75
th ANNIVERSARY
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT
Entertaining The World
Vancouver, British Barry LeinbachColumbia with Christopher Best
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT ~ 1
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT THE STORY OF BEA LEINBACH AND THE VANCOUVER KITSILANO SHOWBOAT BARRY LEINBACH & CHRISTOPHER BEST
VANCOUVER
WWW.KITSILANOSHOWBOAT.COM
2 ~ Cheryle MacDonald
Copyright @ 2010
Christopher Best
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior permission of the publisher or, in the case of photocopying or other reprographic copying, a licence from Access Copyright, www.accesscopyright.ca, 1-800-893-5777 info@accesscopyright.ca Warfleet Press 1038 east 63rd Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5X 2L1 www.warfleetpress.com All photos are from the collection of Bea Leinbach and the Kitsilano Showboat Society. Cover Design by Christopher Best Edited by Barry Leinbach Text Design by Christopher Best Printed and bound in Canada Front Cover Photo: (Stave Falls Scottish Dancers) My Memories of Showboat by Cheryle MacDonald I was around 12 years old when I first danced at Showboat. “The Showboat “ at that time was right in the water on the beach. It was always great fun dancing with our group from the Mary Isdale Dancers.The big delight for my sister and I was having a bottle of coke after performing - we were not allowed to have pop at home, so this was extra special. Many years later - in the 70’s- I brought my own group the Stave Falls Scottish Dancers to perform at Kits and with the exception of 1 year we have been coming every year. The whole school of a 100 dancers comes out for a day of picnicking, swimming and fun before the performance.What I find always amazing is - since my youth there has always been just one woman running ‘the boat’ with many volunteers of course and that was Bea Leinbach and now her son Barry has stepped up to help out. Thanks you for all those years Mrs Leinbach.
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Best, Christopher The Kitsilano Showboat, the Bea Leinbach story/ by Barry Leinbach and Christopher Best ISBN
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT ~ 3
4 ~ The Volunteers!
This book is dedicated to the many VOLUNTEERS over the years who if it were not for their help the Kitsilano Showboat would never have been possible. “From Volunteers, to Entertainers, to Audience Members, everyone has really fond memories of the Experience.� Barry Leinbach
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT ~ 5
Contents 1. The Miracle Of One Man’s Dream - 17 This chapter covers: the early years of beachside entertainment in Kitsilano and of one man’s vision which rekindled the spirit of a community by offering free entertainment to people hard hit by the great depression of the thirties, the formation of the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce in 1935, the first 18 mile parade led by Arthur Delamont and his crack Kitsilano Boys’ Band (leading to the beachside, where the above mentioned entertainment could be viewed free of charge, with illuminated yachts anchored off English Bay), the building of the first stage on the water, Vancouver’s Golden Jubilee in 1936 and the construction of a permanent concrete garden theme and the dream of a legendary Mississippi Showboat.
2. The Miss Kitsilano Contest - 22 Besides the Kitsilano Showboat, Bert Emery’s Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce initiated several other venues to instill community spirit in the citizens of Kitsilano. One was the Kiddies Parade began way back in 1935 when that first procession made its way down Cornwall Street to the seaside. Another was ‘The Kitsilano Good Citizenship Award’ and later the ‘Kitsilano Community Concert Party’ was started. But the most colorful of all had to have been the Miss Kitsilano Contest started in 1936.
3. A Remarkable Woman - 26 Bea Leinbach was the guiding light behind the “Showboat” phenomena for over 60 years. She was responsible for almost single-handedly raising the Showboat to its present status. She volunteered long hours and much effort to ensure that the events planned by the Committee were to encourage community involvement. Bert Emery said it years ago, “Bea Leinbach is Showboat. She is a super organizer, she is articulate, a ball of class, dedicated, cooperative, and one of the most unpretentious persons one would ever hope to meet.” She was the official chairman of the project, co-ordinator and program director up until 2001, when ill health forced her to step down. Her son Barry Leinbach has been filling her shoes ever since.
4. Faithful Supporters Of Showboat - 30 Year after year entertainers continued to come back and pay their respects to the place that had given them their first taste of being in front of an audience. One was Garfield White who entertained the troops across Europe during World War II with his impersonation of Madame Olga Petrovich. Another was comedienne Mimi Hines who appeared on TV with the likes of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in the 1960s. With her husband Phil Ford, Mimi would make annual treks at least once a year to Vancouver to play the Cave Supper Club and then go over to the Showboat where a crowd of 14,000 adoring well wishers waited to welcome her home.
6 ~ Kitsilano Community Concert Party
4. Celebrities & Showboat - 40 Many show business personalities famous to one and all got their early start at the Showboat. They include Yvonne De Carlo who starred on the Hollywood big screen opposite Rock Hudson and Alec Guiness. Barbara Parkins of Peyton Place was another and Alan Young of Mr. Ed fame. Locally a young Juliette wowed them on the Showboat before gaining national fame with her own TV show in the 60s. Judith Forst, a graduate of the UBC Music department, went on to become a star with the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York City. Rolf Harris of ‘Tie Me Kangaroo Down’ fame and Shay Duffin, who went on to star on Broadway were others who played the Showboat. Mary Stewart who won an Olympic Gold Medal in swimming. Lynn Seymour who later starred in the London Royal Ballet and Maurice Pearson who became a regular on the Lawerance Welk Show were two more. 5. The Executive & Volunteers - 59 When Bert Emery started the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce in 1935, and shortly thereafter the Kitsilano Showboat, the executive consisted of only a handful of volunteers. Over the years the executive grew as volunteers came on board to lend a hand with what became an entertainment phenomena on the beach in Kitsilano. With 50 or 60 shows a season and betweeen 3000 and 4000 performers, someone had to run it! By the 50th anniversary of Showboat in 1985, the ranks of the volunteer executive had swollen to 50+ members in about ten sub-committees. The Leinbach family at one point had four of its family on the executive with a Leinbach in almost every sub-committee of the executive. Bea Leinbach starting in 1980 could be found on no less than five sub-committees, they were chairman, program director, program book, public relations and prizes. 6. Awards, Trophies and Letters - 63 Another result of the success of the Kitsilano Showboat was the establishment of the Kitsilano Good Citizenship Award. In 1950, Don Brown, M.L.A. and former Parks Commissioner presented a beautiful trophy to the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce to be handed out each year to a most outstanding citizen of Kitsiilano. The first recipient was Bert Emery, Chairman of Showboat in 1950. The second was George Wainborn, Deputy Chairman of Showboat in 1951. Other recipients have included Major J. Matthews, Arthur Delamont and Bea Leinbach. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s the Showboat Book (Souvenir program) contained letters of congratulations sent by Prime Ministers of Canada, Premiers of BC and Mayors of Vancouver, as well as from Members of Parliament for Vancouver, the Honourable Grace McCarthy, Pat Carney annd Kim Campbell. 7. The Kitsilano Community Concert Party - 65 In the beginning, the Kitsilano Community Concert Party was headed by Bea Leinbach. It was a way of keeping the spirit of community involvement and Showboat alive during the rest of the year. The best of the best performers from each season were selected to go out to hosptals, nursing homes, disabled veterans and the blind to entertain those less fortunate. As a result, other communities developed there own concert parties, Victoria Drive, Sunset, Grandview, Capitol Hill and South Cambie. The Kits Concert Party even made trips to other parts of BC such as to Saltspring Island in 1981 to visit a nursing home in Ganges. The various concert parties would appear on stage at the Showboat during the summer months and they did a lot to sponsor community pride in each neighborhood.
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT ~ 7
8. Folkfest - 69 Folkfest was the largest and most spectacular multicultural event in the history of Vancouver and British Columbia. It was held every June from the 2nd until the 6th of July and Vancouver was in a state of celebration everywhere. On the Showboat stage various multi-cutural entertaining groups performed including the India Arts Club of Surrey, Georgina’s Gypsies, the Strathcona Chinese Dancers, the Kalaya Dancers. Events were held around Vancouver in different locations, Granville Mall, Stanley Park, Capilano Stadium, Malkin Bowl and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Open House was held at various ethnic venues including St. Sava Serbian Church, Association of United Ukranian Canadians, Polish Friendship “Zgoda Society,” International House at UBC, Chinese Benevolent Association of Canada and the Vancouver Hungarian Cultural Society. The official opening was at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver and a Folkfest parade led to the Showboat on Canada Day
9. Remembering The Performers - Yesterday & Today - 72 Throughout the 75 year history of the Kitsilano Showboat some performers only performed once or twice but others came back year after year. After awhile they too became institutions carrying the spirit of Showboat back to their own communities. It would be impossible to remember them all but some still remain today such as the Stave Falls Scottish Dancers, the Paul Latta Polynesian Dancers, the Dolores Kirkwood Academy of Performance, The Kayala Dancers, Dance Express, Spotlight Dancers, the Polonez Polish Friendship Zgoda Society, Scandinavian Dancers, Josie DeBaat’s Polynesian Dancers, the Peggy Peate Academy of Dance, the Vancouver Firefighters’ Band, P&B Dance Unlimited, The Jessica Leung School of Classical Chinese Dance. 10. The Fiftieth Anniversary - 86 Showboat celebrated its 50th birthday in the most beautiful location in the world in 1985. There were over 100 different programs on the Showboat stage that summer. Programs from all over Greater Vancouver, including the North Shore, South Vancouver, Surrey and Coquitlam. There was the Victoria Drive Community Concert Party, the Rangerettes. Special events included the band No Fixed Address and a Polynesian Group of dancers. The Heritage Musical Theatre featured their presentation of ‘Vaudeville Varieties.’ It was Canada’s 118th birthday that summer and Showboats’ 50th and everyone came for a party. Showboat was as contemporary in 1985 as it was the day it opened in 1935 and included a bold fashion show from some of Vancouver’s top young designers. 11. Tributes To Great Vancouver Personalities - 104 Over the years the Showboat Program Book featured articles on Great Vancouver Personalities. These were people that made a difference in the everyday lives of Vancouverites. They were colorful characters as well. Life seemed to be a little better for all because they had been around. It is sad but sometimes we do not realize how important and valuable someones contribution to society has been until they are no longer with us. People like the ‘flamboyant restauranteur’ Frank Baker, ‘television pioneer’ Rai Purdy, ‘Showboat’s beloved’ Ted Gandy, and ‘Impresario‘ Hugh Pickett. Luckily, there was one whom we did know we were going to miss when he was gone and that was The ‘King of Kitsilano,’ band leader Arthur Delamont. He had a park named after him in Kitsilano at 7th & Arbutus while he was still living and he often said that it was for him the best tribute.
8- Barry Leinbach
12. The Show Goes On - 146 Barry Leinbach talks about what the future holds in store for the venerable Kitsilano Showboat and beachside entertainment in Kitsilano. Barry reflects on the old days and his mom, Bea Leinbach and other entertainment venues around Vancouver that have come and gone or that are struggling to survive. 13. Epilogue - 149 14. Appendix - 151 15. Index - 173
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT ~ 9
FOREWORD
JULIETTE, THE POLONEZ POLISH DANCERS, THE DELTA MUSIC MAKERS CONCERT BAND, MIMI HINES AND PHIL FORD, JUDITH FORST, ROLF HARRIS, LYNN SEYMOUR, ALAN YOUNG, ROYAL CANADIAN TWIRLETTES, THE KITSILANO BOYS’ BAND AND MANY REUNIONS THERE OF, JIMMY PATTISON, DAL RICHARDS ORCHESTRA, WHITE SPOT PIPE BAND, GILLIAN CAMPBELL. ACTS RANGING FROM A ZILLION TAP DANCERS, BALLET DANCERS, COUNTRY WESTERN SINGERS, CHOIRS, BATON TWIRLERS, JAZZ BANDS, MILITARY BANDS, CONCERT BANDS AND BIG BANDS, SING-A-LONGS, SCOTTISH NIGHTS, IRISH NIGHTS, HAWAIIAN NIGHTS, UNICYCLISTS, JUGGLERS, MAGICIANS, ACCORDION PLAYERS, VENTRILOQUISTS, FAN DANCERS, IMPERSONATORS AND CHURCH CHOIRS, GYMNASTS AND BARBERSHOP QUARTETS PEGGY MIDDLETON WHO CHANGED HER NAME TO YVONNE DE CARLO AND BECAME A STAR, HUGH PICKET, LEONTYNE PRICE, THE SFU PIPEBAND AND HUNDREDS MORE ACTS.......... Maybe thousands were all booked by Bea Leinbach to do a turn on the Kitsilano Showboat stage. Bea was the P.T. Barnum of Vancouver as she presented show after show throughout a zillion summer evenings. She was a wizard because no money was involved unless a benevolent sponsor was found to support the performers. And Bea often found one. The showboat began as the brainchild of a Kitsilano druggist by the name of Bert Emery. Bert was a civic minded promoter - and he made his neighbourhood of Kitsilano the benefactor of his promotional flair. In an effort to energize the community spirit of his neighbourhood Bert founded the Kitsilano Chamber of commerce in late January of 1935, and he became its first president. It was in this role that Bert promoted the building of the showboat at the edge of the huge Kitsilano Beach pool. It opened in 1936, the year Vancouver turned fifty. It was fifteen years later that Bea became involved….After she and her parents moved to Vancouver from Saskatchewan after world war II. She met Bert Emery in 1951, and from then until her retirement in 2008 her course as ‘Captain Bea,’ the consummate volunteer, was set. The Kitsilano Showboat offered kids and amateur entertainers an opportunity to perform in public and to hone their skills to the glorious sound of applause. The showboat had many supportive volunteers but I don’t think it could have
10 ~ Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce
survived without Bea’s guiding hand and strong leadership. Several committees existed to ensure the Showboat was on course and on an even keel but if they were examined, you would find that Bea was a member of most of them, if not the chairperson. She was the energizer bunny of the showboat from the get-go and she will, forever, have her mark on its heritage. On the many occasions when I played there I would no sooner have put my horn down in the dressing room before I would find Bea at my side asking, ‘Have you got a running order for me, Dal?” I usually announce my own programs but Bea would always want to know how she should introduce me and where it would be convenient to make her announcements about upcoming events and programs, thank sponsors, acknowledge special guests and take up the collection - always explaining where the money went. The money raised was meagre compared to the entertainment presented, by the way. After more than twenty-five years at the helm of the Kitsilano Showboat, Bea turned the ‘captaincy’ to her son Barry; he certainly has all the qualifications that befit the position, having grown up helping out at the showboat… and performing there many times as a member of Arthur Delamont’s famed Kitsilano Boys’ Band. Over the years Bea has received many letters of commendation from members of parliament, mayors, premiers, prime ministers and other dignitaries. She has also been honoured with many awards including the Vancouver outstanding citizen award and the Y.W.C.A.’s women of distinction award; and in 1998 she received our country’s most distinguished honour, the Order of Canada. I can’t help but think how much Bea would have loved to be part of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. She was the original enthusiastic and committed volunteer. And she was tenacious. I can’t help but imagine her convincing the park board to open it for its first and only winter season – and convincing city council to make the Kits Showboat another Vancouver live site. I also have a feeling she could have convinced Canadian olympic stars like Ashleigh Mcivor, Jon Montgomery, Alexandre Bilodeau and Joannie Rochette to pop by and take a few bows…even in the dead of winter. As we prepare to celebrate Vancouver’s 125th birthday in 2011 it is a great time to applaud Bert Emery for his vision, and Bea Leinbach for her many years of devotion to the Vancouver treasure that is the Kitsilano Showboat. It’s also important to thank Bea’s son Barry for continuing to keep the dream alive…and to thank author Christopher Best for recording its remarkable story. Enjoy the read.
DAL RICHARDS
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT ~ 11
PREFACE
This book capsulates the life of one of British Columbia’s outstanding citizens and the remarkable contribution she has made to her community and to Canada. Bea Leinbach’s name is synonymous with SHOWBOAT, and in that context, in show business nomenclature, she is a star! Her tenacity and hard work with the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce, and the many individuals, musical presenters and organizations was key to the success of SHOWBOAT in our City of Vancouver. Bea fell in love with the outdoor theatre at Kitsilano Beach 66 years ago and was in charge of recruiting talent for 55 years. To this day, her interest and loyalty to this community gem never wavers. She loved working with the youngsters who were given their first stage appearance. She enjoyed the team of volunteers who loved working with her to present the early evening shows every summer. Each day she was interviewed by a local radio station about 8 A.M., and we would hear her tell the announcer of the “really great show” we could enjoy that evening. SHOWBOAT never became tiresome or outdated, and it was always free of charge with a donation given at the end of the performance by passing around the hat. Children and adults flocked to the theatre all summer, and many many tourists found this very special place overlooking the water, to enjoy a very happy evening.
12- The Order of Canada
With so much energy expended in all those years with SHOWBOAT, it is amazing that her commitment to the community and her organizational skills accomplished even more as you will find as you journey through these pages. Significant awards and citations including Provincial, National and Civic presentations were earned by Bea’s volunteer service. For all her work as chair of several organizations and her devotion to improving the lives of all those she met along the way, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada, our Nation’s highest and most prestigious honour. Bea began her exceptional life in a day when most women stayed home. Few sought careers or were given places of responsibility on boards of directors or in business. It was a man’s world and she was among the few whose very actions spoke of equal opportunity. How did she do it all? Balancing an unbelievable schedule of volunteer service along with raising her successful family is Bea’s ultimate achievement. Her children and grandchildren are just like Bea: accomplished and focused. By the time you finish this real life account of Bea’s life, you will be filled with awe. She used every day doing good for others. Our Province of British Columbia, our City of Vancouver and our Country of Canada have all benefitted from her devoted service.
GRACE M. MCCARTHY, O.C., O.B.C., LL.D., D.TECH., F.R.A.I.C. (Hon.) June, 2010
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT ~ 13
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Kitsilano Showboat Society is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide a gathering place for the public to enjoy a summer of free variety programs. This has been our goal since Bert Emery started Showboat in 1935 and remains so to this day. Each year we put on about 35 evenings of entertainment including over 100 acts and a cast of thousands. Since Showboat is situated in the heart of Kitsilano Park, it is the Societies responsibility to maintain the overall operation and upkeep of the stage, dressing rooms, sound systems and other equipment. This comprises the majority of our expenses since all members, as well as the performers, contribute their time and effort on a volunteer basis. Ongoing fundraising continues to be a challenge for us as it is for all nonprofit groups to gain a foothold in the ever changing economic climate. We would find it very difficult indeed to meet our mandate of free summer entertainment without the generous support of Board of Parks, The Jim Pattison Foundation, Heritage Canada, the Gaming fund, the Student program and you, our audience. After the Showboat closes its two-month run during the summer months we focus our attention on our winter programs. The Societies activities consist of various outreach projects, such as performances and gifts for seniors in care facilities, shut-ins, hospitals, and so on. Such programs have only been possible with your contributions and donations. In December, dedicated Showboat volunteers package our “goodie bags.” These goodie bags contain oranges, candy, cookies, Lifesavers, packages of raisins, etc. that volunteers distribute to nursing homes and other charitable organizations within the community. In addition, we also put on short variety programs for those unable to get out to the Showboat. The winter program has been an annual event since 1935. The Showboat Society also contributes to the CKNW Orphans Fund, the Kits Peace Tree at the south end of the Burrard Bridge and the Engine 374 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. All of us at the Showboat would like to take this opportunity to thank all the contributors for their generosity. Your donations have enabled us to operate Showboat on a volunteer basis, as well as to carry out our winter program. The Kitsilano Showboat Society is a member of Tourism Vancouver, The Greater Vancouver Convention and Visitors Bureau and abides by the Member Code of Ethics. I would like to thank my friend Dal Richards for writing the foreword to this book and my friend Grace McCarthy for writing the preface. I hope that you will get to know and love the performers and volunteers whose names appear on the pages of this anniversary book as you read through. Without their special talents and contributions Showboat would not have been possible. I would specially like to thank my family for their help and support over the years. The reins are now passed to the next generation to carry on the good works of the Showboat Society, We all wish Barry well as the newly elected president and for the future of Showboat. Bea “Captain Bea” Leinbach CM
14 ~ The Audience
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT ~ 15
16 ~ Bert Emery
THE MIRACLE OF ONE MAN’S DREAM ~ 17
THE MIRACLE OF ONE MAN’S DREAM
c1927 Kitsilano Beach before Showboat
On a cold bone-chilling January day a native of Victoria stood on the golden sand at Kitsilano beach absorbed by the beauty of the snow capped mountains. He was fascinated by several small boats which were anchored along the beach but obviously abandoned by their summer owners. He watched as they took an unmerciful battering from the turbulent whitecaps. In due course he glanced at his watch, turned up the collar of his trench coat and facing the whipping wind made his way back to his drug store on Broadway at Arbutus. This was at the height of the great depression in 1935. As he walked along he wondered if there wasn’t a striking parallel between the brave people of Kitsilano as they fought their problems and the struggle of the little boats against the cruel sea. As he entered the store his apprentice said, “Here is your mail, Mr. Emery, I noticed one letter is marked urgent.” Bert Emery gave the mail a cursory glance and like most businessmen of that era he set aside the windowed letters making a mental note which ones would get priority payment later in the day. The urgent letter was from the new Editor of the Kitsilano Times, Mr. K. Rex Werts, recently appointed to the position by publisher Lorne Browne. Werts was anxious to have Emery write a guest editorial for their weekly paper. With dispatch, Emery took pen in hand and was about to begin writing when he noticed a familiar patron coming into the store. He waited for her prescription but innately knew what the doctor had ordered. He noticed her patched yet neat summer-weight coat, knowing that the garment would provide little protection from the chilly January wind. As he handed the medication to her, “How is your husband?” he asked. “There is very little change. Mr. Emery.” She looked him in the eye and said, “We will pay this bill as soon as we can.” “That,” said Emery, “is the least of my worries, give your husband my regards and tell him I hope he will be better real soon.” As she walked out he sensed her spirits were down as were the spirits of most people living in Kitsilano during that era of the depression.
