Entertainment : Catherine Barr Vancouver Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Vancouver Leo Awards – BC’s Oscars and Emmys

Posted: August 24, 2016

Leo Awards Vancouver - I've always said they're like our own version of the Oscars and Emmys. The Leo Awards, now in their 17th year, celebrated the best in BC with all the red carpet glam that goes with Hollywood North. Held at the Hyatt hotel - actors, directors, writers and producers strutted their stuff for the cameras and for the right to hold a coveted Leo Award. Three star-studded nights ...more

Inherent Vice Starring Joaquin Phoenix

Posted: January 8, 2015

Last night it was the exclusive Warner Brothers premiere of Inherent Vice in Vancouver. It was a fun hippy-trippy ride with excellent acting. Look to Joaquin Phoenix to get an Oscar nod here. Josh Brolin was also excellent coming close to stealing several scenes (pancakes!).

If you liked The Big Lebowski, you'll like this.

It's a little slow in places, a little long, and a little convoluted ...more

Canada’s Bartender of the Year 2014 in Vancouver

Posted: July 13, 2014

What does it take to become Canada's Bartender of the Year? Well, you must know your spirits and mixes for starters. A knowledge of basic ingredients also helps. Then there's the whole science of muddling things. And, if you want to impress, you must have a flair for the dramatic too. Last week ten of the best from across the country came together to compete in Canada's most prestigious contest ...more

Michael Buble in Vancouver

Posted: June 19, 2014

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 ...more

Rick Mercer Headlines Kay Meek Centre Gala

Posted: June 17, 2014

The Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver is a community gem. Loved for its plays and performances, it has become a place that supports the professional arts and the people in a small community known for its close-knit nature. Last week, it was time for the annual gala fundraiser. This year superstar Canadian comic Rick Mercer headlined the event with his one-man show and lots of laughs. The evening also ...more

Gotham 15th Anniversary Soiree Attracts Local Celebs

Posted: April 13, 2014

Gotham Steakhouse is a well known celebrity hotspot in Vancouver. With big wines, a glamourous cocktail lounge and famous faces - it is a see-and-be-seen kind of place that has held some legendary parties and charity events over the years. Celebrating its 15th anniversary last week, owner Neil Aisenstat invited friends and VIP guests to help mark the milestone. Cheers and congrats! - - - 01 - Lovely ladies are alway part ...more

Boulevard Magazine – Society Column March 2014

Posted: March 16, 2014

01 - Celebrting Canada's Olympic achievements in Sochi 2014 was all part of the theme at the XL Leadership Summit event's opening night reception. Famous faces included former VANOC CEO John Furlong (left), TwentyTen Group founder and managing partner Andrea Shaw and Canadian astronaut Cmdr Chris Hadfield. 02 - Live music, fireworks and a rock guitar flash mob were all part of the spectacular invite-only opening night of the new Hard ...more

Hard Rock Vancouver Casino Grand Opening Gala

Posted: January 13, 2014

Are you ready to rock? That's the question they asked as they swung open the doors to one of the newest and hippest entertainment facilities in town. The new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, formerly known as the Boulevard Casino and Red Robinson Theatre, has been given a major facelift. There's new bars, restaurants, gaming areas and more. The trip alone is worth it just to see the impressive collection of ...more

Golden Globes 2014 – Cat Calls

Posted: January 13, 2014

The first big awards show of the 2014 season, the Golden Globes, is officially over. As always, everyone was talking about the red carpet hits and misses, the big winners, and the big sinners. American Hustle walked away with the most hardware and Cecil B. DeMille honouree Woody Allen didn’t show up, but the gossip doesn’t stop there. Here’s how this Cat called it: Too Many Shots of U2’s Bono I seriously ...more

Cavalia’s Odysseo Horses in Vancouver

Posted: December 16, 2013

Set your senses on stun because Cavalia's Odysseo is a spectacle to behold. Dubbed a Cirque du Soleil with horses, this event is a must see for the holiday season. With scenes that shift from the magical and dreamy to high energy shows of strength, this is animal magnetism at its best. There's also a finale that you have to see to believe. Last week marked the grand opening night ...more

West Vancouver Filmmaker Connie Coccia Premiere of “Awake”

