West Vancouver Magazine - Apr 2023

Hey JUNO

Avril Lavigne, Nickelback and Simu Liu headline the 2023 JUNO Awards honouring the best in Canadian music

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Bill Allman - Contributor / Writer

Cover Photo Credits: CARAS\iPhoto, used with permission, Catherine Barr and Vision Event Photography

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Page Six

More Than Words

Did you know that all books are banned in the Republic of Gilead? That’s because the ‘written word’ is against the law. There are also no street signs or directions - only symbols and objects. If you go shopping, you must have tokens with pictures of eggs, chicken or milk on them in order to buy food. And the game of Scrabble is so dangerous - it is outlawed completely.

When it comes to conversation, there are rules here as well. You must mind your manners and be respectful - and only certain terms or phrases are allowed. There are also standard acceptable greetings that you must use, or you will be arrested at gunpoint. You can not write letters, read poetry, or sing unapproved songs. The military patrols the streets, keeping law and order, and will shoot you if you disobey. Because in this land, words are definitely the most lethal weapon of all.

Thankfully, none of this is real - yet. The Republic of Gilead, for now, exists only in Margaret Atwood’s book The Handmaid’s Tale. The celebrated Canadian author created this dystopian world to tell the story of a futuristic society that, due to radiation poisoning and infertility, keeps enslaved women as ‘handmaids’ to serve the wealthy elite and bear their children. And, as with most wealthy elite today, the rules do not apply to them. Overall, it is a cautionary tale that imagines a world of extremes where power is abused, women are dominated, inequality reigns, and everyone (and everything) is controlled by the privileged few.

I read the book long ago. There’s also an old movie and a popular Emmywinning TV series. As a feminist anthem, The Handmaid’s Tale is a powerful story. But underneath lies a subtle and softer warning to society about how easy it is to control people. As with most great stories, it has found new relevance in our lives as we emerge from the pandemic to find that things have changed dramatically - and maybe not for the better. A new ‘woke’ world awaits, and the goal is clear. Change is coming, and we’re rewriting the rules on words and how we use them. The problem is, some of us never went to sleep.

Today, new words are being invented faster than we can learn them. Pronouns are changing almost daily. Then there are the ‘isms’ (sexism, activism, wokeism, racism) - and the ‘phobias’ (xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia). Lastly, there are the acronyms. An elite etymology made up by countless government committees and unelected organizations who love to show off their influence and superiority with terms like DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour). Seriously everybody - WTF?

But when it comes to verbose vomiting and alphabet soup, nothing excels like social media. It has become an online garbage dump where almost anyone can throw up any ‘made up’ words they want. ‘Trolls’ live for this, and algorithms rely on it to sell ads and steal data. So, in the end, instead of meaningful debate, all we really get is a whole world of hate that is being allowed to thrive as tech giants rake in millions of dollars of profit. Now, Artificial Intelligence has entered the scene with a Chat GPT program that writes better than most university graduates. Where does it end?

To take a language, any language, and abuse and manipulate it so completely as we do today is heartbreaking. I’m not sure who has the authority to make up new words and tell us how to use them, but it is very confusing. Where is this group that decides what is ‘politically correct’? When do they meet? How much are they paid? Who gave them this power? Can anyone apply for the job or do you need special training? Inquiring minds want to know.

Words are the way we express our ideas and we should be using them more effectively to elevate the conversation. Words also need to evolve, and this takes time. Until then, people will sometimes use the wrong words. Sometimes you’ll hear things you don’t like. Effective language always provokes feelings. But still, I’d rather take the risk, than succumb to the sound of silence.

Sticks and stones aside, true progress can only be achieved by allowing debate to happen. If for no other reason than to help counterbalance the ‘bad’ and correct the course. I worry about this process disappearing. I only hope we don’t take it too far, because a world that disallows the exchange of good words often results in bad ideas.

