The Proclaimers at the CNE Bandshell in Toronto, August 16th, 2013

The Proclaimers, for those of you unfamiliar with this band, are a twin-brother-duo from Scotland. They have been described as folk rockers and nationalists, and are probably best known for their 1988 hit, “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”. I love them because they sing in their native accent, which I find utterly charming, and because they are able to get me clapping and foot-stomping with nothing more than their harmonies, an acoustic guitar, and some great original tunes.

They played in Toronto at the CNE Bandshell on Friday night, and while it was clear that most of the Scottish ex-pat community in the city had shown up to the gig, the audience was also multi-aged, which continues to delight me as I go to see bands that have been around for more than 25 years.

The Bandshell is a great old tradition at the CNE fairgrounds, an outdoor venue just off the lake that is intimate and relaxed. Its only problem is that the park bench seats are old and uncomfortable, but that issue was resolved once a couple of fans ventured to the front of the stage and weren’t discouraged or sent back. Like many of the spectators, I decided that this was an evening best spent on my feet, and I followed many others. The light show was stripped down, although the colours did get altered to suit the mood of different songs; the jumbo television screens that framed the stage were largely unnecessary for such an intimate venue. The mood was laid back and light, and the standing crowd at the front grew until the area was crowded, but this was a happy and gentle group.

The two Reid brothers, Craig on lead vocals and Charlie on vocals and guitar, did not disappoint with their delivery of most of their classic songs and better-known hits. My cherished moment of the evening came when I heard the opening notes to “Sunshine on Leith”. It is my favourite of their entire catalogue, a beautiful ballad that evokes love and heartbreak with touching lyrics and a stirring melody. It is also, as we found out, the title of a new movie which the brothers will be presenting at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

The energy levels ramped up after that with “I’m On My Way” as we all sang along with our best “uh-huh, uh-huh”. Then, to top off the main set, it was time for what Charlie Reid called “the song that made all of this possible.” It was wonderful to be in the middle of a jumping pack to sing along to “I will walk 500 miles” and to do the great call-backs. The show ended with three encores after an hour and a half, and I left with a smile on my face and feeling on top of the world. What a great night out with some old favourites.