Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: Dal Richards

Variety BC Golden Heart Gala Honouring Peter Armstrong

Variety BC – The Children’s Charity is one of the most prestigious charities in the province. Their tireless work behind the scenes with special needs kids is exceptional and heart-warming. Only makes sense then that one of their most prestigious awards is called the Golden Heart Award in honour of individuals who make a difference in our community. This year’s gala honouree is Peter R.B. Armstrong, of Rocky Mountaineer fame, who has literally donated millions of dollars to over 200 different charities throughout the years. The special gala dinner was held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver which was fitting in more than one way as rumour has it Peter used to work there as a doorman years ago. Some even say that’s where he got the idea to start his first ever tour company. Congrats to Peter and everyone involved

01 – Greeting everyone at the door with a handshake and a smile, Golden Heart honouree Peter Armstrong and partner Suvina Lal get set to enjoy the evening’s festivities.

02 – She is the “Absolute” queen of the spa scene and looks fabulous as a result. West Vancouver’s Wendy Cocchia, centre, chats with assistant Jennifer Trudel, left, and Tradeworks executive director Maninder Dhaliwal.

03 – Former political powerhouse “Amazing Grace” McCarthy, seen here with husband Ray, still looks beautiful at age 85. The lights on the Lions’ Gate Bridge were her idea and are known as Gracie’s Pearls to this day.

04 – A former co-recipient of the Golden Heart award on behalf of GlobalBC TV in 2011, North Vancouver’s Brett Manlove, left, is now co-owner of RTown Vancouver. Seen here with wife Brenda, the couple shares conversation with Variety’s Sandra Lowe and husband Chris Lowe who is regional manager of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) of BC and Yukon.

05 – Always elegant and always generous, the philanthropic legacy of Rosalie and Joe Segal are legendary and they are always part of this glamorous evening.

06 – Looking dapper, West Vancouver businessman Martin Charlwood, of Century 21 fame, escorts the beautiful Candace Alderson down the red carpet.

07 – Making it look easy at 95 years young, the “King of Swing” and BC’s best band leader Dal Richards attends the gala with wife Muriel.

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By Catherine Barr – Apr 15, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Apr 18, 2013

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April 15, 2013
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!

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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January 15, 2013
Penthouse Vancouver Book Launch – Liquor, Lust and The Law

The police have tried to shut it down. A fire almost burned it down. And harder economic times have certainly brought the pressure down. But like a prize fighter who refuses to stay down, The Penthouse nightclub has rolled with the punches and survived to tell the tale of what really happens after dark in Vancouver, over the last 65 years.

That tale is called “Liquor, Lust and The Law” (Arsenal Pulp Press), and it is quickly becoming one of Vancouver’s best selling, secret telling, publications. From its heyday as a glamorous celebrity “rat pack” hangout,where regular big names like Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine and Louis Armstrong hung out, to its present day status complete with somewhat seedier subplots, The Penthouse has nonetheless stood as a symbol of a bygone era where families did business together in the community amidst an atmosphere of tradition and respect.

Last week, at a special invite only launch party, several of the who’s-who of Vancouver came out to celebrate with Penthouse owner Danny Filippone and his family at this historic occasion. The book’s author, Aaron Chapman, was also on hand to greet guests and sign copies for all the familiar faces in the crowd.

Live music from Goby Catt kept the place hopping as did a steady stream of drinks and canapes. An emotional Danny Filippone was in his element as he spoke to the crowd from the stage about his father and uncles and the memories of days gone by. Never one to let melancholy ruin a good time, the always affable host glad-handed his way around the room welcoming each guest into the family fold. Still, the biggest sparkling star in the crowd this night was easily Danny’s wife Jacqueline who, dressed from head to toe in authentic pink Vegas showgirl style sequins and feathers, rocked the room with all the glitz and glam of a young hollywood starlet. Shake those feathers girl!