To me, words are beautiful. They are a form of art. I love to study them and hear their cadence and rhythm. They are the stuff of poetic love songs, great philosophical arguments, imaginative fantasies and comedic insults. I even like some swear words, when used creatively. Good words always provoke a reaction. Because when words make you laugh or cry - that’s them just doing their job.

But due to our abuse of words, censorship is on the rise. Free speech is under attack. Good books, written by great authors (who are long since dead), are being surreptitiously edited and revised. Old songs are being banned (although not the ones you might think). ‘Cancel culture’ wants to arbitrarily silence anyone with whom they disagree. And now governments want to limit what we can say or see online (Bill C-11). Do you blame them?

Maybe we should just outlaw all words, like in The Handmaid’s Tale. We’ll just use the picture emojis on our phones instead. Full of sex and scatological double meaning, these tiny icons are the secret code language kids use today to communicate in plain sight. If you don’t know this yet, you better do some homework. Just search Google for ‘secret emoji meanings’ and get ready to clutch your pearls. And yes, that eggplant isn’t as innocent as you think. Gilead, here we come.

We all know that the pen is mightier than the sword. It’s a ‘tale’ as old as time. If true, then we owe it ourselves to learn how to use words more effectively and wield them more carefully. Used carelessly, they have the power to divide. Used correctly, they can bring us together. But as powerful as they are, it’s going to take a lot more than words to make it all happen. Actions and ideas are what count. You have my word on that.

Catherine (Cat) Barr catbarr@turnernewsmedia.com

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Social Seen

VANCOUVER SYMPHONY GALA

A night at this gala is like a trip to a magical world. Formal dining, glamorous outfits, sparkling decor - and all of it displayed against a stunning stage set with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, who played live as guests danced the night away. The 33rd annual sold-out fundraiser did not disappoint, with all proceeds benefitting the VSO and the VSO School of Music. Congrats to all involved. - Photos: Vision Event Photography

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, soprano and 2023 Gold Baton Award recipient

Feisal Dedhar (Director, VSO Board and Gala Committee Member) and Katie Bennett (Member, Vancouver Symphony Gala Committee)

Bill Allman (President, BC Entertainment Hall of Fame) and Kelly Peterson, widow of Oscar Peterson, Jazz pianist and 2023 Gold Baton Award recipient

Etienne Bruson (Board Chair, VSO) and Angela Elster (President & CEO, VSO & VSO School of Music)

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and wife Teena Gupta

Kenn Hamlin (Director, Community Affairs, TELUS) and Jill Schnarr (Director, VSO Board and Chief Communications Officer, TELUS)

Deneka Michaud, from left, Dennis Thomas-Whonoak (Director, VSO Board and Chair, VSO Indigenous Council), Jessie Willliams and DJ O Show

Kerrie Sayer and Bruce Munro Wright (Co-chairs, Vancouver Symphony Gala Committee)

Christie and David Garofalo (VSO Board, Vice Chair)

The 2023 JUNO Awards

Annual Awards hit all the high notes as it honoured the best in Canadian music and talent.

Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS)

CBC were proud to present the 52nd annual JUNO Awards last Live from Edmonton, the night featured a star-studded lineup nominees and special honours. Hosted by new superhero sensation Liu, the event acknowledged the outstanding work and diversity that makes up the heartbeat of Canada.

and month. of sensation and actor Simu up

“We of said The JUNO Often called to shine here. The Year, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year against Lavigne and Notable Walt Grealis Special

are very proud of this year’s nominees, whose unique stories, sounds and experiences help to collectively evolve the definition Canadian music,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/ Awards.

