Petawawa, ON - Petawawa Civic Centre - June 14

Sherry's Review

It was worth the wait! I have been dying to see Blue Rodeo live and they put on a fabulous show! I never dreamed I'd be front row, centre stage! One of the highlights of my life will be having met Jim Cuddy in person. This is a night I will remember for the rest of my life. The whole band was so friendly and kind and the fans really appreciated them coming to our small town to play, in tribute to our soldiers and their families. To be able to sing along to all my favourite songs, with the band right there, was amazing.

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San Francisco, CA - Café Du Nord - May 21, 2008

Chuck's Review

I was excited to see the announcement for Blue Rodeo at Café Du Nord. I had seen them at the Tralf in Buffalo back in November and I was worried it might take me another five years to catch them again. It was wonderful to see the band in such a tiny venue, and with such an enthusiastic crowd of Canadian Ex Pats mixed in to the Californians. There were some great musical moments and everyone seemed to be up for the show. I'm floored by Blue Rodeo every time I see them. In all it was just a great evening in San Fran. Thanks for coming out our way!

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Peterborough, ON - Showplace Performance Centre - May 5, 2008

J's Review

I saw Blue Rodeo at Showplace in Peterborough last night and was very impressed. I've had the opportunity to see Jim Cuddy on his own at Showplace and greatly enjoyed that concert. Never having been to a Blue Rodeo concert before, I didn't really know what to expect. I was really blown away by the music and the professional level of the performance. Jim Cuddy has the voice of an angel and an easy going attitude that is very appealing. Now I know what I've been missing! Count me in as a new fan!

 

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Erin & Paul's Review

My wife and I were able to score front row center seats for the last of three shows played in Peterborough. What a magical night, It didn't seem real being so close to the action. The band was tighter than a closed fist, and presented yet another fab show. We hung around afterwards and were able to meet the band. They were down to earth and a friendly bunch of guys, it’s a night my wife and I will never forget. Thanks for all the great music over the years, and everything that’s yet to come. You guys are awesome!!!

 

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Cornwall, ON - Cornwall Civic Complex - April 20, 2008

Susie's Review

I still cannot quite put into words what we experienced with Blue Rodeo last night. What talent! I was completely lost in their music from the minute they took the stage. Their soothing ballads brought back so many memories. Being there was such a privilege. Thank you for gracing us with such an incredible, yet grounded, style of music! Blue Rodeo has remained a band that is truly uncontrived and pure--very difficult to do in such an ever-changing and disposable world. The only unfortunate thing was that it had to end. Good luck on the rest of the tour! We look forward to another night with them soon!

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Toronto, ON - Massey Hall - February 28, 29, 2008

Victoria's Review

I can't think of anything new to say about Blue Rodeo. All the superlatives have been used, rather aptly I might add, so perhaps I could use a new language to express what I felt. What I feel. What I have always felt and, I suspect, will always feel about this band. Fantastique, merveilleuse, elegant, stupifient ... nope, somehow that hasn't captured "it". "It" quite simply is Blue Rodeo. I don't have to recant the set list here because it's not necessary. Their set list is always wonderful because their catalogue of work is so bloody fantastic and we all know it. Their lyrics set a mood, recall a past moment, give you hope, make you cry and make you cheer. Their music makes you dance, jump, clap, smile and sing. Are Jim and Greg the Lennon and McCartney of Canada? No, I don't think they are, I think they are the Cuddy and Keelor of the world and we in Canada are lucky enough to claim them as our own. Because they don't need the comparison, they are more than talented enough on their own. They have written beautiful songs for 20 years and they are nowhere near to slowing down, nor are they in any way less than magic on stage. Time has been good to this band because they have improved, if that is even possible and I'm not so sure it is. They were always this good, always amazingly talented, committed and knew who they were even when they didn't. They are super talented, super generous, super giving -- superstars. And it's all been said before. The good thing is, it's all still true.

 

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Kristin's Review

I would have to say out of the probably 40 or so shows I have seen, this may have been the best! The band seemed to be happy and relaxed, the song list was great, it was so nice to hear some of the old songs ie: “Rebel”. I was very happy to hear that one, it has always been a favourite, Jim’s voice is as good or better than ever. Greg’s “Dark Angel” is always amazing, he stood at the edge of the stage and sang it without a guitar or anything. It was such a treat, my friends and I left there going on and on about how great the show was... and like I said we have been to a lot. I would absolutely love it if they would do “Underground" someday live.

