A special show for campers ... free with admission to the park
“HOMETOWN TUNES': SONGS FROM SMALLTOWN ONTARIO
I’m honoured that I'm still remembered for my work as songwriter-in-residence for CBC radio. Best known was my work as a regular guest on “Basic Black”.. Arthur Blacks' National show, wherein I was required to write a rather silly song every week based on one of the interviews or features on the show. I also did a regional show in Southern Ontario as part of the “Ontario Morning Programme” called Hometown Tunes, 30 years ago, and I'm pleased to say that there's now a touring live show with the best of the songs.
The idea was that listeners would write me letters (Often beautifully hand-written ones!)- about something that they would consider ‘songworthy’ from their towns. An historic incident, a local character, a current event, etc. . I’d pick a letter each week, write a song about the topic suggested, and perform it live on the air in Toronto, usually at 7:30 in the morning after driving in from MY hometown of Guelph. Some of the songs ended up in the repertoire of my former band Tamarack too, so the songs had a good afterlife.
This project gave me a valuable connection with much of small-town Ontario: name a town, I probably have a song about it!
Last year Kerrie Gill at the Woodstock Museum discovered the songs I had written with Woodstock themes in her archives. (It’s a dubious honour to be archived in a museum):) She asked if I could do a presentation about the whole ‘Hometown Tunes’ experience in an informal performance/chat, of course featuring the Woodstock songs, ( including one about a famous murder there). I put a programme together and it was really appreciated by the attendees. With the basic presentation complete, I’m now offering it in other towns featured in the series: , at museums, libraries and town halls.
Here's me singing a ghost story from Sterling Ontario: Spook's Hollow!
AND … Here's a highway robbery tale from Tweed ON.
AND: from pretty Tobermory ON on the Bruce Penninsula: Ice-Breaking Day
AND Here’s a link to one of the two albums that were produced from the radio broadcasts so you can check out some of the other songs.
https://jamesgordonmusic.bandcamp.com/album/more-hometown-tunes
Watch the calendar on this website for where I'm performing it… and if you can think of a place in YOUR town, let me know! 226-971-9132
a special family programme for campers and visitors... free with admission to the park
Lake Superior Voyageur Canoe Expedition- Michipoten to Dennison Falls - Host/musian James Gordon
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Few sights on the spectacular North Shore of Lake Superior rival the spellbinding beauty and power of Denison Falls. As we paddle into the rugged isolation of some of Ontario’s least visited provincial parks and conservation areas, you’ll marvel at the planet’s oldest rocks and revel in the awe-inspiring beauty of this 40-metre wilderness waterfall hidden deep in the boreal forest. This coastline is home to some of the most incredible campsites you can imagine, with sweeping sands rivaling the beaches of the Caribbean and shores of water-polished pebbles in every colour of the rainbow.
This trip is offered in partnership with the Trans Canada Trail, with 15 percent of trip fees supporting the organization’s ongoing development and stewardship of the world’s longest network of recreational trails.
James Gordon – Singer, Storyteller, and Canadian Icon We are thrilled to welcome James Gordon as our guest host for this journey to Denison Falls. One of Canada’s most prolific and beloved singer-songwriters, James has spent over forty years capturing the heart of the Canadian landscape in song. As a founding member of the legendary folk group Tamarack and through his extensive solo career, his music has become a staple of the Canadian folk canon—most notably his classic “Frobisher Bay,” which has been covered by artists worldwide.
Beyond the stage, James is a playwright, a dedicated community activist, and a masterful storyteller who has spent his life exploring the intersections of heritage, environment, and melody. His deep connection to the Canadian wilderness makes him the perfect companion for a Voyageur canoe expedition. Whether he’s sharing insights into the history of the Great Lakes or leading a song around the campfire at the base of the falls, James brings a unique cultural depth to the wild shores of Lake Superior. Join us for an unforgettable blend of music, history, and rugged adventure.