The Last Waltz to be Recreated at The Village Idiot

Listen Up Toledo  |  10/23/2019 9:00 am

On Friday, November 22, several local musicians will recreate the last concert by the original members of The Band, famously known as "The Last Waltz," thanks to the iconic film and sound-track album of the same name. 

The reasons to celebrate are several, but most notable is the 50 year anniversary of The Band's 1969 self-titled, second album, featuring the songs "Up On Cripple Creek" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."

The farewell concert occurred on Thanksgiving Day 1976, and was filmed by Martin Scorsese. It included several special guests including Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan. 

True to that tradition, the local show is set for November 22, the Friday before Thanksgiving. The core band (Mike Merritt, Evan Bates, Nate Woodward, Petr Karchenko and Larry Meyer) will feature guest artists including Jake Pilewski, Chloe Wagenhauser, and Ben Cohen, among others.  

Currently, national touring productions recreate The Last Waltz, including Robbie Robertson, an original member of The Band, who is doing 12 dates across the United States with an all-star band starting November 5 and ending November 21. 

The Village Idiot is located at 309 Conant Street in downtown Maumee. The House Band will perform from 6-9pm, with The Last Waltz starting at 10:00pm. The cover charge is $5 at the door.