18 ~ Peggy Yvonne Middleton
Emery then finished the guest editorial, looked over the bills and decided to see the banker down the street. He walked into the empty bank and straight to the manager’s office, both men knew the routine. He would pay a portion of the account, renew and make arrangements to have all cheques honored. Both men then settled back for a friendly chat. “Say” said Bert, “I just wrote a guest editorial for the Times and although this slump is grim we must do something to rekindle the community spirit in Kitsilano.” “I agree, but that’s a tall order, what can we do?”asked the banker. “Well”, said Emery, “In the upcoming editorial I wrote for the Times you will read that I have decided to organize the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce. You have endorsed the idea and along with several others you will serve as a founding member.” “Well thanks, Bert, for letting me know.” As Bert walked back to his store from the bank little did he realize that the decision to form the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce would lead to a project that would become internationally famous and the first of its kind in the world. Unbelievable as it may seem this project about to unfold would have a beginning influence on many future famous people including a then one year old Point Grey resident who was allegedly abandoned by her father. She and her seventeen year old mother lived in a $5.00 per month rented room and survived on relief. This small tot would one day rub shoulders with Howard Hughes, Ali Khan, the Prince of Persia, the Shah of Iran’s brother, Alec Guiness and Cecil B.DeMille. This little tot then known as Peggy Yvonne Middleton was later to be known as Yvonne De Carlo. In late January, 1935 the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce was officially chartered and Bert Emery became its first president. Two years later in 1937, his editor friend of the Times who had requested the guest editorial which resulted in the formation of the chamber of commerce succeeded Bert as the President of the Kitsilano organization. During the inaugural year the Chamber undertook a series of events designed to attract the public. For openers they featured the popular and prestigious Arthur Delamont and his Kitsilano Boys’ Band; there was a swimming program in the Park’s pool; acrobats and many other super performances designed for everyone. Bleachers were erected and a band concert played on the picnic grounds which proved to be very popular. Another unique project included an 18 mile tour of Kitsilano terminating at the beach site. There entertainment could be enjoyed free of charge by thousands of eager spectators. The Kitsilano Yacht Club staged a water carnival and many illuminated yachts were anchored off English Bay, their lights were lanterns donated by the Chinese merchants. In the evening when the stage show was about to take place, the ingenuity of one of the founders - Norval Chester was brought into play. Because there were no electric hook-ups all members of the Chamber of Commerce were directed by Chester to position their cars in order to provide the neon light effects for the show. In a 1981 interview with Mr. Chester who was 84 years of age, he explained that the next phase of their stage lighting was different. “I noticed a power pole behind the stage so I hooked into it and for the next four years we had free lights - until someone let the fuse out of the bag to the B.C. Electric. A meter was then quickly installed. For dressing rooms in those days the girls used piano boxes.” Mr. Chester was the chief electrician for the shows for over a period of 35 years. He was also one of the original members of the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce. That night, after the interview- Mr. Chester was off to a meeting.
THE MIRACLE OF ONE MAN’S DREAM ~ 19
Bert Emery
SECTION OF FLOOR - KITSILANO TEMPORARY STAGE, Photo Taken - 7:00 a.m. Left to Right: Jack Anderson, Bert Emery, Charlie Nunn, Bill Bailey, Earle Dunsmuir
Bert Emery had indeed discovered a winning formula, the community spirit of Kitsilano was once again on the up-beat and to the hard pressed residents of those discouraging depression days the free entertainment was a god-sent for many families. In 1936, Vancouver’s Golden Jubilee the flamboyant City Mayor Gerry McGeer personally appointed Emery to be Chairman of suburban group committees formed to provide entertainment in outlying sectors of the sprawling city. Bert immediately saw his opportunity and asked for an outside stage at Kitsilano Beach as part of the celebration plans and was master of ceremonies that year. During the season a total of 53 programs were presented from the Kitsilano stage. The next year he talked the Chamber of Commerce into sponsoring General Motors Parade of Progress, then on tour from Chicago’s World Fair. At Kitsilano, attendance records were shattered when 6000 people came the first hour, 25,000 the first day.The parks board authorized construction of a new stage for the community entertainment. Materials were donated by a volunteer group of business and professional people who went down to the beach at 5:30 a.m. - before going to their offices, again after work in the evening to prepare the stage and lay the floor. Emery was a great believer in encouraging amateurs to go on stage before a large audience. He believed “Once you faced such an audience you’ve gained confidence which makes other appearances easier.” On the impending Royal Visit in 1939, Emery again talked KCC into going out on a limb to stage a $10,000 show. The organization had a paltry $100 in its treasury. He got military forces to march to the beach, got the RCAF to stage a spectacular flying display; the Navy dispatched four destroyers from Esquimalt. They anchored off the beach, and when night closed in were an impressive sight outlined in lights from masthead to waterline.
20 ~ Betty Ryder
The popularity of the seaside entertainment rapidly spread and drew crowds of up to 15,000 - notwithstanding the fact that seating capacity was limited to 2000. They were all happy to stand or to sit on the grass. Emery had to put in a private phone at his store on West Broadway. He was losing business because has store line was busy answering calls of people wanting to know what was on the next show and budding performers kept phoning, wanting to get on stage. Emery gave them all a chance and since then some of the performers have risen to professional status. Betty Ryder got her start at Kitsilano, later graduating to Theatre Under the Stars and then to an important role in New York. Benny Ross, popular boy soprano at Kitsilano 15 years ago, became a star in London, England. Fran Dowie was a favorite with the beach audiences. During the war he organized and headed the RCAF show which toured Europe. Other performers, the Tittmuss Trio, and Ray and Ronnie Mercier toured Pacific Northwest Vaudeville circuits. Ten-year-old Darlene Devenny got a contract in Hollywood for a movie and bits on TV, and other juvenile entertainers at Kitsilano have appeared on Seattle, Tacoma and Bellingham TV shows. In 1948 a permanent concrete garden theme was erected with the potted shrubs and hanging flower baskets borrowed from the Park’s Board. The parade of amateurs through the years accelerated as did the public’s enthusiasm and support for this spectacular seaside entertainment. Bert Emery was a restless man and although he was thrilled and satisfied with the success of his project so far; nonetheless he felt there was still a missing ingredient to make these shows even more spectacular. He searched and searched for the answer. Then one night he had a dream. He dreamed of the legendary Mississippi River Showboat beside the sea that would never leave its mooring. Those travelling craft had such a lustreful history behind them, an inspiring history that would impart to his performers that artistic atmosphere and perhaps capture the very best that was in them. And so it was that he set out to re-design the “garden theme stage and convert it into showboat.” One of his main cohorts in the design process was his old friend Norval Chester. In 1952 on June 2nd, Showboat was officially launched with a colorful procession of costumed children marching to the beach in costume. It was the annual Kiddies Parade another idea of Emery’s, started in 1937. And every year since Showboat provides free community entertainment thrice weekly and is still the only project of its kind in North America - and probably the world. None of the performers receives pay; none of the helpers handling the crowds, arranging the show gets a cent. (continued on page 171)
c1945 A Junior Orchetra on the Showboat stage.
THE MIRACLE OF ONE MAN’S DREAM ~ 21
Showboat 1936
ABOVE: 1936 The first entertainment stage at Kitsilano Beach. BELOW: 1931 Building of Kitsilano Pool
22 ~ Miss Margery Wilson
THE MISS KITSILANO CONTEST Bert Emery’s Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce not only started the Kitsilano Showboat but a wealth of other venues to help develop community spirit in the citizens of Kitsilano. One was the Kiddies Parade first begun way back in 1937 when then a two block parade made its way down Cornwall to the seaside. Another was the Kitsilano Good Citizenship Award and later the Kitsilano Community Concert Party. But the most colorful of all had to be the Miss Kitsilano Contest started in 1936. The very first Kitsilano Queen, as they were called in those days, was Miss Margery Wilson, crowned on Kitsilano Day, August 5, 1936. It is unknown who the other Queens were up to 1949 but from then on the winners were Dolyce Smith, J. Sutherland, Jerry Millard, Dorothy Hall, Althea Carmichael, Muriel Waine, Louise Blanchard, Anne Clifford, Marlene Rae, Sylvia Krull, Carolyn Hopkins, Judy Joyce, Donna Davidson, Jasmine Dexter, Penny McKoski, Gloria Bondoreff. Miss Kitsilano of 1965 was Beverly Heuchert. Beverly was already an accomplished dancer, singer and the captain of the BC Lion’s Cheerleaders. She went on to tour BC in “Romeo and Juliet,” a Vancouver Playhouse Production. She was in the UBC production of “Bells Are Ringing” and after the summer of 1965 planned to study with the Ballet BC Summer School. The 1966 Miss Kitsilano was Betty Robertson, originally from Prince George and in 1967 it was Ingala Baylow a graduate of Kitsilano High School. Miss Kitsilano 1968 was Kouka Tilbrook. Miss Kitsilano 1969 was Lorill Keith. She was later crowned Miss Vancouver. The Miss Kitsilano pageant offered the winner the opportunity to travel extensively during the year of her reign, representing Kitsilano across Canada and BC. The 1970 Miss Kitsilano was a native of Derbyshire, England, Elizabeth Eichel. Vancouver was the first stop on a trip after graduating from school in Derbyshire. She stayed much longer than she had anticipated and while here, worked at General Hospital. Sharon Hansen 1970, Colleen Bratus 1971, Lynn Primeau 1972, Lorraine Marshall 1973, and Margaret Parton 1980.
THE MISS KITSILANO CONTEST ~ 23
24 ~ George Wainborn
THE KIDDIES PARADE Showboat was involved in a lot of community activities, the Kitsilano Community Concert Party, Goody Bags for shut-ins and the Kiddies Parade. The Kiddies Parade was started in 1937 by Bert Emery and George Wainborn. The Coca Cola Company was involved as well. The Kiddies Parade ran along Cornwall Street, one block west of Burrard where the Coca Cola plant used to stand. They would start on the north side of the street and parade down Cornwall to Showboat. It was just children. There were different categories, ‘best decorated bicycle, best decorated wagon, best costume.’ There were no marching bands or floats, just children. It was a model for other communities. Marpole had one for a while but it didn’t last very long. The Kitsilano parade lasted into the eighties. It was really marvelous to see all the decorated bicycles and wagons and clowns moving along towards Showboat where they awarded the prizes. At Showboat you sat in the audience holding your bike until you heard your name called. You would get either a first, second or third in your category. It was a big deal for the community. The parade was at least two or three blocks long with a police escort. Showboat did a lot for the youth of Vancouver. It offered kids a place to perform in a real performing environment. Barry Leinbach told me, “ I remember one year my dad and I decorated my bike as a gondola for the Kiddies Parade. Crepe paper was big in those days. There were flowers on it. Afterwards we would ride our bike around the neighborhood for two weeks until all the flowers fell off.” “I remember there would be dogs in the parade and a prize for the Best Decorated Dog. It offered anything that would appeal to a child. It was a special day. And I cannot ever remember it raining on that day.” Bea Leinbach often said, “It’s all for the kids, you have to offer something for the kids at an early age. I do not know of any kids who performed at Showboat who ever became bad kids. After school everyone went to their singing or dancing lesson. They all had focus and discipline. If you were scheduled to be a part of the Showboat experience whether it was in the Kiddies Parade, Concert Party or Showboat, it was a big deal. Your whole family came down to see you, your mom and dad, your cousins. You have to have things for the kids to participate in so they do not hang around on the street corner.” Showboat is still a big deal! It was the real thing just like the Orpheum or the Pantages. There was and is a lot of talent in Vancouver. Some of the kids in the Kiddies Parade would have gone on to perform on the Showboat stage. If you had 70 to 90 kids in the Kiddies Parade, then when you arrived at Showboat with all their relatives, you had a big crowd. The Kiddies Parade was usually held around the 14th or 15th of June on a Saturday. We are not sure exactly when the Kiddies parade ended, it just ended a natural death as things often do. RIGHT: 1955 Kiddies Parade with Barry Leinbach on his bicycle, centre left
THE KIDDIES PARADE `~ 25
Showboat 1948
c1948
26 ~ Kim Campbell
A REMARKABLE WOMAN
The term “remarkable woman” cannot fully describe Bea Leinbach. Always helpful, always ready to support and encourage others, Mrs. Leinbach is the wonderful mother of three very lucky children and an active member of the Kitsilano Community. Her desire to help others reflected in the Indian name she was given at a ceremony at the PNE, “Leus Skwalwen,” which means “Kind at heart.” Kind at heart she is indeed. Asked what description best applies to their mother, Bea’s children would immediately respond, “She is always there to help.” But perhaps the most revealing name of this lady is “Mrs. Kitsilano.” Bea has been an integral part of Kitsilano ever since she arrived here in 1944. Soon after her arrival, she was involved with the campaign to raise funds to build the Kitsilano Community Centre, which later opened in 1949, and she is still active there as a member at large. At that time as well, Bea worked on the Kitsilano Summer Beach entertainment with the founder, the late Bert Emery, which in 1954, the stage on the edge of the pool, became known as Kitsilano Showboat. Bea’s involvement was no small affair. She is responsible for almost single-handedly raising the Showboat to its present status. She volunteered long hours and much effort to ensure that the events planned
Bea at the PNE
by the Committee were to encourage community involvement to enhance the warmth and beauty of this lovely neighborhood. Today, the tradition continues. The Kitsilano Showboat Society not only seeks to enhance this community, but also strives to foster the appreciation of pride in Canada’s multicultural traditions. After years of hard work, Bea Leinbach is right in the heart of this project, serving the Community as President of the Showboat Society. Through the Showboat, Bea tries to
meet and work with all members of the Kitsilano community. That she is an Honorary Life member of the Kitsilano Community Centre is proof of the valuable role she plays in this neigh-borhood. In 1967, she was given the Good Citizen Award by the Kitsilano Community, and in 1976, the Native Sons of Vancouver honored Mrs. Leinbach with the Vancouver Outstanding Citizen Award. She also received the 1980 Year of the Child Award, presented to her by the Honorable Grace McCarthy. There are so many organizations to which Bea belongs that it is impossible to list them all here. She has worked with the Vancouver Pioneers, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. When the “Meals on Wheels” pilot project began in 1967, Bea was a part of it. The internationally acclaimed Kitsilano Boys’ Band is proud to say that she once served as President of the Women’s Auxiliary for the Band. When she is not busy with her volunteer work, Bea Leinbach takes pleasure in fishing and carpentry, especially helping others with home renovations and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
A REMARKABLE WOMAN `~ 27
But her first and greatest hobby is to help people and her community. Her list of credits reveals only in part the accomplishments of this wonderful lady, but there is no doubt that Bea Leinbach more than deserves the name “Mrs. Kitsilano.” In 1989, Bea went to Ottawa for the first time to receive a “National Citation for Citizenship” from the Honorable Kim Campbell, then MP Vancouver Centre and Minister of State for Indian Affairs & Northern Development. To show how far Showboat had reached into the lives of the everyday citizen of Vancouver, Ms. Campbell wrote on the back of the photo below, “To Bea with warmest congratulations. You are a terrific lady, from an “ex-Showboat Hoofer, Kim Campbell.” In 1991, Bea made a second trip to Ottawa. This time it was to receive that year’s Canada Volunteer Award. The award was established by Health and Welfare Canada to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers to improve the health and well-being of their fellow citizens. “I felt absolutely honored,” she said, “I think it is great to be recognized by your peers, who have taken the effort to name you for the award.” Even a partial list of her efforts includes more than most people would have the energy for: helping blind people to bowl, putting on programs for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the White Cane Association, working for the Meals on Wheels pilot project in 1967, being the BC Special Olympics volunteer chairman, organizing the Sea Festival Board and working at the Kitsilano Community Centre. Bea has been, on the Board of the Youville Residence Care Facility and the Officers Committee for the National Council of Women, Vice-President Provincial Council and Past President of the Vancouver Council. She has served on the executive of the Vancouver Pioneers’ Association. She has volunteered and done things for others without ever even mentioning it. Bea also received the Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 1988. This remarkable lady made a third trip to Ottawa in 1997 to receive the “Order of Canada.” I have just been blessed with having that extra energy to go that extra mile.” she explains.
Bea with Kim Campbell MP
28~ Boby Curtola
There are those who aren’t blessed with it and I’ve been able to spread that energy into working for others. The past is gone and we have to keep looking ahead and work toward the future. I’m proud of Vancouver and I want to see our city remain a beautiful place. I think anything you attempt to do it becomes a challenge, especially if you are an organizer,” she says. “It’s a challenge to get it completed.” She doesn’t view hospital work as a challenge because that involves giving freely of yourself. “It doesn’t matter what you do in the sense of helping others, it always comes back in one form or another. It’s been rewarding to have made a lot of friends and learned a lot.” She says. “Volunteering and life in general is a success story - you’re affected by the people you meet, by their gratefulness.” But what about Showboat? Showboat is the project that Bea has become most associated with over the years. As President, Bea has been in charge of recruiting and scheduling talent for the past 55 years. The line-up is mostly amateur groups, she says, with the occasional professional troupe. “ We are very pleased to have professional talent,” Bea says. “It’s a bonus for a non-profit society. Showboat theatre is a good training ground for local talent,” Bea adds. “It’s fascinating to watch the little kids, how polished they become when they stick with it.” The shows are also a good excuse to get out in the fresh air. “I tell people, even if you don’t like the show, just sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery and the activity on the water.” The Kitsilano Showboat Society was formed in 1987. It began life as Beachside Entertainment in 1935. The Showboat and community involvement are a part of Bea’s life. “The Showboat has been taking care of young people who are so, so important,” she says. “And it’s been good to me, especially when our children were young, they grew up with it. And when my husband died, it was like therapy for me. Every year I try to get variation into the program and have lots of ethnic groups perform. Our biggest problem is sometimes the weather but the smiles and enthusiasm on the faces of the performers more than makes up for it. It’s a great way for kids to get used to putting forth their talents on a big stage,” she says. “Once you cope with performing on the wide-open Showboat stage a couple of times, you gain the self-confidence needed to take on the professional theatres.” Bea is a little surprised to add up all the years she has been tending to Showboat. “Oh my goodness, have I been doing it that long?” But she remembers as if it were yesterday that her first experience with arranging talent for the show left her less than enthused. Originally,” she recalls, “I didn’t even go down to see the show I was producing. My mother asked me why and I said, “Showboat is just for seniors. If it works for them, I’m happy. It wasn’t long after that,” she recalls, “that I realized this is a family affair for everyone from babies to seniors. This is what true community values are all Boby Curtola and Bea about.” After almost a half a century, Bea admits to thinking about hanging up her straw boater but not before herding gaggles of tiny dancers toward their moment in the spotlight, and urging swimmers at the adjacent Kits pool not to splash water on performers waiting backstage. “As I said, I was a little reluctant to get involved with the Showboat in the beginning. I thought it was a little hokey and geared for seniors. But the entertainment has improved so much over the years. I get calls from local bands who want to play. We have all sorts of different cultural performers and regulars who keep coming back like Klondike Kate (Con’t. on page 171).
