Vancouver music and reviews of shows in the city
Swim. Drink. Fish. The message was as crisp and clear as the waters they are trying to protect. The Fraser Riverkeepers Gala, held at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, was a delight for all the senses. Fabulous food, famous faces and a live music lineup that rivals most award shows – this was a night to remember as every detail helped remind us that our waterways, rivers, oceans and streams are one of the Earth’s most valuable commodities.
Kay Meek Gala
West Vancouver’s most elegant theatre of art, culture and music – the Kay Meek Centre – welcomed dignitaries and guests to its annual fundraising gala. A beautiful garden reception with food by Mangia E Bevi was followed by a rollicking performance by The Second City. MC Vicki Gabereau introduced new incoming executive director Rob Gloor and the evening was capped off with a dessert reception and meet and greet with the cast. Congrats.
I am a huge fan of MartiniInTheMorning.com radio out of California. Having recently become “friends” with the station’s main man, Brad “Martini” Chamber, I was only to happy to throw Michael Buble a question about the station and the new era of digital music at a recent press conference.
As you will see from the video, Michael is also a big fan of the station and of digital music. He even tells how his grandfather is downloading music off of iTunes now. Michael also shares his favourite “crooner” songs to sing.
Michael held a press conference in Vancouver, BC, on Jun 18, 2014 to help celebrate the kick-off of his latest tour.
Sometimes it’s hard to decide if we’re still in the gala season (end of November) or the start of holiday season (beginning of December). Either way, it really doesn’t matter because with Christmas just around the corner, there’s still so many events to talk about. And whether you’re raising money for your cause or remembering to donate for the season, please remember to give generously. Let’s take a look back at a few great faces from last week.
01 – Lugaro jewellery store owners Steve and Clara Agopian proudly show off the rare 28.96 carat “Canoe” necklace at their recent store event. Crafted of Canadian diamonds, the necklace was worn by actress Marcia Gay Harden at the 2012 Academy Awards. Hey Santa Baby …
02 – Penthouse Nightclub owner Danny Filippone, left, and author/musician Aaron Chapman, both from North Vancouver, are all aglow at the star-studded book launch of “Liquor, Lust and The Law” (Arsenal Pulp Press). This history of the legendary lounge is not to be missed and would make a great stocking stuffer. Check out all the party action on video online on our website (www.northshoreoutlook.com).
03 – North Vancouver’s Brett Manlove, left, joins Renaissance Hotel GM Roman St. Germain and the beautiful Shante Sidhu at the All That Glitters Gala in support of The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC).
04 – Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada’s Maureen David, left, and Alison Obrecht deserve a round of applause for pulling off a spectacular gala night at the All That Glitters Gala.
05 – Rock stars Dave Genn, left, Neil Osborne and the entire 54-40 band put on an amazing VIP concert for guests attending the All That Glitters gala. Thanks guys, you sound as good as ever!
06 – Looking perfect in purple, North Vancouver’s Bridgitte Anderson attends the All That Glitters gala with the always debonair David Scott.
– – –
By Catherine Barr – Dec 1, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Dec 6, 2012
– – –
Fall season is upon us and events are in full swing. First up, a unique West Vancouver event spearheaded by West Vancouver Chamber VP Jason Black. Held at the Tap House in Park Royal, this networking event was targeted for the Under 35 business mind. Featuring Vancouver Canucks VP Michael Doyle, the new Face 2 Face program promises to deliver high profile keynote speakers as well as a chance to socialize with fellow young entrepreneurs. Next, West Vancouver’s most famous resident, Sarah McLachlan, turned the spotlight towards her School of Music students in a heartwarming ceremony that featured a special cheque presentation by HSBC. Hot off the stage at her Voices in the Park concert earlier this month, the charitable chanteuse was on hand to receive the $300,000 donation on behalf of her talented students who then thanked the audience with a live performance.
01 – U35 Networking gals Megan Sewell, left, of Sewell’s Marine fame, Leah Costello, of the Bon Mot Book Club and Virginia Bird, of Pottinger and Associates, attend the first inaugural event.
02 – Canucks VP Michael Doyle may have left his skates at home, but he was more than happy to be the evening’s keynote speaker at the U35 Networking event.
03 – Breaking ground in a new direction for U35 business leaders are The Great Canadian Landscaping Company’s Chris O’Donohue, left, WV Chamber VP Jason Black, Village Tap House manager Colin Denton and Cypress Mountain’s Joffrey Koeman.
04 – Enjoying conversation and more are U35 Networking guests Duncan Joseph, left, Anthony Jackson, Michael Mullin and Cam Sherk.
05 – Sarah McLachlan School of Music’s director of philanthropy Stephani Samaridis, left, and executive director Ann de la Hey attend the HSBC cheque presentation.
