Before you press ‘play’ –
Thanks to Howard Bilerman for greatly expanding on an idea that had already been percolating – that we were going to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Last Waltz in 2026 by building on what we had done at the Corona in 2016 for the 40th anniversary. Howard’s green light was turned on by Jeff Baikowitz the man who makes restaurant dreams come alive (Joe Beef, Liverpool House, Park, McKiernan, Bistro Franchette) and who now finds himself running Le 9e with the Grande Salle art deco performance room alongside the spectacular Ile-de-France restaurant. And who also happens to be a music junkie. When plans for the event appeared to veer off course Jeff continued to display unyielding faith in the process.
The night of November 28, 2024 began early. With an American Thanksgiving dinner. Just like back in 1976 at Bill Graham’s Fillmore Theatre in San Fransisco. Huge props to Ile-de-France Director of Operations Marco Gucciardi and his staff, especially Executive Chef Liam Hopkins and Director Derek Dammann who prepped and served dinners for about 150.
Thanks as well to Shlomo Jacob and Angelique Esguerrera. And Le 9e’s (not always) behind-the-scenes MC Andy Nulman.
The film you are about to see was shot under slight duress. Apologies to many in the packed room who were blinded by sputtering spotlights that seemed to operate like runaway sprinklers. The overall lighting was not up to par. It won’t happen again. But it shouldn’t distract you from the brilliance of the performances onstage.
Thanks to James Correa and his crew for chronicling this historic night – including a superb turn at the mic by James himself. This is the best sounding Correa film to date. Thanks to Vid Cousins on the soundboard and especially Liam Choi for the sensational film mix – best experienced through a set of quality headphones (Audio Centre 4914 Sherbrooke W!).
Most of all thanks to all the musicians and to everybody who attends these special events for supporting them.
Enjoy
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