“Canada’s Grammy Awards”, top name talent continues Weeknd took home top awards for Single of the Songwriter of the Year, Pop Album of the Year and competition that included Shawn Mendes, Avril Michael Buble

highlights included Ron Sakamoto, who was honoured with the Achievement Award and a special spotlight celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

history of hip hop around the world is incredibly rich, with so many voices contributing to the narrative,” said Kardinal Offishall, a rap and producer of the segment. “It’s an honour to be able to help tell story through a distinctly Canadian lens and celebrate this important 2023 JUNO Awards.”

night’s biggest moment belonged to award-winning musicians who were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. A their legacy includes being named Billboard’s “Top Group of the Decade” - and they’ve received nine Grammy Award American Music Awards, a World Music Award, a twelve JUNO Awards, seven MuchMusic Video

“The the world distinct the legend an tell this cultural milestone at The The Nickelback who were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. A well-earned accolade, their legacy includes being named Billboard’s “Top Rock nine nominations, three American Award, People’s Choice Award, Awards, Awards and more.

Now, east most important part at all levels.

with the awards heading east to Halifax for 2024, Reid says that the is to continue to emphasise outstanding achievement

is Canada’s premier awards show and the Canadian industry’s most prestigious recognition for excellence in recorded From indie and major labels to promoters and publishers and from musicians to the owners of live venues, the awards bring the entire industry together in a common goal: celebrating and promoting the work of Canadian musicians.”

“The JUNO Awards Canada’s music prestigious music. of venues,

Photo Credits: CARAS\iPhoto, used with permission

<- Global superstar Simu Liu was back to host the Junos for the second year in a row. Star of the first Asian-fronted movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ShangChi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, he most recently wrapped production on the Netflix science fiction thriller Atlas opposite Jennifer Lopez.

Contemporary R&B Recording for 2023 goes to Jessie Reyez for her work on “Yessie”

Three cheers for Tenille Townes who takes home the JUNO for Country Album of the Year for her work on “Masquerades”.

Dance Recording of the Year goes to Rêve for her song “Ctl+Alt+Del”, beating out other nominees like singer Grimes (Elon Musk’s ex-partner).

Artist TOBi takes home the JUNO for Rap Album of the Year for “Shall I Continue”.

Caity Gyorgy wins Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for her work on “Featuring” at the JUNO Opening Night Awards.

Ron Sakomoto is awarded the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award for his long time career as a concert promoter, manager, mentor and philanthropist working with names like The Guess Who, Bryan Adams, Bee Gees, KISS, and Keith Urban.

In one of the major highlights of the night, actor Ryan Reynolds appeared via video to induct award-winning musicians Nickelback into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Edmonton Oiler star player Connor McDavid presented the award live. From left: Daniel Adair, Ryan Peake, Chad Kroeger and brother Mike Kroeger

Presenter Avril Lavigne was among the bigger names walking the red carpet and was happy to take home the JUNO for the TikTok Fan Choice award.

Rock group Arkells, who are multi-JUNO award winners in the past, take home the Group of the Year at the 2023 Opening Night Awards.

New to the scene, singer/songwriter Preston Pablo takes home the award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year,

Angelique Francis centre, wins Blues Album of the Year for “Long River” - a sexy and soulful work that shows off her strengths.

Breakthrough Group of the Year winners Banx & Ranx ham it up on the red carpet with a pair of JUNO awards to add to their collection.

The Bearhead Sisters win Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year at the JUNO Opening Night Awards.

Rap tribute performers; Dream Warriors, Halvah Mighty, Choclair, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, DJ Mel Boogie, and Kardinal Offishall

Alexisonfire wins Rock Album of the Year for their fifth studio release “Otherness”, but their first album since reuniting in 2015.

Social Seen

NOWRUZ NEW YEAR GALA

It’s an annual celebration of spring steeped in family and tradition. The Canadian Iranian Foundation celebrated its Nowruz gala event at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Hotel with a colourful night of music, food, dances and poetry. Invited VIP guests included local organization board members and special guest BC Premier David Eby.

Canadian Iranian Foundation board member Bahbah Abrar, left, with president and founder Nasreen Filsoof

Helping volunteer at the guest table are administrator Haleh Shirchian, left, and Roksana Torkzaban

Getting ready to perform, the Fame Arts Dance Group poses with guests in the lobby.

