Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: Christopher Gaze

  • Vancouver International Wine Festival Bacchanalia Gala 2013

    The players may have changed, but the celebration remains the same. The Vancouver International Wine Festival (previously known as the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival), held its Bacchanalia Gala Dinner last week. The magnificent ballroom at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel was transformed into a magical setting as guests sipped on bubbly glasses of Mumm Napa DVX 2005 during the reception. Then it was time for dinner and a magical trip through the great state of California. Each course was accompanied by two select vintages including Painted Rock Estate Chardonnay, Schug Cameros Pinot Noir and special Cabernet Sauvignon from West Vancouver’s own Ray Signorello. After dinner it was time for the wine auction. Overall, the evening raised over $400,000 for its new beneficiary – Bard on the Beach.

    Vancouver wine festival gala bacchanalia

    01 – Vancouver International Wine Festival executive director Harry Hertscheg, left, raises a toast to open the festival alongside Bard on the Beach’s leading man, Christopher Gaze.

    02 – Bacchanalia Gala PR gal Megan Verchere, left, and West Vancouver real estate agent Alexis Palkowski set the fashion trend at the champagne reception.

    03 – North Shore residents and Bacchanalia gala board members Jim and Milena Robertson have both been part of this elegant affair for many years.

    04 – West Vancouver’s Darrell Ert, left, and businessman Gary Segal are among the VIPs at the gala event.

    05 – West Vancouver winemaker Ray Signorello is lucky enough to spend half his time down in Napa tending to his vines. He and girlfriend Tanya are also expecting their second child later this year.

    06 – Actor Paul Duchart cuddles up to the House Wine gals, aka Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard, who are always on hand to keep the glasses full.

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    By Catherine Barr – Feb 26, 2013

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Mar 7, 2013

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  • Dal Richards Music Man 95th Birthday

    Back in 1918, the world danced to a different beat. World War I was just ending, and radio was just beginning. Music however was in full swing and, as far as one young man was concerned, it was about to change his life forever. Dal Richards, known across Canada as the consummate band leader, turned 95 years young on January 5th. The overall celebration however simply could not be confined to just one day as Dal and his wife Muriel have made several appearances at various events across the city. One of the most glamorous events was held last Sunday night as friends and well-wishers from all across the land came out to wish Dal well at the nostalgic “The Roof” venue. Located at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, it was an evening of live music, good food and fabulous memories which ended with Dal himself singing his signature favourite song – “As Time Goes By”. Needless to say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Happy Birthday Dal!

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    01 – Bard on the Beach’s own leading man Christopher Gaze joins PR gal Bonnie Allan to toast the birthday boy himself.

    02 – Doo wop doo wow! Jennifer Hayes, left, and Diane Lines, otherwise known as Dal’s Gals, are a big part of the Dal Richards Orchestra. This night they help lead the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

    03 – Known for his own legendary role in the Vancouver music scene, Red Robinson attends the soiree with wife Carol, left, and Diane Forsyth-Abbott.

    04 – Known for her adventures on the CityTV morning show, Dawn Chubai is also a new Dal’s Gals member who frequently sings with the band.

    05 – West Vancouver’s Bob and Lily Lee are among the many VIPs in attendance wishing Dal all the best.

    06 – Tourism Vancouver CEO and president Rick Antonson cuddled up with North Vancouver’s well-known gossip gal Joy Metcalfe to celebrate.

    07 – With over 95 years of memories and melodies in his heart, Dal Richards enters his party like a rock star with wife Muriel on his arm to greet friends, family and invited guests.

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    By Catherine Barr – Jan 13, 2013

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 17, 2013

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  • Bard on the Beach, Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, Vancouver Auto Show and More

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    A wrap-up of spring events this week means a look back at several great nights and a few famous North Shore faces. First, the Vancouver Auto Show had its most successful year ever and kicked off their week long event with a first-of-its kind introductory evening gala. Hanging in the VIP room here was a lot of fun and so was the stroll through super car lane which featured cars like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Maserati and Spyker. Also, the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival (VPIWF) welcomed folks from all over the world with its week long list of activities. Wine makers dinners, luncheons, seminars and the much heralded grand tasting room events meant there was something for every grape lovers in the lower mainland. Rounding out the mix was a special Japan tsunami fundraiser by a caring local restaurateur and a fabulous private Bard on the Beach reception at the elegant home of Canaccord founder Peter Brown and his wife Joanne.

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    01 – North Vancouverite and Shangra-La hotel’s leading PR lady Jill Killeen is thrilled to welcome world-famous chef Jean George Vongerichten back to Vancouver during the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival for a special invite only reception.

    02 – West Vancouver’s Barb Inglis cuddles up to a big bottle of 2007 Napa Valley Miner “Oracle” wine during a featured VPIWF winemaker’s dinner held at her fabulous Fraiche restaurant.

    03 – What a thrill to sit with Miner winemaker Gary Brookman and North Vancouver sommelier D.J. Kearney at the West Vancouver Fraiche restaurant dinner which was all part of VPIWF.

    04 – Looking their dapper best at the Vancouver Auto Show preview gala night are New Car Dealers’ president and CEO Blair Qualey and Jeff Thiessen.

    05 – Former North Shore Outlook editor turned Vancouver Sun auto writer Andrew McCredie takes the super car tour with BMW dealership owner Brian Jessel at the Auto Show gala.

    06 – Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, left, congratulates Christopher Gaze, Artistic Director of Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, on their new mainstage tent at a private reception held in the home of Peter and Joanne Brown.

    07 – Raising money for Japan tsunami survivors are Hapa Umi restaurant owners Lea and Justin Ault, left, and West Vancouver PR pro Tanis Tsisserev.

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    By Catherine Barr – March/April, 2011

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 21, 2011