Photos from Penthouse Vancouver Book Launch of Liquor Lust and The Law

November 25, 2012
Variety Gala Golden Heart Community Achievement Dinner for Global TV 50 Years

The Golden Heart award is Variety – The Children’s Charity’s “most prestigious mark of distinction”. Every year, at this elegant gala affair, groups and individuals are honoured for their commitment to excellence and for their philanthropic contributions to British Columbians. This year, it was time to honour Global TV BC for over 50 years of service. From their first on-air broadcast on Oct 31, 1960 to their work with the Show of Hearts Telethon, they have become a household name and a leader in all they do. Here’s a toast to some of the many North Shore citizens who are part of this success story. Congrats to all involved.

01 – Global BC’s newest anchor man Chris Gailus is surrounded by beauty and brains as fellow co-workers/anchors Sophie Lui, left, Deb Hope, weather gal Kristi Gordon and Anne Drewa enjoy the gala festivities.

02 – Outgoing Premier Gordon Campbell is greeted at the reception by Variety Executive Director Barbara Hislop.

03 – West Vancouver’s Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, seen here with daughter Connie and husband Sergio, is one of many speakers this evening. Wendy is also owner of Absolute Spa and the senior vice-chair of the Vancouver Board of Trade.

04 – At 92-years young, bandleader Dal Richards and wife Miriam are among the evening’s VIPs.

05 – Did you know that the lights on the Lions Gate Bridge are called “Gracie’s Pearls” after former Socred MLA Grace McCarthy? Seen here with husband Ray, she continues to give back via her CH.I.L.D. Foundation.

06 – Volunteering for over 20 years with Variety are two of the charity’s most elegant ladies; Barbara Stewart, left, and West Vancouver’s Arline McFarlane.

07 – Former North Shore newsman turned communications manager Michael Becker, seen here with sweetheart Tracy Forbes, now spends his days raising money with the United Way.

08 – They’re the main men behind this night’s award ceremonies. North Vancouver’s Brett Manlove, left, Vice President and GM of Global BC Broadcast Operations and Ian Haysom, News Director, take home the 24k gold flecked statue for a job very well done.

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By Catherine Barr – November 10, 2010

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Nov 18, 2010

November 14, 2010
Variety 2009 Golden Heart Award Dinner

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was buzzing with excitement last week as Variety – The Children’s Charity put on a gala night to honour the memory of philanthropist Peter C. Toigo Sr. The Golden Heart Community Achievement Award 2009 paid tribute to the man who helped keep White Spot (and General Foods) on the map here in B.C. The black tie affair also included live music from White Spot chef Chuck Currie and his SaxNoir quartet and tributes from family and friends, like former Premier Bill Vander Zalm and Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe.

01 – Ron Toigo, son of the late Peter Toigo Sr., carries on the traditions set forth by his father and family before him.

02 – Music agent to the stars, Bruce Allen, left, chats with Lilian and Bill Vander Zalm. Bill is also the evening’s auctioneer.

03 – West Vancouver’s Wendy and Sergio Cocchia are no strangers to Variety – The Children’s Charity. Back in 1997, Wendy’s father Roy Lisogar received the Golden Heart Community Award.

04 – He shoots, he scores! Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe, is still the most popular man in any room he visits.

05 – Variety’s Danielle Lucas and Carla Jones deserve high praise for helping put on a stellar and elegant evening.

06 – The very debonair John Starkey, president of FCV Technologies, takes home a personally autographed Gordie Howe #9 jersey.

07 – Dr. Leonard Makowka, left, special guest speaker and friend to Peter Toigo Sr., celebrates the night with former Attorney General Wally Oppal, QC.

08 – White Spot executive chef Chuck Currie and his saxophone quartet pose with B.C.’s most famous band leader, nonagenarian Dal Richards, centre.

By Catherine Barr – November 16, 1009

Published in print in the North Shore Oulook on November 26, 2009

November 23, 2009