THE VOICE: Vancouver’s singing lions Chor Leonipresented its fourth annual Chor Leoni Idol competition. Nine of the choir’s 60 members signed up for the annual battle for karaoke supremacy hosted by the group’s artistic director Erich Lichte. CFOX’s Karen Khunkhun, veteran broadcaster Vicki Gabereau and yours truly had the pleasure of judging the riotous contest. Belting out classic cannons from Broadway to rock ’n roll, the men pulled out all the stops to win the hearts and votes of a capacity crowd that assembled at Blackbird Public House. The field of competitors would whittle to three — Reid Howard, James Carter and Ken Cassidy — for the finale. Voting with their dollars, fans would eventually crown Cassidy — a relatively new member to the choir — as this year’s top lion. The night of hilarity and music would raise a record $25,000 — another high note of a most enjoyable evening.
WOMEN STRONG: Chor Leoni also performed at the 34th YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards Gala and Dinner, chaired by community leader Dana Montalbano and sponsored by Scotiabank. More than 1,300 guests filed into the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Convention Centre for the yearly celebration that honoured wonder women in our community. Eighty-five finalists were feted in 11 categories for their extraordinary achievements and contributions to the community. Among this year’s winners: Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Art Gallery’s Kathleen Bartels (Arts and Culture), entrepreneur and autism advocate Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia (Community Champion) and safety management leader Catherine Roome (Public Service). The night of recognition also wielded a record-setting $195,000 from the room to support the Y’s ongoing efforts to lift up young women, single moms and their families. Since 1984, YWCA Metro Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»has paid tribute to more than 300 community builders and more than 1,750 nominees.
CHURCH SERVICE: First United Church’s Golf for the Homeless Tournament marked a significant milestone. Created by Bob Burrows and David Kimpton, the fundraising tournament celebrated its 10th year. Over the decade, the event has become a flagship of support for the work the organization provides to residents of the Downtown Eastside, including legal advocacy, emergency aid and shelter in a safe and inclusive environment. Under sunny skies, 124 golfers hit the fairways of the University Golf Course for a day of golf and camaraderie. Greeting them back at the clubhouse for the banquet and more fundraising games were Reverends Carmen Lansdowne and Jim Hatherley. After hearing from Mary Mootrey — a downtown resident who credits First United for helping her get off the streets — attendees opened their hearts and wallets, contributing to an $80,000 night. The record result would push the tournament’s 10-year tally beyond the $500,000 mark.Â
DOWNTOWN SOUND: Tom Lee Music — a fixture on the Granville Street entertainment strip — has been bringing music making to B.C. communities since 1969. Henry Lee, the youngest son of Tom, has grown the firm from its humble beginnings as a small piano retailer in Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»to one of the largest, full-line musical instrument retailers in North America. Now with 30-plus stores around the world, Tom Lee Music has been providing musical instruments, equipment, services and education to a new generation of musicians and music fans. The company recently moved from its iconic location to a new state-of-the-art facility a few blocks north in the revitalized Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Centre Cinemas at Granville and West Georgia. Henry’s son, Kenneth Lee, and Graham Blank, vice president and director of Tom Lee Music recently welcomed supporters to the unveiling of the multi-level, custom designed facility. Making the scene were celebrated artists Jane Coop, Jenny Lin, Shawn Verreault, Michael Kaeshammer, Don Alder and Ian Parker.
Hear Fred Mondays 8:20am on CBC Radio’s The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM; Email: [email protected]; Twitter: @FredAboutTown