Looking glamorous for the New Year are Hojjat Bonabi and Nafiseh Hamdollpour

Designer and dancer Pooneh Alizadeh shows off one of her original dresses.

BC Premier David Eby, left, and Turner Media’s Craig Turner help celebrate the occasion.

Moe Pourtaghi and sister Nadia Pourtaghi stand by the beautiful and traditional Haft Seen table created by Nadia.

A beautiful mother / daughter team - Heidieh Rahmani, left, and mom Homa Faezi Razi

A family celebration with mom Leila Malekyazdi and her children Nader, from left, Nina and Alex

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Cat’s Meow - April 2023

By Catherine (Cat) Barr

Bringing you all the best events, openings and charity galas in town. Invite us to your next party and we’ll bring the camera and the glam. Stay in touch - and save me a smile!

At the Golden Owl awards - Tyson Villeneuve, left, and Jordan Kallman of The Social Concierge.

Mixing and mingling are all part of the job with industry pros Tara and Jacob Sweetapple of Notion Concepts, seen here at the Golden Owl nightclub awards.

Looking glam at the Golden Owl Awards - Stacy Gibson, left, and Julie Connolly of Dinner in the Sky and Carte Blanche Events.

Zynth & Co Owners Elliott Wheeler and Desiree Armstrong gave the Golden Owl awards extra sizzle along with their staff and models.

Hanging in the champagne lounge at the Golden Owl Awards and celebrity event party are Myriam Callot and organizer Joel Weinmaster

West Vancouver School Board chair Carolyn Brody, left, Councillor Peter Lambur, and Mayor Mark Sager attend the VIMFF reception held by British Pacific Properties at Kay Meek Theatre.

The Golden Owl nightclub awards was the place to party in the VIP room with model / actresses Karina Frislev, from left, Kamantha Naidoo and Nadiva Charania

All the winners get their photo with the most glamorous hostesses in town. The Golden Owl girls helped add extra sparkle to the nightclub and restaurant awards event. From left: Kimberly Low, Ali Lalonde, Yuria Miura and Emma Prior

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Nargess Tabrizy- Shokrani, centre (in pink), founder and creative director at Fleur de Lis Events, organized

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at Kay Meek Theatre are Elaine McHarg, left, and Virginia Bird

He taught him the ropes, and a few things more. George and DanielFrankel are a father / son dynamic duo and the famous names behind the Tap and Barrel / Bridges restaurant legacy - seen here at the Golden Owl awards.

Three cheers for Geoff Croll, left, and Bryce Tupper from British Pacific Properties who were major sponsors of this year’s Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF).

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours got everyone back in luxury travel mode with a special VIP event held at West Vancouver’s Beach House restaurant. From left; Jo-Lee Shantz, Juna Ueda and Lisa McCaskill

Welcome, everybody, back to another episode of our podcast. Filmmaker Connie Cocchia is a brilliant new rising star who does it all - writing, directing, and producing. It’s something she’s wanted to do her whole life. And now, using that life experience, she’s made a moving and heartwarming story that premieres in theatres this month.

Connie, tell us - how did you get started in film, and why did you become a filmmaker?

I have always wanted to be in the film industry. I think coming from a creative background - I grew up playing all sorts of instruments, and I was doing tons of plays and acting. And it really wasn’t until I was 16 (and I took my first course in filmmaking down in Los Angeles at the New York Film Academy) that I was able to pick up a camera and experience directing and looking at film from behind the lens. That’s when I really fell in love with the craft - and I never looked back.

I did my undergrad at USC in Los Angeles and then came back home and did my Masters of Fine Arts at the University of British Columbia in film production - and since then, I have just always had a passion to tell stories in an authentic way.