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Halifax, NS - Halifax Metro Centre - February 23, 2008

Jamie's Review

Halifax: The final Small Miracles stop before the band's return to Ontario had BR (minus opening act Cuff the Duke who were stranded in NFLD) appearing before an enthusiastic East Coast crowd. As the house lights went out at the Metro Centre Jim & Greg appeared with acoustic guitars; the band played a wide range of material taking the appreciative crowd from Outskirts through to the present. The set transitioned with the backstage curtain rising to reveal a stage adorned with lava lamps and vintage T.O. street lamp. It was a classic concert complete with snowflakes falling and an encore which had everyone in the barn sing'n their best version of “Lost Together. It was a real treat seeing the band away from home...witnessing the enthusiasm of fellow Canadians as they celebrated along with the band. Thanks again to Greg, Bazil and Jim for taking the time after the show to meet & greet with the fortunate few... wish the night didn't have to end. Toronto is in for a real treat this week... welcome home boys!

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Charlottetown, PEI - Confederation of the Arts Theatre - February 20

Ian's Review

We went to see Blue Rodeo at the Confederation of the Arts theatre in Charlottetown. A great place for sound! First up was a band from Ontario called Cuff the Duke. They played several songs of which were nicely received. The songs had a good sound to them however the vocals were very hard to hear. At first I think most of the crowd just thought the singer had a weak voice, but as we found out later in the Blue Rodeo show it was not the singer it was the sound settings. It was a shame as it would have been nice to have heard them better. Then up came Blue Rodeo, a cute start with lights and then a little skit with a roadie coming on the stage before they came out. The first section of the show was an intimate setting with just a snare and acoustic guitars. They played some old hits as well as a couple off the new CD. Then after a great job from Jim Cuddy singing “Try” (the best his voice has EVER sounded) and Greg singing “To Love Somebody” and ripped into “Til I am Myself Again” and dropped the backdrop to have all the band playing and a very impressive light combination. Overall the show was very good, the volume level was much louder than the other times we have seen them in this venue. Actually, too loud. But it was crystal clear and they were spot on in most cases. A couple of tech. problems happened during the evening which Greg commented on the end of the show on how the “crew screwed up". The light and stage show was the best they have done at the Confed. centre by far. And Jim was fantastic in voice. Overall i would rate the concert 3.9 out of 5. Not the best I have seen them but pretty close. An enjoyable evening and I will no doubt see them again in the future.

 

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Stephanie's Review

Teenagers are standing in groups while their parents and grandparents are relaxing to a glass of wine. There are three generations under one roof and above all is an excited buzz. Everybody is waiting for the show to start. Once the big double doors open there isn't much lingering and the crowds quickly pour into the large concert hall. Finally the lights go out but if you think Blue Rodeo takes the stage right away you’ll be surprised. We are greeted by a Pink Floyd-worthy light and sound show that stunned people into silence, giving the illusion of being in a completely different world and firing up the excitement even more. Then Greg Keelor enters the stage and the crowd greets him with a deafening cheer. Seconds later Jim Cuddy and the rest of the band take the small stage from the other side. The first thing I notice is the absence of a drum kit. All the drummer has to work with is a single snare. The band opens with their huge hit "5 Days in May" with one of the cleanest sounds I have ever heard. It is obvious these six guys have played together for a long time. There is not a single note that is even remotely off key but without making it boring. The band knows their routine and works without getting into each other's way while moving across the small stage. Cuddy and Keelor present a good mix of their old hits and songs from the new album Small Miracles.

After 45 minutes the stage is left to Keelor and Cuddy who do a couple of amazing acoustics. Then, without warning, the curtain at the back of the stages falls down revealing the rest of the band on a huge stage with an equally huge drum kit. There is an explosion of music and light as the six men start to rock the main stage at the Confederation Center. By this point people are off their seats dancing at the sides of the room. I look around and see I am not the only one who is stunned into silence by this show and the amazing stage presence of the two front men. Every rock song fills me with amazing beats; every acoustic makes tears run down my face. When after about two hours of music the crowds are cheering for an encore the band does not keep us waiting for long. They finish an amazing concert with the hit-single "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" and finally the street light that was in the corner of the stage makes sense. It lights up as Keelor falls into the chorus, snow starts falling from the ceiling and everybody is singing along to the familiar sounds. When the show is over I stay in my seat not sure what to do with myself after an amazing show. It was my first Blue Rodeo show but it won't be my last. Blue Rodeo blew my mind.