A REMARKABLE WOMAN `~ 29
The Many Faces of ‘Bea’ Bea
30 ~ Garfield White
FAITHFUL SUPPORTERS OF SHOWBOAT Garfield White as Madame Olga Petrovich with Dave Denton, his Opera duet partner. “Everyone loves this act.... we often get standing ovations.� White was born in Crumlin, Wales in 1904 and moved to Canada at an early age. He worked as a passenger agent for the CPR until retiring in 1965. Since 1935, he had performed vaudeville at Vancouver theatres, hotels, hospitals and prisons. He entertained Canadian troops in Italy, France, Belgium and Holland during the Second World War and again in
FAITHFUL SUPPORTERS OF SHOWBOAT `~ 31
Showboat 1950s
Above: Rose Jay Left: Visini Dancers
Barry Leinbach
C1959 Darlene Leinbach
32 ~ Vancouver Elgar Choir
Korea during the Korean War. For many years after, he participated in the Frantic Follies in Dawson City. From 1929 until 1939 he was the Public Relations Manager for Arthur Delamont and his Vancouver Kitsilano Boys’ Band and accompanied the band to England on its 1934 tour. He is largely responsible for most of the wonderful promotion the band enjoyed throughout the 1930s in newspapers and on radio along with Mrs. Lillie Delamont they were instrumental in assembling the bands many scrap books of its early years, which have formed a large part of the resource material from which several books have been compiled on Arthur Delamont and his bands. (see www.warfleetpress.com) Since the 1940s White had been a fixture at the Vancouver Courthouse, attending major trials. He passed away in 1983. In 1982, Mr. White was asked by Bea Leinbach to talk about the early days of Showboat in their souvenir program. He said, “ I deem it a very great honor indeed to have been asked by Bea Leinbach, Chairman of the Kitsilano Showboat, to write a few personal anecdotes with regard to the early days of this great Kitsilano Showboat Complex, where I appeared on many occasions some decades ago, doing our comedy.” The Showboat is this year celebrating its 48th Anniversary, as the means of providing Entertainment for both young and old in the District, from all Communities in Vancouver and elsewhere. Everyone has the opportunity to, as often as possible, strut their stuff, including Bands, Choirs, Dance Groups, Variety acts, and the whole gamut of entertanment possible, many of whom appear as rank amateurs, and who in due course of time, become famous Professional Entertainers in their chosen field. It presents anyone the opportunity to present themselves, before a ‘live’ and large audience, 2000 and more, and to return again someday as a most proficient Professional Entertainer, many of whom are mentioned in these yearly Souvenir Programs. The name KITSILANO’ was derived from the name of the Chief of the Squamish Band of Native Indians when they lived in what is now known as Stanley Park. The chief’s name was August Jack KHATSAHLANO, and if you check the two spellings you will see the resemblance. The Chief in question was born in 1877 and passed away in 1967. Vancouver was founded in 1865 and Incorporated as a City in 1886, just 114 years ago, and look at the progress and growth of Vancouver and its environments today. In those early days the City was destroyed by fire, when the they were cutting and clearing brush. The famous Kitsilano Boys’ Band was founded in 1928 by Arthur W. Delamont, at the General Gordon School in Kitsilano. Arthur Delamont was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his outstanding achievements with his famous
FAITHFUL SUPPORTERS OF SHOWBOAT `~ 33
band, and taking it on so many jaunts around the world, which created much publicity for the District of Kitsilano. From 1931through 1974 the band achieved Championship Awards in Toronto, Chicago, England, San Francisco, New York, Brussels, Holland and other places, which included a number of trips overseas to Great Britain and Europe. He was also presented some years ago with the Vancouver Medal of Merit, and when he died in 1981, a Park in Kitsilano was named after him. I had the good fortune in 1934 of being asked by Arthur, to accompany him and his illustrious Kitsilano Boys’ Band, on its first trip by train and steamer to England, Scotland and Wales, the land of my birth near Cardiff. Likewise in 1936, I was invited to accompany the Vancouver Elgar Junior Choir, on their first overseas trip to Oslo, Norway, England, Scotland and Wales, by its founder and director the late Charles E. Findlater, LTCL, ATCM, ATSC, Accompanist Miss Donalda Cameron, LRSM, ATCM with the late Mrs. Findlater as Den Mother for the 26 girls and 3 boys. What an impression this band and choir made on the people overseas, with the resultant joy and appreciation of the Citizens of Vancouver, and Kitsilano in particular. They won honors and awards wherever they went. The Elgar Junior Choir appeared in Choir Competitions at the World’s Sunday School Convention for one whole week in Oslo, Norway and then back to England at Bournemouth-by-the-Sea, where this Junior Choir won in the adult competition, receiving the coveted Challenge Cup at the Music Festival Competitions in the Town Hall. For their competition in the National Welsh Eisteddfod, in Fishguard, South Wales, the Junior Choir before they left Vancouver, learned a couple of numbers in the Welsh language, from a Welshman living in this area Arthur Hughes Davies, and on the final night before 13,000 persons, the Elgar Junior Choir singing in Welsh was cheered on and on until they had to repeat the numbers several times. What a tribute that was for Charles Findlater, the Choir and the City of Vancouver, as word was flashed back to Canada. Both the Band and the Choir made many visits over seas, and were paid great homage by Music lovers everywhere they went. The reason I went along with each group was my position with the Canadian Pacific Railway Passenger Department to provide tourist sleepers for their numerous stopover points to give Concerts, which sleepers were converted into mess halls during the day for meals, by the porters in charge of the two cars, side-tracked at stopover points, to be picked up during the night by other passenger trains which I had to watch carefully, and also act as Master of Ceremonies at their concerts everywhere,
34~ Wayne & Shuster
and aboard the CPR’s ‘Empress’ liners across the Atlantic. As the tours continued in the years to come, overnight air flights were substituted instead. During the Second World war my presence in the army was requested, and after basic training in Wetaskiwin, and the long train and steamer trip in convoy, I eventually got into one of the Canadian Army Show Units, through the efforts of an old friend, some of you will remember Frank C. Anders of the Sunday Evening ‘Home Gas Hour of Music’ Shows on Radio in Vancouver, and who was in charge of providing Army Show personnel during the war in London, England. I must have done alright because I lasted through approximately 800 shows for Commonwealth troops, two shows a day, in England, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Germany. In 1953 Oct. and Nov. I was invited by the Director of Administration, Dept. of National Defense (Army) in Ottawa, to take a unit of six of us to do 60 shows in Japan and South Korea for Commonwealth troops. On our return to Vancouver, my good friends Johnny Wayne & Frank Shuster, of ‘Wayne & Shuster’ whom we met in England, were asked to follow us over to the far east, and nailed me down here as to what to expect on such a trip. They are two great guys and their Super Specials on CBC-TV are terrific. We have never forgotten the 100 or more shows we arranged at the former BC Penitentiary, Oakalla Prison farm, and Haney Correctional Institute, where the inmates eagerly looked forward to performers from the Kitsilano Showboat and other top-notch acts locally, and well-known artists visiting the city, who were always pleased to donate their services to go out to these Penal Institutions to entertain the men, boys and women inmates, who looked forward to our coming out to be with them. Doing something good for others has always been the motive of those in the Entertainment Field and God Will Remember Them. We also had numerous entertainers from the Kitsilano Showboat at our Sunday Evening Concert Series in the 40s at the New Veterans Branch 168 Canadian Legion, Burrard Street, which I had the pleasure of producing for three winters. With capacity seating of 1500 or so, we constantly had to turn hundreds away each Sunday, for these free-will offering donations for the Needy in our City which Branch 168 handled. We had no problem at all, just like Kitsilano Showboat, to get Variety Acts, Bands, Choirs etc. and the response was terrific. I have kept most of those programs and on looking back on them there was plenty of entertainment available for all. TV was in its infancy in those days and not everyone had a set, so that is why they set their paths to the Legion Hall just below Christ Church Cathedral on Burrard Street, which like many other buildings in the downtown core has been demolished for high rise office buildings. Before signing off, after 12 summer season appearances in the Yukon, with the ‘Gaslight Follies’ Palace Grand Theatre, Dawson City, produced by Fran Dowie and Ben Kopelow in Dawson City, and my ‘Guest Artist’ appearances with the Whitehorse ‘Frantic Follies,’ I have a long friendship with the Yukon, and for the past two years have written a column weekly in the Yukon News published Wednesdays in Whitehorse. It was therefore a pleasant surprise when some of the finest Can-Can Dancers and Artists came down from the Yukon to participate in the August 2-9 Folkfest week last summer at Robson Square, sponsored by Multicultualism Canada, in conjunction with the Government of BC, Canadian Folk Arts Council, Folkfest BC, Heritage Festival Society, and the City of Vancouver when Folkfest and Folklore artists came to do three shows a day, one on the outside stage at Robson Square, and one downstairs on the inside stage, with the various groups from across Canada appearing at the Kitsilano Showboat on the evening shows. I went out to the Kitsilano Showboat to see how the Yukoners do their very fast moving show, Can-Can dancers, variety acts, singers, etc. under the direction of Choreographer Debbie Winston, Singer-Commentator Jane Olynyk, both of Dawson City and Rosemary Silversteen; pianist and Violin soloist of Whitehorse. Stage entertainment is alive and well down this way, and up in the Yukon.
FAITHFUL SUPPORTERS OF SHOWBOAT `~ 35
ROBERT ‘RED’ ROBINSON Be sure to visit the Red Robinson was born in Comox BC, on March new ‘Red Robinson 30, 1937. His maternal grandfather was a pioneer Show Theatre’ in railroad man in BC. His grandfather was the first Coquitlam BC where engineer on the locomotive that built the railroad big name acts of on Vancouver Island. The train is on display at heritoday and yesterday tage Village in Burnaby. His grandfather’s name is still appear. For more carved on the firebox and the train is named after information go to him. It’s identified as Curly. His maternal grandwww.greatcanadianmother was the grand’daughter of Captain Folger. casinos.com Folger founded the Folger’s Coffee in the United States before the turn of the century. As a disc Jockey at Radio Station CJOR, Vancouver, in 1953, he was the first Deejay to program the new music on a regular basis in Canada, and the first Canadian Deejay to play Elvis Presley records. A few of his many accomplishments include: 1956 Winner of the Disc Jockey of the Northwest award from the Vancouver Province in an audience pool. 1957 M.C. of the Elvis Presley show at Empire Stadium, Vancouver BC, Canada 1964 M.C. of the Beatles Show at Empire Stadium, Vancouver, BC, Canada 1979 Broadcast Performer of the Year. Award from BC Ass. of Broadcasters. 1977/9 Director of BC Heart Foundation 1976/82 Host of the Regional Network of CBC Annual “Timmy’s Telethon Twelve awards from BC Lions Society for Crippled Children for helping to raise over $25 Million Dollars. As part of Expo 86, Red promoted ‘The Legends of Rock N Roll’ and presented forty-one of the best of the Rock N Roll giants at the Expo Theatre. This brought together most of the Hall of Fame stars.
Above Left: Record breaking crowds joining Red at Kitsilano, Showboat celebration in Vancouver, 1957 Above Right: Jiving at the Kitsilano Showboat
36~ Major Mathews
ARTHUR DELAMONT, BOY’S BAND LEADER NAMED KITSILANO’S OUTSTANDING CITIZEN MANY DIGNITARIES PRESENT AT SEASON’S SHOWBOAT FINALE John Taylor Comes From Ottawa Final night at Kitsilano Showboat was honored by the presence of many distinguished guests including federal, provincial and local officials. From Ottawa came John Taylor, M.P., Burrard. The Provincial Legislature was represented by Buda Brown, M.L.A. Representing city council were Mayor Alsbury, Aldermen Adams, Jamieson, Frederickson and Emery; School Board had five members present Mrs. New, Mrs, Quinnell, Mrs, McLean, Hoyme and Hayward, while the parks board was represented by Commissioners Wainborn and Donaldson. All spoke briefly at the reception in the Community Centre, where 125 participated in light refreshments arranged by Mrs. Bunny Parton, wife of KCC President Bill Parton, assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hilton and other members of the committee. Rose Jay sang a solo called ”Because.’ Community Queens and the Concert Party were special guests, together with Major Matthews, last year’s Kitsilano Good Citizen. c1960 Arthur W. Delamont, well known director of the world famous Kitsilano Boys’ Band was named 1960’s Outstanding Citizen of Kitsilano and presented with the Don Brown trophy at the final program at Showboat last Friday night. The presentation was made by Major J.S. Matthews, last year’s winner, in a very fine address in which he congratulated the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce on the arrangements for the ceremony and thanked Don and Buda Brown for donating the trophy 10 years ago for the annual competition. In his remarks, Major Matthews stated, “In a world where the propensity of human beings is to disagree, to quarrel and even to hate, it is stimulating and comforting to come here to the Kitsilano Showboat entertainment, where all is peace and harmony. Here we associate with men and women of kindliness and pleasurable feelings, and witness public recognition being given to those to whom we are indebted, and whose example teaches us how to live.” He then introduced former winners Ald. Bert Emery, Park Commissioner George Wainborn, Earle Dunsmuir, Buda Brown, MLA, Captain E. F. Thrussell, Mrs. J.D. Inkster, Norval Chester, Calvin Woods, W.H.Hilton and was then introduced as the winner himself in 1959, and this year’s chairman of the committee. He then returned the trophy to Buda Brown and asked her to make the presentation to this year’s winner, Arthur W. Delamont. Mrs. Brown presented Major Matthews with a small trophy depicting a man with outstretched arms on a pedestal, just like Major Matthews had demonstrated many times how Lord Stanley dedicated Stanley Park, and whose statue now stands at the park entrance, through the hard work of Major Matthews and the generosity of many community minded citizens. A complete record of the proceedings has been placed in a docket of Mr. Delamont at the city archives by Major Matthews, archivist.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES `~ 37
Showboat 1960
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1962 28th 29th
July
30th 2nd 4th 6th 9th 11th
13th 16th 18th
ABOVE: Bea Leinbach with some fans
June
9th 10th 11th 13th 15th 16th
18th 20th 22nd 23rd 25th 26th 27th
Opening Ceremonies. “All Indian Show” Grand Revue - Metropolitan Community Concert Parties Doris Walters School of Dance Burnaby Talentaires & Twirlette August Dance Studio Kitsilano Annual Kiddies Parade Maple Ridge Concert Party South Cambie Community Concert Party Violet Cameron School of Dancing Victoria Drive Communiity Concert Party Erin O’Daly Academy of Irish Dancing Deana Zinko & Her Entertainers Ella Gallaher School of Dancing Kitsilano Community Concert Party
20th 23rd 25th 27th 30th
1st
3rd 6th
8th 10th 13th 15th 17th 18th
Mary Isdale School of Dancing Collingwood Community Concert Party Evelyn Ward Academy of Dancing Evelyn Ward Academy of Dancing Sunset Community Concert Party Radio Station C-Fun Haney Woodmen Variety Show Ted Cawker Dance School Gypsy Ensemble: A Gerhardt-Olly, Conductor Radio Station CKNW Grandview Community Concert Party Capitol Hill Community Concert Party Radio Station CKLG Vincent & Hazel Dance & Theatre Studio Sunrise Community Concert Party Radio Station CHQM Variety Show Tony Camillo Show Annual Civic Night New Westminster Day, Featuring the New Westminster & District Boys & Girls Band Frank Scott’s Cavalcade of Laughs “The Show Stoppers”presented by West Point Grey Branch Royal Canadian Legion Variety Show Scottish Night St. Andrews & Caledonian Society Kaye Visini School of Dancing PNE Night, Variety Show arranged by Geneva Calangia Marge Berri School of Dancing Mary Alberts School of Dancing PNE Monster Parade
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 39
Showboat 1960-63
Visini Dancers
The Miller Bros
Officers of the Mexican Frigate California
40 ~ Reid Anderson
CELEBRITIES AND SHOWBOAT Phil Ford and Mimi Hines became an overnight sensation in 1958 when Jack Paar introduced them to the country on his late night network talk/variety show. After that, Phil and Mimi played in hotels and show rooms around the world: The Waldorf Plaza, Copa and Americana in New York, The Palladium and Talk of the Town in London,; The Coconut Grove in Los Angeles; The Shamrock in Houston Vancouver mezzo soprano Judith Forst studied piano and voice locally and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from UBC. She began her career in Vancouver with the Opera Association, and joined the Metropolitan Opera Association winning the Metropolitan Opera Auditions. During her teenage years she sang throughout BC with Geneva Calangis and many of these concerts were at the Kitsilano Showboat. In later years Miss Forst lived in Port Moody with her husband Dr. Graham Forst, an Instructor at Capilano College and her children, Noel and Paula. CHIEF DAN GEORGE and his family were the only group of its kind in North America for many years. In 1962, the little band had been performing for 12 years. They played for patients in the Marpole Infirmary, Shaughnessy Hospital and so forth. Although they appeared on TV and toured BC, they preferred to do charity shows which they enjoyed. They even put on a performance in Palm Springs, California which was for charity. The group consisted of Chief Dan George, his two sons, Robert and Leonard, two daughters, Irene and Marie and Louie Joseph from the west coast of Vancouver Island, who joined the group in 1961. Two nephews have left the group one to get married; Paul and one just retired, Art. Another daughter, Anne, also left because of marriage. The mother Mrs. Dan George also took part in the band, playing the mandolin, but she had to retire in order to devote more time to the organizational duties of the group.
REID ANDERSON Reid is lead soloist with the Stuttgart Ballet Company of Germany where he has had roles created for him by the famous John Cranko, Kenneth McMillan and John Newmeire.It is said that “Reid’s’ career has been marked by discipline, reliability and uncompromising devotion to the artistic intentions of the choreographers he works with - qualities that have enabled him to become a leading dancer in a short time.”
SUSAN & REID ANDERSON
Susan & Reid Anderson were always loudly applauded by SHOWBOAT audiences for their variety of dances ballet, tap, musical comedy and the favourite Viennese Waltz.
CELEBRITIES & SHOWBOAT`~ 41
Mimi Hines & Phil Ford
C1959
42~ Juliette
Attesting to the fantastic success of SHOWBOAT are many professionals who have had their first beginnings there as the thousands who still cherish the memories of performing before Showboat audiences. Among some of the many are: Yvonne De Carlo - famous Hollywood Actress, who played in Scarlet Angel with Rock Hudson, in Hotel Sahara with Peter Ustinov, in Captain’s Table with Alec Guiness and played the wife of Moses in the Cecil B.De Mille film “Moses.” It has been said that Paramount used her to keep Dorothy Lamour in line. Harry Mossfield and Rolf Harris natives of Australia made their North American debut on the Showboat stage. Harry Mossfield was known for his rich baritone voice on CBC as well as for performances in Gilbert and Sullivan which took him on National and International tours. Rolf Harris is a well known singer whose famous rendition of “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport” was legendary. Shay Duffin - a one man show who later appeared at the off Broadway Abbey Theatre, New York. He enthralled people with his imitation of the famous Irish actor Brendan Behan on stage. He earned high acclaim from New York critics. Judith Forst of Coquitlam who appeared on Showboat and later became a Mezzo-Soprano star with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and continued to perform before theatre audiences in that city. Betty Thom later became a member of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, in New York City. Lynn Seymour, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E.V. Springbett of Vancouver whose outstanding performances with the Royal Ballet captured the hearts and imagination of London ballet critics. Alan Young later became a local radio man and went on and upward to become a television star as the Master of Mr. Ed, the talking horse. Maurice Pearson later became a top performer on the Lawerance Welk T.V. program in Los Angeles. Mimi Hines who was born in Vancouver and made her appearances at the Kitsilano Showboat where she was introduced by Bert Emery went on to become a top comedienne with a vigorous singing voice and with her husband Phil Ford had one of the top comedy acts in the USA. Mimi and Phil have made sentimental yearly visits to Vancouver in spite of their many commitments.1960 was a banner homecoming for them when a motorcade took them from the Airport to City Hall where they signed the Visitors book and Mayor Tom Alsbury attended their opening night at the Cave. Following the opening they returned to the Kitsilano Showboat where 20,000 people had gathered on the beach to welcome Mimi home. Juliette a frequent Showboat guest in her early years and at age 16 she was the star of the CBC radio show - here’s Juliette, and the next two years she was the featured performer on the Billy O’Connor Show. Juliette is remembered by many who watched her on Showboat, and then she went on to perform as the star of her own Juliette Show which appeared after the Saturday night hockey games from 1956 to 1966. Canadians were infuriated when CBC cancelled her shows. She came back in 1974 -1976 with an afternoon talk and song show called ‘Juliette and Friends.’ She was a regular on the panel ‘It’s Your Choice,’ in 1975-76. Although Juliette had American offers she chose to remain in Canada. In the fall of 1982, Canadians were again favored with a Juliette super special. The National Band of the Naval Reserve, this Band is the most unique unit of its kind in Canada, the Commonwealth, and likely, the entire world. That’s because the founding members of the 30 piece band served in either the Royal Canadian Navy, or Canada’s Merchant Marine, during World War Two. This included escort duty in the Battle of the Atlantic, protecting the vital convoys of foodstuffs, personnel and materials that were Britain’s lifeline. One of the most popular performers over the years at the Showboat has been Gillian Campbell, a much loved Vancouver entertainer who has won the hearts and minds of both locals and tourists from all over the world. Gillian has performed her British Music Hall songs for thousands of delighted fans, including Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and Princess Margaret.
CELEBRITIES & SHOWBOAT`~ 43
Norad Band
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1965 June
4th 7th
9th 11th 14th
16th 18th
19th 21st 23rd 24th 26th 27th
28th 30th July
1st 2nd 3rd 5th 7th
Mary Alberts School of Dancing Gloria Code’s Twirlette’s “Show Stoppers,” West Point Grey Legion The Salvation Army Temple Musical Deanna Zinko Fantasy of Baton Twirling North Shore Neighborhood House Group Ada Knapp School of Dancing Variety Show Victoria Drive Community Concert Party Directors- Mr. & Mrs. R. Johnstone Kitsilano Annual Kiddies Parade Ella Gallaher School of Dancing Dadye Rutherford School of August Dramatics Third Annual Vancouver Sea Festival Opening -Variety Night Kitsilano Community Concert P. Director- Mrs. Bea Leinbach Vancouver Sea Festival Closing Trophies Presente Finishing Ceremonies Collingwood Community Concert Party, Mrs. S Tulloch Evelyn Ward Academy of Dancing “Canada Night” Evelyn Ward Academy of Dancing “European Night” “Oriental Night” “American Night” arr. by Ted Sept. Cawker Vi Cameron School of Dancing Sunset Community Concert P.
