Category: Concerts

  • CeeLo Green Headlines Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala

    Cee lo green vancouverIt was a night of full throttle glitz and glamour last weekend as the 7th Annual Brian Jessel BMW Charity Gala “Cabriolet” was held. Featuring a live performance by “The Voice” star and musician CeeLo Green, the evening helped raise funds for Arts Umbrella, Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation and the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Lots of North Shore folks were in attendance to lend their support as they enjoyed a night of food, cocktails, auction items and socializing.

    Ceejogreen brianjessel

    01 – Art consultant Kevin Lorage chats with Real Housewives of Vancouver star Reiko Mackenzie.

    02 – Main man Brian Jessel has good reason to be proud as he pulls off another fabulous gala night by hosting singer CeeLo Green. Past gala events have included Jay Leno and The Barenaked Ladies.

    03 – West Vancouver’s prettiest sister act for sure. Lori Shea, left, and Cindi George sparkle in perfect spring colours.

    04 – Lynn Wigen, left, and Global News anchor Robin Gill check out the pre-concert reception.

    05 – West Vancouver’s Lenora Gates and Bob Repchuk check out the auction items before the big show.

    06 – Event committee member Cale Dougans accompanies the lovely Coleen Christie, news anchor from CTV, who looks extra glam in a hot pink dress.

    07 – Sushi chef Nobu Ochi, from West Vancouver’s Zen Sushi, offers up a colourful plate of delicious samples during the cocktail reception.

    08 – Sponsors Clara and Steve Agopian, of West Vancouver’s Lugaro Jewellers fame, donate an exquisite $14,000 gold and diamond bracelet for auction.

    09 – Event sponsor and AllWest Insurance owner Devina Zalesky and Opus hotel owner John Evans get ready to take their VIP seats for the big CeeLo Green show.

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    By Catherine Barr – June 23, 2012

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on June 28, 2012

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  • Barenaked Ladies at Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Gala for VGH and UBC Hospitals

    Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Gala
    Saturday, June 11, 2011

    VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to be a benificiary of the 6th annual Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Gala. Proceeds from this event support vital pancreatic cancer research being performed at VGH.

    Join Canada’s own, Barenaked Ladies, for a live concert at Brian Jessel BMW!

    The evening will include an all access pass to sip and savor delectable offerings from some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants. A silent and live auction will feature an array of sought after products, services and experiences!

    Don’t miss out on the event everyone will be talking about!

    The Details:

    Saturday, June 11, 2011
    Brian Jessel BMW, 2311 Boundary Road, Vancouver
    Festivities begin at 7pm
    Attire: Vancouver Elegant
    Gala Ticket: $200
    Patron Ticket: $350
    VIP Gala Ticket: $500

  • Vancouver Int’l Dance Festival Gala, Lee Aaron, Pamela Anderson, Honeymoon Suite

    This week marks the 10th anniversary of the Vancouver International Dance Festival. On until March 21, the festival includes performances by some of the city’s best dance groups at various locations around town. Part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, the opening night gala featured live auction items, performances and more. Get more information at . Also, check out the party action backstage with a few extra celebrity events herein.

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    01 – It’s always great to see North Shore singer Lee Aaron perform her many hits. Now a mom, she rocked out with music hall-of-famer Red Robinson back stage before her show at his namesake theatre/casino last week.

    02 – The last of the Olympic party famous faces to hit town was BC born model/actress Pamela Anderson. Seen here with fashion stylist Richie Rich, left, and Dom Perignon’s Roberto Garcia, this flashy fashion show won’t soon be forgotten.

    03 – VIDF producer Barbara Bourget, left, executive director Jay Hirabayashi and publicist Crystal Kwon celebrate at the opening night gala.

    04 – North Vancouver’s Margot Gram, left, and Kokoro lead dancer Kristine Richmond check out the auction items at the VIDF gala.

    05 – Look for dancers Jennifer McKiinley, left, and Carolyn Chan throughout week at the Vancouver International Dance Festival.

    06 – With talent to spare, Ellen Luchkow, left, Molly McDermott and Ziyian Kwan can dance the night away at the VIDF gala.

    07 – A little backstage interview last week with the 80’s rock band Honeymoon Suite helped transport me way back to my early teen years. Are they over already?