Posted: September 2, 2013

She grew up here in West Vancouver. But now, former Collingwood student Connie Cocchia is a shining star at the University of Southern California and ready to take on Hollywood with grit and determination. The young filmmaker was seen rolling out the red carpet recently for friends and family at the premiere of her first short film at the Scotiabank Theatre. Entitled "Awake", the movie expertly featured lots of action ...more

BC Film and Television Leo Awards 2013

Posted: June 10, 2013

I've always said it's like a little bit of the Academy Awards right here in BC - but the truth is that the Leo Awards are much much more. And when you consider all the talented people that work in BC film and television, there really is a lot to celebrate. The 15th anniversary gala of the Leo Awards was held last weekend as the Westin Bayshore rolled out the ...more

Real Housewives of Vancouver Season Two Premiere Party

Posted: February 6, 2013

Vancouver's real housewives are back - for season two! This night, the glam girls gathered at the Loden Hotel in downtown Vancouver to watch the premiere episode of Real Housewives of Vancouver - Season Two with friends, family and invite only guests. The champagne was flowing and the ladies all sparkled in fabulous bejewelled gowns and designer name accessories. New wives Ioulia Reynolds, Amanda Hansen and Robin Reichman joined returning stars ...more

It’s a Wonderful Life and Dean Paul Gibson in Vancouver

Posted: December 10, 2012

Dean Paul Gibson - I love you. And let me tell you why. As director of the Arts Club Theatre Company’s It’s a Wonderful Life, you have taken on a classic and won. You have, quite simply, shown us the magic of a movie we all know and love and, as The Beatles said, . . . let it be. As a director you are fearless. This I know from watching you ...more

Cirque du Soleil’s Amazing Amaluna in Vancouver

Posted: November 28, 2012

Look closer. Did you see it? Probably not. Because despite everything that’s going on during a Cirque du Soleil performance, it’s the subtle, almost unnoticeable details that truly make it one of the greatest shows on earth. I always come away impressed, but not for the reasons you may think. Doesn’t matter if I like the performances (I do). All of them are both weird and wonderful in a fascinating hypnotic way. In ...more

Penthouse Vancouver Book Launch – Liquor, Lust and The Law

Posted: November 25, 2012

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

Vancouver International Film Festival Parties 2012

Posted: October 8, 2012

The 31st Annual Vancouver International Film Festival wraps up this week after 16 days of memorable films, fun and faces. Known for being a festival of substance, the event featured over 380 films from all over the world organized into series like Canadian Images, Dragons & Tigers, International Shorts and Cinema of our Time. Still, no festival is complete without a few red carpet parties and premiere galas. Check out ...more

Terry David Mulligan Comedy Roast for Vancouver Food Bank

Posted: March 26, 2012

Terry David Mulligan is much more than a media music man. North Shore folks everywhere know him from the 70s and 80s thanks to his many radio and television appearances. Today, he spends most of his time in the Okanagan sipping and sampling BC wines on his Tasting Room Radio show and he also co-hosts a wine show called Hollywood and Vines with fellow actor Jason Priestly. Last week, as ...more

Oscars 2012 Gala at Beach House West Vancouver

Posted: February 27, 2012

Hollywood wasn't the only place rolling out the red carpet for Sunday night's Oscars event. The good folks at the Beach House in West Vancouver decided to put on the ritz for BC Children's Hospital Foundation at "Oscar a la Mer". This seaside celebration included champagne, theme rooms, fabulous food and lots of glitz and glamour. Guests also got a chance to cheer for their Oscar favourites as they watched ...more

Reality Jane Book Gives Behind the Scene Look at Reality Television

Posted: January 16, 2012

It's no secret that reality TV has taken prime time television by storm. But whether it's American Idol, Dancing with the Stars or Survivor, few of us know what really goes on behind the scenes. Enter Shannon Nering. This beautiful and talented West Vancouver woman knows all the gossip having got her start in the industry a few years ago as a docu-reality producer and director. With an amazing list ...more

West Vancouver Fashion Show Draws Reality Series TV Crews

Posted: November 9, 2011

Jody Claman and her daughter Mia are two of West Vancouver most notable socialites who are well-known for their culinary catering and chic fashion businesses. This week, it was 25 year-old daughter Mia's turn to take centre stage as she debuted her MIA "Missing In Action" Claman Couture line at their Glass House boutique store in Ambleside. A reality camera crew was on hand to capture all the action as ...more

