Thanks to Hugh for the only Hipbase review so far!
Here is one from the local paper The Observer:
http://www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3207397
Bayfest goes all-Canadian
MUSIC: Hip conclusion to rock week
By TARA JEFFREY, The Observer
They say the third time's a charm, and rock Canadian icons The Tragically Hip proved it Sunday with their third Bayfest appearance in nine years.
Led by frontman Gord Downie, the Kingston-bred quintet headlined the festival's fifth and final rock concert — a high octane medley of their classic hits, along with a sprinkling of new material from their forthcoming studio album.
"They're the only band we've ever had three times, but they're a Canadian favourite," said organizer Michele Stokley. "They have so many hits, and such a huge following."
That loyal following includes Ellen Moore from Lucan, Ontario, who was first in line Sunday morning to get a prime front row view of Canada's rock royalty.
Bayfest 2011 marked her 10th Tragically Hip Concert.
"I've been following them since '92," said Moore, who travelled to the concert all on her own. "I just love them; I love the whole band, especially their old stuff."
Nearby, 20-year-old Jon Van Grinsvea waited anxiously for the gates to open at 5:30 p.m.
"We wanted to make sure we get right up front to see them up close; Gord Downie is amazing," said the Strathroy resident. "They're all just good guys. They support Canadian music and Canadian history. And it's hard to find that with big bands these days."
With 11 studio albums and 46 singles under their belts, "The Hip" — which also includes members Rob Baker (guitar), Gord Sinclair (bass), Johnny Fay (drums) and Paul Langlois (guitar) — went full tilt Sunday, opening with "Blow at High Dough" and belting out classic hits like "Grace, Too," and "Love is a first," and "Ahead by a Century," while Centennial Park's amped crowd sang along in united voice.
A theatrical Downie played to the crowd, strutting on stage, playing peek-a-boo behind a handkerchief and riding his mic stand like a horse.
The concert kicked off with openers Joel Plaskett and The Arkells.
Bayfest's rock weekend attracted some 75,000 fans to five nights of rock, that also featured KISS, Marianas Trench, The Trews, Steve Miller Band, The Tea Party, Theory of a Deadman and INXS.
"It was more like a rock week," said Stokley. "It was a huge success; each show was awesome — the fans loved it, the performers loved it, we had great attendance and no major incidents."
Police had a relatively quiet week, with a dozen arrests made Wednesday through Saturday, while a handful of others were kicked out for public intoxication.
"I think people are just coming out to have fun more than anything," said Stokley. "They look forward to this year-round."
Stokley and her crew of hundreds of staff and volunteers will have a four-day break before the country weekend kicks off Friday, but that doesn't mean things are slowing down.
"That's when we put on our cowboy hats, because it's all about country now," she said. "The performers are more laid back, but the crowds will be larger. We'll see a lot more tourism too — every hotel is full, the marina is full, and the campgrounds are full."
Bayfest continues Friday with country headliners Trace Adkins and Montgomery Gentry, followed by Lady Antebellum and Rodney Atkins on Saturday.
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