Strombo-couver

Last night we were part of a live studio audience for The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos (let’s just say “Strombo” and leave it at that, shall we?).

About 500 people were there; needless to say it was a popular event. It’s been a long time since we attended a similar taping. About 10 years ago Shauna and I got tickets to see Double Exposure being filmed. I was a big fan of their radio comedy, but I have to say I didn’t find the show quite as funny after its transition to TV.

That was my last studio audience experience, but Shauna took in a live taping of The Colbert Report during the Winter Olympics. They had a couple of crystal clear days, complete with snow capped peaks and City towers in the background, as their temporary stage was set up next to Science World.

Last night we actually got a bit of a break in the rainy weather as we waited in line to see The Hour. It was an absolute downpour as I rode Skytrain downtown. Then, just as the Science World station approached, the train stopped just before the platform. An announcement said a tree had fallen into the track area near Brentwood, and all trains would be held longer at each station until it could be cleared.

At that point the rain was driving sideways, and I was thinking we’d be drenched by the time we entered the CBC studio, despite umbrellas. Just after we lined up however, and after I photographed a green-roofed coffee shop on the new CBC plaza, the rain died down a bit.

George was very much a part of the whole taping. He walked on set (to applause) as the stage manager was explaining the Emergency Exit procedure. He jovially took questions from the audience until the show began. As it turns out the show was an absolutely live feed to the East coast. Strombo admitted to us he’d have to watch his language. No chance for editing anything out.

Lots of banter with the audience ensued during commercial breaks, and quite a lengthy Q&A session at the end of the show. Some of the anecdotes were funny (Sarah Palin), some touching (June Callwood), some poking fun at Vancouver’s fondness for the outdoors, and some insider info on Strombo’s passion (and his manager’s dislike) for motorcycles.

Just before the show’s sign-off we were treated to a bonus feature. Lately, at the end of some shows, George has been featuring a guest musical performance. Last night it was a young woman from Vancouver named Billy The Kid. I’ve seen her somewhere before, probably on Shaw’s Urban Rush. With guitar and harmonica accompaniment she performed 3 songs, one of which was part of the show, while the other two will be accessible via Strombo’s website. The best word I can think of to describe her voice is captivating. Her tone reminded me a bit of Cheryl Crow. Check out the videos; I think you’ll be impressed.

This season will cap 6 years of The Hour for George, and judging by the reception he received in Vancouver, he'll continue to have a large bi-coastal fan base for some time yet.