Throwback to Chris de Burgh at Brockville Arts Centre

Throwback to Sunday March 22nd when I took my dad to see Chris De Burgh at the Brockville Arts Centre.

Chris played many fan favourites like “Don’t Pay The Ferry Man”, and “Lady In Red” and shared stories about his musical journey and inspirations, and life growing up in a castle in Ireland.

He performed a selection from across his career many he explained as stories and perspectives rather than personal experiences. He perform a couple more intimate songs as well like the one of his family traveling and seeing dolphins jumping in the water. It’s super interested seeing many different musicians and how they approach songwriting.

When I hear Chris de Burgh’s music I vividly picture the tales that unfold in the lyrics like “Spaceman Came Traveling Down” and his voicing of instruments giving almost a medieval chamber music charm, is a unique blend with the popular synthesizers of the time.

My absolute favourite moments where when Chris played the piano, something changed in his emotion and with extremely effortlessness and confidence he possessed was inspirational as he let the audience know that he cannot read music but that it’s all in his head.

Chris played tribute to some of his favourite songwriters tunes like ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles, and ‘Africa’ by Toto (which really got the audience up dancing).

The crowd gave many standing ovations during the performance, and participated as de Burgh called out to the audience to clap, sing, and even shine their lights during one number.

I’m so glad that I got the experience to share this awesome moment of live music with my dad. I really hope to see more original focused music events grace the Brockville Arts Centre stage, it is very clear the demand is there for it!

- Janessa // U.U