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Saint John, NB - Harbour Station - February 16, 2008

Leslie's Review

As a long time Blue Rodeo fan (starting in the fourth grade...I'm now 28, and having my first baby)...I am continually amazed by this band. Their enthusiasm has never diminished, nor has their ability to capture an audience from the first note of the first song. Last's night's show was special for me, as I brought along my husband and mother-law, both new to the live Blue Rodeo experience. My husband was incredibly impressed by the quality of the vocals (in this day and age, where studios can "fine tune" an artist's voice with studio magic), I think he was doubtful that Jim Cuddy's voice would have the range it seems to. I , of course, knew better! I was very, very impressed with the way the show opened...to go from the pared down stage, to have it opened up mid -show to reveal the full stage..Wow! It was done at exactly the right moment, to show the dynamic of a band that needs minimal instruments to sound good, to be able to have full-blown sound , and excel at either. After the show, as we were leaving, I saw a man walking with his young son, telling him that his own father had taken him to see Blue Rodeo, and now he had taken him...and I think that shows what this band means to the fans. They span all ages, and they mean so much to so many people!

 

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Pam's Review

I want to thank the members of Blue Rodeo for coming to Saint John on your Small Miracles tour. We love you here and I must say, that is the best concert I've been to yet! We enjoyed the format and were entertained the entire time. Of course, we love the oldies but your new material is great too! Good mix! Also, we really enjoyed Cuff the Duke - will be picking up the CD this week. It's been a long time since I first saw you in Kitchener, Ont - just after your release of “Try”. Congrats on your continued success - keep the new tunes coming!!! Please continue to come to our fine city. We look forward to sharing a great time with you again soon!

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Ottawa, ON - Scotiabank Place - February 14, 2008

Rena's Review

It was a truly magnificent performance in Ottawa last night. Man, they really do get better and better! Trouper Jim, the professional as always...and a superb selection of old and new songs to take us where we wanted to go. And Greg, at his very best - the night belonged to him! I was overwhelmed by his rendition of “Dark Angel” - the biggest surprise of the evening, and one that still lingers. We were treated to such delightful piano playing, I was expecting to hear “Cynthia” before the night ended, but there wasn't a moment of disappointment during the two hours. Can't wait for Ottawa's Bluesfest - hope they're returning this year.

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Hamilton, ON - Hamilton Place Theatre - February 10, 2008

Heather & Glenn's Review

What can I say? Incredible...the best Blue Rodeo show that I have seen in a while!! The venue, Hamilton Place is an amazing place to see a show, very intimate and great acoustics - much better than a larger venue. The show itself was amazing, from the way it was split into two parts....the first half of the show was very mellow and gave the audience a chance to hear Jim and Greg's amazing vocals without too much background. Classic. Then, the second half of the show rocked! The opening act, Cuff the Duke was great and so was Melissa McClelland. What an amazing voice. Both of them really added to the show. They played a good mix of older hits (a great version of “Rebel”) and songs from Small Miracles (love it). It was one of the best I've been to. A great night for both new and old Blue Rodeo fans. Can't wait till they play Hamilton again!!! Keep up the great song writing guys! Good luck at the Junos.

 

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Joanne's Review

I will begin, like most probably do and report that I have been the biggest fan of Blue Rodeo since the 80's and Outskirts... I have seen the Band perform live since 1989 and at every venue I can get to. It has long been my annual trek to get to Ontario Place each August and reunite myself with the boys. The last time, summer of 2006, my Blue Rodeo buddy and best friend and I were a tad disappointed with the quality of the show and thought perhaps we had had enough. I am so glad we gave another chance and attending last evenings performance, on what has so far, been the coldest night of the year! It was, without a doubt, the best performance I have ever attended. The grass roots quality of the instruments and vocals during the first half, literally brought tears to my eyes during “Bad Timing”. After reading the Hamilton Spectator review, I agree wholeheartedly, it was reminiscent of the early Blue Rodeo days, where the vocal talents and harmonizing were amazingly beautiful. Thank you guys, for continually putting out the best Canadian music ever, and pouring your hearts out on the stage. Jim and Greg, your enduring commitment to your music and your fans is a huge testament to the amazing artists you truly are... and I can't wait to reunite once again, on the lawn of the Molson Amphitheatre in August. Love you more than you know.