06 – Ernest Yee, vice president HSBC Canada, left, and Lindsay Gordon, president and CEO HSBC Canada are happy to be in attendance and to support this amazing school of music.
07 – Sarah McLachlan School of Music students are all smiles as Sarah herself receives the HSBC cheque for $300,000 on their behalf.
– – –
By Catherine Barr – Sep 28, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Oct 4, 2012
– – –
– – –
Grammy and Academy Award-winning performer Jennifer Hudson delivered a stunning live performance for an audience of invite-only guests last month at the Vancouver Opera’s signature gala fundraiser. Entitled “Overture: Aida” the evening included a elegant and delicious dinner event which took place on the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Four Seasons chef Ned Bell ensured all the details went perfectly as guests also bid on amazing live and silent auction items, like a trip to the Superbowl in New Orleans which went for a record $250,000. Also last week, the Big Sisters of BC and Lower Mainland were the benefactors of a special “Grapejuice” wine auction and tasting evening at the Ferrari Maserati dealership. Founded by MAC Marketing Solutions and McNeill Nakamoto, the event featured wine, fabulous food and a live performance by Chantal Kreviazuk.
01 – “Overture” gala co-chair Manjy and David Sidoo are joined by Paolo and Clara Aquilini at the pre-dinner Jennifer Hudson reception.
02 – With a powerful performance that included hits like “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, singer Jennifer Hudson delighted invited guests at the Vancouver Opera “Overture” gala by venturing into the audience to dance, and sing, with people during her Whitney Houston tribute finale.
03 – Dressed in shimmering opera gold, beautiful Rebecca Mackay and husband John, of the Pacific Cascade Group are well known for their philanthropy throughout Vancouver.
04 – AllWest Insurance owners Paul and Devina Zalesky make the trip from West Vancouver to see Jennifer Hudson perform at the invite-only Vancouver Opera Aida gala night.
05 – Lonsdale Event Rentals’ Jenney Luong, left, and Kristin Leahy, are happy to be sponsors of the Big Sisters wine auction event.
06 – West Vancouver’s Jan Ballard, left, Laurie Case and “Grapejuice” organizer Sarah McNeill pose for pics inside the lavish Ferrari dealership.
07 – West Vancouver’s Michael Hasman is now working with dad Malcolm at his real estate business on the North Shore. This night they are out in support of Big Sister of BC.
08 – Big Sisters’ need these gals so much. Big thanks to staffers Lisa Cloutier, left, Treena Innes and supporter Jacqueline Poissant for their help this night.
– – –
By Catherine Barr – May 5, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on May 10, 2012
– – –
– – –
You know her as the former beauty queen and singer on The Real Housewives of Vancouver, but Mary Zilba is out to prove that she’s more than just a pretty face as she fights for her son Chase in the battle against epilepsy.
Speaking in Yaletown at The Amethyst Soiree for Epilepsy and Seizure Education, Zilba debuted her newest single “Hero” in front of a packed house. Son Chase accompanied her on the guitar. Invited guests and VIPs came out in support of her cause.
As a busy working mom who has raised three boys (Cole 17, Chase 15 and Chad 13), Zilba was quick to point out that although the song is based on Chase, she thinks on all of her children as her heroes and she empathizes with other parents going through similar struggles.
So what is life like now that “Real Housewives” is on the air? Zilba admits to being a little surprised at the results and just how much the editing can affect the outcome. “I’m human, and I got caught up in the drama,” she says shyly.
And for all those wondering if the “Housewives” are really friends, you’ll have to watch to find out the answer.
**********
By Catherine Barr
https://www.catherinebarr.com
https://www.westvancouver.com
https://www.northvancouver.com
**********
She’s one of West Vancouver’s most famous residents, and now, thanks to the donations and support of another prominent West Vancouver family, the Sarah McLachlan School of Music has a stunning new home. Last week, a special formal reception marked the official opening of the new school. Providing full scholarship music programs to less privileged students in Grade 4 – 12, this latest step helps bring to fruition a dream that started some nine years ago. “I want to give as many children as I can the chance to know how it feels to find their voice through music,” said McLachlan before she proudly joined the student choir on stage to sing for the audience of invited friends and guests. Also last week, West Vancouver’s Shannon and Emad Yacoub, of Glowbal Group restaurants (Coast, Italian Kitchen, Sanafir), hosted a sexy soiree opening party at their newest establishment – Black and Blue. This chic steak house now gives the restaurateurs a commanding presence along Alberni and turns the former business-y boulevard into one of Vancouver’s hottest see-and-be-seen streets.
