Gordon Lightfoot is as much a part of our national culture as the Prairies, the Rockies and the Shield, all of which he sang about in his classic Canadian Railroad Trilogy. His distinctive, mournful voice has been telling our tales since the early '60s, and his songs have been covered by a long list of performers that includes Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

When Lightfoot nearly died of an abdominal aneurysm in 2002, many thought that would be the end of his career. But he proved them wrong by releasing a new album, Harmony, in 2004, and going out on tour soon afterward. Last summer he returned to his hometown of Orillia to thrill the crowds at Mariposa, and tomorrow he'll inaugurate the Dominion Club in the new 1 King West condo tower -- a private function for members only -- before going back out on a tour that includes two nights at the Fallsview Casino next weekend.

"It's not an overly demanding schedule, but it's adequate," Lightfoot explained in a recent interview. "I think we'll do 40 shows this year. Before I went down, I was doing 50 or 60. It's a more relaxed schedule. I'll do two trips into the States, and in the fall we're out west, which I'm excited about. I don't think we've been there in five or six years."

Right now, workers are scrambling to put the finishing touches on the Dominion Club, which is located in a bank building dating from 1912, and will seat 400 -- once the balcony is done, that is. According to Dominion spokesperson Gino Empry, only seven of the hotel's 12 floors are open, and the club's washrooms and kitchens aren't quite ready yet either. Empry promised that patrons won't even notice what's missing, however, and said Lightfoot fanatics who can't wait for his return to Massey Hall in November can become temporary Dominion Club members by renting a room at the hotel.

Dinner and show cost $175 a person; dinner, show and suite $260 a person.

As for Lightfoot, he said he welcomed the chance to keep his skills sharp at a quiet time of year.

"Normally, January is a month when we don't do anything," he said. "But I didn't miss a beat through the holidays. I've been preparing and rehearsing. When you play this style of music, you've got to keep it sharp. It doesn't just roll off like the blues, it requires work and attention. It'll be an interesting challenge to go in and do a nice, tight little show in a place of that size."

The Juno and Governor General's Award winner said the key to maintaining his health and career has been concentrating on what he enjoys most -- and these days that's performing, more than writing and recording.

"I like to stay organized, and there are so many things that need to be looked after now that I've recovered -- and that was a challenge unto itself," he said. "Writing results in a kind of isolation that can be damaging to the people around you, and I don't care to have that feeling of isolation thrust upon me at this time. I've had some ideas lately, but if I were to attempt to make another album, it might take three or four years, and there are just so many pressing matters to look after.

"On the other hand, I love to perform, and people know that. It's a great thing to be able to do, and a great way to make a living. I don't want to get too deep -- I'm just going to do some great shows."

Lightfoot plays the Dominion Club tomorrow through Saturday. Call 416-548-8214 for reservations.