 

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Sarah's Review

My husband took me to this show for my birthday. We sat in the very last row on the very top balcony, that’s all he could get for me. My husband came just for me he's not a real big fan, enjoys the music because that’s all he has heard in the ten years we have been together. By the end of the night Jim had called everyone up to dance and my husband took me down elevators, stairs and passed security guards just to get me down to dance. I have seen Blue Rodeo before (Grape and Wine Festival - St Catharines) but I’ve never had such an amazing experience with Blue Rodeo in my twenty years of being a true fan! Their voices, the sound, the energy they brought was spectacular! And on the last note, my husband has not stopped talking about the fantastic time he had and he is a brand new fan of Blue Rodeo!! Hope you’re around for another twenty!!!

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Kitchener, ON - February 9 - Center In The Square

Jenn's Review

At first I got thinking “Who the heck is this opening band?”, but then into their second song I was hypnotized. Cuff the Duke, what a band, I myself don’t listen to a lot of heavy music however they were great in the same. Then intermission....we got back to our seats and the lights started, red flashes then the lights dimmed and background music started and the place went quiet, no one said a word. Our heightened senses began trying to figure out when and where they were coming, the suspense was chilling, and then they appeared. Blue Rodeo at last was on stage. They sang a few songs, then some of the members left to leave Jim and Greg on stage alone, Jim with his sense of humour replied "thought they would never leave" the audience chuckled.....well don’t want to ruin the rest for anyone else going or wanting to go, other than.....the rest of the band came back with a bang and a few flashes of lights and the rest of the night began, a mix of hits like...”Try”, “5 Days in May”, and of course a bunch off their new album. Thank-you guys what an amazing night, I had fun and enjoyed myself truly. The best part was the after show meet-and-greet. That truly set my night off. My mom and I had a night out that we could both enjoy, and it was to you for helping it happen.

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Red Deer, AB - Enmax Centre - January 17, 2008

Carol's Review 

Hi there, my daughter, who is 19, gave my son, 21, and I tickets to the Blue Rodeo show in Red Deer and needless to say, we were very excited. We absolutely loved your show, it was too hard to sit still, our feet were going steady with the beat. The coolest part was when we left, my kids said, "Out of all the concerts we've been to, (and believe me, there have been more than I could count, mostly punk, metal, grunge, etc.) this is the best concert we have ever seen. My son has played in a punk/metal band for a few years and when we got home, he picked up his guitar and was playing country, country rock, etc. Thank you for an unforgettable evening and you can bet that we'll be there the next time you come our way. It was the best Christmas present ever!!

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Victoria, BC - Save On Foods Memorial Arena - January 13, 2008

Deirdre's Review

I had never been to the Save On Foods Arena before and was worried that the sound and intimate quality of a Blue Rodeo concert would suffer. I am very happy to say that this did not happen! The acoustics were fantastic and Jim and Greg's voices were wonderful. I especially liked the pared down first set, which showed off the piano, guitars, bass, and brush drum. I could have been in a living room if I closed my eyes. Then, wow, the rockin started and somehow the band was able to mix the full electric sound with the hauntingly sensitive lyrics and song of Keeler. Flexible and tight, magic and roots, a timelessness that makes me value Blue Rodeo as a Canadian gem. Way to go!
 

 

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June's Review

 Introduced as "the pride of Nova Scotia," Luke Doucet and his trio, The White Falcon, took the stage in basic black, with the exception of a petite woman in a hot pink cocktail dress and metallic pumps. Later introduced as Doucet's wife, Melissa McLelland provided haunting back up vocals and guitar, Rich Levesque played bass, and Blue Rodeo's drummer Glenn Milchem provided drums, as "we suffer from exploding drummer syndrome," Doucet explained.

