Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Month: December 2009

  • Year End Events 2009

    dec31aThis past year has been lots of fun, yet sadly it’s over and done. So it’s time to review, all those great things we do; but it’s hard just to focus on one. It’s the last of the holiday cheer. So remember, when midnight draws near; grab a glass, raise a toast, hug your friends, kiss the host; and yell it out . . Happy New Year!

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    01 – Helping “Light Up the Night” at the Capilano Suspension Bridge’s big holiday kick-off celebration were Kelsey Wapenaar and Chelsey Allen.

    02 – It was chocolate cake and champagne as Stittgen Fine Jewelry honoured their founder, Karl Stittgen, for his 80th birthday this year. From left: Selina Ladak, Karl Stittgen, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Mobeen Ladak.

    03 – Kay Meek Centre was the setting for an intimate fundraiser-reception which celebrated the partnership between Kay Meek Centre and The Mark Sager Foundation for the Arts. Sponsors Kathy and Mark Sager attended to see daughter Mikayla perform.

    04 – West Vancouver’s elegant Epicurean and restaurateur, Jack Evrensel, played host once again to the stars as he and PR gals Tammy Preast, left, and Sharon Chan welcomed VIPs to Araxi’s “white carpet” opening night party at the Whistler Film Fest.

    05 – Yes, it’s true. The North Shore Outlook newspaper celebrated their 10 year anniversary in 2009. The big party/celebration, that included faces from the past and more, was hosted by Le Bistro Chez Michel’s Philippe Segur, left, and Outlook publisher Aaron Van Pykstra.

    06 – Who ya gonna call? Well, if it’s comedy movie magic you want, then it’s this man. Famed producer Ivan Reitman, left, of “Ghostbusters” and “Animal House” fame, was honoured at this year’s Whistler Film Festival and celebrate the event with Brightlight Pictures’ Shawn Williamson and “Smallville” actress Kristin Kreuk.

    07 – There wouldn’t be a North Shore Outlook newspaper, yet alone a 10th anniversary year, without all the great people who work behind the scenes. And thanks to superstars like these gals, we’re looking forward to 10 more.

    By Catherine Barr

    – as published in print in the North Shore Outlook on Dec 31, 2009

  • VANOC apologizes to Vancouver Symphony for Discord

    Vancouver’s Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC) has issued a clarifying statement designed to quieten the chorus of public dissent that appears to be growing around Bramwell Tovey and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) apparent ceremonial snub.

    The apology was issued in a press release on Saturday Dec 19, 2009 after the public had learned that VANOC had asked both Tovey and the VSO to record performance music for the Opening Ceremonies. This music would then be performed by stand-in musicians conducted by a stand-in conductor live for the cameras.

    The statement reads, “VANOC apologizes to the VSO for putting the orchestra in an untenable position regarding the Opening Ceremonies.”

    “VANOC regrets that the complex technical requirements of the Opening Ceremonies have put the VSO in a difficult position and both parties wish to move forward in the spirit of preparing for the great Games ahead.”

    John Furlong, VANOC CEO, echoes the sentiment by saying, “Bramwell Tovey and the VSO have been with us throughout this remarkable journey, . . . and it has never been our intent to put them, or any of our partners in a compromised position.”

    “We know that the VSO will be a celebrated partner in what promises to be an unforgettable experience.”

    Tovey and the VSO, who won the 2008 GRAMMY Award for “Best Instrumental Soloist(s) with Orchestra”, received an outflowing of support from the public who applauded his refusal to play along.

    Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter showed even more support and echoed the sentiment. Many referenced the incident at the Beijing 2006 opening ceremonies where it was discovered that 9-year old Lin Miaoke had lip-synched her song because she was deemed to be “prettier” than the original singer.

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    Beijing 2006 Lip-synch girl

    Looks aside, it looks as though these two parties have chosen to support each other and will now work towards promoting the games in perfect harmony. There is no word yet on what changed between the two parties or why Tovey wasn’t being considered as the conductor in the first place.

    Some members of the VSO will be taking part in the Opening Ceremony and the VSO’s recorded renditions of the national anthems of all participating nations will be played at all the medal ceremonies.

    By Cat Barr

    Here is the press release issued in its entirety below:

    Vancouver 2010/VSO clarify ceremonies participation; Highlight VSO’s important contribution to 2010 games

    VANCOUVER, Dec. 19 /CNW/ – The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) will play a prominent role at the 2010 Winter Games and will showcase its musicians’ talent to the world both through the Cultural Olympiad, and the playing of over 90 national anthems. VANOC regrets that the complex technical requirements of the Opening Ceremonies have put the VSO in a difficult position and both parties wish to move forward in the spirit of preparing for the great Games ahead.

