Artpark gets Hip, Tragically

Niagara Frontier Publications, July 5, 2007

The Tragically Hip performed last weekend at Artpark in Lewiston. Both shows – one on Saturday and one on Sunday – were sold out, the last tickets sold weeks prior. The Canadian band, beloved by music fans in Western New York, played almost two hours each night, and performed songs that included “Yer Not the Ocean,” “My Music at Work,” “Ahead by a Century,” “New Orleans is Sinking,” “World Container” and “At the Hundredth Meridian.” Frontman Gord Downie (seen here), wearing a white shirt and white pants, a la the ice cream man, entertained the 4,000-plus in attendance each night – as much with his dramatic interpretations as with his singing. The energetic – and somewhat enigmatic – singer used his microphone stand as a gun, a horse and some sort of recliner at various points in the show. Downie captivated his fans – most of whom sang along or waved their arms in approval – and his backing musicians were just as charismatic. Following the concerts, the Lewiston Police conducted sobriety tests, detaining concertgoers who indulged too much prior to, or during, the event. Despite a warning from Artpark that those consuming adult beverages would be closely scrutinized, more than 30 alcohol-related appearance tickets were issued to those ignoring the caution. – Joshua Maloni (photos by John Stuart/Artpark)