Cobourg has long had an affinity for the Tragically Hip that pops up in three-year cycles.
It all began with the group's June 20, 2013, show at the Cobourg Community Centre. For the group's final concert on Aug. 20, 2016, the town brought out its big screen to Victoria Park for a telecast that could be enjoyed by all during the annual Northumberland Ribfest.
It continues Sept. 28, 2019, with another show at the Cobourg Community Centre, as the Town of Cobourg (in partnership with the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation) welcome Grace 2.
True Hip fans themselves, Grace 2 is dedicated to recreating the sound and energy of a live Hip performance. Bass guitarist Paul Mooney shared his own feelings in a press release from the Town of Cobourg.
“As Canadians, we all share a connection with this iconic band and its charismatic front man, the late, great Gord Downie,” Mooney said.
“As a band, we set ourselves above the rest by staying true to the sound and feel of the Hip and presenting fans with a respectful dedication to this beloved band.”
The show starts at 8 p.m. And like the recent Blushing Brides concert that was a tribute to the Rolling Stones, this one features a free pre-party that starts at 5:30 p.m. in the CCC Grand Hall (where The Spirits front man Shaun Savoy will be performing live), until doors open at 7:30 p.m. Your host for this part of the event is the Sydney Fairman Group of Re/Max Lakeshore Realty.
As a tribute to the Hip's generous spirit, NHH staff will be selling raffle tickets during the pre-party, with proceeds supporting the NHH Foundation.
The Grace 2 show will be based on the final Tragically Hip concert during their Man Machine Poem Tour, a two-and-a-half hour performance that will include some of the greatest hits from their 13 studio albums, two live albums, one EP and 54 singles during the course of their impressive 33-year career.
With Downie's unforgettable voice and the band's influential lyrics, the music of the Hip has been the soundtrack for so many Canadians' summertime memories and an expression of the spirit of this country.
Councillor Adam Bureau, Co-ordinator of Arts, Culture and Tourism, was at the 2016 Ribfest evening where the landmark concert was telecase.
“A cultural icon and a talented poet and musician, Gord Downie left a notable hole in our musical heritage,” Bureau said in the press release.
“We were very fortunate to host the Tragically Hip at the Cobourg Community Centre a few years ago, and we are pleased to welcome tribute band Grace 2 to Cobourg.”
The main canteen and bar will be open prior to the show, offering a variety of pub-type food with specials for the evening, including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings and popcorn.
Tickets for general-admission seating are now on sale at $25 plus HST and service fee through the Victoria Hall Concert Hall box office – available on-line or by calling 905-372-2210.