    Hundreds of musicians – many of whom are also members of the VSO – have joined with other musicians and artists from across Canada and around the world to contribute to the rich, diverse sound of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, some of which has been and is currently being recorded, and will also be played live. VANOC apologizes to the VSO for putting the orchestra in an untenable position regarding the Opening Ceremonies.

    Under the direction of conductor Bramwell Tovey, the GRAMMY and Juno award winning Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be showcased as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad and – perhaps the greatest honor – has recorded the renditions of the national anthems of all participating nations to be played at the Games, including at Team Welcome Ceremonies in the Athlete Villages and medal presentation ceremonies both in the sport venues and at Victory Ceremonies at BC Place and Whistler Celebration Plaza.

    “The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is proud to be an integral part of the 2010 Games and wish every success to VANOC,” said Tovey. “The VSO is making a significant contribution to the musical memories of the Games and our collaboration with VANOC is one of the most important in the orchestra’s long and distinguished history.”

    “Bramwell Tovey and the VSO have been with us throughout this remarkable journey, from the bid phase on through, and it has never been our intent to put them, or any of our partners in a compromised position,” said John Furlong, VANOC CEO. “Whether through the Ceremonies, or the VSO recording of the anthems or the concerts of the Cultural Olympiad, the Games offer the opportunity for collaboration and a true showcase of the VSO members, who may perform or be heard individually on occasion or as a whole. We know that the VSO will be a celebrated partner in what promises to be an unforgettable experience.”

    The Opening Ceremony takes place on February 12 and the Closing Ceremony takes place on February 28th. The VSO performs throughout the Cultural Olympiad 2010, including two feature performances of Mahler Symphony No. 8: Symphony of a Thousand January 30th and February 1st 2010.

  • Festive Fashion Fete

    crave02It was a ladies lunchtime treat earlier this month as West Vancouver’s Crave Beachside teamed up with Marilyns designer collection to host Festive Fashion Fete. A welcoming wine reception was followed by a gourmet lunch created by chef Wayne Martin. Then it was time for guest glam girls to sit back and see what’s hot for this season’s celebrations. A portion of the funds raised was also donated to the Christmas Bureau.

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    01 – Keeping guests well fed and watered are bartender Jason Kwan and server Jodi Miller.

    02 – Manager Philippe Reigh is an expert food and beverage man. He and servers Cassidy Kennedy, left, and Jen Moloughney are pleased to host the ladies this day.

    03 – Chef Wayne Martins cuddles up to Crave co-owner Barb Inglis and provides a fabulous feast for the gals.

    04 – Looking sleek in silver, clothing store owner and fashionista Marilyn Dilligente-Smith, left, and Jodi Miller celebrate in style.

    05 – Getting ready to model the latest in holiday styles are Janine Fieldgate, left, Emmy Blakeman and Shannon Thiessen.

    06 – Helping out and getting the models ready for the catwalk are Marilyn’s gals, namely Trish Thomas, left, Trudy Ann Harvey and Aline Ainslee.

    07 – Strutting their stuff as volunteer models for the day are Angie Copp, left, Cindy Alexander, Samantha Nickel and Fran Brinkley.

    By Catherine Barr – December 1, 2009

    Published in print by the North Shore Outlook on December 17, 2009

  • Crystal Ball and Lugaro Jewellery Opening

    crystal_ball02The champagne was flowing this month for more than just the holidays. First up it was the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 23rd annual Crystal Ball. The gala evening, which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel, was a true black tie affair complete with martini reception, gala dinner, auction items and the popular Cartier raffle draw. Next, it was time to pop the corks on the Veuve Cliquot as local business owners Clara and Steve Agopian celebrated the opening of their newely renovated Lugaro Jewellers in Park Royal South.

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    01 – BC’s newest Health Minister, Kevin Falcon, is often outspoken on many topics. This night he lends his support to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Crystal Ball.

    02 – Looking ultra glam at the Crystal ball are Wear Else clothing store president and owner Zahra Mamdani, left, guest Carlene Leier and West Vancouverite Catherine Dorazio.

    03 – It is always an honour to see West Vancouver’s Dr. Robert Lee and wife Lily at the Crystal Ball, both of whom are known for their genorosity and philanthropy.