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    By Catherine Barr, March 12, 2010

    As published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on March 18, 2010

  • North Shore Outlook 10 Year Anniversary

    10-year_groupYou know how they say time flies when you’re having fun? Well, trust me when I say that it’s true. The last decade has flown by at the speed of light and in looking back, I realize just how wonderful, yet fleeting, life can be. In the last seven years that I have had the privilege of writing for The Outlook, I estimate that I have taken 11,653 photos of close to 34,959 faces at more than 3,640 local events. To this day, I never forget a smile (even though I sometimes forget the name – wink). So here’s to you – the people of my community, my neighbours and my new found friends. It is an honour to be here to share in all your special memories. I thank you all for your heart-warming smiles and look forward to ten years more – at least.

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    01 – Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow and Neil Young played to a sell-out crowd of 9,000 at Ambleside Park in Summer 2009 as the Lee Family, Terry McBride and the Sarah McLachlan Foundation made history with a charity concert that attracted worldwide attention.

    02 – The first ever sanctioned amateur boxing match in West Vancouver was held in March 2003 when the A4K (Athletics for Kids) held their first annual black-tie gala at Hollyburn Country Club – an event that is still going strong.

    03 – It wasn’t how they planned to celebrate their 40th anniversary, but members of the North Shore Rescue team had to rescue their own in 2004 as a trek up Yukon’s Mount Logan went terribly wrong leaving Erik Bjarnason, Alex Snigurowicz and Don Jardine fending for their lives. From left: team members Barry Mason, Erik Bjarnason, Linda Bily and Don Jardin.

    04 – Organizers Kenn Hamlin (left), and David Gouge (right) flank architect and famous ‘supermodeller’ Arthur Erickson at one of the legendary West Vancouver Eppich houses during the AIDS Memorial fundraiser in September 2005. Erickson passed away May 2009.

    05 – The 2010 Winter Olympics are almost here, and we have Olympic bid committee member, silver medalist and North Shore gal Charmaine Crooks, left, to thank for it. Pictured here in November 2006 with fellow Olympian and gold medalist Catriona LeMay Doan at the Gold Medal Plates event, she will finally see her life’s work come to fruition next year.

    06 – The Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts opened its doors, unofficially, in November 2004 with a gala performance of “The Prince of Africa”, performed by the African Children’s Choir, and seen here with sponsor Suzanne Latta. Sadly, Kay Meek herself passed away later that same weekend.

    07 –  Park Royal Shopping Centre’s new “Village” debuted in September 2004 with a series of grand openings, but none grander than the Home Depot’s “Inspire to Dream” gala night. The $300 per person fundraiser honoured the work of athlete Rick Hansen, seen here with wife Amanda, and featured a private intimate concert with recording artist Jann Arden.

    08 – One of Canada’s most renowned Impressionist painters, Daniel Izzard, celebrated his 80th birthday in May 2003. Seen here with a beautiful portrait of granddaughter Carissa Davis, the event was a veritable who’s who of North Shore dignitaries. Izzard died in June 2007.

    09 – NBA superstar Steve Nash and various celebrities were seen at the multi-million dollar West Vancouver home of Kyle and Janelle Washington in July 2007 at the “Carats” charity fundraiser and poker game where, for $10,000 per couple, guests got to hobnob with Nash and his famous friends. From left: Producer/composer David Foster (left) Steve Nash and his mom.

    10 – There were tears, cheers and beers as the staff of the old Park Royal Hotel bid a bittersweet goodbye to their old digs in September 2004 to make way for a new development. Built in 1957 by West Vancouver’s late Frank Bernard, the memories and stories about her good old days will live on forever.

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    By Catherine Barr – November 11, 2009

    Published in print by the North Shore Outlook on November 19, 2009

  • Dalai Lama, Mia Farrow, Jane Goodall, Sarah McLachlan

    Dalai Lama
    Dalai Lama

    Back in 1995, a shocking headline about child labour spurred then 12 year-old Craig Kielburger into starting the Free The Children foundation. Today, along with brother Marc, these young men have literally managed to inspire a nation of youth to take action. At the first inaugural We Vancouver event, the Kielburger brothers were joined by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other international celebrities to talk to more than 16,000 Vancouver students between the ages of 12-17 about their “Ten by Ten” campaign and the call for “compassion, courage and community”. See <www.giveyour10.com> and <www.freethechildren.com> for more info.