9th 12th 14th 16th 19th
21st 23rd 26th
28th 30th 31st 2nd
4th 6th
9th 11th 13th 16th 18th 20th 21st 4th
Radio Station CKNW Grandview Community Concert Party Dir. Mrs. Alice Carr Mary Isdale School of Dancing Radio C-Fun Night Jaye Rogers School of Dancing Square Dancing arranged by Pat Johnston Capitol Hill Concert Party, Dir. Mr. M. Perrett Radio Station CKLG “Lions Gate Chapter” - Sweet Adelines Erin O’Daly Academy of Irish Dancing Sunrise C. Concert Party. Dir. Mrs. Della Cattell Marge Berri School of Dancing Railway Museum Night Grace MacDonald School of Dancing Drum & Bugle Corps Scottish Night Kirkwood Academy of Dancing Vancouver Thunderbird Chapter of the S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. Canadian Folk Society Blind Drive & Concert by the Burrard Lions Club “Civic Night” Show arranged by Gimini Dance Studio South Cambie Concert Party, Dir. G. Harrison Shrine PNE Night Kaye Visini School of Dancing PNE Parade starts.......... Showboat Show at PNE Outdoor Theatre
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 45
Showboat 1965
Above: Ray Leinbach & friends
Above: The Centaurs
Below:Visini Dancers Below right and left: Jason Hoover & the Epics
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1966 June
3rd
6th 8th 10th 13th
15th 17th 18th 19th 20th
21st 23rd 24th
25th 26th 27th
July
29th 30th 1st 2nd 4th
Official Opening Ceremonies by Lt. Gov. George Pearkes V.C. Variety Show “Lions Gate Chapter” Sweet Adelines Gloria Code’s Twirlettes Vi Moore School of Irish Dancing Mary Isdale School of Dancing Variety Show, arr. by Bea Leinbach Jaye Rogers School of Dancing “Show Stoppers” West Point Grey Legion 142 Deanna Zinko White Fantasy of Baton Twirling Vi Cameron School of Dancing Annual Kitsilano Kiddies Day Parade Fourth Annual Sea Festival Kirkwood School of Dancing August Square Dancing arr. by Pat Johnston Salvation Army Temple Musicale Canadian Folk Society Kitsilano Community Concert Party Dir. Bea Leinbach Victoria Community Concert Party, Dir. Mr. & Mrs. R. Johnstone Variety Show 4th Annual Van Sea Festival Close Collingwood Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Barker Mary Alberts School of Dancing Evelyne Ward School of Dancing Sept. “Canada Night” Evelyn Ward School of Dancing “Oriental Night” “American Night” arr. T. Cawker
5th 6th 8th 11th 13th 15th 16th 18th 20th 22nd 25th 27th 29th 1st 3rd 5th 8th 10th 12th 15th 17th 19th 20th 3rd
“European Night” Canadian Folk Society Sunset Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. G. Allen Radio Station CKNW Marge Berri School of Dancing Sunrise Community Concert Party Dir. Adele Cattell Radio Station C-Fun Vancouver Railway Museum Night Chairman Mr. Bert Emery Grandview Community Concert Party, Dir. Alice Carr Ella Gallaher School of Dancing Variety Show Capitol Hill Community Concert Party, Dir. Mr. M. Perrett Blind Drive & Concert by the Burrard Lions Club Frank Scotts Laugh Varieties Canadian Folk Society “Scottish Night”, St. Andrews & Caledonian Society “A Nite of Irish” arr by Erin O’Daly Academy of Irish Dancing Variety Show “Shrine PNE Night” “Civic Night” arr. by Van Fire Department, Don Brown Trophy Polish Canadian Youth Circle Variety Show Ada Knapp School of Dancing Lynette Majorettes Kaye Visini School of Dancing PNE Parade Starts 10am Showboat Show at PNE Outdoor Stage
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 47
Showboat 1966
Top: Arthur Delamont & The Kitsilano Boys’ Band Below Left: Beard Judging Contest Below: Darlene Leinbach
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1967 19th
June
20th
5th 7th 9th
21st
10th 12th
22nd 24th
14th 16th
26th 28th 30th
17th 19th
31st 2nd 4th 9th
21st
11th 14th 16th 18th
26th 28th
2nd
23rd
30th July 1st 3rd 4th 5th 7th 10th 12th 14th 15th 17th 18th
Official Opening by Mayor Tom 19th Sunrise Community Concert Party Campbell Dir. Mrs. Adele Cattell Canadian Folk Society 20th Royal Canadian Twirlettes, “Show Stoppers” West Point Grey Pamela Carr Legion 142 21st Kitsilano Community Concert Teen Age Fashion Show & Var. Party, Dir. Bea Leinbach Edythe Collins Dancing School 22nd Polish Canadian Youth Circle Moore School of Dancing 24th Capitol Hill Community Concert Ella Gallaher School of Dancing Party, Dir. Mrs. Purchase Collingwood Community 26th Blind Drive and Concert by the Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Barker Burrard Lions Club Kitsilano Annual Kiddies Parade 28th Marge Berri School of Dancing Deanna Zinko White Fantasy of 30th Kitsilano Showboat Cenntenial Baton Twirling Festival of Flowers Shrine Parade on Cornwall Sunset Community Concert Party August 31st Shrine Stage Extravaganza Mrs. Margaret Allen Dadye Rutherford School of 2nd Canadian Folk Society Dramatics 4th Gloria Code’s Twirlettes Mary Alberts School of Dancing 9th “Scottish Night” St. Andrews & Victoria Drive Community Caledonian Society Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Murdoch 11th “Civic Night” Don Brown Trophy Evelyne Ward Academy of 14th Ada Knapp School of Dancing Dancing 16th PNE Night Sept. “Canada Night” Evelyne Ward 18th Kaye Visini School of Dancing Academy of Dancing PNE Parade Starts “Oriental Night” 2nd Showboat Show at PNE OD Stage American Night” “European Night” Canadian Folk Society Below: Barry Leinbach Radio Station CKNW Chairman- Mr. George Wainborn Thunderbird Talent Troupe Grandview Community Concert Party, Dir. Alice Carr Variety Show Fifth Annual Sea Festival Open “Irish Nite” Kennedy School of Dancing Canadian Folk Society
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 49
Showboat 1967
Visini Dancers
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1968 June
3rd
5th 7th 10th 12th 14th 15th 17th 19th 21st 24th 26th
28th July
1st
3rd 4th 5th 8th 10th
Official Opening ceremonies by the Honorable Leslie Peterson Kitsilano Concert Party & “Lions Gate Chapter” Sweet Adelines Moore School of Irish Dancing Thunderbird Talent Troupe “Show Stoppers” West Point Grey Legion 142 Edythe Collins School of Dance Dann School of Dancing Radio Station CKNW Chairman - Mr. George Wainborn Kitsilano Annual Kiddies Parade Sunset Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Margaret Allen 1968 Audition Talent Square Dancing by R. Docherty Collingwood Community Concert Party, Mrs. M. Barker Ada Knapp School of Dancing Talent from North Shore RCtre Victoria Drive Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. N. Murdoch August Evelyne Ward Academy of Dancing Program of the Van Citizenship Council Polish Canadian Youth Council “International Program” “American Night” - Evelyne Ward Academy of Dancing Miss Sea Festival Contest, Teen Fashion Show Capitol Hill Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Purchase Sunrise Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Adelle Cattell
12th 13th 15th 16th
17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 24th 26th 28th 29th 31st 2nd 4th 7th 9th 12th 14th 16th 16th 31st
Salvation Army Youth Variety Program Fireworks - English Bay Grandview Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Alice Carr BC Junior Cycling Team National Film Board presents Maritime Theme” Marge Berri School of Dancing Canadian Legion Pipe Band Kitsilano Community Concert Party, Dir. Bea Leinbach Royal Canadian Twirlettes Pamela Carr’ Finale to Bathtub Races “Hymn Sing” - Christian Brethren Van Sea Festival Close Ceremony Blind Drive & Concert Burrard Lions Club Canadian Folk Society Kits Showboat Fest. of Flowers “Burnaby Talentaires” “Scottish Night” - St. Andrews & Caledonian Society Jaye Rogers School of Dancing Vancouver Bicycle Club Musicale by the Temple Band Kory Tyler presents Ella Gallaher School of Dance “Don Brown Trophy” Canadian Folk Society Kay Nelson School of Dancing Deanna Zinko White Baton Fantasy PNE Night Kaye Visini School of Dancing PNE Parade “Showboat Highlite Show”
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 51
Showboat 1968
Rolf Harris
Top: The Littlest Hobo Below: Arthur Delamont & the Kitsilano Boys’ Band Left: Ricky Mann Far Left: Rolf Harris Above: Folk Singers
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1969 June 14th 15th 16th 18th 19th 20th 21st 23rd 25th 27th 28th 30th 1st
4th 6th 8th 11th 13th 15th 16th 30th
July
4th
Official Opening Ceremonies by Mr. & Mrs. Harry Duker, Good Citizen Award Winners Kitsilano Concert Party & Guest Artists 6th Edythe Collins School of Dance “Drum Daruma” - Modern, Swing and Folk- Japanese 9th N.Van Centre & Secord School Dann School of Dancing 11th Jaye Rogers School of Dancing 1969 Audition tTalent 13th Radio Station CKNW Chairman: George Wainborn 14th Kitsilano Annual Kiddies Parade 16th “Showstoppers” West Point Grey Legion 142 18th Thunderbird Talent Troupe 20th Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance 22nd Musicale and Sing-along by the Temple Band 23rd Ada Knapp School of Dancing Central Y-Singers 25th Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance 27th Collingwood Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Mary Barker 30th Deanna Zinko White Review 1st Vi Moore School of Irish Dancing 2nd BC Highland Association 4th Miss Sea Festival Contest Teen Fashion Show 7th Sunset Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Margaret Allen 9th Blind Drive & Concert by the Burrard Lions Club 11th Sunrise Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Adelle Cattell 12th 7th Annual Van Sea Festival Fireworks
14th
August
Capitol Hill Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. N.H. Purchase 15th Van Bicycle Club 16th Kits Comm. Concert Party Fireworks - English Bay 18th Royal Canadian Twirlettes - P.Carr 19th Polish Friendship Zgoda Society - Youth Circle & St. Casmirs Youth Band 20th Finale to Bath Tub Races Van Sea Festival Closing 21st Hastings Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Pauline Zinko 23rd “Scottish Nite” - St. Andrews & Caledonian Society 25th Grandview Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Alice Carr 27th Musicale & Sing-Along,Temple B. 28th Burnaby Talentaires 30th Kits Showboat Festival of Flowers Canadian Folk Society 1st Canadian Cycling Association Victoria Drive Community Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Murdoch 4th Kay Nelson Revue 6th Ella Gallaher School of Dancing 8th “Civic Nite” Don Brown Trophy 11th Norad Band 13th Marge Berri Dancing Review 15th Kaye Visini School of Dancing 16th PNE Parade Starts 30th “Showboat Highlite Show” at PNE Outdoor Theatre
Many of the Showboat Shows were reproduced at the PNE which was managed by the Co-Chairman George Wainborn. There were also a number of Concert Parties which collectively put on several hundred shows to shut-ins in more than 30 institutions within a radius of 50 miles of Vancouver.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 53
Showboat 1969
John Pluil CKNW
Ray Leinbach
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1971 June
4th
7th 9th 11th 12th 14th
16th 18th 20th 21st 23rd 25th 28th
July
30th 1st 2nd 5th 7th 9th 12th 14th 16th
17th 18th
Opening Ceremonies by Chief Dan George Kitsilano Concert Party & Guest Artists North Van C Centre & Secord School Elaiine’s Twirlers and Assisting Artists Audrey Hitchens Dancing School Maple Leaf Singers Edythe Collins Dancing School Kitsilano Annual Kiddies Parade Ada Knapp School of Dancing Van Thunderbird Chapter SPEBSQSA Evelyne Ward Academy of Dancing Radio Station CKNW Chairman George Wainborn Kitsilano Boys’ Band - Arthur W. Delamont Marge Berri Dancing Review Deanna Zinko White Review Polish Friendship Zgoda Society - Youth Circle Dan Minor W.I.S.E. Singers in London Capers BC Highland Association Vi Moore - All Irish Show Capitol Hill Concert Party, Dir. Kaye Nelson Canadian Folk Society Pres. Mrs. F. Fridge Blind Drive & Concert Burrard Lions Club Miss Sea Festival Contest Teen Fashion Show Ella Gallaher Dancing School Hastings C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Pauline Zinko Sunset C Concert Party, Dir, Mrs. Margaret Allen 9th Annual Van Sea Festival Band Concert Salvation Army Temple Corps.
19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 28th 30th August
2nd 4th 6th 9th 11th 13th 15th 16th 18th
Glanllyn Singers Kaye Nelson Review Oriental Nite Royal Canadian Twirlette, Pam Carr Kitsilano C. Concert Party, Dir. Bea Leinbach Polish Canadian United Youth Bath Tub Race Winners Band Concert Sunrise C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Adelle Cattrell Jo-Anne’s School of Dancing Collingwoood C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Mary Barker “Showstoppers” West Point Grey Legion 142 Victoria Drive C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Elsie May Burnaby Talentaires Jaye Rogers Dancing School McHardy’s School of Dancing “Civic Nite” Don Brown Trophy Band Concert Thunderbird Talent Troupe “Scottish Nite” St. Andrews & Caledonia Society
Chief Dan George opens Showboat May 27 1971 Chief Dan George, who was recently nominated for an “Oscar” after being voted best supporting actor by major US film critics for his role in the, movie Little Big Man, will officially open the 37th season of The Kitsilano Showboat on Friday June 4, at 8:00 pm. The Chief is no stranger to Showboat audiences, having appeared on many “All Indian” shows over the past twenty years. Chief Dan and his very talented family, includes twenty-five beautiful Indian Dancing Girls from St.Paul’s Indian School in North Vancouver.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 55
Showboat 1971
LEFT: Kiddies Parade
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1972 June
18th 23rd
24th
July
26th 28th 30th 1st 3rd 5th 1st 10th 12th 14th 17th 19th 20th
21st
22nd 23rd 24th 26th
Kits Boys’ Band, A.Delamont Official Opening Ceremonies, Kitsilano Concert Party and Ormiston Entertainers Kitsilano Annual Kiddies Parade August Dadye E. Rutherford, LTCL presents “Show-Glow” BC Highland Association Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance Deanna Zinko White Review Polish Candian United Youth Jasmine’s Dancers Kory Tyler Presents Blind Drive & Concert by the Burrard Lions Club Polish Friendship Zgoda Society -- Youth Circle Canadian Folk Society, Pres. Ms. Francis Fridge Sunrise C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. A. Cattell Radio CKNW Chairman George Wainborn Hastings C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. P. Zinko Royal Canadian Twirlettes, P.Carr 10th Annual Van Sea Festival Miss Sea Festival Contest Miss Teen Fashion Show Band Concert Taekwon-do-Karate Demo. Kitsilano C. Concert Party, Bea L. Indian Events, Canoe Races Bath Tub Race Winners Indian Events Grandview C. Concert Party. Dir. Mrs. A. Carr Renfrew C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. G. Kearney
28th 31st 2nd 4th 7th 9th 11th 14th 16th 18th 19th 27th
Mrs. G. Kearney Minor & Latta Review Jo-Ann’s School of Dancing “Showstoppers” W. Point G. Legion142 Peake School of Irish Dancing Burnaby Talentaires Victoia Drive C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. E. May Grandview Community Centre McHardy’s School of Dance Kaye Nelson Review “Civic Nite” Don Brown Trophy “Scottish Nite” St. Andrews & Caledonia Society Collingwood C. Concert Party. Dir. Mrs. M. Barker Marge Berry Dancing review PNE Parade starts “Showboat Highlite Show” PNE
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 57
Showboat 1972
Above: Grace McCarthy Right: Bathtub Races, Below: Awards Ceremony & the Mayor of Nanaimo, Frank Ney
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1974 June
21st
24th 26th
July
28th 30th 1st 3rd 5th 7th 8th 10th 12th 15th
Bea Leinbach
Official Opening Ceremonies,Ormiston Entertainers Coulson presents “Stage & Ethnic” Jo-Ann’s School of Dancing Marlborough Elementary School presents “ Harmonicas & Choir” Vi Cameron School of Dancing Band Concert BC Highland Games “Folkfest 74” “Folkfest 74” “Folkfest 74” BC Indian Events Gallaher Dancing School Thunderbird Talent Group Jasmine’s Dancers August Kaye Nelson Dance Review Band Concert Blind Drive by the Burrard Lions Club Sunrise C. C. Party, Dir. A Cattrell George Wainborn
Chris Evans
19th 20th 21st 22nd 24th 26th 28th 29th
31st 2nd 4th 7th 9th 11th 12th 14th
12th Annual Sea Festival Polish Friendship Zgoda Society - Youth Circle Bath Tub Race Winners Grandview C. Concert Party, Dir. Mrs. Carr Victoria Drive C. Concert Party, Dir. E. May Marge Berry Dancing Review Band Concert “Showstoppers” West Point Grey Legion 142 Royal Scottish Country Dance Society McHardy’s School of Dance Hastings C. Concert Party Band Concert Evelyne Ward Academy of Dancing “Civic Nite” Don Brown Trophy Kitsilano Concert Party Band Concert Collingwood Concert Party Codes Variety Show - Ethnic Choir The Ormiston Entertainers and Tavai’s Dance Revue PNE Parade starts
W.H.Hilton
Ted Gandy
Rose Jay
Alan Gaudry
Norval Chester
Ray Leinbach
This is our 40th cosecutive year of entertainment, brought to you by the hard working members of the Kitsilano Showboat Committee, and supported by community-minded business people in our area.
THE EXECUTIVE & VOLUNTEERS`~ 59
THE EXECUTIVE & VOLUNTEERS In 1962, The Kitsilano Showboat Committee had 16 full time positions. They were the General Chairman position held by Bert Emery, the Deputy Chairman position, held by George Wainborn, Stage Manager Norval Chester, Mr. & Mrs. I. Director, each held the position of Host and Hostess, the Traffic Committee post was filled by Art Lowes and J.Horton and the Finance Committee was filled by Harold Kidd, Bill Parton, and Bill Hilton. The Collectors Committee position was held by Mrs.Horton. The Official Photographers were Atlas Studios. The person in charge of prizes was Rose Jay and W. Parton ran the Kiddies Parade also started by Bert Emery and his Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce. The secretary was Betty Gandy and the Convener was Mrs.W. Parton. The Miss Kitsilano Contest which was also started by Bert Emery in 1949 was run by George Wainborn.The Advertising & Programs position was held by Ken Corrigan, and Earle Dunsmuir ran the Public Address System. All in all, it was a pretty tight group with husbands and wives equally involved. The Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce officers were Honorary President John Taylor, President H. Kidd, 1st Vice President Art Lowes, 2nd Vice President H.Dungey, secretary Mrs.E. Dunsmuir and treasurer W.H.Hilton. The Kitsilano Community Concert Party was managed by Ted Gandy and Directed by Bea Leinbach. Floral presentations at all concerts were through the courtesy of Cal Woods of Woods Flower Shop, 1889 West Broadway. The executive did not change a lot through the mid sixties, except in 1964, Bea Leinbach became both the Manager & the Director of the Kitsilano Community Concert Party. She also became the official Program Director for the entire Kitsilano Showboat. By 1965, the Kitsilano Community Concert Party was growing and it now had a Deputy Chairman as well, in the person of George Wainborn. By 1967, the position of program Director was now listed third from the top on the Executive list. Whether this was a sign of the growing importance of this position or of the person whom held it, we will never know for sure but that person was still Bea Leinbach. In 1967, Mayor Tom Campbell was the Honorary President of the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce and Gunther Baylow the President. The Showboat was growing. In ‘67 there were four new positions added to the Showboat Executive. Besides Host and Hostess there was also the Deputy Host and Hostess. There was now a phoning committee with Chris Evans and one other familiar name, Bea Leinbach. The Advertising and Sales postion had been expanded and now there was a Program Production person, which was Bea’s husband Ray Leinbach, Program Advertising held by Evelyn Dykes and Ken Armstrong and Program Sales, held by Alan Gaudry. Oh, there was also now a Public Relations department in the form of Bert Emery, George Wainborn and Bill Ward. The Kitsilano Showboat had hit the big time! All of the a fore mentioned members were all working on a volunteer basis. No executive of the Showboat ever received a salary for their services over the years and by 1968, the Showboat was in its 34th season of free beachside entertainment. A big part of each show was of course the Master of Ceremonies or M.C. There were different M.C.s
60~ Rose Jay
for different nights and some spares in case someone had an emergency and couldn’t make it. The M.C.s for Monday night in the late sixties were Harold Kidd and Ron Erickson, for Wednesday night they were Ted Gandy and Ken Armstrong, for Fridays they were George Wainborn and Ray Leinbach and the co-ordinator for all was Ken Armstrong. Spares were Bert Emery, Bill Parton, Norm Babb, Cal Woods, Alan Gaudry and Bill Hilton. By 1969, the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce had grown as well. There were now three vice-presidents, they were Bob Zigich, 1st Vice-President, Russ Jensen, 2nd Vice-President, and Allan Gaudry, 3rd VicePresident. In 1970, Bea Leinbach had moved off the phoning committee and on to the Public Relations platform. Barry Leinbach, her son, was now a part of the Public Address System team. In ‘72, Barry also filled in as a spare for the M.Cs team. By 1973, the executive was back down to 16 positions. All the familiar names were still there holding the same posts, Bert Emery, Honorary Chairman, George Wainborn, Chairman, and Bea Leinbach, Program Director and now Secretary as well. Her son had also added a new title to his activites with the Showboat. The “Barrys” Madden and Leinbach now ran the Miss Kitsilano Contest. Alan Gaudry was still a big part of the Showboat committee still holding the position of Treasurer and that of a Wednesday night M.C. Ted Gandy, as well, was still going strong as the other Wednesday night M.C. By 1974, the 40th year of Showboat, Barry Leinbach was now an official M.C. As well, he continued to perform his two other positions on the executive. Bill Hilton became the Treasurer and carried on as well as Host. Another Leinbach was added to the Public Address System crew in the form of Kevin Leinbach, Bea’s other son and brother to Barry. It had certainly become a family affair for the Leinbach’s by 1974. The only Leinbach not on the executive was Bea’s daughter Darlene, but that was okay because she had been
THE EXECUTIVE & VOLUNTEERS`~ 61
performing on the stage at Showboat since the sixties as a part of the dance team known as ‘Bonnie & Darlene.’ In 1977, the beloved founder of Showboat and the man whose dream had made it a reality, passed away. His creation had flowered into a beautiful garden on the seaside in Kitsilano and included the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce, the Kiddies Parade, the Miss Kitsilano Contest, the Kitsilano Community Concert Party and the venerable Kitsilano Showboat. Upon the passing of Bert Emery the leadership of Showboat was passed on to no other than Bea Leinbach. Bea Leinbach became, as well as her other titles, the Chairman of the Kitsilano Showboat Executive. Other familiar faces on the executive in 1979, included W.H.Hilton, Treasurer and Host, Rose Jay, Collector’s Committee, George Wainborn, Past Chairman and Xmas Carol Ship, Ray Leinbach, Kevin Leinbach, Norval Chester, Ted Gandy, Bill Hilton, and Barry Leinbach. By 1980, the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce, which began in 1935, now had a membership of 90 and served the commercial areas of Kitsilano, Almadene, Arbutus Ridge, Broadway West, Fourth Avenue, Jericho, Kits Point and MacDonald and continued to be dedicated to the promotion, planning of Kitsilano as an important and interesting part of Vancouver. The Showboat Committee was bigger than ever by 1983. With Bea Leinbach as its Chairman, Eileen Warnock, Secretary, Bill Hilton, Treasurer and Sue Scruton as leader of the Collectors Committee, they oversaw what had grown into several subcommittees, with from three to four members in each. Bea was still the Program Director and the key position on the committee as it was her role as the Program Director to schedule the different acts on the stage. You couldn’t get on the stage without the consent and approval of the Program Director. The stage crew had grown to six people. They included Patricia and Eugene West, Wayne Hunter, Norval Chester, Barry Leinbach and Peter Jasmine. The lighting crew consisted of Norval Chester, Peter Jasmine, Kevin Leinbach and Barry Madden. The Collector’s, whose job it was to see people to their seats and pass the collection plate, included a whopping fourteen individuals. They were Sue Scruton, Barbara Funk, Joan Bain, Judith Partaik, Joan Sien-Wong, Louise Cummings, Marjorie Murphy, Dorothy Olsen, J. Marie Johnsen, Madeline Howie, Ethel Hilton, Rose Jay, May Glasspool and Martin Mellado. Those running the P.A.System were Kevin Leinbach, Western Sound and Kosta Chatzispiros. Program books were handled by Bea Leinbach, Barry Leinbach, Bill Hilton and Madeline Howie. Hostesses were Edith Borsa and Eileen Warnock. Bea Leinbach was still a part of the Public Relations team as were Rodger Reimer, Anne Marshall and Peter Jasmine. There was only four M.C.s in ‘83, but boy were they good. They were Ted Gandy of course, Rodger Reimer, Peter Partaik and a name familiar to all of you by now the incomparable Bea Leinbach. I am going to have to take a moment and count how many positions Bea held in ‘83. Let’s see, she was the Chairman, the Program Director, one of the Program Book subcommittee members, she was on the Public Relations team and now she was an M.C as well. Oh, I forgot one sub group that I hadn’t gotten to yet, she was also one of two people responsible for the Prizes; the other was Lavonne Khayyat. As Bert Emery had said a long time ago, “Bea Leinbach is Showboat, what a class act!” Lastly, the Flower committee members were Joyce Brown, Lloyd Dyk and Denis Doucett. Bea wasn’t the only member of the committee receiving awards either, this talented group of individuals who gave freely of their time were very distinguished in their own right. Sue Scruton received the 1981 Kitsilano Good Citizen Award, as did Ted Gandy, Norval Chester, Bert Emery, Calvin Woods, Earle Dunsmuir, Rose Jay, W.H.Hilton, and Mrs. J.H.Inkster, all in different years. Many Showboat Committee members got their basic training in public speaking on Showboat. Some entered the political field, and became city aldermen, park commissioners, one became a public relations person for CBC and others reached the top in the Lions Clubs, community organizations, the Shriners, all working for the public good (continued on page 171).