Connie Cocchia Making Movie Magic

This story was produced using segments from a live podcast interview. Listen to the full podcast online at westvancouver.com/podcasts

Now, this is your first feature film, but one of your first-ever films was a short, which was packed with action and kind of broke all the rules. You don’t seem afraid of this process. You were adventurous right from the start. Oh, I definitely love what I do. And I think when you’re so passionate about something, it just kind of feels constantly like your comfort zone, right? So, speaking of brave adventures, your new movie is called When Time Got Louder. Could you give us a synopsis of the film?

It is a coming-of-age story that follows Abbie, who’s played by the wonderful Willow Shields from The Hunger Games franchise, and her brother Kayden, who’s played by an amazing Vancouver-based actor named Jonathan Simao, who’s on the autism spectrum and is nonverbal. And the story follows Abbie as she departs for college and leaves her brother and family for the first time. Abbie falls in love with a girl named Karly and is torn between her new life and the guilt of leaving her brother. And we get to see this struggle that she feels, and the guilt that she feels for leaving her brother behind, and the challenges this causes him. The film, you know, really at the end of the day, is not just an autism story or an LGBTQ+ story, but it really is a story of sibling bond and unconditional family love that we think will resonate with many audiences.

So this film takes elements from your life, but it isn’t ‘exactly’ like your life - is that correct?

Yeah, well, myself, being queer and having a brother on the autism spectrum was, of course, a large driving force behind why I wanted to make this film. But it is a fictitious story. There’s something very traumatic that happens to Kayden in our film, but that luckily has not happened to my family. So many of the elements in the story, in terms of what happens to this family, are fictitious. However, of course, it’s drawn upon my own experiences.

Making a film like this is a lot of hard work. How do you feel now that it’s done?

One of the proudest elements of my film is we’re a ‘reframe approved’ project which means we’re a 50/50 gender balance, cast and crew. I’m so grateful for the incredible team that I had around me. I love this process [and] I’m so excited to be able to enjoy our film on the big screen.

“As a sister to a 28-year-old non-verbal brother who lives with autism, I have always had the desire to create honest and authentic autism-based content for film and television that enlightens our society on the profound effects autism has on an individual and their family.”

Above: Director Connie Cocchia, left, with actors Lochlyn Munro and Elizabeth Mitchell When Time Got Louder premieres in Cineplex theatres this month - just in time for Autism Awareness Month (April)

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PINK SHIRT DAY LUNCHEON

The CKNW Kids’ Fund 2023 Pink Luncheon, presented by Fortis BC, was back again in support of Pink Shirt Day at Blue Water Café. Featuring keynote speaker Carol Todd, guests listened intently to the story of her daughter Amanda, and how cyberbullying and the mental health and wellness of youth remains a number one priority. The luncheon also featured a pink-themed menu, pink cocktails, a wall of wine, and a fabulous silent and live auction. All funds raised to go support anti-bullying organizations in BC.

Guest Monica Cohen poses with former BC Attorney General / MLA Wally Oppal

Event co-chairs Britt Innes, from left, CKNW Kids’ Fund executive director Sara Dubois-Phillips and Tania Richards

Compelling and heart wrenching, VIP guest Carol Todd’s keynote speech honoured the memory of her daughter Amanda, who was the tragic victim of online bullying back in 2012.

PR expert Jill Killeen, left, with CKNW award-winning radio host Simi Sara

Event planner Nargess Tabrizy Shokrani, left, with friends Francesca Giustra

Mom and daughter day to celebrate - Christie Garofalo and daughter Olivia King

Lunching with the girls - Katherine Evans, left, and Christi Huculak Yassin

Helping support this great cause - Azi Nabi, left, and Diana Sawers

By Bill Allman bill@famousartists.ca

Abomb blew up the front of the Royal Theatre on East Hastings Street in Vancouver on March 20th, 1933.

Part of the ticket office flew across the street and landed in a restaurant belonging to artist Tom Carter’s grandfather. Ninety years later, Carter recalls hearing about the incident for the first time from his own father. “Dad just mentioned it in passing as the reason that my grandfather moved restaurants. He felt that Hastings Street in the 1930s had become too dangerous.”

