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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Various events and fundraisers taking place this week have kept things busy across the North Shore. First up, friends, family and colleagues of North Vancouverites Pat and Sam Sullivan packed Seymour’s Pub on April 4 for the third annual Team Finn Wine Festival. The Sullivan’s three-year-old son Finn passed away in 2008 from a rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. Since then, the North Shore community has rallied around the family, helping them raise $1.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation and BC Children’s Hospital. Next, it was time to reopen a classic as North Vancouver’s Filippone family celebrated the re-opening of the legendary Penthouse lounge and club. And last, but not least, two Mulgrave students hit the books for a very good Canucks cause. Also big thank you to Maria for her contributions this week.
As we say goodbye to August, it’s time for a quick look back at some events that helped make the month memorable. First, North Vancouver’s Regency Auto Group / Regency Infiniti held the F1 Vancouver Reign event. Featuring the Red Bull F1 show car, and a selection of other rare Nissan / Infiniti built vehicles, the night included music and munchies all in support of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Next, a Vancouver icon reopened its doors with a splashy and stylish reception. The new Rosewood Hotel Georgia is showing off its stripes and among its new additions is a 4th floor rooftop courtyard ultra lounge called “Reflections”. Complete with lounge chairs, couches and water fountain river features built right into the floor, the space is bound to attract a lot of attention from the after work cocktail crowd. Save me a seat! And lastly, Vancouver rock-n-roll legend Red Robinson, after an abrupt format change by Fun FM radio, announced this week that he is back on the airwaves again, this time with a four-hour Sunday segment on AM650 Radio.