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1976 June
25th
28th 30th July
1st 2nd 4th 5th 7th 9th
12th
14th 16th 18th 19th 21st
Official Opening Ceremonies by Mayor Art Phillips Folkfest 76 Folkfest 76 - Ethnic Performers Folkfest 76 - BC Highland Association Band Concert Folkfest 76 - Ethnic Performers Band Concert Kalays Wahines Bonnie Lea School of Dancing Collingwood C.Concert Party Royal Scottish Country Dance Society “Blind Drive” by the Burrard Lions Club arr. by Bea Leinbach Marge Berri Dance Review Hastings C. Concert Party Bathtub Races Valerie Lee Dance School Pam Carr Dance School
August
23rd 26th 28th 30th 2nd 4th 9th 11th 13th 16th
18th 21st
Jo-Ann’s School of Dance Victoria Drive C. Concert Party Kay Nelson Dancers McHardy’s School of Dance Band Concert Vi Moore’s Irish Dancers “Civic Nite” Don Brown Trophy Band Concert J Gardiner’s Dance Review BC Modern Rythmic Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance Ormiston Entertainers Royal Canadian Legion West Point Grey Branch 142 Ballet Folklorico Olin (Mexican) Vi Cameron School of Dance PNE Parade starts...
Ken Sotvedt
AWARDS, TROPHIES AND LETTERS`~ 63
AWARDS, TROPHIES & LETTERS THE DON BROWN TROPHY FOR OUTSTANDING CITIZENS OF KITSILANO The late Don Brown M.L.A. and former Park Commissioner put up a beautiful trophy in 1950 for annual presentation to an “Outstanding Citizen of Kitsilano,” chosen by an impartial committee consisting of all former winners. He and his wife the Hon. Buda Brown, M.L.A. and also former Park Commissioner lived on Point Grey Road for many years. They both assisted with the Kitsilano Showboat from its inception. Showboat Chairman Bert Emery was the first to receive it and Deputy Chairman George Wainborn was next in 1951. The winners to receive it were in chronological order: Bert Emery, George Wainborn, Earle Dunsmuir, ET Thrussell, Hon. Buda Brown, M.L.A., Mrs. J/.H. Inkster, Norval Chester, Calvin Woods, W.R. Hilton, Major J.S. Mathews, Arthur W. Delamont, Mr. & Mrs. I. Director, Gordon Nichols, Ted Gandy, Rose Jay, Mrs. F. Melton, Muriel Clay, Bea Leinbach, H.Kidd, Mrs. Norah Topple, M. Howie, Jean Moore, A.Burch, Mr. & Mrs. L.Shaw, F. Fairey, G.Diespecker We have been honored with some members receiving the Native Sons of B.C. Post #2 Good Citizen Award, in 1962 Bert Emery, in 1970 by Park Commissioner George Wainborn, and in 1976 by Bea Leinbach. Also, previous winners of the Kitsilano Award who have received the Vancouver Freeman Medal are Major J.S.Mathews, and Bert Emery. The Vancouver Medal of Merit went to Arthur Delamont. The ‘Don Brown’ Kitsilano Good Citizenship Award is presented to an outstanding citizen of Kitsilano each summer in July. When the late George W. Bush passed away in 1965 he showed his appreciation in a material way by including in his will a bequest for $1000. This was to be used by the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce as they saw fit in their community work. It was decided to use it as a contribution to the Showboat re-building fund started that year. The plaque below Left: The Don Brown Trophy commemorates him. Above: The George Bush Plaque
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1977 June
July
27th 29th 29th 1st 4th 4th 6th 8th 10th 11th 13th 15th 17th 18th 18th 20th 22nd
Kay Nelson Dancers Jasmine Gardner School of Dance Ormiston Entertainers Band Concert - Ken Sotvedt August Ormiston Entertainers Phil Jones Variety Show Sunrise Concert Party, Bonnie Lee Dancers Phil Jones Variety Show Band Concert, Victor Crowe Hastings Concert Party Kitsilano Neighborhood House Musical Evening Kay Nelson Dancers Bath Tub Races Royal Canadian Legion #142 Phil Jones Variety Show Dann School of Dance Jo-Ann’s School of Dance Band Concert, Victor Crowe
Below: Bea with Erwin Swanguard President of the PNE
25th 27th 27th 29th 1st 3rd 5th 8th 10th 12th 12th 14th 15th 17th 19th 19th
Phil Jones Variety Show Magic Circles Van Guild of Puppetry Victoria Drive Concert Troupe Valerie Lea Dancers Phil Jones Variety Show Marge Berri Dance Review Phil Jones Variety Show Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance Ormiston Entertainers Phil Jones Variety Show Band Concert - Arthur Delamont Betty McHardy School of Dancing Hart School of Dancing Band Concert - Ken Sotvedt Marge Berri Dance Review
KITSILANO COMMUNITY CONCERT PARTY`~ 65
THE KITSILANO COMMUNITY CONCERT PARTY We estimate that more than 2,500 entertainers, mostly juniors & teenagers, performed annually on the Showboat. From these the best in the different categories were chosen to be members of our Concert Party which worked the year around bringing happiness to shut-ins in more than 30 different Institutions within a radius of 50 miles. Our Program Director was also the manager of the Concert Party and arranged the various shows and the necessary transportation. She is one of twenty citizens of Kitsilano who have been recognized for their service to the community and named “Outstanding Citizen of Kitsilano.” They were all presented with the Don Brown Award. Don Brown and his wife Buda were both former M.L.A.s & members of our Park Board. 1. January 1975 You’ve all been just as thoughtful as a group of folks could be. Guests at Aldor Lodge 2. February 12, 1975 Entertainment such as yours is so much enjoyed by our residents. Extended Care/Burnaby General Hospital 3. January 4, 1975 The spirit and enthusiasm you displayed has done much to cheer many. Rec.Therapy Dept., Essondale BC 4. January 7, 1975 On behalf of all our recipients and volunteers thank you for the Xmas favors you so kindly donated. Kitsilano Chapter, Meals on Wheels 5. April 18, 1975 Thank you for the hours of time you have given to blind and partially sighted persons. C.N.I.B.
Right: Bea Leinbach and George Wainborn with members of the Kitsilano Community Concert Party
66 ~ Reid Anderson
and later by Mrs. Purchase and then by Kaye Nelson, Collingwood, run by Mrs. S Tulloch and later by Mrs. Mary Barker, Sunrise, run by Della Cattrell, Victoria Drive, run by Mr. and Mrs. R Johnstone and later by Mrs. NC Murdock and then by Mrs. Elsie May, Maple Ridge, South Cambie, run by G. Harrison and Hastings, run by Mrs. Pauline Zinko. On the North Shore there was an organization called the North Shore Neighborhood House group which might have been similar to the concert parties. The Concert Parties seem to have begun in the mid fifties and flourished throughout the sixties and seventies, dying a natural death sometime in the mid eighties. Only the Victoria Drive, Collingwood and the Hastings Concert Parties appear to have been active in the 80s. The last appearance of a concert party on the stage at the Showboat appears to have been the Victoria Drive Concert party in the summer of 1987. Reid Anderson, a dancer on the The Kitsilano Community Concert Party and the Concert Parties in the other communities around Greater Vancouver came about as a result of the Metropolitan Council of Vancouver. Bea Leinbach was on the Council. One day the council suggested the establishment of entertainment groups in each community whose role it would be to visit hospitals, blind institutions, nursing homes and shut -ins throughout their communities. Bea Leinbach volunteered to organize and run the Kitsilano Community Concert Party. Others were started in Grandview, run by Mrs. Alice Carr, Capitol Hill, run in the early sixties by Mr. M. Perrett,
KITSILANO COMMUNITY CONCERT PARTY`~ 67
Showboat who went on to fame and fortune as a dancer with the Stuttgart Ballet and later became the Director of the National Ballet of Canada said, “If it had not been for my early experiences with the Kitsilano Community Concert Party, I would not have had as successful a career as I did. The concert party allowed me to get up close to an audience at a young age which was very valuable.” Barry Leinbach was a member of the Kitsilano Concert Party in the mid 1950s and he said, “Mom started the Kits Concert Party in the early 1950s. We played mostly for shutins. There were dancers, singers, speakers Photos: The Kitsilano Community Concert Party visiting a seniors and so-forth, maybe around 12 of us in all. home in Ganges on Saltspring Island. We would go to VGH and wander through the tunnels in the basement. We played at the Woodlands Institution and then we would go next door and perform at the BC Penitentiary. We performed at a lot of hospitals and seniors homes as well as at the UBC Women’s Club at Hycroft. It was a military hospital at that time. They would wheel patients out in wheel chairs or beds to watch the show. It was a real learning experience for us kids as we got to see another side of life. I gave speeches and played my trumpet, both things that I still Shelly Stewart Hunt Edward Stewart McIlwain do to this day. I feel if we had more opportunities like that for kids today, there would be less crime more direction for them and their creative expression. Were kids auditioned for the Concert Party? “Yes, they were performers from Showboat. Most of the talented kids always wanted a place to perform including VGH, George Pearson and so many other locales. I remember that there was really good Monique Leclerc Loris Michilein co-operation between the different Concert Parties from each neighborhood.”
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1979 June
25th 25th 27th
July
29th 2nd 4th 6th 8th 9th 11th 13th 16th 18th 19th 20th
Right: The Lorita Leung Chinese Classical Dancers
Official Opening by Mayor Volrich Folkfest 79 - BC Highland Association Folkfest 79 - Canadian Folk Society Vancouver Branch Folkfest 79 Ormiston Entertainers J.Gardiner’s Dance Review Kirkwood Dance Academy Ormiston Entertainers Valerie Lee Dance School Band Concert - Ken Sotvedt Collingwood C.Concert Party Jo-Ann’s School of Dance Kay Nelson Dancers Victoria Drive C.Concert Party Bonnie Lea School of Dancing Vancouver Sea Festival PirateersPam Carr McHardy’s School of Dance
21st 22nd 25th 27th
August
30th 1st 3rd 5th 6th 8th 10th 13th 15th 17th 18th
TV Station CKVU Bathtub Races Debbie’s Dance Studio Karate Demonstration Magic Circle- Van Guild of Puppetry North Vancouver Rangerettes Hastings C.Concert Party Vi Cameron School of Dance Band Concert The New Dimensions & Liberty Brass, Glad Tidings Temple Tamure Tahiti’s Polynesian Spectacular by Paul Latta Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance “Civic Nite” Don Brown Trophy Ormiston Entertainers Logan’s Dance Studio Kay Nelson Dancers PNE Parade starts...........
VANCOUVER FOLKFEST`~ 69
VANCOUVER FOLKFEST Vancouver Folkfest celebrated Canada in the month of June. Between the weeks of June 4th to July 6th, Vancouver was in a state of celebration everywhere! Folkfest was the largest and most spectacular multicultural event in Vancouver and British Columbia. An invitation was extended to everyone to participate in Folkfest in any way they could. Folkfests’ Canada Day Parade started at eleven am on Water Street in Gastown and travelled west on Cordova to Hastings and Granville. It then went along Howe to Smithe and then west to Hornby where it dispersed at noon at Robson Square. It was followed by a one hour flag raising, citizenship ceremony and entertainment until 5:30 pm. That night at the Showboat, free entertainment by various ethnic groups was presented until 10:15 when the Fireworks began. By 1985, six nights were devoted to Folkfest, at the Kitsilano Showboat where ethnic entertainment was presented. The key to Folkfest was that it offered musical entertainment from countries all over the world and included martial arts performances as well. One of the performers at Folkest ‘85 at the Showboat was the Mahili Dancers. The President of the Canadian Folk Society which was responsible for Folkfest in the ‘70s was Francis Fridge. In 1975 the executive of the Vancouver Branch were Mrs. Eileen Liddon, Mr. Paul Reibin, Mrs. Ella Gallaher, Mrs. Helen Paterson, Mrs. Beatrice Duran, Mrs. Elizabeth Wolak, Mrs. Violet Moore, Mrs. Anna Veveris, Mrs. Evelyn H. Savella, Mr. Roman Zurowski, Mr. Milan Yugovic and Mrs. Anna Decurtins. The Vancouver Branch of the Canadian Folk Society started in 1933. In 1975, they put on their 75th annual Folk Festival. Vancouver was the first city in Canada to give birth to the folk festival movement. The folk festival is an example of co-operation, tolerance, mutual respect and understanding amongst
Francis Fridge cutting cake for Canada’s birthday, July 1, Robson Square
70 ~ Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers
people from all walks of life and various cultural backgrounds. The folk festival helped to promote and encourage the development of various “folk-arts”; and helped to maintain unity, appreciation of Canadian citizenship and understanding with and among all ethnic and cultural groups residing in Vancouver.
FOLK FESTIVAL 75 Ethnic is one of the things that make people feel special. Some people do it all the time, some people only think about it on special occasions or when they hear somebody speaking a half-forgotten language behind them on a bus. But it gives us a family that is a lot bigger and more permanent than the families we have breakfast with. In 1975, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Folk Festival honored the 40th anniversary of the Vancouver branch of the Canadian Folk Society with a huge, happy program of multi-cultural song and dance presentations. It was, as they always say, a spirited display of the color and pageantry of Canada’s ethnic fiber. Greece, Japan, Germany, Polynesia, Russia, Hawaii - a generous sampling of representative performances from virtually all the 22 ethno cultural heritage groups the folk society encompasses. Much of it was delightfully amateur in character, much of it approached professional standards - but evaluations of this nature are mostly irrelevant. Because mostly what Folk Festival 75 was about was caring, and the turn-away full house in itself was a tribute to the number of people who understand about being part of extended families, and appreciate it. An endless sprawling celebration that had to offer such varied diversions as Philipine wedding dances, Swiss horn duets, Indian harvest dances, Chinese children’s dance troupes and French children’s choirs. There were costumes that ranged from the elaborate exotica of latin America and Indonesia to the simple propriety of the Young Doukhobours to the embroidered peasantry of Hungary and Poland.
c1975 Folkfest
VANCOUVER FOLKFEST`~ 71
FOLKFEST 74 Vancouver is going multi-national in music and song. Folk Festival 74, featuring 30 groups and 700 performers, will be presented at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Saturday. Among those offering “songs, dances and laughter from 30 countries� are, at right, the Russian Community Centre Orchestra, Dana Domingo Kinghorn of the Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers and some youthful Scottish dancers. Meanwhile, city council has approved a grant of $20,000 for Folkfest 74, a multicultural week July 1-7 to mark the opening of Granville Mall.
c1953 Vancouver Folk Festival
72 ~ Lorita Leung
REMEMBERING THE PERFORMERS “KITSILANO SHOWBOAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME” -Bert Munn
I first saw “The Kitsilano Showboat” presentation on cable T.V. in my hotel room when I first came to Vancouver on Tour with a Showband from Edmonton by way of London, Ontario, where I started the tour. That would be in 1979-80. I was so impressed with the stage itself, the beautiful background mountains, the beach, and the amphitheater with Captain Bea and the Leinbach family what a winning combination. I was given a tour of Vancouver from one of the employees at the Hotel and eventually we got down to Kits and to the Showboat. Wow! What a sight, it was incredible! It looks much better in real life than on TV and that was impressive. You see I originally come from Saint John, New Brunswick, so looking at Showboat and surroundings was quite dramatic in change from one coast to the other. I had been touring for a few years between Alberta and Ontario. I eventually got to sing and dance at Showboat many years later thanks to Ray Carroll of the Platters fame. He did a show with Sybil Thrasher and we got to stand in the stage entrances as his guests and what a show it was! I even got to meet Captain Bea, Barry and all of the wonderful volunteers. Ray Carroll mentioned that he had some new singers who would like to sing there. Next thing you know Side by Side and at other times as Solo artist I was on stage at Showboat! You just can’t imagine what it is like to sing on the Showboat Stage. People from all across Canada ask me what it is like to sing on the Showboat? I tell them it is the best stage, coupled with the incredible views of Vancouver and the diverse audiences in attendance “you just can’t find a better venue”. I have sung on many venues! Also, what performer would not want to take the stage that has so much history and major performers in its past? To date this is my 5th year performing at Showboat and I am very excited. Performing at Showboat has been very beneficial to me as a performer. You see Barry’s niece, Melissa was looking for talent for a Subway commercial. Barry referred my name. I received an email for an audition for the very next day at 4 o’clock. They provided lyrics. The next day at work I composed a melody for the audition, went to the audition and I made it to the commercial shoot and eventually landed 2 North American Radio spots and 3 Television spots! I am eternal ly grateful for their trust in my talents. Kitsilano Showboat provided this opportunity for me as it has done for other performers. Showboat to me is about fellowship, friendship and the amazing sharing and giving of talents. Backstage is always a flurry of activity and friendships garnered over the years are reunited. I have co-workers who have performed at Showboat when they were tykes, and are now in their sixties. They all talk of Captain Bea who made such a positive impression on them. Captain Bea and family continue to put Vancouver and Kitsilano Showboat on the international map for the many tourists who have attended Showboat performances over the years. BERT MUNN
REMEMBERING THE PERFORMERS`~ 73
YESTERDAY & TODAY The Lorita Leung Chinese Dance Company Remembers Showboat! The Kits Showboat played an integral role in the Lorita Leung Chinese Dance Company’s early history. All through the 1980’s, the Company, then known as The Lorita Leung Dancers, performed an annual summer showcase on the Showboat stage. For my mother Lorita, who was a new immigrant to Canada, it was an opportunity to share her passion for Chinese dance with a larger Vancouver audience. The bleachers were always packed with spectators eager to watch as many young dancers—including myself—took to the stage for their first time. The Showboat taught me many things, including the meaning of the old adage “the show must go on.” Two incidents come to mind: when I was five, I had to perform onstage with my left arm in a cast, due to a particularly vigorous swing on the school monkey bars; and a few years later while dancing sick on the day of the performance, I proudly managed to keep a smile on my face and my stomach contents down just long enough to edge safely off the stage. These childhood memories always make me laugh at how far I have come. 2010 marks the Lorita Leung Chinese Dance Company’s 40th Anniversary. It is wonderful to recall our performances at the Showboat, and how they contributed to the vibrancy and history of our company and form an important part of our collective memory. Jessica Jone, Vice-Principal, Lorita Leung Dance Academy, (I was the little girl in the orange dress listening intently to my mother.)