But that passing remark about a long-forgotten bombing set Tom on a research quest that would soon inform his entire line of custom paintings of Vancouver’s past. In the absence of details, and confined in the 1990s to archival microfiche, Tom began piecing together a picture of Vancouver as it had been. In particular, his own interests as a musician, sound engineer, and recording studio owner drew him to recapture the City’s entertainment scene and nightlife.

“Paintings are all about how something feels,” he says. “I spoke to people who were around in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s and asked them ‘Have I got it?’ They always say ‘Yeah, this is how it felt!’ which is the best compliment!”

“I’ve had clients cry looking at an image. People remember things, not just aesthetically, people remember things emotionally.”

Tom Carter’s images evoke the glamour and excitement of their era - an era that Tom sees returning to the City. His paintings grace private residences, corporate boardrooms, and company lobbies and have sold to clients worldwide, as far away as Dubai. “All of my works are commissions now,” he says. “I do have a couple of pieces in the Petley Jones Art Gallery on Granville, but mostly I get retained to provide exclusive commissions for people who want to sense what they knew or what their parents and grandparents knew – that excitement, that romance!”

Tom remembers downtown in the 1970s, experiencing the old buildings with wrought iron fire escapes, neon signs, and fast-moving chaser lights. “I saw it. I know the feeling. And I can convey that in my paintings.” He counts Chip Wilson, former Mayor Sam Sullivan,

and late bandleader Dal Richards as admirers of his work. And Tom’s efforts to preserve and illuminate Vancouver’s history are not limited to his paintings. He has personally recovered thousands of photographs and documents as well as ‘artefacts’ that are in his private collection, on display, or bound for Vancouver’s Archives or UBC’s Special Collections.

“The boards that I serve on, The Vancouver Historical Society, the Friends of the Vancouver City Archives, and the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame are all dedicated to preserving and reclaiming this history. What’s been especially interesting is how that history, these images, have become inspiring to the new tastemakers. When the excitement fully returns to Vancouver nightlife, I’d like to think that I’ll have been part of that.”

President of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, Bill Allman is a “recovering lawyer” who has been a venue manager (the Vogue), president of Theatre Under the Stars, a concert promoter, a television writer/producer, a theatre producer, and an adjunct professor of law at UBC. He currently owns Famous Artists Ltd., taking the company name with founder Hugh Pickett’s blessing, and produces plays, musicals, and concerts. He is no longer willing to move your piano.

You can see samples of Tom Carter’s artwork, buy prints, or engage him for a commission at: tomcartergallery.com

Above: Dundarave - looking west

Below: Chinatown Neon - Pender Street

Marquee Magic - painting and artwork for Vancouver’s favourite entertainers

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North Shore Law LLP I 6th Floor - 171 West Esplanade l 604-980-8571

www.northshorelaw.com

As a full service law firm since 1973, we handle all of our client’s needs including estate planning and administration, incorporations and other business transactions, personal injury, family mediation, separation and divorce from division of assets to custody issues. Contact us to discover the difference.

Law | 220 - 545 Clyde Avenue | 778-786-0615

Real Estate Professionals - Directory Listings

Jeyhoon Mohammadi I Angell Hasman & Associates I 604-719-5731

www.jeyhoonmohammadi.com

With over 10 years of mastering the market, I am committed to ensuring my clients receive first-class, professional service that leaves them feeling well represented. If you are considering buying or selling a property, please contact me. I am always excited to meet new clients and achieve their goals.

Geoff Taylor | Angell Hasman & Associates | 604-908-0800

www.geoffrealestate.com

Geoff is a top producing REALTOR® with over ten years of experience on the North Shore. He has achieved success by combining creativity, marketing, true analytics and a “whatever-it-takes” attitude. Any house, any condo, anywhere – Geoff promises to bring you quality results.