    Dalai Lama at We Vancouver
    Dalai Lama at We Vancouver

    01 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama talks to the students on stage with founder Craig Kielburger.

    02 – Sarah McLachlan is one of the musical headliners for this special day of awareness.

    03 – At 75 years young, Dame Jane Goodall still travels the planet talking about her time with the chimpanzees and importance of world conservation.

    04 – Jason Mraz, known for his hit song “I’m Yours”, wows the young audience with his performance.

    05 – The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, welcomes over 16,000 youths speaking in both French and English.

    06 – CTV’s Tanya Kim speaks with BC Premier Gordon Campbell who encourages everyone to go out fight for change that is right.

    07 – Formerly married to both Frank Sinatra and Woody Allen, actress turned activist Mia Farrow describes the horrific conditions and cruelty she witnessed when in the Africa.

    08 – Event chair Lorne Segal and wife Melita have lots to be proud of as they wait to meet the Dalai Lama backstage. Son Matthew is one of the few students who got to ask the Dalai Lama a question live in front of the audience.

    09 – Young and charming, the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation came out in support of the new era for change. Scott Paterson, Sam Earle, Dalmar Abuzeid, Raymond Ablack.

    By Catherine Barr

    2009-09-29

    Published by the North Shore Outlook on Oct 1, 2009

  • Sheryl Crow, Neil Young, Sarah McLachlan Summer Sessions

    Words almost can’t describe it. At first, it was sheer excitement at the site of the colourful Moroccan themed private tent suites. Then, it was pride as opening acts like the Sarah McLachlan Foundation Choir took to the stage and cruise ships sailed past Ambleside beach. Finally, as night falls on a near perfect day, it was magic as Sheryl Crow, Neil Young and Sarah McLachlan, three of the biggest names in music, performed to a sold-out crowd the likes of which we have never seen here in West Vancouver. It was a once in a lifetime VIP experience that I hope we get to do all over again next year, and next, and next. Congrats to everyone involved.

    Sarah McLachlan, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow
    Sarah McLachlan, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow

    01 & 02 – Glowbal Catering executive chef Jeremy Atkins and sushi chef Yoshi prepare food fit for concert royalty as they serve up mango california rolls, ahi tuna, lamb chops and lobster grilled cheese (my fave) to those in the VIP suites.

    03 – The Shore 104 Radio program director Patrick Zulinov, left, parties like a rock star with Keg Restaurant empire owner, and now part-time radio owner, David Aisenstat in his VIP suite.

    04 – It’s been a long time since Dr. Robert Lee tapped me on the head for graduation as UBC Chancellor back in 1995. This night, he and wife Lily bask in the sun in his VIP suite next to Sarah McLachlan’s dad and family to enjoy the show.

    05 – He’s a member of CBC’s the Dragon’s Den, but in real life Brett Wilson is a real sweetheart who is a big fan and supporter of the Sarah McLachlan Foundation.

    06 – West Vancouver’s Graham and Angela Lee deserve a lot of the credit for making this concert happen. It was Graham’s original idea that got the ball rolling – thank you thank you thank you.

    Sarah McLachlan, Neil Young and Sheryl Crow
    Sarah McLachlan, Neil Young and Sheryl Crow

    07 – Singer Nadina Zarifeh, left, is mobbed by hundreds of thousands of fans when she appears in the Middle East, but this day she gets to enjoy some quiet time at someone else’s concert with friend Petra Muir.

    08 – Nettwerk Records’ CEO and YYOGA co-founder Terry McBride has had a busy week with the planning of this concert AND the opening of his latest Flow Wellness studio in downtown Vancouver. Congrats Terry – you rock!

    09 – Glowbal Group owner Emad Yacoub, left, and managing partner Jack Lamont work it behind the scenes keeping food and fans happy.

    10 – Always part of the VIP scene and known for their philanthropy are West Vancouver’s Harald and Sharlene Ludwig and John O’Neill.

    11 – Candace Alderson and Martin Charlwood cuddle under the stars as Sarah takes the stage.

    12 – Surrounded by a halo of guitars, music legend Neil Young plays a mellower, unplugged set in front of 9,000 fans who just couldn’t get enough.