74 ~ Emily Brittany
Spirit of the South Seas
Emily Brittany-Caribbean Days (July 26, 2008)
The Scandinavian Dancers of Vancouver
Bea had that “old fashioned” booking system, but would call to ask if we could do an extra show for her in a “few days”, usually a extra Fireworks Night now, even though she had us booked already for an evening. This call would arrive several times during the summer. I would say “Yes”, because we could visit a bit with her, that loving and energetic soul who we so dearly loved. In the last few years, she would call and remind us, that she would like our dancers to also to do a Canada Day performance and one year asking us to stay and share their staff pizza. When my daughter and I visited Vienna in 2004, she stacked us with programs to distribute to our friends and to businesses in Europe, which we gladly did. What a consummate soul, a wonderful ambassador and a great role model for all generations, cherished memories over the decades of knowing and loving her. How wonderful it is that Barry, and her family, and we were all her family (everyone who has been on that stage) can carry on the traditions which are synonymous with Bea. Marji Wallace, Na Keiki Polynesia: Spirit of the South Sea
The Scandinavian Dancers of Vancouver have been performing at Kits Showboat regularly since 1992. Our dances, costumes, and music hail from the various Nordic countries – Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, with Iceland and Greenland occasionally thrown in for spice. In addition to showing our audiences a bit of Scandinavian culture, we love to get the young and young-at-heart up onto the stage for a quick and quirky dance lesson as well. We’ve been lucky to have live music for all our performances. In earlier years the band Sammenspil played, in recent years Gammel Dansk has taken over that responsibility. One of our dancers is a travel agent and regularly brings Danish folkdance groups to Vancouver. On these occasions, Bea Leinbach has cheerfully shuffled the schedule to add a genuine Danish performance to the roster. The visitors take home a special memory of dancing at the beach – in their traditional costumes of heavy wool! www.vcn.bc.ca/scandi/
REMEMBERING THE PERFORMERS`~ 75
P&B Dance Unlimited
c1979 photo of Charlene Santaga nee Chan and Barbara Tutt
Soft Focus In 2009, we responded to a call from the Kitsilano Showboat, looking for performers to roam Kitsilano Beach on the nights when the Showboat was “on stage,” interacting with the public and promoting the Showboat performances. Before we knew it, we were out in the summer sun, playing guitar and ukulele, singing, and posing for photos in our period costumes. It was a very hot summer and we attracted a lot of attention among the bikini and Speedo-clad crowds. What a fun opportunity to perform on the beach, meet people, and let everyone know about the fantastic free music happening just a few steps away. We also made our debut on the Showboat stage that summer and were thrilled to share our music in a setting of such incredible beauty. The pool, the sun, the ocean, the mountains: world-class scenery and wonderful music. What could be better? Our warm congratulations to the Kitsilano Showboat on 75 years of making musical memories for Vancouverites of all ages!
I first started performing at Kitsilano Showboat in 1975 with the Betty McHardy Dancers and for 35 consecutive years, the last 9 being with my own studio, P&B Dance Unlimited have brought talented and young at heart performers to light up the stage at Kitsilano beach. One of the highlights of my summer was to perform at Kits Showboat and at the end of our performance the tide had come in far enough that we could jump in the water right off the back of the stage! Oh what fun! There’s an unexplainable feeling dancing outdoors with the warm evening breeze in your face and running through your hair, kind of like the scene from the Titanic, just a lot safer being attached to the Beach! Thanks to Bea Leinbach and Betty McHardy for the many years of helping me dance my dreams come true and I hope to stick with dancing and teaching dance as long as Bea has made Showboat a part of her life. Happy Anniversary Showboat! With love, Barbara Tutt
(Continued on Page 168)
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1980 June
20th 23rd 25th 27th 29th 30th
July
1st 2nd 6th 9th 11th 13th 14th 15th
RIGHT: Debbie’s Dancers at the Italian Community Centre
Official Opening Nelson Hawaiian Review Collingwood Community Program Variety program, Scottish Dancers Ormiston Entertainers Canadian Folk Society Band Concert Canadian Folk Society Finnish Canadian Grand Festival Ormiston Entertainers Tamure Tahiti’s Polynesian Spectacular by P. Latta Band Concert Karate Demonstration Dance Review by D.Henson Jo-Anne’s Dance Studio Band Concert Victoria Drive Concert Party Dance “Athon” 2nd Annual
August
16th 18th 19th 20th 21st 25th 27th 28th 1st 3rd 4th 10th 11th 13th 15th 17th 18th 20th 22nd 24th
Kay Nelson Dancers McHardy’s School of Dance TV Station CKVU Band Concert Hastings Concert Party Valerie Lee Dance Studio Band Concert J.Gardiner’s Dance Review Tamure Tahiti’s Polynesian Spectacular Band Concert New Liberty Glad Tidings Band Concert Civic Nite Presentation McHardy’s School of Dance Kay Nelson Hawiian Dancers Band Concert Bonnie Lea School of Dancing Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance Debbie’s Dance Studio Band Concert
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 77
Showboat 1980
Above Left: Peter Partaik Above Right: Roger Reimer with Bea and Miss Kitsilano
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1981 June
19th 22nd 24th 26th 28th
July
29th 1st 3rd 5th 6th
8th 10th 12th 13th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 22nd 24th
August
26th 27th 29th 31st 2nd
Official Opening by Arthur Delamont, Kalaya Dancers Vancouver Folkfest Vancouver Folkfest Vancouver Folkfest Band Concert - co-sponsored by Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation and the Music Performance Trust Fund AF of M Local 1345 Vancouver. Vancouver Folkfest Marie Gracie Dancers Kay Nelson Review Band Concert Jasmine Gardner School of Dance and Peggy White Dance Theatre Ltd. Valerie Lea Dance School Debbie’s Dance Studio Band Concert Kirkwood Dance Academy McHardy’s Studio Fireworks Betty McHardy’s School of Dance 3rd Annual “Dance A Thon” “Liberty” Singers & Musicians J.C. Co Drama Group Band Concert Hastings Concert Party Tamure Tahiti’s Polynesian Spectacular - P.Latta Chinese Folk Classical - Lorita Leung Dancers Band Concert Jo-Ann’s Academy of Dance Valerie Lea Dance School McHardy’s School of Dance Band Concert
3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 9th 10th 12th
14th 17th
19th 21st 24th 28th
National Heritage Festival National Heritage Festival National Heritage Festival National Heritage Festival National Heritage Festival Band Concert Heritage Musical Theatre Slovanien Folklore Ormiston Entertainers Croatian Dancers “Kardinal Stepinac” Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance Ormiston Entertainers “Civic Nite” Don Brown Trophy” Heritage Musical Theatre Tamure Tahiti’s Polynesian Spectacular P.Latta Debbie’s Dance Studio Victoria Drive Concert Party North Vancouver Rangerettes AUUC “Kobzar” Dancers
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 79
Showboat 1981
Top: Stage under construction Below: Paul Latta and Bea
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1982 June
July
21st 23rd 25th 28th 30th 1st 2nd 5th 7th 9th 12th
14th 15th 17th 18th 19th 21st
August
23rd 26th 28th 30th 2nd 4th 6th 9th
Official Opening Vancouver Folkfest’82 Vancouver Folkfest’82 Vancouver Folkfest’82 Tamure Tahiti’s Polynesian P.Latta Famee Fur Lame of Vancouver Fireworks Bonnie Lee Dance Academy Ormiston Entertainers Rangerettes Variety Program Betty McHardy’s School of Dance Kay Nelson Review “Peter Archer” Sings “Hollyburn Singers” from West Vancouver Marie Gracie Dancers Fireworks Nelson Hawaiian Review C.F.M.I. presents a concert under the stars Band Performance Hastings Community Centre Variety Program Kirkwood Dance Academy North Vancouver Rangerettes Jo-Ann’s Academy of Dance McHardy’s Dance Academy Victoria Drive Concert Party Debbie’s Dance Studio “Rainbow Review Variety” Paddy & Alvenna Jasmine Gardner School of Dance Peggy White Dance Theatre Ltd. Chinese Folk Classical - Lorita Leung Dancers Presentation to “Outstanding Citizen of Kitsilano”
11th 13th 16th 18th 20th
Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts Debbie’s Academy of Dance Tamure Tahiti’s Polynesian Spectacular - P.Latta Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance Variety Program
The KIRKWOOD ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS has been participating in Kitsilano Showboat programmes for thirty years - now a full programme performing arts school with students studying ballet, tap, jazz, piano, theory, musical comedy and drama. We thank those who have worked so hard over the years to keep the Showboat performances going on. All our students that have shared the stage of Kits have shared a wonderful experience and stored away a beautiful memory. The PAUL LATTA DANCE STUDIO has earned an undisputable reputation throughout their ten successful years as canada’s finest “Top Award Winning” Polynesian dancers and drummers, with high regards for tap & jazz, and have been known for producing outstanding and entertaining shows.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 81
Showboat 1982
ABOVE: The last concert of the Arthur Delamont Concert Band
LEFT: The Evelyn Ward Dancers
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1983 June
July
15th 17th 20th 22nd 24th 27th 29th 1st
3rd 4th 6th 8th 10th 11th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th
20th 22nd 24th 25th 27th 29th
Official Opening 31st Band Concert Bonnie Lea School of Dance Valerie Lee Academy of Dance August 1st Famee Furlame of Vancouver Vancouver Folkfest ‘83 3rd Singers & Dancers Vancouver Folkfest ‘83 Chinese Folk Classical - Lorita Vancouver Folkfest ‘83 5th Leung Dancers Vancouver Folkfest ‘83 Band Concert Vancouver Folkfest ‘83 7th Martinuik Academy of Dance Canada’s Birthday Celebration 8th Dupre School of Dance Vancouver Folkfest ‘83 Fireworks 10th Debbie’s Academy of Dance Band Concert 12th Nelson Hawaiin Review Marie Gracie Dancers 14th Band Concert Tanure Tahiti’s Polynesian 15th Peggy White Dance Theatre Ltd. Presentation of Kitsilano’s “Citizen Paul Latta of the Year’ Betty Mc Hardy’s School of Shito-Ryu Karate Demonstration Dance Band Concert 17th Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance Collingwood C Concert Party 19th McHardy’s Dance Review Gillian Campbell 20th Band Concert Fireworks BETTY Mc HARDY SCHOOL OF DANCE Kirkwood Academy of Betty, a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette, Performing Arts began forming this school 15 years ago. Since then, Kalaya’s Spectacular the achievements of the students have been numerCKVU Television ous, from winning top honors in the dance festivals, to Band Presentation careers as professional dancers. This year alone these Band Concert students have received 28 Trophies, 53 First Place, 28 Joan’s Dance Review Second Place, and 24 Third Place awards and 6 scholChildren of Tokayo arships from the Coquitlam & Surrey Dance Festi(The George Family) vals. Also, three of these students have been chosen North Vancouver Rangerettes by the festivals as representatives to perform in the Dance Presentation by Darcelle BC Provincial Competition. Jo-Ann’s Academy of Dance Cindy Lee, the first student of this school has gone Band Concert on to become a professional dancer with the Lido Dance Review by Aeroilic & S. Show at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas. As well as North Vancouver Rangerettes numerous appearances on the Merv Griffin Show, Victoria Drive C.Concert Party Cindy is currently working with Bill Cosby. Goh Ballet Candy Moroz is now in Los Angeles following her OLOS Variety Program & career as a professional Dancer/Actress. Activities of the Over 50 Club
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 83
Showboat 1983
Left: The West End Choir Below: Greek Dancers, Polish Dancers
Magee H.S.Stage Band
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1984 June
July
18th
20th 22nd 25th 27th 29th 1st
2nd 4th
6th 8th 9th
11th 12th
13th 14th 15th 16th 18th 20th 22nd 23rd
Official Opening, Showboat Hilites “Bumpers” Entertainment for teens Vancouver Folkfest ‘84 Vancouver Folkfest ‘84 Vancouver Folkfest ‘84 Vancouver Folkfest ‘84 Vancouver Folkfest ‘84 Vancouver Folkfest ‘84 Band Performance Vancouver Folkfest ‘84 Fireworks Dupre School of Dance Canada Day Celebration Ronald McDonald Big Red Shoe Revue Kalaya’s Spectacular Gracie-Marie Academy of Dance Band Performance Cricket Dance Class Victoria Drive C. Centre & Guests Mc Hardy’s Dance Review Over 60s Activites Magee Stage Band -under the direction of Pete Stigings breakdancers “Bumpers” Entertainment for teens Betty McHardy’s Dancers North Vancouver Rangerettes “No Fixed Address” - Band “Showcase of Bands” Collingwood C.Concert Party Heritage Musical Theatre presents “Vaudeville Varieties” Bonnie Lea Academy of Dance Jo-Ann’s Dance Review Band Performance Kirkwood Academy of Dance
25th 27th 29th 30th August
1st 3rd 5th 6th 8th 10th
13th
15th 17th
North Vancouver Rangerettes Terry Lynn School of Dance Chinese Folk Classical - Lorita Leung Dancers Band Performance Gardiner’s School of Dance Footsteps Studio Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers Rainbow School of Dancing Band Performance Finale ‘84 A Variety Special performed by the T.O.P. Entertainers Debbie’s Academy of Dance Marpole Community Centre Lillians Dancers Famee Furlame Goh Ballet Shito-ryu Karate Demonstration Presentation of “Kitsilano Good Citizen” Dance Presentations by “D Chan Studio” Evelyne Ward Academy of Dance Peggy White Dance Theatre Ltd. including “Break Dancers” Closing Nite-Prize Draw
THE LORITA LEUNG DANCERS The Lorita Leung Dancers have taken part in many cultural events and variety shows in and around Vancouver for over ten years. The fifty - plus members, comprising mainly local talent, come from diverse backgrounds, life styles and age categories. The dancers are drawn together by their enthusiasm for the preservation, enhancement and promotion of authentic Chinese dancing. Under the guidance and instruction of Ms. Leung, the group meets regularly.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 85
Showboat 1984
ABOVE: Bella Domingo Dancers
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1985 & 50th ANNIVERSARY June
July
17th
19th 21st 24th 26th 28th 1st
3rd
5th 8th 10th 12th 15th 17th 18th
19th 20th 21st 22nd
24th
Official Opening - Showboat Hiltes, Vancouver Folkfest ‘85 Vancouver Folkfest ‘85 Vancouver Folkfest ‘85 Vancouver Folkfest ‘85 Vancouver Folkfest ‘85 Vancouver Folkfest ‘85 Canada’s Birthday Celebrations Vancouver Folkfest ‘85 Fireworks Stave Falls Scottish Dancers & Guests “Whitehorse S.Dancers” Good Times Trip Variety Program Dupre School of Dance Italian Community Centre Debbie’s Dancers Marie Gracie Academy of Dance Cameron Fitness Centre Dance presentations by Zoie Over 50s Club - O.L.O.S. McHardy’s Academy of Dance Fireworks Sinclair Centre & CHQM presents the Sweet Adelaines and Barber Shop Quartet in competition Chinese Folk Classical - Lorita Leung Dancers Band “No Fixed Address” 3rd Annual S/B Jamboree Finale to the bathtub races Chiasson Dance Centre Metamorphis II - prod. by B.Garner Victoria Drive C. Concert Party
\ 29th
31st
Peggy White Dance Theatre Ltd. Collingwoood Community centre Entertainers Shito-ryu Karate Demonstration Peggy Peate School of Dance
PEGGY WHITE DANCE THEATRE Is a performance-orientated studio with classes in ballet, jazz, tap and acrobatic - students who dance in shows range in age from three years to sixteen years. This is a learning experience with benefits that last well beyond childhood - a special chance for your child to discover the world of magic and movement. RANGERETTES TALENT TROUPE This very active group is from the North Shore and under the direction of Sharon Hansen. Throughout the year the Rangerettes are kept busy performing at Community events, parades and competitions. The group is well known for their wide variety of routines pleasing young and old alike. SHITO-RYU KARATE-DO Shito-ryu is one of the four major styles of karate in the world. The style was founded in Japan
50TH ANNIVERSARY`~ 87
Showboat 1985
88 ~ Pat Carney
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings and sincere best wishes to all those participating in the 1985 Kitsilano Showboat. Over the past 50 years, the Kitsilano Showboat has become a wonderful and exciting summer tradition in the area. Not only has it served as a great source of entertainment for a countless number of tourists and local residents, but at the same time, it has strengthened the entire community. As you gather in a spirit of hospitality and community pride, may I wish you all the best for a most enjoyable summer and may the Kitsilano Showboat have every success in meeting the challenge of the future. Brian Mulroney Ottawa 1985
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR I would like at this time to extend greetings to the citizens of Vancouver and a warm welcome to the many visitors enjoying once again the Kitsilano Showboat. I understand this is the 50th year anniversary and I know much hard work and effort is given by the participants and the organizers to make this Show such a huge success. May I take this opportunity to thank all who are involved, behind and in front of the scenes, and wish you many enjoyable shows in the future. Congratulations on your Golden Anniversary. Michael Harcourt Mayor
50TH ANNIVERSARY`~ 89
MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER Fifty years of the Kitsilano Showboat is a remarkable record of community enthusiasm and involvement. Since 1935, the Showboat has been a centre for wholesome and exciting entertainment both for British Columbians and the many visitors who come to enjoy our Province during the summer months. The Kitsilano Showboat involves the talents of many fine entertainers and hardworking volunteers. And, because of their combined efforts, it provides pleasure for thousands of delighted spectators. I send my best wishes for a memorable season to everyone associated with the Kitsilano Showboat - and every good wish for the next 50 years of success in entertainment. W.R.Bennett Premier
HONOURABLE PAT CARNEY PCMP Vancouver Centre Minister of Energy, Mines & Resources
Congratulates The
Kitsilano Showboat on another successful season
90 ~ Ted Grandy
THE SHOWBOAT JUST KEEPS ROLLING ALONG It is a classic summer evening at Kitsilano beach. Sunbathers sit on logs, and dine on gritty fish and chips. Sailboats with full sails cut across English Bay like turbo-charged ducks on a pond. And swimmers effortlessly rack up laps in the mediterranean-blue water of Kits pool. But Bea Leinbach ignores it all. Working in a cubby-hole of an office at the edge of Kitsilano pool, she shuffles notes, plans stage exits and, generally, helps to make a fifty-year old tradition come to life. Some will applaud and some, undoubtedly, will snicker, but every year 100,000 people will come to see the Kitsilano Showboat. The Showboat celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Tonight, a crowd of about 1,500 has trickled in - a mix of proud parents, old timers and a dozen or so surf punks with skateboards who gufaw at anything with a hint of corniness. They gufaw a lot. But there is a reassuring timelessness about it, a sense of old fashioned showbiz in an era of fast-paced change that is measured in microseconds. Weather permitting, the showboat show will be there every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, starting at 7:30. And who cares that the two-hour show makes Wayne and Shuster look good? One of the constants is Leinbach herself, who as chairman of the Showboat executive has been organizing Showboat nights for 38 years. She never fails to have kind words for every five-year-old who flubs a dance step, misses a cue, or forgets the words to a song. Leinbach arrives at 6:30 pm to get things in order - making sure the floodlights are lit at the foot of the stage, the sound system is set up, and the first groups of performers are assembled backstage. At the moment, she’s backstage prepping tonight’s MC, Ted Gandy. She’s going over his announcement duties and the assortment of prizes he’ll handout during the lucky draw at intermission. Gandy is 83 and has been hosting Wednesday night shows for the last 40 years. He’s a bit hard of hearing and a tad unsteady on his feet. Leinbach warns him to “watch those steps”. Last week he tripped and fell. “See,” says Gandy, hoisting the leg of his white trousers, proudly displaying bandages on his knee and ankle. Out front, a man and teenager are placing three flags in position - BC’s, Canada’s and the old Red Ensign - on flagpoles atop the Showboat between two fake smokestacks.
