By: Michael Drukarsh
Newmarket, ON - You know those road trips where you all pile into the car and someone throws on the best playlist ever and for the rest of the trip you’re all rocking out? Well, that is what it was like on August 22 at the final concert of the Newmarket Music Series with Dwayne Gretzky.
Dubbed “Canada’s reigning champs of nostalgia”, Dwayne Gretzky brought their energy and eclectic array of music to Newmarket and performed to what was most certainly the largest crowd of the concert series. From pop to classic rock, the music never stopped and the lively all ages crowd loved every second of the two hour show.
This 10 piece band of incredibly talented and versatile musician and singers ran through some of the greatest hits of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s including rocking renditions of Van Halen’s “Jump” (which of course, had the audience jumping out of their seats), The Talking Heads’ “As the Days Go By”, Queens’ “Don’t Stop Me Now” and Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”.
With vocals and instruments consistently traded and shared, Dwayne Gretzky recreated classic songs and delivered pure joy to the hundreds in attendance. Amazing performances of Paul Simon’s “You Can Call me Al”, The Proclaimers’ “I’m Going to Be (500 Miles)”, and a double shot of Prince with “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Purple Rain”, kept the crowd dancing in the aisle and singing along.
Although there were two encores, the second being a fantastic cover of the Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing”, it was the first, the Tragically Hip’s “Bobcaygeon” that really shined. To look out and see the swaying hands and cell phone lights fill Riverwalk Commons was certainly a perfect way to bring another Ontario summer to an end.
Dwayne Gretzky Online
Concert Photo Gallery
show date: August 22, 2024
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