They began to gather in the quiet hours before dawn, fans ready to swell with praise once more in a dulcet adieu to the late, great Oscar Peterson
Derek Giles considers himself to be Oscar Peterson's biggest fan.
He surely demonstrated that yesterday, showing up in the dark hours before dawn to be the first person in line to attend the memorial concert held in the jazz giant's memory at Roy Thomson Hall.
“I've been an Oscar Peterson fan since the '60s. I was living in England," said Giles, 60, of Toronto, who showed up early to ensure he had tickets for his two daughters, both young jazz musicians.
The only other person on the street just after 5 a.m. was a homeless man, blind and obviously dealing with serious health issues.
Giles cheerfully bought him breakfast.
Layne Boivin and wife, Deborah, got up at 3 a.m. and drove in from Brockville.
“I've been listening to him since the '60s. I've enjoyed his music for a long time," said Boivin.
There was such a feel-good sentiment throughout the serpentine queue that wended its way around Roy Thomson Hall and through nearby Metro Square, with people - bundled warmly - cheerfully saving places in line for others on coffee and washroom breaks.
Derek Giles considers himself to be Oscar Peterson's biggest fan.
He surely demonstrated that yesterday, showing up in the dark hours before dawn to be the first person in line to attend the memorial concert held in the jazz giant's memory at Roy Thomson Hall.
“I've been an Oscar Peterson fan since the '60s. I was living in England," said Giles, 60, of Toronto, who showed up early to ensure he had tickets for his two daughters, both young jazz musicians.
The only other person on the street just after 5 a.m. was a homeless man, blind and obviously dealing with serious health issues.
Giles cheerfully bought him breakfast.
Layne Boivin and wife, Deborah, got up at 3 a.m. and drove in from Brockville.
“I've been listening to him since the '60s. I've enjoyed his music for a long time," said Boivin.
There was such a feel-good sentiment throughout the serpentine queue that wended its way around Roy Thomson Hall and through nearby Metro Square, with people - bundled warmly - cheerfully saving places in line for others on coffee and washroom breaks.
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