Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Category: Entertainment

Vancouver entertainment articles with shows, plays, comedy and more.

  • Lou Diamond Phillips and Celebs at Leo Awards 2010

    lou_diamond_phillips.jpgStar-studded arrivals on the red carpet, a champagne reception, beautiful gowns and real-life movie stars. The annual Leo Awards are, without a doubt, Vancouver’s best glitz and glamour night. It’s all about honouring the fabulous local talent that works both on and off the screen here in BC’s movie and television industry. But Vancouver’s “Night at the Oscars” wouldn’t be anything without the hard work of the North Shore’s own Sonny Wong and Walter Daroshin – two men who have dedicated more than a dozen years to promoting and producing the best this province has to offer. Congrats to all involved.

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    01 – Presenting on stage are two former Leo Award winners, Tyler Labine of TV’s “Reaper” fame and West Vancouverite Amanda Tapping of both “Stargate” and “Sanctuary” TV fame.

    02 – Leo Awards producer and local North Vancouverite Walter Daroshin, left, chats with actor Matt Frewer whose long list of credits include “Max Headroom”, “Intelligence” and the block buster movie “Watchmen”.

    03 – Having some fun backstage before presenting their awards are Croatian hunk Steve Bacic, of “The Guard”, “Andromeda” and “NCIS: Los Angeles” and Jessica Harmon, who also won a Leo this night for her work on “Wolf Canyon”.

    04 – Kristen Kreuk, who plays lovely Lana Lang on TV’s “Smallville” was lucky enough to get to present the last award of the evening with “La Bamba” movie star Lou Diamond Phillips, who is in town filming the new “Stargate Universe” series with “The Full Monty” star Robert Carlyle and cast.

    05 – Shaw TV’s Johanna Ward shows off her Birks’ bling ring on the red carpet with Leo Award’s founder Sonny Wong.

    06 – Leo Awards hosts/actors (and former Leo winners) Benjamin Arthur, left, and Sonya Salomaa cuddle up to presenter Michael Eklund who is sporting a nuclear waste inspired hairdo for his role in the upcoming feature Final Storm with Luke Perry and Lauren Holly.

    07 – Directory/producer Paul Armstrong was proud to introduce up-and-coming starlet and Leo nominee Jodelle Ferland whose life is about to change dramatically as she is unveiled to the world next month as “Bree” at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”

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    By Catherine Barr – June 5, 2010

    As seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on June 10, 2010

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  • 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

  • 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.

  • Vancouver Leo Awards 2009

    The Leo Awards, BC’s version of the Oscars and Emmys, took place last weekend at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. Produced by the North Shore’s own Sonny Wong and Walter Daroshin, celebrities from both TV and movies walked the red carpet in style before being honoured by their peers at the gala awards show and dinner. Star spotters, autograph hunters and paparazzi galore made this a real Hollywood in Vancouver moment to remember.

     

     

    Leo Awards 2009
    Leo Awards 2009

     

     

     

    01 – Tina Thorndycraft (wife of Leo Awards producer Walter Daroshin) poses with daughter Tamara, left, and friend Maggie Hope on the red carpet.

    02 – Star of Being Erica, actress Erin Karpluk, smiles for photographers with handsome actor John Cassini, of Intelligence and Robson Arms fame.

    03 – Battlestar Galactica, Smallville and Stargate are all on the resume of North Shore actor Dan Payne who attends the awards with his beautiful wife Daylon.

    04 – Best Guest Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series goes to the very talented Gabrielle Rose.

    05 – Actors Ryan Robbins, left, and Tyler Labine each take home Leos for Best Guest Performance Male in a Dramatic Series and Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series, respectively.

    06 – West Vancouver’s Amanda Tapping, seen here with Leos producer Walter Daroshin, takes home the Leo for Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series.

    07 – North Shore Comedian Gary Jones gets a night off from hosting duties to enjoy the awards ceremony with Meg Cameron.

    08 – Actress Steph Song is greeted by Sonny Wong at the end of the red carpet as fans look on.


    May 9, 2009 (published May 14, 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.

  • Mark Madryga does the Twitterbug

    Do you believe in the power of Twitter. Witness the exchange between Global BC TV morning news anchor Lynn Colliar and Catherine Barr as it yields hilarious results when weatherman Mark Madryga performs a little Irish Jig with the help of Riverdance star Michael Flatley in honour of St. Patrick’s Day 2009. (more…)

  • Dancing with the Stars First Impressions

    Truth is, I really don’t get a chance to watch much television and when I do, I really don’t want to waste my time with so-called “Reality TV”. But being a former dancer (and dance teacher) I’ve got to admit that, after several seasons of changing the channel, “Dancing With the Stars” has actually managed to pull me into their web.

    Tonight’s big premiere episode features a new motley crew of assorted celebrities, athletes and musicians (most of whom still make you do a “who-the-heck-is-that?” before you recognize them). Some can dance – some can’t – but what the heck. Add some fun cover songs and all those sequined costumes and I can’t think of a better show to be on in the background while I sit here writing at the computer. (more…)

  • Virgin Radio Launch at Kits Watermark

    They’ve been called Z95, then Crave radio – but as of this month, when you turn your dial to 95.3 FM, you’ll hear the wild and wonderful sounds of Virgin Radio. Working off the brand made famous by Sir Richard Branson, the staff and management celebrated the launch of their newest image in an all-out, blushing red light / red carpet party at Kitsilano’s Watermark restaurant. Fire dancers on the beach, and some full frontal nudity, made this a night to remember. (more…)

  • James Bond, Scotches and Watches and 100.5 The Peak Radio Vancouver

    This week’s wrap has something for the spy in all of us. On Saturday, the Vancouver Club played host to the Jet Set Crew and their James Bond 007 Martini Party. DJ Timka, direct from New York’s Buddha Bar, put down the sounds as Octopussy, Odd Job and other sexy villans strutted their stuff. A sexy VIP room, exotic decor and the who’s who of Vancouver’s beautiful people all added up to a night that Halle Berry would have loved. Halle Berry, who is in town shooting her new movie, was scheduled to attend, but had to cancel last minute). Lastly, congrats go to Pasquale Cusano and the gang at Montecristo Jewellers for their exclusive men’s and women’s shopping nights – funds from which go to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. (more…)