    13 & 14 – Sarah McLachlan and Sheryl Crow team up for duets on Crow’s “Strong Enough” and McLachlan’s “Angel”, giving everyone goosebumps. HItting high notes with no effort at all, and with no signs of the laryngitis she had been battling earlier in the week, McLachlan ended the show by asking “So if we do this again would you all come back?” You bet!

  • Sheryl Crow, Neil Young and Sarah McLachlan Concert Update

    For a West Vancouver local like me, it just doesn’t get any better. Imagine Sarah McLachlan, Neil Young and Sheryl Crow playing in my very own little community of West Vancouver (www.westvancouver.com).

    For those lucky ticket holders who are on their way to West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park on Saturday May 12, here’s a rundown of need-to-know items including directions, start times, transit info and banned items.

    For those without tickets – forget it, they’re gone. The best you’re gonna get (beyond a scalper) is a view of a big fence, however I’m betting that you’re going to be able to hear it pretty good if you have a friend with a nearby apartment balcony. Boaters, you too are out of luck because the harbour patrol will be out shooing you away.

    For residents – buckle in. The roads around the park are basically closed (even though they claim the park is still open to the public), and the surrounding area, including Park Royal Mall is being used for parking. Good luck getting anywhere. Also, I hope you like it noisy because the gates open at noon and the final act doesn’t wrap up until 11pm.

    Enjoy the show.

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    Gates Open:  12:00pm

    • B Stage Performance Commences:  2:15pm
    • Main Stage Performance Commences:  4:15pm
    • Concert Concludes:  10:00pm (main stage)  &  10:50pm (B-Stage)

    Performance Schedule

    • 12:00pm  –  Doors open
    • 2:15pm  –  Dustin Bentall
    • 3:15pm  –  Meaghan Smith
    • 4:15pm  –  The Canadian Tenors
    • 5:10pm  –  Luke Doucet / Melissa McClellan
    • 6:20pm  –  SM Foundation Band / Choir
    • 7:05pm  –  Sheryl Crow
    • 8:10pm  –  Neil Young
    • 9:15pm  –  Sarah McLachlan
    • 10:00  –  Main-stage ends
    • 10:00-10:50pm  –  B-stage / DJ

    *subject to change

    Traffic Plan:
    • Ambleside Park will be closed on Friday September 11th midnight and will be open at noon for the concert. The park will be open again to the public on Sunday September 13th at 7:00 p.m
    • The event parking lot located in the gravel field to the east of the tennis courts will be limited to one way traffic. Inbound traffic will enter from 13th Street and exit using Pound Road.
    • Pound Road will be closed to park enter from Friday September 11th midnight until Sunday September 13th at 7:00 p.m
    • To facilitate the efficient flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the intersection of 13th Street and Bellevue Ave , On September 12th from noon to midnight, between 13th and 14thStreet, Bellevue Ave will be limited to westbound traffic only, and Argyle Avenue will be closed.
    • Marine Drive will have a “Temporary no parking” restriction between 13th and 14th Streets , as well as the intersections 13th Street @ Clyde Avenue and 14th Street @ Clyde Ave to facilitate the extra buses traffic flow, that will be available for the concert.
    • Taxi Zone will be along the north side of Bellevue Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets.

     

    Directions:

    It is strongly advised that patrons use public transit or alternate means of getting to the site as there will be no vehicle traffic permitted within Ambleside Park on the event day and parking in the surrounding areas is limited.

    From Downtown Vancouver

    Head northwest on Georgia Street towards Stanley Park Causeway Road. Continue on Stanley Park Causeway Road across the Lion’s Gate Bridge and take the exit ramp onto Marine Drive West (into West Vancouver). Ambleside Park is situated South of Marine Drive between 13th Street and Park Royal Shopping Centre.

    From Highway 1

    Take exit 13 for Taylor Way South. Continue South on Taylor Way and turn right at Marine Drive towards West Vancouver. Take the left lane signed for West Vancouver and continue along Marine Drive. Ambleside Park is situated South of Marine Drive between 13th Street and Park Royal Shopping Centre.

    General Questions – Ticket Holders

    Q: Will there be will-call at the concert and where will this be located?