50TH ANNIVERSARY`~ 91
The scene has changed little since the Mississippi river-boat styled stage was built in 1954. The nightly format remains the same over the years. At 7:30 pm, the Showboat’s theme song booms over the loudspeakers: Here comes the showboat! Here comes the showboat! Puff, puff, puff, puff, puff, puff, puffin’ along. And puff along it does, beginning with O Canada, sung this evening by young Edward McIlwaine, followed by pint-sized hula dancers who are all smiles, out of step, but thrilled as heck. Next up, Chilean singers, guitarists and dancers. The young male dancers, ranging from 10 to 14, are dressed in balck leather vests and big-heeled boots with spurs, which slam down with mucho macho gusto. And what would the Showboat be without one performance of the ““fan dance” - (continued on page 172)
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1986 June
16th
18th 20th 23rd 24th 25th 27th
July
30th 1st 2nd 4th 7th 9th 10th
11th
14th 16th 18th 20th 21st 23rd
Official Opening Legion 177 & Band from Legion #5 Richmond Canadian Folk Society - Ethnic Performers Canadian Folk Society - Ethnic Performers Canadian Folk Society - Ethnic Performers Sir Williiam Van Horne Elementary School “My Kind of Town” Canadian Folk Society - Ethnic Performers Stave Falls Scottish Dancers & Guest Dancers from Yukon Canadian Folk Society Finnish Canadian Grand Festival Canada Day Celebrations McHardy Dance Review Gracie’s School of Dance Dupre School of Dance North Vancouver Rangerettes Good Times Trio Jasmines Dance School Lithuanian Dancers from Toronto Square Dancing & Eagle Cloggers Hungarian Dancers, Karate Arlene’s Review Famee Furlame Jo Ann Academy of Dance Strathcona Chinese Dance Co. Kings Kids International Nanaimo Bath Tub Races North Vancouver Rangerettes Rob Stuart Publicans Kalaya Hawaiian Dance Review
28th August 30th
1st 4th 6th 8th 11th 13th 18th 20th 22nd
Calgary Dance Express Terry-Lynn Academy of Dancers Entertainers from the Italian Culture Centre Lorita Leung - Chinese Folk Classical Variety program, Peggy Peate, Chaisson Dance Centre Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers Happy Hour Entertainers Debaat’s Polynesian Dance Studio Paddy’s Pacers Mr.Sato-Shitu Ryu Karate Varieties by Spotlight Productions Heritage Musical Theatre presents- “Vaudeville Varieties” Darcelle’s Dance Review Peggy White Dance Theatre Ltd. Prize Draw
ATZALYNAS - LITHUANIAN DANCE GROUP This Toronto group has been in existence for fifteen years and is made up of forty members. They have performed in the Toronto area as well as the rest of Canada. In past years they toured the United States and some European countries where they won many awards. This year the group will be performing at the Expo 86 as well as at the Kitsilano Showboat. They are an exciting group and I am sure they will be enjoyed by all who have a chance to see them. They performed at the Showboat on July 10, 1986.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 93
Showboat 1986
Performing at Monday night’s show were 4-yearold Marina MacElwain and her 9 -year-old brother Edward. Also helping out was the dance team Body Electric
ABOVE: 86 year old Ted Gandy who has worked behind the scenes at Showboat and as an announcer finally gets to strut his stuff.
BELOW: Ted & Bea
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1987 June
17th
July
22nd 24th 26th 29th 1st 3rd 6th 8th 10th 12th 13th 15th 17th 19th 20th
22nd 24th 25th 27th 31st August 2nd 3rd 5th
7th 10th 12th
Official Opening White Spot Pipe Band Variety program by Folkfest Variety program Variety program by Folkfest Variety program by Folkfest Canada Day Celebrations with Variety Entertainment Folkfest CLASS ACTS Big Red Shoe Revue Dupre School of Dance Gracie Academy of Dance Band Concert Peggy Peats School of Dance Arlene’s Dance Review Dance Varieties by Darcell Fireworks Strathcona Chinese Dance Co. Nanaimo Bathtub Races Debatt’s Polynesian Dance Studio Shitu Ryu Karate - Mr.Sato Kalaya Hawaiin Dance Review Terry-Lynn Academy of Dance Willingdon Church Group Square Dancing/Cloggers Chinese Folk Classical - Leung Studio Band Concert Schultz Dancers/Chiasson Dance Centre North Vancouver Rangerettes Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers Jo Ann Academy of Dance Victoria Drive C.Concert Party Paddy Allen School of Dance McHardy Dance Review
14th 17th 19th
Kirkwood Academy of Dance North Vancouver Rangerettes Italian Culture Centre Dancers Peggy White Dance Theatre Ltd.
WHITE SPOT PIPE BAND Alderman Don Bellamy formed the White Spot Pipe Band in 1956 and, for the next twenty-five years, provided instruction and leadership for thousands of children in the Lower Mainland. During this time, the band travelled throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico, including Hawaii and Expo ‘67 in Montreal. Don Bellamy is now the managing director of the band. Former band members have followed in his footsteps and taken on the task of instructing the many young dancers, pipers and drummers. The present number of boys and girls in the band is sixty, ranging in age from ten to eighteen years. They perform at many local events such as the PNE Parade, the Hyack Festival, and the Sea Festival Parade. Last year the band performed at Expo ‘86 a total of twelve times. It is our hope that many people will be able to see and enjoy the efforts of this young and enthusiastic group. Don’t miss them at Showboat on Opening Night, Wednesday, June 17th, 7:30 pm.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 95
Showboat 1987
96 ~ Dal Richards
CANADA DAY - JULY 1ST
O Canada O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command! With glowing hearts we see the rise, The true North strong and free! From far and wide O Canada,
CANADA DAY`~ 97
WE ENJOYED THEM AT SHOWBOAT
Peter Ralston
Dal Richards Kirby Singers
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1988 June
15th 15th 17th 19th 20th 22nd 24th 26th 27th 29th
July
1st 4th 6th 10th 11th
13th 14th
17th 18th 20th 25th 27th 29th August 1st
Official Opening White Spot Pipe Band & Dancers McHardy Dance Review 100th Anniversary of Stanley Park Variety program by Folkfest Society ’Kalaya Hawaiian Dance Review Stave Falls Scottish Dancers UBC Brass Menagerie North Vancouver Rangerettes Class Acts Chinese Folk Classical - Leung Studio Canada Day Celebrations with Variety Entertainment Dance Varieties by Darcell Dupre School of Dance Fred Stride Sixtet Body Electric Slovenian Folklore Cultural Dance “Dance Express” “This Is Polynesia” the Latta Dancers Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers Bath Tub Races Roots Round-Up Band Gracie Academy of Dance Haney Old Time Fiddlers Arlene’s Dance Review Famee Furlame S.S.Y.M.C.A. Square Dancers Kathy Wright Dancers Jo Ann Academy of Dance Kings Kids BC
3rd 5th 8th 10th 12th 15th
17th
Pam’s Pace Setters Chancel Choir from Garden Grove Calif. Terry-Lynn Academy of Dance Debatt’s Polynesian Dance Studio Strathcona Chinese Dance Co. Chiasson Dancers Kalaya Hawaiian Dance Review North Vancouver Rangerettes Rainbow School of Dance Karate “Shitu Ryu” Demo Pam’s Pace Setters Prize Draw
GENEVA CALANGIS The Kitsilano Showboat is a success because of the hard work of many people who help put it together. And one of these people who had dedicated endless hours of valuable time, year after year, to help the Showboat was Geneva Calangis. Geneva was born in Vancouver and grew up here along with her famous siblings, the very talented Calangis family. Many people, not only in Vancouver, but throughout the world, remember the Calangis family for their musical talents. After all, by 1930, these Vancouverites had been a famous international musical act on stage and for more than three decades, the name Calangis was synonymous to music radio, stage, and television. Her brother, George, was one of North America’s best mandolin and banjo players by the time he was twelve and had greatly influenced numerous potential musicians. But Geneva Calangis was well-known and loved by many in her own right. This special lady with the dancing fingers was a highly talented pianist who had the remarkable ability to make the piano sing with grace. She could play almost anything with no sheet music but rather by ear for those who requested it.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 99
Showboat 1988
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1989 June
16th
19th 21st 23rd
July
26th 28th 30th 1st 3rd 5th 7th 12th
13th 16th 17th 19th 21st
24th 26th
August
31st 2nd
Official Opening by Alderman Don Bellamy White Spot Pipe Band/Dancers Riley Park Sr. Dancers Strathcona Chinese Dance Company Poco Twirlettes Peggy Peate Academy of Dance Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Guest - Doncaster Branch from England The Royal Scottish, Country Dance Society Dance Express Kalaya’s Dancers Dupre School of Dance Canada Day Celebrations Class Acts McHardy Review Chinese Folk Classical - Leung Studio “This is Polynesia” - Letta Dancers Fireworks Variety Program Bath Tub Races Band Program Marie Gracie Dance Studio Jo-Ann’s Review Musical Review “New Image” - Phoenix North Vancouver Rangerettes Scandinavian Welsh Brass Band Summer Pops Slovenian Folklore Dancers A.Cluff Dancers Bella Domingo Dancers
4th 7th
9th 11th 14th 13th 16th
Kalaya’s Dancers Phoenix Gymnastics Club Body Electric & Chiasson Dancers Richmond Academy of Dance Diamonds in the Rough Debatts Studio North Vancouver Rangerettes Chan Academy of Dance P.M.A. Concert Band Prize Draw, Variety Programme
REID ANDERSON, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR New Westminster born Reid Anderson hit the headlines last Friday when he was announced the next director of the 70- dancer strong National Ballet of Canada. Starting his dance career with Dolores Kirkwood, Anderson went via London’s Royal Ballet School to stat in the Stuttgart Ballet. There he became an exponent of director John Cranko’s choreography and after the latter’s untimely death, a curator of the dramatic Cranko works. In 1984, Anderson remounted Crank’s lush, full length production of ‘Onegin’ on the NBC and in the 1985 Vancouver season danced the lead role of the tragic hero opposite Karen Kain. On retirement from dancing in 1986, Anderson became associated with Ballet British Columbia, and as artistic director propelled the 14 member company into the national spotlight. He has choreographed several works on the company, tailor-made for their neo-classical style. These ballets include ‘Autumn’, a sensitive study of a woman and her three loves; ‘Music for the Eyes’, an athletic company work to Rachmaninov’s Sonato for Cello and Violin, and ‘Gloss’ a jazz-ballet to Ravel.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 101
Showboat 1989
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1990 June
18th
20th 25th 27th 29th
July
30th 1st 2nd 4th
6th 11th 13th 16th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 25th
August
28th 1st 3rd 6th 8th 10th 13th 18th
Official Opening White Spot Pipe Band & Dancers Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Dance Express Dupre School of Dance Slovenian Dancers - Cheyenne Dancers BC Year of Music Society Canada Day Celebration Peggy Peate Dance Review Acro & Dance by “Encore” “Kerrisdale Community Dancers” by Jan “Kalaya’s Dancers” Shultz Dance Academy “Class Acts” by Mary North Vancouver Rangerettes McHardy Review Summer Pops Jo-Ann’s Academy of Dance Sea Festival Parade “Mixed Company” - Band “No Names Mentioned” Phoenix Gymnastics Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Lorita Leung Dancers Vicki’s School of Dance Fireworks Competition “Dance Express” Debatts Review Latta’s Polynesian Spectacular Prize Draw & Official Closing PNE Parade
SUMMER POPS YOUTH ORCHESTRA They call it ”SPYO” - the Summer Pops Youth orchestra. One of BCs finest musical organizations for young performers, is now embarking on it fifth successful season. Founded in 1986 by conductor Garth Williams, the orchestra plays everything from classical to show tunes to pop and rock. “SPYO” played at Expo 86, Kits Showboat 89 and else where in the Lower Mainland. They have also toured BC and as far away as Los Angeles.
NORTH POWYS YOUTH BAND - WALES The Band was formed in 1970 when the most talented young brass musicians being trained at schools in the mid-Wales county of Montgomeryshire were brought together by the late Eric Jones, who was County Music Organizer at the time. When they visited Canada in 1975 they were called the Montgomeryshire County Youth Band, but their name has since been changed as a result of local government reform and the creation of the new supercounty of Powys. Under the baton of Gordon Tune, senior peripatetic brass tutor for North Powys and is responsible for the tuition of many of the players, the Band has made numerous television and radio appearances and has cut four albums.
DUPRE SCHOOL OF DANCE The Dupre School of Dance operating in the Coquitlam area for 15 years has just moved to a larger location. We are now able to offer in addition to our regular curriculum of jazz, tap, ballet and acrobatic dancing, sessions in musical theatre, drama, ballroom and western line and partner dancing.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 103
Showboat 1990
104 ~ Frank Baker
TRIBUTES TO GREAT VANCOUVER PERSONALITIES CITY TV PIONEER RAI PURDY DIES Rai Purdy, one of Canada’s television pioneers, passed away in University Hospital Shaughnessy Site last Friday after suffering a heart attack in his home on the Sunshine Coast. Purdy was a broadcaster and well-known telethon producer, the creative genius who produced Canada’s most successful telethons, right here in Vancouver. Prior to his telethon career, Rai had worked with Wayne and Shuster and the country’s top talent on the Canadian Army Show, and produced national radio broadcasts out of Toronto with Mart Kenny and his orchestra on CFRN in Toronto. He met his wife, Verity, in New York, where she was a Rockette at the Radio City Music Hall, and he was working at CBS, launching one of the first television stations in the world. It was 1951. After that, he became program director at Toronto’s first TV station, CFTO, then started Roy Thomson’s television network in Glasgow and supervised the expansion of the TV empire throughout Scotland and the UK. He came west to Verity’s hometown to produce another first, a 26-week television variety show at BCTV, called West Coast, featuring the late Lorraine McAllister, with musical backing by her husband, Dal Richards, and his band. The show was emceed by Barrie Clark, who’s now in Kelowna, while the celebrity interviews were done by Jack Cullen. It was the first big hit for locally-produced television, and brought Rai to the attention of the Variety Club officials, who wanted him to try his hand at producing their telethon. That was almost 25 years ago. Over the years, Rai was the successful string-puller for both the Variety Club telethons and Timmy’s Christmas telethons and though he was never on stage, through his un-stinging efforts backstage, he raised millions and millions of dollars for handicapped children. He also produced the long-lived serial, Magistrate’s Court, where veteran broadcaster Roy Jacques acted as the judge, to organizing the Miss PNE contests.
BAKER FIGHTS BIGGEST BATTLE Once upon a time, there was a handsome, happy and very kind gentleman who was generous beyond measure to those who needed his love, his assistance or his money. He dressed nattily, he served his community well, moved in all of the hospitality circles, had many, many friends, and owned several fine establishments, as well as a beautiful yacht named El Citta. On the galley apron of the skipper of the ship was the following message: “I, Sovereign of the succulent steak, Overseer of the Oven, Viceroy of the Vituals, Emperor of the Embers, Lord High Host, and Boss of the Barbecue, do hearby declare that the name of the game is Happiness..... so enjoy it! You’ll never have a sooner chance!” That’s exactly the kind of motto that the one and only Frank Baker has been promoting almost from the day he was born in 1922. He was schooled here and played trumpet alongside Jimmy Pattison in Arthur Delamont’s Kitsilano Boys’ Band. He’s always been a popular restaurant owner, a hotelier and a musician
VANCOUVER PERSONALITIES`~ 105
TRIBUTES TO GREAT VANCOUVER PERSONALITIES of note. He’s also been one of Vancouver and the province’s extraordinary tourist boosters, whether here or in Hawaii, where he was just as familiar a sight in his all white outfit, straw boater and diamond-studded trumpet. He served as an alderman from 1956-62, and worked on every city promotion. Then there was his unique and rather nostalgic Attic Restaurant in West Van, where the ladies wore hoopskirts and picture hats, and Dixieland/musician Lance Harrison played nightly, and everybody brought their family and/or their minister for Sunday night’s reasonably priced buffet dinners. His new Frank Baker’s on Cambie is a lot quieter but doing nicely, especially with the addition of the latest Karioke sing-a-long program. His life hasn’t been all beer and skittles, though. He married his darling Dorothy more than 40 years ago and she’s been there with him through all the highs and the lows. He lost the Attic and the yacht and he couldn’t get the financing together to purchase the old Quarry House Restaurant, which he desperately wanted, and which he thought he practically had in his pocket. He fought the demon rum with the help of AA and won the battle in 1984. But at this moment, Frank is fighting the biggest battle of his life. He’s learned that he has pancreatic cancer. He’s faced it squarely, in his usual upbeat and determined way, his only concern at this time is Dorothy and the restaurant. His family is here and helping out, as are a number of close friends. Frank has been such a good-hearted community citizen that it would be very thoughtful if the community now did something for him. The best two things you could do, at this time, would be to drop him a card, and dine at his restaurant. Nothing would make him happier! Unfortunately Frank didn’t make it. He died on November 21, 1989. Both the story on Rai Purdy and on Frank Baker were written by Joy Metcalfe, courtesy of the Vancouver Courier newspaper. The story on Ted Gandy is courtesy of the Western News.
TED GANDY; KITSILANO SHOWBOAT SOCIETY AND COMMUNITY LOSES NOTED SHOWMAN “Call Gandy, he’s handy!” That’s the way most longtime Kitsilano residents will remember Ted Gandy. The founder of Gandy’s Hardware on West Fourth Avenue and colourful master of ceremonies of the Kitsilano Showboat, passed away on January 12, 1990 at the age of 88. “He was a very entertaining character,” recalls longtime friend Beatrice “Bea” Leinbach, “he just loved people.”
106 ~ Arthur Delamont
HUGH PICKETT - IMPRESARIO
TRIBUTES TO GREAT VANCOUVER PERSONALITIES “I never wanted to be on the stage, I loved working behind the scenes.” That’s what Hugh Pickett says of his long time career in show-business. Pickett has worked behind the scenes in Vancouver theatre and concert promotions for over 50 years. Perhaps his most well known contribution was with Famous Artists Ltd. which he began operating in 1950. Through family contacts and his work with Famous Artists and other promotion agencies, Pickett has worked with and befriended people like Katherine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, Rudolph Nureyev, and many other artists. As well, Pickett mentions he and his company pioneered the presentation of all the Russian artists coming to Vancouver. Pickett was born on April 11, 1913 and has lived in the Kitsilano - Kerrisdale area ever since. During the depression, Pickett went to work for the Colonial Theatre in the summers. Then, having completed school he began working in his father’s shipping firm, Dingwall Cotts for 10 years. When the war was on, he was in the Corps of the Military Staff Clerks and then worked as secretary to Brigadier Landon. Although he’d worked summers in theatre before the war his real work in theatre productions began in 1945 when he joined Hilker Attractions Theatrical Agency as a press representative. They handled Theatre Under The Stars in Stanley Park. Pickett says he learned the concert promotion business through his work with Mr.Hilker. Hugh Pickett - right Hon.Grace McCarthy - centre Leontyne Price - far left In 1950, Pickett and Holly Maxwell began running Famous Artists Ltd. which is still operating successfully today. Famous Artists handled the presentations of many well known celebrities when they appeared in Vancouver. In this period of his life, Pickett befriended many of these international actors, actresses, musicians, dancers and other artists. He often talks about his friendship with Marlene Dietrich who he met in Hollywood when he was 18 years old. Even to this day, Pickett keeps up his friendship to the extent that just this May he was off to Paris to visit with Dietrich for a few days. c1986 Souvenir Program
Vancouver Personailities`~ 107
THE END OF AN ERA by Bea Leinbach
TRIBUTES TO GREAT VANCOUVER PERSONALITIES It seems ironic that Mr.Delamont and his band helped celebrate Kitsilano’s first season of beach entertainment in 1935 and then return to Showboat for one of his last concerts in 1982. My family and I got to know Mr.D quite well over the years. Our son Barry joined the band in the mid 1950’s and participated in one of the many overseas trips to Europe. The experiences and knowledge he and the other boys gained went far beyond a greater appreciation of music. The camaradarie and good citizenship instilled by Mr D would be with them throughout their lives. Mr D may have seemed harsh to the casual observer. Nothing would draw his anger more than a sour note or a missed chord. “You Fathead” was a common phrase often followed with a bop on the head by his baton during band practice in the basement of General Gordon School, or you could just as easily raise his
c1982 Mr D and Bea at Delamont Park
ire by wearing colored socks at a concert, “All socks have to be black!” But his insults were only driven by his desire for perfection and his barrage of criticism only served to make each boy strive harder, to be Perfection, or at least the very best one could ever possibly do, seemed to be assumed as a very natural thing to Mr D. I remember the band’s 40th Anniversary Concert and coincidently Mr D’s birthday at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. As President of the Women’s Auxilary, it was decided that we should wheel on stage a huge birthday cake replent with 3’ sparklers and candles - as a complete surprise to everyone. I’ll never forget Mr D’s expression. He looked over, got that characteristic wide faced grin, and then gave me a little wink of acknowledgement as I got closer. It was if he had expected it all along and was saying “Good for you Bea, you did it just the way I wanted it!” Even in more recent years, when Mr D moved back to Kitsilano, his levels of acceptance hadn’t diminished. He would often watch Showboat from the top row and would later comment on “the nerve of people to stand up in the middle of an act”, or how some bands “didn’t play the music right.” I would remind him of our non-professional nature
to which he’d reply “Well I suppose you’re right but they still shouldn’t do it.” Perfection was what Mr D expected and perfection was what he got. The Kitsilano Boys’ Band has won many awards in many countries over the decades since its inception in 1928. Personally Mr D has received numerous awards himself including Freeman of the City and the Order of Canada.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1991 June
July
17th
19th 20th 21st 22nd 24th 25th 26th 28th 1st 3rd 5th 8th 10th 12th 15th 17th 20th 21st 22nd 27th 28th 29th
August
4th
Official Opening - White Spot Pipe Band & Scottish Dancers City of Vancouver, AldermanDon Bellamy O Canada, Jocelyn Harrison Doreen Sillery - Swing Time Dancers Variety program Dance Express Dance Express Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Stave Falls Dupre School of Dance Dupre School of Dance Kirkwood Academy of Dance Kalaya’s Dancers Betty McHardy Academy of Dance Encore Dance Slovenian Cultural Society Kerrisdale C. Centre - J.Krainer North Vancouver Rangerettes Darcell’s Dance Studio Peggy Peate Academy of Dance Spotlight Productions Musical Human Interface Band Summer Pops Polish Dance Group “Polenz” Sea Festival Parade Bathtub Races Dance Express Kathy Wright Dancers Fireworks Vancouver Christian Life Centre Phoenix Gymnastics Club Paul Latta Dancers Fireworks Freworks
5th 7th 9th 17th
Vickie’s School of Dance Bela Domingo Polynesian Dance North Vancouver Rangerettes Chiasson Dance Studio PNE Parade
PHOENIX GYMNASTICS CLUB DISPLAY Located in the heart of Kitsilano, at 3214 West 10th Avenue, the Phoenix Gymnastics Club is the only permanent fully-equipped gymnastics facility in Vancouver that offers exciting programs for all ages and abilities - 1 1/2 years to adult; recreational to competitive. A variety of these gymnasts will be performing at the Showboat Display, demonstrating the progressive levels, and culminating in a finale by our top precompetitive and competitive athletes.
