Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: ron orr

Hard Rock Vancouver Casino Grand Opening Gala

Are you ready to rock? That’s the question they asked as they swung open the doors to one of the newest and hippest entertainment facilities in town. The new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, formerly known as the Boulevard Casino and Red Robinson Theatre, has been given a major facelift. There’s new bars, restaurants, gaming areas and more. The trip alone is worth it just to see the impressive collection of music and movie memorabilia which decorate the walls everywhere. At the opening night gala party, invited guests and VIPs walked the red carpet as a guitar player cranked out riffs suspended from the ceiling. As a long lined formed outside, guests were entertained with a guitar flash mob, fireworks and then two opening night concerts featuring Hedley and 54-40. Lots of North Shore faces and VIPs made the trip to help celebrate.

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01 – Casino showgirls, dressed as Slots, Blackjack, Craps and Poker game glam, help add to the fun and festivities.

02 – Aussie Jiwani, Molson sponsor rep, and Raj Mutti, executive director Hard Rock Casino Vancouver are among the VIPs in attendance at opening night.

03 – Fellow Glacier Media man Tom Zillich, left, and JRFM radio exec Steven Young check out the new Asylum bar where Tom’s band, Jane’s Blonde, also rocked out this past weekend.

04 – West Vancouver’s Ron and Val Orr, of Granville Entertainment, enjoy a tour of the new facilities.

05 – Helping open the doors to all the new excitement are Rod Baker, president and CEO, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and Peter Goudron, senior vice president, operations-west, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

06 – Vancouver rock idol Biff Naked chats with all her fans before proceeding outside to smash up an electric guitar at the opening ceremonies, much to the delight of the large crowd waiting.

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By Catherine Barr – Dec 20, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 16, 2014

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January 13, 2014
Vancouver Winter Olympics Week 1

The Winter Olympics are supposed to be all about the games, but they’re about all the fun too. As the torch runs through the community, and the international houses open their doors, it’s easy to get caught up in the Olympic spirit. From cocktails in the Monk McQueens Ice Lounge to the opening of Irish House, here’s just a quick look at some of the ways to play around town.

01 – Serving up cocktails in glasses made of ice are Monk McQueens Ice Lounge bartenders Jill VanGyn, left, Sarah Lumsden and Matt Rota

02 – Ice sculptures, like this Inukshuk, decorate the Monk McQueens Ice Lounge as PR man Steve Bickerdike attends to guests.

03 – North Van Penthouse Nightclub owner Danny Filippone, left, hooks up with Granville Entertainment Group CFO, and West Vancouverite Ron Orr, on the opening night of Irish House, which just happens to sit on the Doolin’s property off Granville.

04 – West Van realtor Gus Batal, left, server Veronica Martinez and guest Steve Christensen get their Olympic spirit up on the opening night of Irish House

05 – Lugaro Jewellers’ Sassan Pourfar carries the torch all the way into Park Royal for a special celebration dinner and toast to Omega.

06 – Opus Hotel owner John Evans, left, and actor Ryan Robbins walk the red carpet at the Opus Podium Party.

07 – CityTV host Riaz Meghji and girlfriend Kelly Konno give up the glam at the Opus Podium Party.

08 – Three cheers for the Angel Restoration crew at the opening of Irish House. From left: Brandon McLeod, Sonia McLeod and David McLeod.

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By Catherine Barr

February 10, 2010
Taste the World Wine for Angkor Children’s Hospital

The recent tragic events in Haiti will not soon be forgotten. Yet, while we attempt to help those devastated by this earthquake, we sometimes forget that there are children in need all over the third world where flood, famine and abject poverty occur every day. Last night, the good people behind the Angkor Hospital for Children (Friends Without a Border) held their “Taste the World” wine benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel. With Haiti very much on everyone’s mind, the night was a great success and will go a long way to helping little ones suffering in Cambodia.

01 – Wedgewood Hotel’s Elpie Jackson, left, and artist Athena Bax lend their support to the children.

02 – Helping put on the PR are “Ask a Woman” gals Sharon Chan-Knight, left, and Tammy Preast along with actress and “Crash Test Mommy” TV host Nicole Oliver.

03 – Ms Mercedes and her man, West Vancouver’s Eva and George Taubenfligel, are looking tanned and toned for the New Year.

04 – West Van’s Val and Ron Orr, CEO of Granville Entertainment Group, are gearing up for the Olympics and will host Irish House and the Canadian Snowboard Team at their Doolin’s Pub location.

05 – He helps “Bulging Brides” get into shape. Catch handsome hunk and trainer Tommy Europe at 6pm on the Slice TV network.

06 – Event co-chairs Celia Martin, left, and Kim Gartland deserve kudos for helping raise money for the kids in Cambodia.

07 – A night out for a good cause for these North Shore gals, from left: Julie Steiner, Darrell Mindell, Carlotte Lee and Sharon Cooper.

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By Catherine Barr – Jan 26, 2010

Published in print by the North Shore Outlook on Jan 28, 2010

January 26, 2010
Nite of Hope – Shoot for the Stars

West Vancouver’s Capilano Golf and Country Club was decked out in pink and silver sparkle this past Tuesday night as the Nite of Hope – Shoot for the Stars Gala Dinner and Fashion Show took place. MC Vicki Gaberau joined members of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in welcoming guests who were treated to a night of fabulous food, entertainment and fashion shows featuring styles from West Vancouver’s Phoenix and Romantique boutiques. (more…)

May 5, 2009