Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: hotel vancouver

  • 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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  • Variety 2009 Golden Heart Award Dinner

    gordie_howeThe 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.

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    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

  • The 45th Annual Scottish Ball

    It was a Christmas delight to behold at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on December 14th as West Vancouver’s Gleneagles Scottish Counry Dance group played host to guests from near and far at the 45th Annual Scottish Ball. Close to 200 guests, some of them coming from as far away as Washington state, took to the ballroom floor to enjoy a formal afternoon of traditional dancing to the sounds of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. They’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings at the clubhouse at West Van’s Gleneagles Golf Club – and it’s nice to see that everyone is still “reeling” in the all the fun. Congrats to all involved. (more…)