    A: Yes, the will-call will be located at Gate 2 on the southeast corner of the concert site. Please refer to the site map for concert overview.

    Q: Is there wheelchair access to the concert?

    A: There will be platforms for viewing for persons in a wheelchair, one in the General Admissions area and one in Reserved Seating Area. It is recommended that ticket holders with physical disabilities inform the ticket provider of their details so arrangements can be made to accommodate their mobility needs.Wheelchair accessible washrooms will be provided.

    Q: Is there seating provided at concert?

    A: Of the 9,000 tickets sold for Summer Sessions at Ambleside, 1,200 are in a designated reserved seating area in front of the stage (more expensive tickets). Otherwise seating is not provided and personal chairs will not be allowed inside the gates (no exceptions will be made). Ticket holders are encouraged to bring a blanket to spread out on the grass and enjoy.

    Q: Can I get to this concert by bus? If so, what information do I need to know?

    A: Yes, in fact, we encourage all concert goers to take the Blue Bus. There are a number ofbus routes that travel from North Vancouver and Vancouver to West Vancouver and as a rule all West Vancouver buses are numbered in the 250’s. For detailed information on bus schedules and specific bus stop locations, visit www.translink.bc.ca.

    Translink has done extensive planning and has brought additional buses in to ensure maximum efficiencies, in particular following the event.

    Here is a quick reference list of West Vancouver bus numbers and routes:

    250 – Horseshoe Bay/Dundarave/Vancouver

    251 – Queens/Vancouver/Park Royal

    252 – Inglewood/Vancouver/Park Royal

    253 – Caulfeild/Vancouver/Park Royal

    254 – British Properties/Park Royal/Vancouver

    255 – Dundarave/Lynn Valley

    Q: When heading to the concert, what bus stop should I get off at?

    A: The closest bus stop to Ambleside Park is at 13th Street and Marine Drive.

    Q: When heading home from the concert, where can I catch the bus?

    A: Bus travellers will have three choices for loading depending on their destination.

    Westbound passengers will board from the gas station at 13th and Marine.North Vancouver and sea-bus bound passengers will board from the rear of the south mall (where the spirit trail emerges from Ambleside),while all Vancouver bound passengers will board from the main South Mall Park Royal stop on Marine drive.

    Q: Will there a taxi stand near-by the concert?

    A: Yes, the taxi stand will be located on Argyle Avenue between 13th and 14th Street in West Vancouver. This section of road will be reserved strictly for the use of taxi cabs.

    Q: Can I ride my bicycle to the concert?

    A: Absolutely YES!We strongly encourage this and will operate a FREE, secure bike valet service outside gate 2 on the southeast corner of the concert site.

    Q: Will parking be readily available at the concert?

    A: Parking will be extremely limited surrounding the concert venue, so we encourage everyone to take transit, walk, or bike to avoid traffic and parking issues. 

    Q: Where can I park my car at the concert?

    A: Free Parking: Free parking for the concert has been designated at the Clyde Avenue Lot, which is located on the northeast corner of Marine Drive and Taylor Way, to the east of Park Royal North Shopping Centre. There are approximately 600 spots that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Pay Parking: $10 pay parking will be available at Park Royal South on the back side of the shopping mall near the Spirit Trail. This is considered “Staples” store parking. Pay parking will be limited to the MEZZAINE LEVEL of this parking lot. A designated parking attendant will be present to direct people to this parking area and signage will also be in place. . There are approximately 200 spots that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.


    Premium Reserved Parking: $20 all-day parking will be available on the gravel lot beside Ambleside Park.brand.LIVE will be pre-selling these parking spaces on a first come first served basis starting September 1st.Information on pre-sold parking will be available by contacting Nancy at 604-733-7171 orinfo@brandlivegroup.comThose interested in this parking arrangement will be required to pre-pay and register their vehicle at the brand.LIVE office in Vancouver at 165 – 1020 Mainland Street. . There are approximately 200 spots that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Q: Will there be food and beverages availableat the concert?

    A: Yes there will be a wide range of food and beverages, (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available at the concert. Partial menu includes: 100% ground chuck hamburgers, Money’s, mushroom veggie burgers, jumbo hot dogs, California rolls, chicken salad wraps, Tomato-Bocconcini and pesto wraps and many other items

    Q: Will merchandise be sold at the concert?