01 – West Vancouver’s Lisa and Dona Wolverton, left, executive director and founder of the Wolverton Foundation respectively, hand over the keys to the new school to founder Sarah McLachlan and executive director Ann de la Hey.
02 – CTV anchor Coleen Christie, left, congratulates Black and Blue / Glowbal Group owner Shannon Bosa-Yacoub.
03 – Global TV personalities Anne Drewa, left, and Wesla Wong (who also happens to live in North Vancouver) are among the VIPs at the Black and Blue restaurant opening.
04 – West Vancouver businessmen Graham Lee, left, and Ron Orr enjoy a comfy seat in the back of Black and Blue restaurant where leather booths and tobacco leaf walls are a feature.
05 – North Vancouver’s Karim Chandani enjoys time with friends at the opening of Black and Blue restaurant.
06 – Soho Business Group’s Moe Somani and wife Salma Mitha make the trip from North Vancouver to see all the sparkle inside of the new Black and Blue restaurant.
07 – Grammy Award winning songwriter/singer Sarah McLachlan takes some time to chat with members of the student choir before performing on stage with them at the school opening party.
08 – Performing a beautiful duet for the crowd at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music opening night party are graduating students Vivian Tang, left, and Melody Zhou.
09 – Sarah McLachlan School of Music student Mariangel Cepeda says that the school has changed her life forever, and for the better.
– – –
By Catherine Barr – Oct 27, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Nov 3, 2011
– – –
– – –
Night at the Aquarium, a fabulous black-tie fundraiser held at the Vancouver aquarium, is one of this city’s best known galas and this year, it made as big a splash as ever. Raising over $353,000, the night included live music, silent auction items, Ocean Wise food provided by some of the city’s best restaurants and more. Guests were delighted to see the dolphins in action as they jumped and frolicked for the folks as did the beluga whales who were more than happy to help up the bids during the live auction. The evening ended with an even bigger surprise as musician Jim Cuddy, of Blue Rodeo fame, showed up to sing for the crowd.
01 – Vancouver Aquarium PR gals Roxanne St. Pierre, left, and Catriona Maguire greet guests and invited VIPs as they enter the event.
02 – Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy surprises everyone by stopping by for a song. His new album “Skyscraper Soul” is due out on September 27 this year.
03 – Vancouver Aquarium president Dr. John Nightingale and wife Jacquie provide an elegant welcome and shake everyone’s hand upon entering.
04 – Vancouver Aquarium executive committee chair Margot Spence and Etienne van Eck are among the dignitaries in attendance this night.
05 – Magical, whimsical and very spectacular, the characters from Public Dreams Society walk on stilts among the guests helping make the evening extra exciting.
06 – West Vancouverite and Leone’s fashion owner Maria Leone attends the event with friend Patricia Chew.
07 – Tamara Taggart, of CTV News fame, seen here with friend Erin, is a delightful MC for the evening and doesn’t mind sharing the stage with the dolphins and whales.
– –
By Catherine Barr – June 23, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on July 7, 2011
It was a star-studded opening last week as several North Shore show business names were spotted at a very special restaurant reveal. Crystal Buble, sister to international singing sensation Michael Buble, rolled out the red carpet for VIP friends and family at the opening of her new Displace Hashery restaurant in Kits. The timing was perfect as newlywed brother Michael was also in town celebrating his recent marriage to Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato at a posh post-wedding reception at Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Hotel this past weekend. The excitement doesn’t end there either as Buble also revealed that he is now part owner of the new Tsawwassen Springs project – a $400-million, 490 home golf resort community in Tsawwassen with fellow investors Pat Quinn and Bruce Allen.
01 – Blonde bombshells! Actress Luisana Lopilato, left, cuddles up to her new sister-in-law, Crystal Buble, a former actress herself who is now a mom and part owner of the Displace Hashery restaurant on 4th in Kits.
02 – Superagent Bruce Allen is no stranger to success having launched the careers of Anne Murray, Bryan Adams and Bachman-Turner Overdrive in addition to Michael Buble.
03 – CBC sports gal Jody Vance, left, takes a break from her Canucks Stanley Cup playoff broadcasts to chat with Juno award-winning recording artist Jann Arden.
04 – Taking a break from pickles and ice cream, Virgin Radio 95.3 personality Drew Savage and wife Shelley-Ann Rogers don’t mind sharing a spam burger (seriously, try them, they’re great)!
05 – Record producer Bob Rock, left, who has worked with the likes of Metallica, The Cult, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Michael Bublé and Motley Crue, chats with Turner Media Canada executive and West Vancouverite Craig Turner.
06 – I loved him in the 80s, and I still love him now. Loverboy lead man Mike Reno, seen here with girlfriend/singer Catherine St.Germain are two of the greatest people you will ever meet.
