WESTLOCK— Performer Jack Semple paid homage to Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, performing a tribute concert at the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The evening, which highlighted some of Lightfoot’s most beloved songs, was a nostalgic journey through the singer-songwriter’s storied career, with a performance that offered a deep sense of admiration and respect for his enduring legacy.
The mid-week tribute, sponsored by Milwest Distillery and Spirits, was the third show in the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre series (CATS). Semple, while tuning his guitar mid-set made conversation with the audience, joking, "Westlock CATS— whenever I hear that, I think you guys are groovy."
Cyndi Neumiller, member of the CATS committee, said the turnout was outstanding, with approximately 200 people in attendance.
Semple had incredible stage presence, generating passion and energy from the audience with witty humour, skilled fingerings and bluesy vocals. He opened with a Lightfoot classic, Early Morning Rain, before moving on to Lightfoot’s most celebrated tracks later in the evening, including The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Sundown, and Rainy Day People.
Jack’s skill was evident from the first strum of the guitar. The passion and respect for Lightfoot’s music was overwhelming, evoking the same timeless quality that Lightfoot’s own performances were known for.
Semple was accompanied by long-time musical accomplice Dave Chobot on stage. The duo, who have been playing together for decades, fed off each other in a familiar, intricately talented way— rocking in time to the music and tapping their feet to the beat.
Each performance was a reflection of Lightfoot’s lyrical genius and his ability to tell stories that transcend time. Semple continues to capture the essence of Lightfoot’s rich baritone vocals with his own bluesy, soulful style. Though some attendees like Rose Bibby had never seen Jack Semple perform before, she expressed excitement prior to the concert. Others like community member, Mark Siegle, had seen Semple in action prior to the show on Wednesday, but shared he was excited to hear him play the more recognizable, iconic tunes from Lightfoot’s legacy.
Semple was very interactive with the audience inviting them to, “sing, whistle, or whisper along.”
You'd never guess when watching Semple perform that he was 67 years old, based on his youthful excitement and passion. However, his age is revealed in his unique ability to make his 12-string look like an extension of his own arm, executing Gordon's intricate guitar fingerings with his eyes closed.
This tribute concert meant something significant for Semple, as he reminisces about all the moments that Gordon’s music impacted and inspired him over the years— from watching Gordon perform live with his dad as a kid, to listening to his albums every morning while getting ready for school. Semple credited Lightfoot’s music as a key reason as to how he got through high school, where as a self-proclaimed, “music nerd,” Semple said he experienced the mean-spirited nature of bullies first-hand.
Semple saw Lightfoot for the first time at only 10 years old, creating a love that would inspire him to attend more of the icon’s concerts during his teenage years in Saskatchewan.
“I remember watching Gordon play in person in Regina,” Semple shares about a hilariously iconic moment that he says he will always remember. “Gordon Lightfoot forgot the lyrics.”
Not only did Lightfoot forget the words, but he forgot the specific lyric, ‘Saskatchewan there’s mud in your eye. I’m leaving you behind.’ While in Regina.
When Semple performed his own show in Toronto later in life, Gordon Lightfoot sat front row. Jack was excited, voicing the profound moment when you meet your idol, let alone perform for them. Like many in this situation, Jack wanted to make a good impression and express that he had been a long-time fan, sharing the Regina story with Lightfoot in his excitement.
Gordon’s response?
“You know Jack…some things are better left forgotten.” The audience erupted with laughter at this, playing into the concert feeling less like a formal tribute and more like a shared experience between Jack and the audience.
At age 12, Semple had his first 12-string guitar, which he shared was much different than playing his old Stratocaster. “But now I’m 67, so I’m not getting a 67-string guitar.” His raw wit and contemporary humour brought the audience out of an invisible shell. Following which, the crowd noticeably rocked to the beat from their seats— smiling, clapping and nodding along as each tune seemingly transcended the one before.
Semple’s Stratocaster sat perched in view of the audience who wondered when the musician would finally break it out. It wasn’t until after intermission when Semple rocked the stage with this electric guitar, to none other than one of Gordon’s biggest hits, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Following the performance, Semple said, "We thoroughly enjoyed playing in Westlock," adding that he had been here once before to perform with fellow musician Greg Lowe.
"Fantastic audience, fantastic venue and technicians and we were treated like gold. I would love to come back and play again sometime."