    A: Yes, merchandise will be sold inside the concert gates and will consist of regular concert souvenirs and paraphernalia like t-shirts, etc.

    However producers have also released a special offer for ticketholders: get an exclusive Sarah merch bundle including the 2CD deluxe edition of Closer: The Best of Sarah McLachlan, and a classic journal, with 25% of sales going to the Sarah McLachlan Foundation

    Q: Is there a second stage?

    A: YES, this will be a second stage for entertainment leading up to the headliner performances, with a DJ and guests ending the night-following the close of the main-stage.

    Q: Can I bringalcoholic beverages into the concert?

    A: No outside alcoholic beverages will be allowed within the concert gates. Beer and wine will be available at the beer and wine gardens within the concert venue and within the reserved seating section.

    General Questions – Non Ticket Holders

    Q: Will there be any additional tickets available leading up to the concert?

    A: The venue capacity for Summer Sessions at Ambleside has been set at 9,000, so unfortunately no additional tickets will be available.

    Q: If I don’t have a ticket, can I still enjoy the concert?

    A: Only ticket holders will be able to view the concert as the event area is surrounded by tall fencing with screens. However, as sound travels, the concert will be audible outside the gates. Ambleside Beach will be open to the public during the concert.

    Q: Where are the toilet facilities located for those individuals who are enjoying the concert from outside the gates?

    A: There are two public washrooms located in Ambleside Park that will be available for everyone to use. One is at the Ambleside Concession; the other is located inside the Ambleside Sports Field Change Rooms, to the North of the railway tracks.

    Q: Are there any planned West Vancouver road closures or parking restrictions scheduled for Sept. 12?

    A: Yes there are a few road closures on the afternoon and evening of Sept. 12th for the Summer Sessions at Ambleside concert. The road closures are as follows:

    Argyle Avenue between 13th and 14th Street will be closed from 5:00pm to midnight, Bellevue Avenue between 13th and 14th Street eastbound will be closed from 5:00pm to midnight, and Pound Road will be closed to all westbound traffic from 7:00am to midnight – this road will serve as an eastbound traffic exit route for the gravel parking lot that is being operated by brand.LIVE on September 12th.

    Q: Will there be ATM’s on site?

    A: Yes, we will have multiple ATM’s available for your convenience

    Q: What items are disallowed?

    A: For safety reasons, the following items are disallowed:

    • COOLERS
    • BOTTLES
    • CANS
    • ALCOHOL
    • OUTSIDE FOOD
    • PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS
    • AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDERS
    • UMBRELLAS
    • LAWNCHAIRS
    • BANNERS
    • FRISBEES
    • PETS
    • KNIVES
    • WEAPONS
    • GLASS
    • CHAIRS
    • LASER POINTERS

    Q: Can I enjoy the concert by boat?

    A: For safety reasons, boats will not be allowed to anchor off Ambleside beach and this will be enforced by harbour police.

    Q: Can I launch my boat from the Ambleside Landing?

    A: The Ambleside Landing will be closed to boat traffic from 11pm on Friday, September 11thuntil 7:00pm on Sunday, September 13th.

    Q: Can I bring my well behaved dog down to Ambleside Park to enjoy the concert from outside the concert gates?

    A: Dogs on leashes are permitted through areas of Ambleside Park where signs indicate that dogs are allowed. Park visitors should note that dogs are not permitted on the beach, playground, sports fields, concession stand, or around the pond at Ambleside Park. The dog off-leash park at the far east end of Ambleside Park will remain open for the use of dogs and their owners on September 12th, 2009.

  • Britney Spears walks off stage in “Toxic” Vancouver, BC

    Pop princess Britney Spears walked off stage tonight in Vancouver, BC, at her GM Place concert, claiming that the air was too smoky for her to perform. The nicotine fit came only three songs into the show when an announcement was made asking everyone to butt out, literally. (See the evidence for yourself in the YouTube video below – thanks to Chris B for posting).

    Apparently, it was less about the prima donna and more about the marijuana as later reports reveal that the stage hands working above the set were apparently choking from the fumes. Spears eventually came back on some 40 minutes later to a much different crowd who were still wondering if the stunt was real or, like most of her singing, just imagined.

    The entire episode raises several issues.