07 – It’s all smiles at the end of a big week. From left: record producer Bob Rock, newlyweds Luisana and Michael Buble and restaurant owner/actress Crystal Buble.
– –
By Catherine Barr – May 16, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on May 26, 2011
VAUQ5HFYEVNY
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.
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?
– –
By Catherine Barr, March 12, 2010
As published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on March 18, 2010
Stars and cars, sexy tech and some of the finest piano craftsmanship in the world are all stories that help build up this week’s excitement and Olympic countdown fever. First, Olympic sponsor General Motor’s (GM) new electronic Chevy Fuel Cell Equinox vehicles have arrived. Keep your eyes peeled because this emissions-free fleet’s duty is to get A-Listers, like David Hasselhoff, around town in style. Next, hip and hot, the gang at FCV Technologies celebrates at their five year anniversary party. And lastly, old world perfectionism and music are the topics of a special lunch honouring visiting craftsman Paolo Fazioli.
01 – Helping arrange the sexiest part of the party at the FCV Technologies anniversary are PR gals Whitney Stanford and Alicia Mann.
02 – Manuel Bernaschek, left, joins guest Rita Addison, owner Paolo Fazioli and musician Lester Soo at a special luncheon in honour of the visiting craftsman himself.
03 – West Vancouver’s Graham and Angela Lee, who were instrumental in bringing the first live Sarah McLachlan Summer Sessions concert to West Vancouver this past summer, are among the VIPs at the Fazioli luncheon.
04 – NBC host/model Graison Foster-Stemper, left, and guest Marcia Bettina celebrate with the FCV Technologies gang in the Penthouse of the Loden hotel.
05 – Always primo, chef/host/restaurateur Umberto Menghi lavishes fine food and hospitality on the guest of honour and his party, piano maker Paolo Fazioli.
06 – They’re young, hip and hot on the path of success. Mark and John Starkey are the main men behind FCV Technologies and include names like Rocky Mountaineer and TransLink on their client list.
07 – GM driver Angela Case takes care of actor David Hasseloff and producer John Han, right, as they scoot around from the set of their Dancing Ninja shoot here in North Vancouver.
– By Catherine Barr
– –
Published in print by the North Shore Outlook / Black Press on Jan 21, 2010
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.
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
Country music, Bhangra drums plus celebrity chefs and wine helped wrap up the last week of Summer 2009. First up, the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) brought big name singers to the city with a festival that included live concerts, fan parties and a fabulous live awards show that was broadcast across Canada. Next up, West Vancouver musician Ash Sood and friends were among the VIPs at a special private dinner to raise funds for the Bhangra International Festival Celebration. And when it comes to celebrating, no one does it better than the Wine of BC people with their annual Chef Meets Grape charity event in support of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program.
01 – Bachelorette Gillian Harris, seen here backstage with cousin Tori, was a presenter at the CCMA’s and assures me that she and Ed are still going strong as she flashes her diamond ring.
02 – Calgary born country singer Paul Brandt walks the red carpet for the big CCMA after-party at the Hyatt.
03 – Glasgow born country singer Johnny Reid is having a great year as the biggest winner this night at the CCMA and it’s only going to get better as his very pregnant wife is due to give birth later this year.
04 – Gabriele Durning, left, producer of the Backstage Gift Lounge at the CCMAs, made sure all the country superstars, like Terri Clark, get a chance to shop for their goody bags backstage.
05 – He’s the North Shore’s famous fishmonger. Kosta the Fishmonger shows his wares at the Chef Meets Grape event.
06 – La Terrazza chef Tim O’Brien, left, and Diva at the Met’s Chef Dino Renaerts are two of the celeb chefs cooking up a storm at Chef Meets Grape.
07 – Vancouver Mayor Gregor Roberts and West Vancouver’s Devina Zalesky of AllWest Insurance give their support to the Bhangra Festival dinner.
08 – Drummer/musician Ash Sood, left, dinner hostess Sandra Garossino and chef Vikram Vij, of Vij’s fame, are among the VIPs at the Bhangra Festival invite-only charity dinner.
– By Catherine Barr
As published in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on September 24, 2009
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.
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.
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!
Last week, The Vancouver Music Industry (VMI) held its fourth annual Gala and Golf Event to benefit the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach. The spectacular looking Sarah was there in person and looking oh so very hot-hot-hot in a spectacular blue and green gown and fabulous summertime tan. The evening’s highlight came when Bruce Allen presented the Bruce Allen/ Sam Feldman Legend Award to North Vancouver’s famous Bryan Adams and his fabulous song writing partner Jim Vallance who is responsible for the chart topping hits of Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Heart and Alice Cooper, to name a few. (more…)
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?
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.
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.
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…)
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…)