful Into The Mystic that, even more so than BEG, captured the crowd. Van held the massive audience in the palm of his hand as he weaved what may have been his best vocal performance of the evening. Amazing...It seemed too early in the set for Healing Has Begun but we weren't about to argue. Van played lots of electric guitar on this one as he again let Jay play on and on. The final two verses of this song were highlighted by a seemingly infinite number of Backstreet Jelly Rolls and Dig a Digs that were a joy to behold. Playhouse was next and although it's never been a song I long to have in the setlist this one was different. Van asked the new fiddle player to "pick it" which he did with great panache and Van asked Jay to "play like Les Paul" which, of course, Jay did effortlessly. Have I Told You Lately was a great crowd pleaser and featured a luscious solo by Paul Moran. I had mentioned to my friend during Bobby Blands opening set that we were sure to get a steamroller of a version of Help Me tonight. We weren't disappointed and Van yelped and growled and did his best Junior Wells impression. The version of Ballerina that came next was strong yet vulnerable at the same time. I cannot recall Van allowing himself to be transported by the words of this song the way he did this evening. He seemed to float along with the music as he spread his wings and allowed himself to fly awhile. In the Garden was another standout as this feeling of new life, of a new breath that has been instilled in this band just spilled over. The band was in perfect synch all evening and the dynamics of this great song showcased that beautifully. Gloria got this respectful and gracious audience up singing along as Van wound down what had been one of the best shows I've had the privilege to see. And I've seen a bunch...Two "big hands for the band" a lovely half bow along with a thank you and he was gone. He gave us a lot tonight. It's on to Calgary tomorrow in an altogether more intimate venue. Van effortlessly made this large outdoor festival seem like it was the most intimate of venues.

Setlist
Solid Ground
Brown Eyed Girl
Fair Play
Mystery
Talk is Cheap
Moondance
Keep it Simple
School of Hard Knocks
Celtic Excavation->Into the Mystic
Healing Has Begun
Playhouse
Have I told You Lately?
Help Me
Ballerina
In The Garden
Gloria

Big Hand for The Band
Jay Berliner-electric guitar
David Hayes-double bass
Bobby Ruggiero-drums
Ralph Allin-violin, viola
Richie Buckley-flute, saxophone
Paul Moran-grand piano, trumpet & organ

Images via Hugh Lee

Thursday's Van Morrison Performance Has Been Moved From Fort Calgary To Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

Calgary Herald
The show starts at 8 p.m.

The Jubilee Auditorium holds 2,500 people. Fort Calgary has a capacity of 10,000 to 15,000 said promoter Bryan Taylor.

While there had been an increase in sales for Morrison in recent days, it was not enough to justify a venue of Fort Calgary's capacity.

“Ticket sales were really starting to accelerate for Van in the last couple days,” says Taylor, of Calgary's Concerts North. “But when we got to (last) Friday, we were exactly at a Jubilee sellout.” Taylor also cited weather concerns, suggesting the change will ensure “excellent sightlines for everyone and no impact from weather.”

Levon Helm, who was initially set to open the show in Fort Calgary, will not be playing. Taylor said there are plans to bring the singer to Calgary in the Spring.

Taylor said Ticketmaster is contacting all ticket holders

For those who purchased tickets by phone or Internet, comparable seats based on the original tickets purchased will be assigned and will be available for pickup starting Wednesday at 10 a.m. Tickets must be picked up at the Saddledome box office or the Jubilee box office. The tickets can be picked up the night of show. However, as there may be long line ups at the box office, the promoter is advising they be picked up in advance.

Customers who bought at a Ticketmaster retail outlet, however, must pick up their tickets in advance at these two locations. They will not be available at the door before the show. An original ticket will be required to complete the exchange.

Anyone wanting a refund on the ticket will be able to get one through Ticketmaster, Taylor said.

While the show is officially sold out, Taylor said some tickets may become available during the week.

“Please watch for good seats coming open this coming week,” says Taylor.