Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: river rock casino

River Rock Resort Celebrates 10 Years in Vancouver

It’s a month long party out in Richmond as the River Rock Casino Resort holds their Diamond Celebration and 10 year anniversary party. A special VIP evening was held last week as dignitaries, politicians and invited guests were treated to a glamorous evening at the conference centre. The birthday theme included gourmet food and extra special party items like hot dogs, cotton candy and a full ice cream sundae station. There was also a special tribute to the many artists that have performed at the resort since its opening and a cheque presentation to the City of Richmond in the amount of $30,000. After, guests were invited to stay to see the legendary Justin Hayward, lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the Moody Blues. I still can’t stop thinking about his haunting rendition of “Knights in White Satin”. The party continues at the resort until June 30 with ongoing live music, shows, food specials, hotel packages and more.

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01 – Rod N. Baker, president and CEO of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, seen here with , welcomes VIPs and dignitaries to the celebration night.

02 – Susan Dolinski, left, vice president of communications at British Columbia Lottery Corporation chats with media manager Sonja Mandic of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

03 – Great Canadian Gaming’s senior vice president of operations Peter Goudron, left, with Hastings Racecourse general manager Darren MacDonald.

04 – Raj Mutti, Hard Rock Casino Vancouver general manager, with Tanya Ruskowski, assistant to the president.

05 – Making the welcome speeches and more is Chuck Keeling, vice president, stakeholder relations and responsible gaming at Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

06 – Fraser Downs general manager Ken Stratton attends the event with guests Weatie Rosenlehner, left, and Dolores Prasad.

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By Catherine Barr – June 13, 2014

Also as seen in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper

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By Catherine Barr

www.CatherineBarr.com | www.WestVancouver.com | www.NorthVancouver.com

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June 23, 2014
Odd Squad Productions Gala Royale 2013 in Vancouver

Back in 1997, long before reality TV and YouTube, the Odd Squad Productions team took their cameras and hit the streets of Vancouver. Focusing mainly on the downtown east side, theses police officers on video captured the true picture of life on the streets complete with all of its sadness, ugliness and drama. Today, these award-winning films serve as a raw and stark reminder to kids everywhere that drugs, and life on the street, are anything but glamorous. Last week, the Odd Squad Productions Society held its 2013 Gala Royale. VIPs, supporters and sponsors enjoyed a night of food, auction items and entertainment while helping raise money for this very worthwhile cause with the message that a happy ending is always possible.

01 – Global BC’s favourite weatherman, Mark Madryga, left, acts as the evening’s MC alongside Great Canadian Gaming Corporation’s Howard Blank and wife Cassiana.

02 – Congratulations to newlyweds and Odd Squad supporters Shalina Kajani and Global BC news reporter John Daly who tied the knot last month at a surprise romantic ceremony.

03 – On stage for the presentations are Odd Squad member Chris Graham, left, Alan Li and Odd Squad co-president Al Arsenault.

04 – BrightLight Pictures’ Shawn Williamson and Michelle Gauvin of Performers Management are among the VIPs present for the Gala Royale event.

05 – A fundraiser is nothing without its volunteers. Keeping an eye on the auction bids is helper Samantha Diamond.

06 – Browsing the auction items prior to the dinner portion of the evening are transit officers Simon Doyon, left, and Donna Deis.

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By Catherine Barr – Jun 13, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jun 20, 2013

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June 18, 2013
Quinn Lemley New York’s Burlesque Beauty

Burlesque performer Quinn Lemley knows that sometimes you “gotta get a gimmick”. But look beyond the tricks and kicks and you’ll find that her stage salute to the classics is full of both substance, and show.

Leading lady Lemley is bringing her Burlesque to Broadway stage extravaganza to Vancouver’s River Rock Theatre this coming weekend (April 6). Her ensemble includes two talented sidekicks (dancers Amanda Brantley and Sarah Brophy) and a 10-piece big band taken directly from the Great White Way.

Armed with a wardrobe of feathers and fans, and a whole slew of sequins and sparkle, the passionate red-head promises an event that feels more like a party than anything else.

In an recent interview from New York city, Lemley says that while she has visited BC before, she is very much looking forward to her first visit to Vancouver.

“I want everyone to be titilated and teased and really pleased,” she says with a giggle over the phone.

Lemley however is also quick to point out that underneath all the glamour, the show is a special tribute to the ladies of the burlesque era and the amazing legacy they left behind.

Inspired by names like Mae West, Rita Hayworth and more, Lemley affectionately describes her romance with the stage and the songs she so dearly loves to perform.

“I don’t know what it is,” she says. “But putting on a boa you just feel so fun and sexy.”

Written and produced in part by Lemley herself, she says she couldn’t wait to write a story that tells the tale of not only her idols, but also herself.

Lemley also adds that while it was important to keep the production sultry and sexy, it is by no means vulgar or inappropriate in any way.

“I think there’s something about manners and glamour and decency and watching how we speak,” she states. “It’s all the old jokes with double entendres and it’s never sleazy – it’s smart. I think always being classy is best.”

Saying that they really blow the roof off the house with one hit after another, Lemley looks forward to belting out the biggies. She also looks forward to meeting her audience after the show.

“The people in BC are amazing,” she says. “We always have women coming out in groups dressed-up and and it’s a great date night.”

Talking to her, it’s easy to tell that this burlesque beauty has a genuine fondness for the women she portrays on stage. And while most folks can’t wait to see her in character, it’s clear that her strength of character is what makes her a star.

By Catherine Barr

April 4, 2013