Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: David Foster

  • Jarvis Church Philosopher Kings at Le Stella Winery Osoyoos

    jarvis_church.jpgThe who’s who of the North Shore and more headed east to wine country during the last week of August to celebrate the “Wine Society” gala weekend at the fabulous La Stella winery in Osoyoos, BC. Brainchild of winery owner and hostess Saeedeh Salem, she described the weekend as a “total sensory experience” and paired each of her musically named wines with the food and experience taking place. For instance, during the “Leggiero” Chardonnay course, the Kelowna strings entertained on stage as guest supped on delicate seafood and salad. During the “Maestoso” reds, guests were big into beef and bold opera sung by David Foster’s protege group Classical Nouveaux. Joy Road Catering provided yet another fabulous 100-mile menu on the second night as guests were treated to another sparkling evening of wine and a live performance by Jarvis Church of the Philosopher Kings. Also a special thank you to the great people at the stunning Walnut Beach Resort property – it’s an absolute must see-and-stay with a private licensed beach, luxury suites and more. Cheers!

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    01 – Cranking out the tunes, newly engaged DJ Leanne and her fiance Jesse Norsworthy play all the big gala gigs both here in town and in wine country too.

    02 – Creating a magical memory that will be talked about for years to come, wine goddess and La Stella owner Saeedeh Salem creates the perfect weekend of food, music and wine sensory overload.

    03 – Annina and Jorg Hoffmeister, the owners and chefs behind Osoyoos’s delicious Dolci Deli, let the romance and magic of the night sweep them away.

    04 – Vancouver socialite/philanthropist Christie King and husband James are no strangers to BC’s wine country and often spend time vacationing at their holiday home in Osoyoos.

    05 – West Vancouver realtor Alexis Palkowski, left, and “Face of Tomorrow” founder Kasondra Cohen help make the night even more glamorous in their fashions and furs.

    06 – Known for her work with Canuck Place, West Vancouver’s Arezoo Aliperti and husband Fiero enjoy live music by the Kelowna Symphony Strings during the Friday night gala dinner.

    07 – Don Brogan will always think of West Vancouver as home. Seen here with “BC Wine Gal” Courtney Mackintosh, he now manages the lavish and luxurious Walnut Beach Resort in Osoyoos, BC.

    08 – Sultry and smooth, singer Jarvish Church, of Philosopher Kings fame, gets ready backstage to entertain inside the ornately decorated outdoor tent at La Stella winery.

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    By Catherine Barr – August 27, 28, 2010

    Also as published in print by the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on September 9, 2010

  • North Shore Outlook 10 Year Anniversary

    10-year_groupYou know how they say time flies when you’re having fun? Well, trust me when I say that it’s true. The last decade has flown by at the speed of light and in looking back, I realize just how wonderful, yet fleeting, life can be. In the last seven years that I have had the privilege of writing for The Outlook, I estimate that I have taken 11,653 photos of close to 34,959 faces at more than 3,640 local events. To this day, I never forget a smile (even though I sometimes forget the name – wink). So here’s to you – the people of my community, my neighbours and my new found friends. It is an honour to be here to share in all your special memories. I thank you all for your heart-warming smiles and look forward to ten years more – at least.

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    01 – Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow and Neil Young played to a sell-out crowd of 9,000 at Ambleside Park in Summer 2009 as the Lee Family, Terry McBride and the Sarah McLachlan Foundation made history with a charity concert that attracted worldwide attention.

    02 – The first ever sanctioned amateur boxing match in West Vancouver was held in March 2003 when the A4K (Athletics for Kids) held their first annual black-tie gala at Hollyburn Country Club – an event that is still going strong.

    03 – It wasn’t how they planned to celebrate their 40th anniversary, but members of the North Shore Rescue team had to rescue their own in 2004 as a trek up Yukon’s Mount Logan went terribly wrong leaving Erik Bjarnason, Alex Snigurowicz and Don Jardine fending for their lives. From left: team members Barry Mason, Erik Bjarnason, Linda Bily and Don Jardin.

    04 – Organizers Kenn Hamlin (left), and David Gouge (right) flank architect and famous ‘supermodeller’ Arthur Erickson at one of the legendary West Vancouver Eppich houses during the AIDS Memorial fundraiser in September 2005. Erickson passed away May 2009.

    05 – The 2010 Winter Olympics are almost here, and we have Olympic bid committee member, silver medalist and North Shore gal Charmaine Crooks, left, to thank for it. Pictured here in November 2006 with fellow Olympian and gold medalist Catriona LeMay Doan at the Gold Medal Plates event, she will finally see her life’s work come to fruition next year.

    06 – The Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts opened its doors, unofficially, in November 2004 with a gala performance of “The Prince of Africa”, performed by the African Children’s Choir, and seen here with sponsor Suzanne Latta. Sadly, Kay Meek herself passed away later that same weekend.

    07 –  Park Royal Shopping Centre’s new “Village” debuted in September 2004 with a series of grand openings, but none grander than the Home Depot’s “Inspire to Dream” gala night. The $300 per person fundraiser honoured the work of athlete Rick Hansen, seen here with wife Amanda, and featured a private intimate concert with recording artist Jann Arden.

    08 – One of Canada’s most renowned Impressionist painters, Daniel Izzard, celebrated his 80th birthday in May 2003. Seen here with a beautiful portrait of granddaughter Carissa Davis, the event was a veritable who’s who of North Shore dignitaries. Izzard died in June 2007.

    09 – NBA superstar Steve Nash and various celebrities were seen at the multi-million dollar West Vancouver home of Kyle and Janelle Washington in July 2007 at the “Carats” charity fundraiser and poker game where, for $10,000 per couple, guests got to hobnob with Nash and his famous friends. From left: Producer/composer David Foster (left) Steve Nash and his mom.

    10 – There were tears, cheers and beers as the staff of the old Park Royal Hotel bid a bittersweet goodbye to their old digs in September 2004 to make way for a new development. Built in 1957 by West Vancouver’s late Frank Bernard, the memories and stories about her good old days will live on forever.

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    By Catherine Barr – November 11, 2009

    Published in print by the North Shore Outlook on November 19, 2009