The Penny Mitchell Group l RE/MAX Masters Realty l 604-816-7825

www.pennymitchell.com

Penny and Stephanie’s generous spirit and hard work ethic provide an unmatched level of care, skill and service. Keeping their clients constantly informed of current market conditions is key. Providing a one-stop resource network, plus knowledge and creativity, are all part of this award-winning team.

Chas Woodyer l Bellevue Realty Group l 604-761-6409

www.woodyer.com

Chas Woodyer is a professional who brings world-class buyers to West Vancouver. Expertise in luxury home marketing, combined with sharp negotiating skills and proven knowledge of local conditions ensures your home will receive the unique exposure it needs to sell for the best possible price.

Ballard 360 l RE/MAX Masters Realty l 604-913-9000

www.ballard360.com

The Ballard 360 team is led by Mark Ballard, with decades in real estate and mortgage brokerage experience. Caylee Sampson has been an integral part of the team for many years and James Barnes is the hard-working newest member. Ballard 360 brings creativity, local knowledge and passion.

Visit us online for a complete list of all our featured categories and listings. Supporting local businesses and building your community online for the world to see. Join us at WestVancouver.com and/or NorthVancouver.com or call 604-926-9293 for more information.

| TurnerMagazine.com

BRING INSPIRED LIFE TO YOUR SPACE

5 FACTS

1 - LEGENDS OF JAPANTOWN

It was a cruel coincidence that a 1914 law spelled the end of one of Canada’s greatest baseball teams. The 1914-founded Asahi Baseball Team dazzled spectators at Powell Street Grounds, what is now Oppenheimer Park, until the federal government interned Japanese during the Second World War.

The surviving players and their families finally got the respect they were due in 2003, with induction to Canada’s Baseball Hall of Fame. The B.C. Sports Hall of Fame induction, in the pioneer category, came two years later. Asahi is the only such baseball team honoured by B.C.’s sports shrine.

2 - TWINS WIN!

North Shore’s entry in B.C. Premier Baseball League is led by baseball operations and player development director John Haar, a Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer. Haar was an outfielder in the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants farm systems and was head coach of the National Baseball Institute Canadian development program for 14 years. Trivia: his father, Rud, was the longtime groundskeeper at Nat Bailey Stadium. At the Twins, John Haar managed the team to four provincial championships, including a trio from 2007 to 2009.

The Twins’ most-famous product is Ryan Dempster. The Sunshine Coast hurler pitched for 16 seasons, with the second-most wins (132) and strikeouts (2,075) by a Canadian, and ended his career a World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.

Baseball’s Back

By Bob Mackin bob@thebreaker.news

4 - C’S THE DAY AND NIGHT

The Vancouver Canadians start their second season as the Toronto Blue Jays’ High-A affiliate on April 7 with a unique duo in the dugout. Not only is manager Brent Lavallee from North Delta, but the club welcomes its first female coach. Ashley Stephenson won a silver and three bronzes with the national women’s team at the Baseball World Cup.

3 - FRED HUME

No Mayor before or after number 28 was a bigger sport booster than Fred Hume.

Among his achievements in office was luring the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League north to Vancouver in 1956. They became the Mounties and played at Capilano Stadium by Little Mountain from until 1962 and again from 1965 to 1969. The roster included some colourful and historic figures in baseball history, including future Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners general manager Pat Gillick, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa and Jim Bouton, author of Ball Four.

The PCL had a third stint beginning in 1978, when the Vancouver Canadians sparked renovation and renaming of the stadium for Nat Bailey, the White Spot restaurateur. The club won its last Triple A match in 1999 before a new owner took the franchise to Sacramento, Calif.

Without skipping a beat, the Southern Oregon Timberjacks of the Northwest League moved north to the Nat in 2000.

The C’s are the only Canadian team in organized minor league baseball and hope to improve upon its 2022 wild card appearance in Northwest League playoffs. They were league champions in 2011-2013 and 2017 under the previous shortseason format.

5 - CAPS OFF

Before the Mounties, before the Canadians, there were the Capilanos.