Vancouver International Film Festival Red Carpet Opening Night Parties

Posted: October 11, 2011

The Vancouver International Film Festival is among the top five film festivals in the world. And while it is not known for its' big name Hollywood hype, it is however known for its' international flair and diverse content. Still, parties and red carpet glam do happen and one of the biggest soirees is always held at Cin Cin restaurant on Robson. Owned by West Vancouver restaurateur Jack Evrensel, the evening ...more

Actors Robert Carlyle, Ginnifer Goodwin, Amanda Tapping and More Come Out in Support of Once Upon a Cure Gala

Posted: September 27, 2011

Hollywood A-Listers Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting, Hamish Macbeth) and Ginnifer Goodwin (Walk the Line, He's Just Not That Into You) headed up a local star-studded cast last weekend at the Sutton Place Hotel for an elegant and magical gala that touched the heartstrings of all who attended. The "Once Upon a Cure" event (which was based on the newly produced TV series "Once Upon a Time") was ...more

Barney Bentall and Jully Black Headline Spectacular Gala of the Year at La Stella / Le Vieux Pin Winery in Osoyoos

Posted: August 22, 2011

Singers Barney Bentall and Jully Black helped headline a spectacular gala wine weekend in and around Osoyoos last weekend. The rich and famous from all across the North Shore headed to the Okanagan to help celebrate at Sean and Saeedeh Salem's Enotecca wineries La Stella and Le Vieux Pin. A casual Friday night reception at La Stella, featuring a private concert by Bentall, was followed up by a uber ...more

A Day on the Set with Actor Leslie Nielsen – R.I.P.

Posted: November 28, 2010

In October 1997, I spent the afternoon on the set of Leslie Nielsen's movie "Wrongfully Accused" and it was a blast. He was shooting his latest movie in West Vancouver. Back then I was a reporter for the North Shore News ...more

Vancouver International Film Festival 2010

Posted: October 12, 2010

The 29th Vancouver International Film Festival has been taking place all over the city for the last two weeks with over 370 films from over 75 different countries. Truly a place to watch the world, the emphasis here is on artistic merit over that of Hollywood hype. Local actors, directors and more are also given the spotlight including North Shore influenced films like "Mighty Jerome" (the story of local ...more

Cirque du Soleil Kooza, Burberry at Holt Renfrew, HMCS Vancouver

Posted: July 25, 2010

A look back on this hot and steamy month reveals a July filled with excitement and special events. Whether it was breaking out the barbecue with friends, the celebration of 100 years of Canada's naval forces, or the star-studded premiere of Cirque du Soleil's big top production of Kooza, North Shore faces were in all the right places.

01 - Designer to rock bands and rock stars like Gene ...more

Lion King at QE Vancouver and Harrison Resort

Posted: July 18, 2010

Spectacular - it's the one word that best describes this week's two fabulous features. First up, it was the premiere of Disney's Broadway award winning musical "The Lion King". Replete with elaborate costumes and stunning sets, not to mention the music/lyrics of Elton John and Tim Rice, this show is absolutely worth the price of admission and then some. A special opening night cast party revealed that these talented performers ...more

Whistler Film Fest Gala, Zac Efron and more

Posted: July 4, 2010

The Whistler Film Fest is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year - and what better way than with their annual gala fundraiser called "Soiree". Held at Vancouver's stylish waterfront Nu restaurant, the night included red carpet arrivals, decadent food and live music. Also, the Beach House restaurant in West Vancouver welcomed summer with a special Hawaiian Luau night featuring live entertainment, a bountiful buffet and dancing till late. Aloha! ...more

West Van Library Mallet Masters, Roxy Anniversary and Goldfish Summer Splash

Posted: June 27, 2010

As we say goodbye to June, it's time for a look back at several great summer events. First up, the West Vancouver Library Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament was held at Ambleside Greens Golf Course where mulligans are not only allowed, they're encouraged. Dressed in Hampton's whites, teams took to the field to pound it out for glory and charity. Next, it was sexy swimwear by Anna Kosturova and art by ...more