Suffused in magenta light, Doucet wailed on his Gretsch White Falcon alongside his wife on acoustic. They made sweet love to one another through their guitars; romance plucked the strings. "Got two seats but only used one." Doucet played the saddest, shrillest harmonica I have ever heard. The highlight song was "Broken One" a peppy heart-break tune. The band's harmonies were exceptional and the lyrics reverberant. "You've gotta have a heart to have a broken one." After shamelessly plugging the band members' new releases, he proceeded to endorse bassist Rich Levesque's Jimmy's Hot Sauce, "I should sell furniture," Doucet said. I hope he sticks with music.

Blue Rodeo began their show aptly bathed in blue light. The six-piece blue-jeaned band was close knit at stage front as if inviting the audience into their living room. Cuddy (guitar, vocals, mandolin, harmonica) wore tapered Wranglers and Greg Keelor (guitar, vocals) danced in bell bottoms. Bazil Donovan lounged and played bass while Milchem returned to the stage with only a snare and brushes, Bob Egan ripped up the steel guitar, and Bob Packman was amazing on keyboards and organ launching himself off his stool several times during the jovial songs. The energy of the near full-house erupted in hoots and hollers. "You're worked up for some reason," Cuddy said. The banter was spare, yet witty and it was obvious these talented instrumentalists are about the music.

They played a good mix of classics from their extensive roster of hits as well as many songs from their new album "Small Miracles," including "Blue House," which deifies categorization. Their songs are a mixture of rock, country, blues, honky-tonk, and roots; countrified and close to the heart. The absolute highlight was "Try" back to back with the Bee Gees' classic "To Love Somebody." Cuddy hit all the right notes.

Then, Keelor and Cuddy (plus harmonica) took the stage with "Bad Timing" singing "never meant to make you cry." The black curtain dividing the stage fell revealing the full band, acid green lighting, and a rotating crystal backdrop. They rocked up the show with "Til I Am Myself Again" followed by "Black Ribbon." After copious clapping, the band returned to the stage for an encore. Keelor let the audience begin "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" while glittery snow fell above a street light into the transfixed first row. "We'll see you down the road," Cuddy said closing the show. Yes you will. 

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Calgary, AB - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - January 10, 2008

Ingrid's Review

One of the best Blue Rodeo shows I have seen in years! I enjoyed the show so much last night that I am now searching for tickets for tonight's show. Jim and Greg's voices just get better with age. Jim gave us those fabulous classic Jim ballads that make me melt and feel so good. I loved Greg's "Dark Angel" solo, so very different for him and so well done. Great voice! I did not want the show to end.

The stage itself was the best they have ever had and it seemed like the whole band was just really enjoying themselves. I could listen and watch them all over and over again. I was not sure about seeing them in such a big venue, but it really was fabulous. I have seen Blue Rodeo in many small venues and I really did like the big concert feel; very well done! I look forward to the next time Blue Rodeo comes through Calgary and I will be, hopefully, in the front row singing and dancing along with them. Can't wait!!

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Edmonton, AB - Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - January 7, 2008

Marc's Review

This was probably my 20th BR concert, but one of the most refreshing I have seen in quite some time - especially in a fixed-seat indoor venue. As a self-proclaimed die-hard, I actually get tired of the 'greatest hits' component of the concerts, but this last performance had some great throw-backs to older material that really reminded me of the journey the band has made over the years. There is something exciting about hearing the opening notes to a song and having to think for a second about the last time you heard it. I found the new material to be much more entertaining this time 'round, vs the last time I saw the band perform excerpts from the new record. The guys looked and had a sense of calm and comfort on stage - like you were hanging out in their living room. The show was great. My friends and I left wanting much, much more.

 

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Angie's Review

O wow! Just returned home from the Jan 8 show in Edmonton! I’m not from here ....Collingwood Ontario originally, so a bigger venue where I couldn't dance was different! BUT STILL FRIGGIN AWESOME!
The set change was incredible and shocking! You must have heard my 'WOWS'! Expensive tickets for a student ...but worth every penny ;) For the first time ever, I fell in love with Greg’s voice. I shouted for Bazil a few times; after meeting him at the Curling Club Barrie Event Centre, Jim Cuddy Band show a few years back I developed a slight crush on him! Loved to watch him rock out in his own style this evening.
The pope and his voice just wash over me, and I am struck. My dream is to have him play at my wedding. I’ll be putting in my request.;) You guys are fabulous!
Can’t wait to catch up with you all again. See you 'down the road'.
Hugs and best wishes on your travels.

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