Concert Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Out on the road in support of their latest release We Are The Same the Tragically Hip pulled in to the bucolic setting of Salamanca, NY for a show at the Events Center at the Seneca Allegany Casino on November 6th, 2009. The band has been out on the road since spring 2009 and this show was the second to last show of the North American portion of the tour before a two week vacation and then it's off to Europe for more shows. The packed house was treated to a eighteen song ninety minute set, a some what abbreviated show compared to the more standard nearly three hour two set shows. Never the less the band was hitting on all cylinders. A thundering "Love is a First" started the show before rapid fire versions of "Courage" and "Yer Not the Ocean" that had the crowd rushing the aisles to the front of the stage. "Fireworks", "Morning Moon" and "Looking for a Place to Happen" all resonated with the crowd as well. A mid show acoustic set comprised of "My Music at Work", "The Last Recluse" and "Scared" changed up the pace a bit before a sly run of "Lonely End of the Rink", a definitive "Long Time Coming" and "At The Hundredth Meridian" that threw the crowd into a frenzy. "Fully Completely" and "Little Bones" wrapped up the set before the band returned for an encore of "Family Band" and "New Orleans Is Sinking". Front man Gord Downie was at his animated best venturing ten rows over the seats and into the crowd and engaging the front row audience with imaginary reminiscing "how have you been?" conversations that were both comedic and witty. Thanks to Jenn at Bernie Breen for the passes and Tristen for the after show hospitality. For more great upcoming shows at both Seneca Casinos go to www.senecaalleganycasino.com or www.senecaniagaracasino.com For more on the Tragically Hip check out www.thehip.com