Emil Sick, the Seattle brewing tycoon, owned the Western International League club which debuted in 1939 at 1913-opened Athletic Park. The new Capilano Stadium opened in 1951, designed after Sick’s Seattle stadium.

The name of the mighty river was on the beer Sick’s company brewed beginning in 1953 at the south foot of the Burrard Bridge. The building was originally topped by a flashing number 6 (get it?) weather beacon. If the six was red, that meant rain. Bad news during baseball season. Molson bought the brewery in 1958 and moved to Chilliwack in 2019.

Spring has sprung, the grass has riz. Hay fever is back - but so is baseball fever. Catch the latter, if you can, and soak up the Lower Mainland’s rich baseball history.

Bob Mackin is a North Vancouver journalist who specializes in politics, business and sports coverage. He publishes theBreaker.news and hosts theBreaker.news Podcast online.

The Vancouver Canadians open their season on April 7, 2023 against Spokane

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Events Calendar

27TH ANNUAL DAFFODIL BALL - FLOURISH

April 15

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

The iconic Daffodil Ball in support of the Canadian Cancer Society returns with a fresh breath of optimism. Flourish is a celebration of hope in bloom. By joining the Daffodil Ball community, you are helping to save and improve lives. And together, we will change the future of cancer forever. cancer.ca/flourish

ARTHRITIS SOIREE 2023

May 11

The Roof, Hotel Vancouver

Celebrating its tenth year as Arthritis Research Canada’s signature fundraising event, this is one of Vancouver’s premier health-related events. Cohosts Coleen Christie (Global BC) and ‘Brother’ Jake Edwards will be welcoming guests and sponsors to this exciting milestone event to benefit life-changing arthritis research.

arthritissoiree.ca

VANCOUVER SUN RUN

April 16

Downtown Vancouver

The Sun Run’s mission is to be Canada’s most influential 10K race, inspiring healthy, active lifestyles for people of all ages. The race starts downtown around the corner of Georgia and Burrard Streets. It heads towards Stanley Park, but then turns up Denman Street before going into the park. Always fun and rewarding!

vancouversunrun.com

TED CONFERENCE 2023POSSIBILITY

April 17 -21

Vancouver Convention Centre

TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity, with subtitles in 100+ languages. TED Talks have been held annually since 1990. To date, more than 13,000 TEDx events have been held in at least 150 countries.

ted.com

GIPSY KINGS

April 26

Orpheum Theatre

Gipsy Kings are hugely influential figures in the world of flamenco, sprinkling of Latin rhythms, western pop and jazz. Comprised of two sets of brothers, the Reyes’ and the Baliardos - who banded together in 1979 under the original moniker Los Reyes, the group have sold over 25 million records worldwide.

A great night of music!

vancouvercivictheatres.com

ABRA CADABRA - A TRIBUTE TO ABBA

April 18

Kay Meek Theatre West Vancouver

ABBA fans of all ages will celebrate the uplifting music of the Swedish super group.Featuring powerful vocals,dancers,multi-media and costumes, this interactive stage show will have you smiling, moving and singing along to your favourite ABBA hits.

kaymeek.com

GEOFF TAYLOR

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

DISTINCTIVE | CREATIVE | RESULTS ORIENTED

Geoff has been successfully selling homes in North & West Vancouver for more than 10 years. Consistently recognized as a top-producing REALTOR®, Geoff is excited to bring his dynamic skillset to the rennie and associates real estate team.

Having previously worked more than 15 years in the marketing and advertising industry, Geoff applies strategic thinking, creativity and business rigour to every aspect of his real estate business.

Whether you are buying, selling or just thinking about real estate on the North Shore, Geoff is a wealth of up-to-date industry knowledge and can guide you along the process from start to finish.

Stop by his new office located at 2429 Marine Drive, West Vancouver (above the Red Lion in Dundarave) or call 604.908.0800 anytime for an update on the North & West Vancouver real estate markets.