Harmony Arts Best of the West – Every year the people of West Vancouver get a chance to show everyone just how beautiful life by the sea can be. The 10-day long festival of arts, culture, music and more brings people from all over to celebrate. With displays, markets, food and fun – there’s also theme nights and special events. The Best of the West event was held on Ambleside Pier and combined local restaurants with select BC wineries for a stunning posh pairing evening in the sun. Yummy!
Get out your social calendar and let’s plan to party. As the new 2014 year begins there is lots of fun to be had. Many regulars are back, including wine festivals, art galleries and theatre openings. And there’s lots of places for live entertainment and food too. Pick the ones you like for dressing up, or down, but best of all, there are lots of chances to help give to charity. So let’s get the gala gears going and remember to stay in touch and save me a smile.
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01 – Comedians Brett Butt, left, and wife Nancy joined Leo Awards producer and North Vancouverite Walter Daroshin on the red carpet this past spring. Look for Leos to be handed out again early June 2014.
02 – Putting up a fight for kids in sport are Craig Knapton, left, and boxer Manny Sobral. The Athletics for Kids (A4K) gala will be held on May 2, 2014 at Hollyburn Country Club and includes live sanctioned boxing bouts.
03 – Whistler’s Cornucopia is one of the year’s best food and wine events and now extends to two weekends starting the second week in November 2014. Notables like Olympian Ashleigh McIvor, hubby and Whitecaps star Jay DeMerit, Hy’s Steakhouse owner Neil Aisenstat and Foxtrot Vineyard’s Gustav Allander were all on hand at one of last year’s best dinners.
04 – A toast to the Vancouver International Wine Festival by executive director Harry Hertscheg, left, and Bard on the Beach’s leading man, Christopher Gaze. This year France is the featured country and events run from February 24 – March 2, 2014.
05 – West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts festival has grown in so many ways and now includes fun wine and food nights as well as the week long art show and live entertainment stages. Harmony Arts manager Christie Rosta, left, joined Marnie Wilson and House Wine hostesses Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard for a perfect night on the pier last year. Mark your calendars for August 1-10, 2014.
06 – North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley Days is an amazing community day event and gala dinner evening held at the end of May 2014. Last year, Peter Haigh, left, from North Shore Rescue, Lynn Valley Days committee member Gillian Konst and Lynn Valley Community president and Lions Club member Eric Miura celebrated in style.
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By Catherine Barr – Jan 6, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 9, 2013
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West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts Festival is always an annual favourite featuring various events, concerts, craft markets and more. Last Wednesday it was time for the week’s signature gala event as the third annual Best of the West took place on a perfectly picturesque Ambleside Pier. This evening soiree celebrated the best BC has to offer with 13 North Shore restaurants pairing up with 13 different BC wineries. Guests were able to vote on their favourite combination, with the winning restaurant and winery team being crowned as “Best of the West” for 2013.
01 – Harmony Arts manager Christie Rosta, left, joins PR pro Marnie Wilson and House Wine hostesses Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard for a perfect night on the pier.
02 – Park Royal’s Rick Amantea and wife Christine soak up the sun on an amazing evening out. Park Royal was the title sponsor of the event.
03 – West Vancouverites Dave Hart and wife Christine sip and sample from the many delicious offerings.
04 – Girls’ glam night out for these industry pros who know all about wine and special events. From left: Lisa Snider, Dana Lee Harris, Karen Madsen Kelly Snider and Jill Forster.
05 – Time for a tasty dessert with Carmelo’s restaurant chef Maille Deligianis, left, and Shauna Bunbury.
06 – West Vancouver municipal councillors Nora Gambioli and Michael Lewis agree that Harmony Arts is truly one of the best festivals around.
07 – Megan Sewell, of Sewell’s Marine fame, and hubby Paul McKinney enjoy date night together as the sun begins to set on the Ambleside Pier.
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By Catherine Barr – Aug 7 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Aug 15, 2012
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For 21 years now, the West Vancouver waterfront has come alive with the sights and sounds of the annual Harmony Arts Festival. Presented by Odlum Brown, this year’s festival kicks things into extra high gear with the addition of even more special events including a special ticketed artist’s evening with Gordon Smith and Douglas Coupland and a Best of the West wine and food event. Returning favourites, like the Sunset Concert Stage, Artists Market, Wine Garden and Cinema in the Park, help add up to ten days of family fun that can’t be missed. Harmony Arts continues through this weekend and ends Sunday night with a live performance by Gary Comeau and the Voodoo All Stars.
01 – Five year-old Lukas Marosits takes a walk with dad Michael and mom Grace past all the arts and crafts displays.
02 – Equipped with a ladder, a skateboard, some knives and some flaming torches, performer/juggler Piper McKenzie has everyone on the edge of their seats with his stunts and skill.
03 – Street food is all part of the charm of the festival as delicious smells wafts from the smoked meat tent of Dunn’s Original as chef Wayne, cutter Tommy and their crew feed hungry visitors.
04 – Wearing their signature red, Housewine gals Michaela Morris, left, and Michelle Bouffard keep the wine garden well stocked.
05 – Three cheers for the volunteers . . . and the organizers. Harmony Arts organizer and volunteer coordinator Richard Loat, left, and volunteer Wonjun Kim walk the beach keeping things in order.
06 – Capilano University textile arts students Rebecca Fisher, left, and Dana Fisher (no relation) are among the many artisans showing their wares as part of the arts and craft tent fair.
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By Catherine Barr – July 30, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Aug 4, 2011
It’s a milestone year in West Vancouver as the Harmony Arts Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary. Held in various locations, including John Lawson Park, Ambleside Landing, The Ferry Building Gallery and more, the festival is famous for its art displays, live concerts, lectures and outdoor movies. This year, an outdoor wine garden adds some spice to the mix as does a fashion show by local boutique Leslie Jane. Get out and celebrate this weekend too with an evening concert or a stroll through the craft fair. On until Aug 8.
01 – Sparkling Swarovski crystal jewellery hand crafted by local actress/mom Susie Wickstead, left, is a big seller thanks to the help of girlfriend Dyanne Jack.
02 – Talented West Vancouver interior designer Teresa Bockhold is coaxed onto the catwalk as she models some fabulous fashions for Leslie Jane store owner Walter Giesbrecht.
03 – Camera at the ready, Leslie Jane’s Paul Giesbrecht takes some shots of models like Serena Vassen at the first Harmony arts fashion show.
04 – With their fluffy companion Sasha stealing the show, Gary Howell, left, and Ivan Teo take a stroll through the art gardens.
05 – Helping the models get ready for the big show is Leslie Jane assistant Margaret McCready.
06 – No mystery here as to why Adrienne Lust of Sugar and Co. is so popular with the younger crowd at the Harmony craft fair.
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By Catherine Barr – August 1, 2010
Also published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on August 5, 2010
The 19th Annual Harmony Arts Festival is always a favourite among locals, but this year, thanks to some spectacular record breaking temperatures, the crowds have gotten bigger and bigger. Art displays, children’s activities, youth rock, weekend craft fairs, evening outdoor movies and live concerts by the sea are all part of the festival that just wrapped up this past weekend with a spectacular outdoor show by Nearly Neil’s own Bobby Bruce. (more…)