Chez PLJ

Just back from a lightning-fast visit to Vancouver, courtesy of Dad, to see his Legacy Lecture at UBC—one of those “If I had one last lecture to give, what would I say?” events. It was a Big Thing: The lecture tickets were pricey and it was being filmed for theatre release next year by Sturla Gunnarsson. Afterwards, we (me and the sibs) were also invited to the very pricey after-party (thanks Dad!!) to hobnob with the swells (large-scale donors to the David Suzuki Foundation, or anyone who could pony up $1,500 for the party.)

Native dancers (Dad second from left)

The after-party was held at the Museum of Anthropology and featured native dancers, DJ-ing by K-OS (I’m not sure he really knew what to do with the mouldy oldies), and the highlights: performances by Randy Bachman and his wife Denise McCann, and Sarah McLachlan, under the towering totem poles in the main hall.

Randy Bachman, mid-story

Bachman charmed everyone with his entertaining story introductions to his songs (particularly the one of how “Takin’ Care of Business” was created), and McLachlan sang and played gorgeously, including a lovely version of Joni Mitchell’s “River”.

L to R: Sarika, Laura, Tamiko, Sarah McLachlan, Midori

I managed to talk with McLachlan afterwards, and told her I saw her very first Toronto show at the Bathurst Street Theatre many years ago. (“Oooh, that’s ancient history!” she replied.) She told us that she didn’t manage to get to Dad’s lecture because her kid had “melted down” that evening. Since she hasn’t toured in ages, she admitted that she hasn’t practised in a while, so she opened up the piano to rehearse. Apparently her younger daughter starts crying the minute she plays a song in a minor key (minor key = sad song = Mommy’s songs = Mommy’s not paying attention to me!!)

Vancouver is definitely a foodie paradise—bakeries, coffee shops (not just Starbucks) on every block. I dropped a load of money in two (expensive) chocolate shops. And, of course, there was amazing sushi for incredibly cheap (the equivalent quality of sushi in Toronto is way more expensive.) In fact, food in general seemed slightly cheaper than in Toronto (admittedly I only saw restaurant and snackie-type stuff; I didn’t check out grocery store prices). Troy thought everything was dead cheap in Vancouver (other than the real estate), but he’s from the Yukon where a head of lettuce is 5 bucks.

The trip was somewhat too short, but it was great to see everyone at the old homestead. Thanks to Mom for letting me crash for 3 days, and maybe more of us Toronto folk will make it out there again some time!