    First up – It is hard to believe that her stage hands were choking from pot smoke. Have you seen the amount of smoke (and mirrors) she uses? No wonder she has to lip sync. Who can breath with all that raging fire and brimstone. If it was a real ventilation problem, they would have announced it as such, but this was different (judge for yourself from the YouTube video).

    Secondly – I know Vancouver is a pot smoking town. There were probably a fair share of legal cigarettes lit too. But as a true non-smoker (in every sense of the word), even I have survived an Ozzy Osbourne or AC/DC concert without hacking up a lung. Yes, the smell is bad, but isn’t Britney a cigarette smoker to begin with?

    Also, who exactly was in this crowd? I thought Britney was a teen dream/drag queen favourite. Judging by the colourful characters roaming the streets downtown tonight, the only dangerous substance being abused was hair glitter. The regular reefer madness crowd was safely tucked away at home in mom’s basement playing X-Box.

    Lastly – who is in charge of concerts at GM Place? Not that I think Spears doesn’t love the drama of it all, but divas of this magnitude have contracts and riders that management must uphold or else. In other words, if Britney was expecting a non-smoking stadium, then she deserves to get a non-smoking stadium. I have the expectation of a non-smoking stadium (and I also think it’s the law too), but something tells me that I’d get thrown out faster than the pot smokers if I complained to security that someone was smoking in my row at a show.

    Oh, what the heck. If millions of people can turn a blind eye to Britney pretending to be a singer, then I guess it’s only reasonable that security turn a blind eye to illegal drug use during concerts. Hey – I wonder what’s going to happen at the snowboarding event at the 2010 Olympics?

    So Britney . . . when ya coming back to Vancouver?

  • Juno Week in Vancouver 2009

     

    The Juno Awards, Canada’s music equivalent to the Grammy’s, came to town last week and the lead up to the red carpet awards night was nothing short of spectacular. Hotel hospitality suites were filled with rock stars and celebs and just about every club in town got in the act with live bands and more. Music moguls Bruce Allen and Sam Feldman held one of the more exclusive events in town with Juno nominees getting a surprise performance from the Barenaked Ladies and VIP invites including Bryan Adams, Loverboy and Michael Buble – to name a few.

     

     

    Juno Week Parties 2009
    Juno Week Parties 2009

     

     

     

     

    01 – Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson chats with CTV News anchor Coleen Christie at the Juno opening night reception at the Commodore Ballroom. 

     

    02 – Wearing armoured vests, music super-agents Sam Feldman and Bruce Allen got lots of laughs as they dished out the flak at their Wild West party Friday night.

     

    03 – Bob Rock, left, producer of bands like Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Metallica and Motley Crue, gives congrats to Loverboy guitarist Paul Dean on their Juno Hall of Fame award.

     

    04 – Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Red Robinson, left, shares the spotlight with Attorney General Wally Oppal at the Feldman/Allen party.

     

    05 – Corner Gas star and comedian Brent Butt, left, celebrates with Loverboy lead singer, and West Van resident, Mike Reno.

     

    06 – Dave Genn, formerly of the Matthew Good Band and currently of the band 54/40, cuddles with wife Tamara Taggart, who is also CTV’s pretty weather forecaster.

     

     

     


    March 30, 2009 (published April 2, 2009)

     

     

    Catherine Barr’s column appears every Thursday in the North Shore Outlook – 60,000 copies delivered to homes in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver area If you wish to submit an event for coverage please fill in the form found here or email Cat at info@catherinebarr.com.

  • Pandora’s Vox and Espiritu Vocal Christmas

    I’ve been a HUGE fan of the lovely ladies of West Vancouver’s Pandora’s Vox for close to 15 years now and I can’t say enough. Performing this past week at the Kay Meek Centre in “Gifted” with their partner vocal ensemble Espiritu, the group has grown into one of the most entertaining and professional choir organizations in the country. From impressive pieces like “Lux Aurumque” (my fave) to silly seasonal songs like “Fruitcake”, this group never fails to deliver. Choir leader Gillian Hunt, who also thrilled audiences with her special rendition of “Little Drummer Boy”, was honoured in a surprise presentation by the members who, without her knowledge, nominated her for the BC Choral Federation’s prestigious Amy Ferguson Award. Hunt was presented with the award during the Friday show. (more…)