Joe Nolan and friends cast a Gord Downie spell at Empress Thursday

Joe Nolan pulls up a stool, starts playing a solo Bobcaygeon, acoustic and unannounced, at the Empress on Monday night.
It’s cold outside, but the room warms up fast as people stop talking and start singing along, activated by the familiar.
This wailing melody is one of the Tragically Hip’s great touchstones, and Nolan both hits the notes and owns the song with his own little tweaks — this mini performance just a hint of the Yer Favourites tribute concert coming to the bar Thur