    04 – Supporting BC Children’s Foundation, Jill Lyall, left, and West Vancouver’s Sharlene Ludwig look anything but basic in black at the Crystal Ball.

    05 – Lugaro Jewllery owners Clara and Steve Agopian welcome family, friends and VIP guests at the gala opening of their new store which features Rolex, Chopard and Omega brands, to name a few.

    06 – PR gal Rhoda Rizkalla is no stranger to diamond class functions as she helps ensure the VIP treatment for all guests at the Lugaro opening.

    07 – West Vancouver gals and Crystal Ball committee members Desha Sekhon, left, Indra Reicken and Sherry Doman work hard to see this glamorous evening come together to help the kids.

    By Catherine Barr – Dec 3, 2009

    Published in prnt by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Dec 24, 2009

  • West Vancouver Chamber Christmas 2009

    peter_blackThe West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, along with guests and friends, held their annual Christmas gala at the beautiful Capilano Golf and Country Club last week. Live jazz, fabulous silent auction items and a special visit from Santa were all part of the evening, the highlight of which had to be the magnificent fit-for-a-king buffet dinner which featured everything from crab claws to hand carved prime rib and a dessert table to die for. Celebrating the season doesn’t get much better than this.

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    01 – Parisa Djavaherizadeh gives West Van Chamber board member and gallery owner Luis Sopena a cuddle as they head for the dessert table.

    02 – Team Fitness’ Deneen Campioni, left, and Shalon Sherwood enjoy their dinner with realtor Mark Ballard and wife Jan.

    03 – Artist XXXX watches diners at their tables and paints the scene live for all to enjoy. Later the painting is auctioned off.

    04 – Looking trim and tanned after a well-deserved tropical vacation are Dan Sewell and his wife, of Horseshoe Bay’s famous Sewell’s Marina.

    05 – Providing the live jazz entertainment are Capilano University students Winston Mickler, left, Chad Leyte and Kegan Spence.

    06 – Butcher Peter Black needs no introduction. His appearances each year at the dinner as Santa Claus are a tradition.

    07 – West Vancouver Chamber president Gary Mussatto is surrounded with glittery glam girls, namely Haleh Alexander, left, Allison Mountstevens and wife Misti Mussatto.

    By Catherine Barr – December 2, 2009

    Published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Dec 10, 2009

  • Quattro Cookbook, BC Chowder and more

    tanisIT was a fun “foodie” type week last week as competitions, cookbooks and the first sign of Christmas crept into the headlines. First up, local chefs help promote sustainable seafood at the Vancouver Aquarium during the Seafood Chowder Chowdown. Then, it was time for a little Viva Italia at Quattro on 4th as local favourite, Antonio Corsi, teamed up to publish his family’s food secrets in a fabulous new cookbook – just in time for Christmas. And speaking of Christmas, the first cheer of the year goes to the good folks at Rogers Communication in a special holiday reception held at the chic and stylish Lift restaurant and lounge.

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    01 – Quattro on 4th manager and author Patrick Corsi keeps the food coming at the cookbook launch with chef Brad Ellis.

    02 – Brothers Mario Corsi, left, and Antonio Corsi first became famous here on the shore at the old Park Royal Hotel. Now, with cookbook co-author and North Shore PR gal Tanis Tsisserev, Antonio reveals some of his family’s famous recipes.

    03 – Publisher Michael Burch, of Whitecap Books here in North Vancouver, is proud to present the new Corsi cookbook. Here he toasts the launch with chef/foodie Caren McSherry, left, and wife Kristina Stosek.

    04 – Lift’s new business development man Steve Bickerdikem, left, and owner Bob Lindsay welcome VIPs to the first holiday event of the year at the Rogers party.

    05 – Taking second place at the Chowdown for their Thai coconut chowder are the boys from the Refinery: Peter Warszycki, left, and Johnny Bridge.

    06 – West Vancouver’s Zen Sushi chefs Alexi Kami, left, and Nobu Ochi have them lining up at the Chowder Chowdown.

    07 – Culinary students Kiri Murtagh, left, and Sarai Pardo De Zela take in the Chowdown competition with chef Glen Roberts.

    08 – Looking good for the first holiday event of the season at Lift are Rogers/CityTV’s dapper executive team members. From left: Gord Nelson, VP and GM of British Columbia; Renato Zane, VP and GM CityTV/Omni; Manual Fonseca, CityTV managing producer; and Gordon Howie, VP Finance and Business Development.

    By Catherine Barr – Dec 1, 2009

    Publishing in print in the North Shore Outlook on Dec 3, 2009