Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: Showgirls

  • 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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  • A4K Boxing Gala Glam Brings Vegas to Hollyburn Country Club

    It’s been 11 years since the Athletic for Kids (A4K) group got together to put up their dukes to raise money for youngsters to play sports. And with ever increasing costs, more and more families have been reaching out for assistance. This year the board was back with its Las Vegas themed gala at Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver where invited guests and VIP athletes were treated to a night of cocktails, prizes, auction items, a gourmet dinner and the main event – a five round sanctioned boxing card that featured an exhibition match by rookie fighter and ex BC Lions star Sean Millington.

    A4k boxing gala westvancouver hollyburn

    01 – Getting ready behind the scenes with the fighters and holding up the coveted big belt are board member Craig Knapton, left, and fight night coordinator / former Olympic boxer Manny Sobral.

    02 – Athletics for Kids past-president Craig Knapton, right, welcomes former BC Lions Sean Millington to the ring for his exhibition boxing debut. Don’t worry ladies, he’s still looking good even after taking a few punches.

    03 – Athletics for Kids board member and former Vancouver Canucks hero Dave Babych, centre, chats with guests Chris Gray, left, and Barry Pynn before the dinner starts.

    04 – Making sure all the feathers and sequins are in place for a perfect Vegas night are A4K director Kimberly MacAulay, left, and PR pro Pamela Buck.

    05 – Sitting ringside with their doctor duties this night are Dr Jim Hunter, left, and Dr Marc Boileau.

    06 – It’s a true boy’s night out as guests Adam Wicks, left, and Andre Boileau can tell you complete with Vegas showgirls, steak dinner and live action boxing.

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    By Catherine Barr – April 5, 2013

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 11, 2013

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  • Penthouse Vancouver Book Launch – Liquor, Lust and The Law

    The police have tried to shut it down. A fire almost burned it down. And harder economic times have certainly brought the pressure down. But like a prize fighter who refuses to stay down, The Penthouse nightclub has rolled with the punches and survived to tell the tale of what really happens after dark in Vancouver, over the last 65 years.

    That tale is called “Liquor, Lust and The Law” (Arsenal Pulp Press), and it is quickly becoming one of Vancouver’s best selling, secret telling, publications. From its heyday as a glamorous celebrity “rat pack” hangout,where regular big names like Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine and Louis Armstrong hung out, to its present day status complete with somewhat seedier subplots, The Penthouse has nonetheless stood as a symbol of a bygone era where families did business together in the community amidst an atmosphere of tradition and respect.

    Last week, at a special invite only launch party, several of the who’s-who of Vancouver came out to celebrate with Penthouse owner Danny Filippone and his family at this historic occasion. The book’s author, Aaron Chapman, was also on hand to greet guests and sign copies for all the familiar faces in the crowd.

    Live music from Goby Catt kept the place hopping as did a steady stream of drinks and canapes. An emotional Danny Filippone was in his element as he spoke to the crowd from the stage about his father and uncles and the memories of days gone by. Never one to let melancholy ruin a good time, the always affable host glad-handed his way around the room welcoming each guest into the family fold. Still, the biggest sparkling star in the crowd this night was easily Danny’s wife Jacqueline who, dressed from head to toe in authentic pink Vegas showgirl style sequins and feathers, rocked the room with all the glitz and glam of a young hollywood starlet. Shake those feathers girl!

    Photos from Penthouse Vancouver Book Launch of Liquor Lust and The Law

     

  • Whistler’s Cornucopia 2012 Parties, Wines and Food

    For the last 10+ years now I’ve had the privilege of attending Whistler’s annual Cornucopia festival of food and wine. Not for the faint of heart, those who venture beyond Cornucopia’s serious side will find a high energy, full throttle weekend affair full of alcohol and after hours activities that go well into the wee hours of the night. So, as expected, this year’s organizers stopped at nothing to put on the glitz with a whirlwind schedule of seminars, winemaker’s dinners, ultra after-parties, and non-stop fun.

    The new High Rollers gala party, held at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (tix $150), was one of the biggest featuring showgirls, gaming tables, live music and more. I especially liked the entertainment which included a live band complete with horn section – a welcome change, in my opinion, from the usual non-stop, mindless boom-boom beats.

    Hanging out at the wine bar felt extra chic as guests lounged on fiber optic electric furniture that changed colour every few minutes (I’ve seriously got to get me some of this). Some complaints resulted because bartenders were bound by our archaic BC Liquor laws and were only permitted to pour small tasting samples instead of full glasses. Drink tickets were issued at the door for various other bar stations, so here’s hoping maybe next year they will include some options for full wine glasses as well.

    All around the room, Vegas style showgirls go-go danced on stage while dealers held down all kinds of gambling tables, including several Texas Hold ‘Em games that proved very popular with the men folk. Going “all in” here was relatively harmless though as all games were strictly funny money.

    Overall, it was an extremely classy affair which was very professionally produced. Nothing seemed to get too out of hand and I really hope it will be back next year.

    Next up was the Crush Grand Gala Tasting room. Held over two nights (Friday and Saturday, tix $89), this event is aptly named as crowds literally crush themselves into the Whistler Convention Centre to sample libations from over 50 different wineries. Not a great event for food, there is nonetheless interesting little sample bites from featured companies and restaurants looking to show off their newest products. Sipping always prevails over spitting, but guests here are encouraged not to over imbibe and taxi rides are always available.

    Last big event of the weekend for me was the Araxi Bubbles + Oceans party in Whistler Village (tix $155). Known for their famous sushi and seafood, this restaurant sampling event never disappoints. Tons of fresh prawns, tuna, oysters and maki rolls were available for everyone. Bar and food service was stellar and, not forgetting the bubbles part, there were several different champagne and sparkling wine samples to be had.

    Stealing the spotlight this night however was a 50 year James Bond special edition anniversary champagne released by none other than Bollinger. This $200 dollar stealth black bottle comes in a special spy themed canister where one must dial 007 on the locks to release the lid. Add a couple of tuxedo-clad handsome men to serve it up cold and the ladies were easily wooed over to this table with little resistance.

    – By Catherine Barr