BENSON & HEDGES INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS COMPETITION ‘SYMPHONY OF FIRE’ 1990 was the first ever Benson & Hedges International Fireworks Competition, Symphony of Fire. It was the first time that this giant pyrotechnic contest was held in Vancouver. The judges, Mike Horsey, Dick Clarke, Jennifer Mascall, Grace McCarthy, Hugh Pickett, Leila Paul and I, dined at the English Bay Cafe while we went through the criteria for judging, and then took our places on top of the English Bay Bathhouse. There were three nights of competition, July 25, July 28 and Aug. 1, with all three countries - Canada, Italy and Spain - taking part. Courtesy of The Courier, 1990
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 109
Showboat 1991
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1992 June
22nd
24th
July
26th 29th 1st
3rd 6th 8th 10th 13th 15th
16th 17th 19th 20th 22nd
Official Opening, Darlene Marzari, Minister of Tourism & Culture Alderman Don Bellamy, City of Vancouver Commissioner Nancy Chivirio, Chairman, Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation White Spot Pipe Band & Scottish Dancers Darcell’s Dancers North Vancouver Rangerettes Scandinavian Spotlite Productions Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Dupre School of Dance Children’s Games Ukranian Dancers McHardy Review Encore Dance Peggy Peate’s School of Dance Finnish Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Jan Krainer’s Group Darcell’s Dancers Hungarian Csardas Group North Vancouver Rangerettes Swingtime Dancers - D.Sillery Polish Dance Group “Polonez” Slovenian Entertainers Coral Stage 92 Sonja Bakker Cricket Dance Studio Josie de Baat’s Dancers Vancouver Christian Life Centre Kalaya’s Review Raine Dance & Co. B.Whitrow Country & Western Singer
26th
August
27th 29th
31st 1st
5th 7th 12th 14th 16th 17th 19th 22nd
Broadway Melody Dancers Finale to Bathtub Races Hope Chapel Kathy Wright’s Dancers Coral Stage ‘92 Orange County Song & Dance International Fireworks Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Shitu Ryu Karate Bela Domingo Dancers, Polynesian International Fireworks Johnny Feoca Band International Fireworks “Polenez” Polish Dance group Phoenix Gymnastics Club Famee Furlame Brandoni’s Modeling School Chiasson Dance Review Vancouver Christian Life Centre Dance Express Ronald McDonald’s Rockin Kids Concert PNE Parade
SCANDINAVIAN DANCERS Scandinavian Dancers of Vancouver, BC has for the past twenty years been entertaining young and old at various locations throughout the Lower Mainland as well as in Washington State. The dances are old time dances brought over from all the Scandinavian countries where every village and small hamlet has not only its own special dance but also its own costume. Most of the costumes are very colouful and many of them are exact copies of costumes housed in museums in Copenhagen, Stockholm, etc.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 111
Showboat 1992
A: Peter Partaik, Bea, Dorothy Graham, Wendy Marsaa
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1993 June
16th
18th 21st 23rd
July
25th 28th 30th 1st
2nd 5th 7th 9th 12th 14th 16th 19th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th
26th
28th Bela Domingo Dancers Official Opening, White Spot Pipe Kalaya Dancers 31st Band & Scottish Dancers Symphony of Fireworks Darcell’s Dancers “Evening of Contemporary Scandinavian Dancers August `1st Music” Christian Life Centre Vancouver Youth Band Josie deBaat’s Review Con. Robbin Holburn Johnny Feoco “The Fire” Band 4th Dance Express PNE Travelling Road Show Delores Kirkwood Academy of Fireworks Dance Kathy Wright Musical Review 6th Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Phillipine Dancers 7th Dupre School of Dance C.Oustland - Acro/Dance McHardy Dance Co. Fireworks “Polenez” The Polish Canadian Air Command Band from 8th Folk Dance Co. Winnipeg Gleneagles Scottish Country Darcell’s Review 11th Dance Group, West Van Finale Fireworks Encore Dance Co. 18th Finale Prize Draw Spotlite Productions PNE Parade 21st Slovenian Dancers North Vancouver Rangerettes TOTEM A & T TEDDY BEAR FUND Kalaya’s Hawaiian Polynesian Peggy Peate Academy of Dance The Totem Model A&T Ford Club has always Cricket Dance Group been involved in community events and assisted “Polonez” Polish Dancers in fund raising for community organizations. In Raine Dance Co. the past, we have sponsored events for seniors that Cindy Yang Dancers included Vintage Car displays at extended care KNS Dance Production homes, chauffeuring seniors to events, and driving Summer Pops Youth Orchestra them in community parades. This time, the focus Vancouver Sea Festival was to shift to the children. It was decided that we Swingtime Dancers would address the emotional needs of traumatized Urbana Band and abused children. Sea Festival Parade Many agencies were contacted, including poBands lice and fire departments, hospitals and human reFinale to Bathtub Races “Evening of Contemporary Music” source centres, to best determine how the Totem A&T could help. After consulting nurses, hospital Christian Life Centre directors and administrators, it was decided that we Dance Co. “Sol Aymara” Chilean would donate Teddy Bears to local hospitals and Dance Group community resource centres.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 113
Showboat 1993
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1994 June
29th
July
1st
4th 6th
8th 11th 13th
15th 18th
20th 22nd 24th 27th 29th 30th
31st August 1st
3rd
Official Opening - Stave Falls Scottish Dancers, Scandinavian Dancers Canada Day Cricket Dancers Stave Falls Scottish Dancers McHardy Academy of Dance North Vancouver Rangerettes Bella Domingo Polynesian Dancers Dance Express Kalaya’s Variety KNS Dance Productions Posse on a mission from Honolulu, Hawaii “The Flock” Posse from Surrey Rain Dance LWW Martial Arts Spotlight Dance Centre Hamburg Youth Choir (Germany) Fraser River Fiddlers Chiasson Dance Centre Urbana Band Band Peggy Peates Academy of Dance “Polenz” The Polish Canadian Folk Dance Co. Krainer Dancers Vancouver Hungarian Folkdance Ensemble “Joy To The World” Glencoe Scottish Dancers 1994 PNE Roadshow presents “The Big Fun” Bella Domingo Polynesian Dancers Fireworks (Italy)
5th 6th
8th 10th 12th 14th 15th 17th 19th 20th 21st
DeBaat’s Variety Kalaya’s Hawaiian/ Polynesian Dancers Fireworks (Japan) North Vancouver Rangerettes KNS Dance Productions Darcell’s Dancers Fireworks (FINALE) Swingtime Dancers Encore Dance Studio “Evening of Contemporary Music” Pt.Grey Community Church Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Dance Express Darcell’s Dancers PNE Parade “Evening of Contemporary Music”
OTTO-HAHN HIGH SCHOOL GERMANY The school choir of the Otto-Hahn-High school in Springe (near Hannover) has a long tradition and is well acknowledged because of its successful performances throughout the years. Nevertheless its quantity and quality varies due to the fact that choir is extracurricular, which means that choir practice takes place only once a week after school. This particular singing group has been newly formed and is just beginning its “career”. Being mainly 8 and 9 graders the students started choir in grade 7 when they entered this school. Since then they have participated in the regular school concerts which take place twice a year. Half of them also performed the musical “The Upside of Down” in 1993 with much success. To be able to take part in concerts of the Summer Pops Youth Orchestra is a grand motivation to 40 young German singers.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 115
Showboat 1994
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1995 June
26th
July
28th 30th 1st 3rd 4th
7th 10th 12th
14th 17th 19th 21st
23rd 24th 26th
28th 29th 31st August
2nd
Official Opening White Spot Pipe Band & Scottish Dancers Variety Program Darcell’s Dancers Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Children’s Time Dance Express Dupre School of Dance North Vancouver Rangerette Mandolins Kathy Wright Musical Review Kalaya’s Hawaiian Polynesian North Vancouver Rangerettes K&S Dance Productions Vancouver Sportive Baton Club Vancouver Police Dogs Delores Kirkwood Academy of Dance Young Hearts (Band) Martial Arts Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Spotlite Productions Vancouver Community College Band Urbana (Band) Royal City Alumni Band Peggy Peate Dance Review Select Dance Studio Jan Kanior Musaic - Sheila & David Betty McHardy Productions Swingtime Dancers Peruvian Folk Club Raine Dance Co. Chiasson School of Dance Dance Express Kalaya Hawaiin Polynesian
4th
5th 7th 9th 11th 14th 16th 18th
Brownstone Players “Midsummer Night’s Dream” 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s Comedy Performance Excerpts from the Broadway Musical Showboat “Polonez” Polish Canadian Song & Dance Co. Bela Domingo Dancers McHardy Dancers Production Josie Debaat’s Review Select Dance Studio Dance Express Vancouver Hungarian Folk Ensemble Prize Draw & Closing
BETTY McHARDY STUDIOS Winners of over 40 individual and group awards at Regional competitions this year, the senior level dance students of McHardy Studios in Burnaby are headed for Championship competitions this summer in Las Vegas and Seaside Oregon. Catch some of their dazzling routines July 28 and August 9, as the students of McHardy perform for the Kitsilano Showboat audience.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 117
Showboat 1995
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1996 June
24th
26th 28th
July
1st
3rd 5th 7th 8th 10th
12th 15th
17th 19th 22nd
24th 27th 29th 31st
Official Opening, White Spot Pipe Band Variety Entertainment Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Get’N Started Entertainment group from Denmark Folkelans over Granser Canada Day Magician, Deryk Wilson Dancers Face Painting, Games, Prizes, Cake McHardy Academy of Dance Dupre School of Dance “Polonez” Polish Canadian Song/Dance Co. Royal City Alumni Band Peates Academy of Dance (Maple Ridge) Spotlite Productions Chilean Folkloric Dance Group ‘Caleuche’ Kalayas Hawaiin/Polynesian Select Dance Studio Mandolins “Polonez” Polish Canadian Song/Dance CO. K&S Dance productions ‘Rain Dance’ Slovenian Folk Dancers Vancouver Community College Band Urbana Josie Debatts Dancers Kalaya’s Hawaiian/Polynesian Melodious Mandolines Vancouver Sportive Baton Club
August 2nd 3rd
5th 7th 9th 12th 14th 19th
21th 23rd
Bela Domingo Polynedian Chiasson Academy of Dance Carol & Daine Fredrickson Sillustani Folkloric (Peru) Taylor Sayor Melodious Mondolines Dance Express Europera Productions Ltd. Maestro Francesco Privitera Rangerettes Martial Arts - M.S. Liang Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Vancouver Police Dog Squad Slovenian Dancers Kerrisdale Tappers Cloggers Time Step Mandolins Vancouver Sportive Baton Club Darcell’s School of Dance Delores Kirkwoods Academy of Dance Closing Ceremonies
CHILEAN FOLKLORIC DANCE GROUP The Chilean Folkloric Dance Group “Caleuche” consists of twenty five dancers being children, youth and adults ages 4 to 26. We have been together for the past nine years, volunteering out time to share and teach our traditions and culture to people in the Lower Mainland, and Seattle. Caleuche is a non-profit organization which is motivated only by the love and dedication to art and culture. We believe in the importance of ethnic groups maintaining their cultural identities.
GET’N STARTED Janet Vertessi, Lindsay Clark, Courtney Froh, Hayley Crittenden, David Vertessi, Kelly McCormick
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 119
Showboat 1996
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1997 June
25th
30th July
1st 2nd 4th 6th 7th
9th 11th 14th 16th 18th 20th 21st 23rd 25th 26th
August
30th 1st
2nd
6th
Official Opening, Scandinavian Dancers, Kirkwood Academy of Dance “Polonez” Polish Canadian Song/Dance Co. Magician Deryk Wilson Dance Express Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Dance Co. Vancouver S. Vineyard Community Church The Art of Dance Studio Angela’s Dance Co. Aztlan Mexican Dance Swingtime Square Dancers Select Dance Studio Spotlight Dance Productions Vancouver Police Dog Demo K&S Dance Productions Peggy Peate Academy of Dance (Maple Ridge) Vancouver S. Vineyard Community Church Josie Debatt’s Dancers McHardy Academy of Dance Martial Arts - Mr. S.Liang Chiasson Academy of Dance Kalayas Hawaiian Polynesian Dancers, FIREWORKS- Spain FIREWORKS- China Russian Dancers Vanguard Fencing Club Variety Program Vancouver Hungarian Folk Dance Ensemble Chilean Keff L’olam Israeli Dance Troupe FIREWORKS- UK
8th 11th
13th 15th 18th 20th
22nd
Slovenian Folkloric Dancers FIREWORKS- Grand Finale Bela Domingo Polynesian Dance An evening of Ukranian Entertainment Darcell’s Dancers Vancouver Sportive Baton Club Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Raine Dance Time Step Cloggers Taylor Sayor Prize Draw/Closing Season
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 121
Showboat 1997
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1998 June
24th
26th 29th July
1st
3rd 6th 8th 10th 12th 13th 15th 17th 20th
24th 25th
26th 27th
Official Opening, White Spot Pipe 29th The Vancouver Sun Community Band & Scottish Dancers Concert Series presents Salvie’s Singers “Ache Brazil” Stave Falls Scottish Dancers 31st Rain Dance Dance Express August 1st 1st Vancouver Sun Community Dupre School of Dance Concert Series presents Scandinavian Dancers Simon Fraser University Pipe Canada Day Band, International Champions Vancouver Children’s Circus 3rd Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Kanier’s Dancers 5th The Vancouver Sun Community Presentation of Canada Youth Concert Series presents Award “Sound Sensation” Spirit of the S.Seas Dancers 7th Vancouver Police Squad Demo Spotlight Dance Productions Dogs Kalaya’s Hawaii/Polynesian Chilean Folkloric Dancers Dancers Slovenian Folkloric Dancers McHardy Academy of Dance 10th Urbana Jazz Band Peggy Peate Academy of Dance Indian Classical Dance Aztlam Mexican Dancers 12th Bela Domingo Polynesian Van.S.Vineyard Community 14th Dancers Church Russiman Community Centre Chiasson Dance Students Entertainers Time Step Cloggers 17th Vancouver Sportive Baton Club Josie Debatt’s Dancers Darcell’s Dancers Salvie Music Studio 19th K&S Dance productions Alboano’s Acrobats 21st “Polonez” Polish Canadian Song/ Vancouver Hungarian Folk Dance Dance Co. Ensemble Final Prize Draw Route 66 THE VANCOUVER SUN COMMUNITY Martial Arts - Mr. Liang CONCERT SERIES Caulfield School of Dance The Vancouver Sun Community The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series is Concert Series presents pleased to be invited back to participate in this years “The Jazzmanian Devils” Kitsilano Showboat Season. The concert series has Van. S. Vineyard Community been presenting BCs finest performers in a variety Church of Lower Mainland Venues since August 23rd 1997 KITSILANO’ BOYS’ BAND when we kicked it all off at the Showboat. (Reunion)
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 123
Showboat 1998
Kitsilano Boys’ Band Reunion ‘98 Jimmy Pattison, Bob Buckley, Arnie Chycoski Opposite: Dal Richards Conductors: Ken Sotvedt Ron Collier
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 1999 June
23rd
25th 28th 30th
July
1st
2nd 5th 7th 9th 12th 14th 16th
18th 19th
21st 23rd 25th
Official Opening, Mayor Philip Owen 47th Trinity St.Marks Scout Troupe Salt Lake City Entertainers Stave Falls Scottish Dancers 40th Annniversary Kalaya’s Hawaiian/Polynesian Dancers Dupre School of Dance Scandinavian Orchestra and Dancers “Celebrate Canada” arranged by Teresa Vandertuin Entertainment Spotlight Dance Productions Presentation- Canada Day Youth Award Salvie Music Studio Caulfield School of Dance Aztlam Mexican Dancers Kirkwood Academy of Dance McHardy Academy of Dance Peggy Peate Productions ‘The Impressions’ Jazz Band Urbana Jazz Band Dance Express Raine Dance ‘Polonez’ Polish Canadian Song/ Dance Co. Vancouver S. Vineyard Community Church Jan Kainer’s Dancers Corazon Dance Co. Anna Mae & May Knots’ Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers Vancouver S. Vineyard Community Church
26th
28th 30th 31st
August 2nd 4th
6th 7th 9th 11th
13th 16th 18th
20th
Cheryl Rafter Highland Dancers KEFF L’OLAM - Vancouver Israeli Folkdancers Dance Express Vancouver Sportive Baton Club Orange County Performers Spirit of the South Seas The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series presents ‘Ache Brasil’ Finnish Canadian Grand Festival The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series presents, ‘Uzume Taiko’ Jodie Debatt Hawaiin/Polynesian Martial Arts- Mr. Laing The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series presents: Route 66 Ballroom Dancing The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series presents, ‘Ray Condo and the Ricochets’ with special guests ‘The Molestics’ Vancouver Hungarian Folk Dance Ensemble Time Step Coggers Chiasson Dance Students Salute ‘International year of the Older Persons’ Kerrisdale Hawaiin Dancers Judy and Angel- Spanish Dancing Stories from Hugh Pickett Darcell’s Dance Production Final Nite Prize Draw
LOCAL CELEBRITIES`~ 125
Local Celebrities They sing a little and they dance a little; they are billed as “the stars of tomorrow.” But whatever becomes of the little girls who take their places on stage at the Kitsilano Showboat? Some actually go on to make their mark in show business: opera’s Judith Forst, ballet’s Lynn Seymour, and TV’s Juliette are perhaps the most famous alumnae. But they may all have to make room at the top of the list for a woman who only took to the stage because her grandmother thought it was the best way to cure her shyness. Twenty years after Deborah Kara Unger danced her way across the Kitsilano stage, she is poised to become a major movie star. She won acclaim for a small role in the American film ‘Worshippers in the Dark’ three years ago, then she came back to Canada to co-star in David Cronenberg’s Crash. Now she has the female lead in The Game, in which she stars with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. It was her grandmother Freda - who used to race horses at California’s Santa Anita racetrack and “often caught the eye of Howard Hughes” - who encouraged Unger to sing and dance as a way of overcoming her shyness. Freda registered her in a children’s vaudeville group called the Ormiston Entertainers. It was the Ormiston group that brought Unger to the Kitsilano Showboat and more malls than she cares to talk about. “I was about eight when I was enrolled. We used to show up at all those shopping malls at Christmas and mortify the people who were getting their shopping done. It was one of those PNE kind of things. We did the Kitsilano Showboat. I even did the Telethon with (Sesame Street’s) Bob McGrath. It makes it sound like Gypsy Rose Lee, but it doesn’t have anything to do with that kind of thing. Then I completely rebelled against musical theatre, but it was good to force me out of my shell. I probably wouldn’t have made it out if it wasn’t for that.” She relates her shyness to being younger than most of her classmates. “I went to those open area schools where you accelerate a little bit, so I was younger than most of my classmates. I missed out on an entire year, the one in which you learn to play Spin the Bottle.” Unger left Vancouver for the University of Victoria after high School. Two years later, she tried to get into the National Theatre School, but “I never got past the pretend-you-are-a-tree part.” She recalls in a room at the Century Plaza Hotel. So she went another way: To Australia. The Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art had never accepted a Canadian before she arrived, but Unger graduated and stayed on to launch her career. - Ian Caddell,GS She made her feature film debut in Blood Oath (1990), followed by roles in Christopher Crowe’s Whispers in the Dark (1992), Till There Was You (1990), and Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994). She acted in the award-winning television drama “Bangkok Hilton” (1989) with Nicole Kidman and Denholm Elliott.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2000 June
28th
30th July
1st
3rd 5th 7th 9th 10th 12th
14th 17th 19th
21st 23rd 24th
26th
Official Opening, 47th Trinity, St. Marks Scout Troupe Piper Steven Anderson Salvie Singers Vancouver Naval Drum & Bugle Corps. - Don Bellamy, Drum Major, Kainer Dancers Stave Falls Scottish Dancers (41st Anniversary) Canada Day Entertainment ‘Groovy Girls’ ‘Polonez’ Polish Canadian Song/ Dance Co. Spotlight Productions Dance Express Peggy Peate Academy of Dance North Vancouver Alumni Band Kalaya’s Hawaiin/Polynesian Dancers Inverglen Scottish Dancers Variety Program Cloggers, Jan Kanier Dancers Fooltloose Dance Productions Aztlam Mexican Dancers Delta Music Makers “Polonez” Polish Canadian Song/ Dance Co. FORRAS Hungarian Dance Ensemble Raine Dance K&S Dance Productions Van.S. Vineyard Community Church Vancouver Hungarian Csardas Dance Group Mexican Dancers & IIsraeli Folk Dancers Keff L’Olam Stage I - Center for the
28th 29th
30th August
2nd
4th 5th
7th 9th
11th 14th 16th 18th
Performing Arts McHardy Productions The Vancouver Sun & CBC Radio “It Sounds Like Summer” with Roy Forbes & Special Guests - “Just Singin’Around” Van.S.Vineyard Community Church The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series Presents Gillian Campbell “She’s Entertainment” Spirit of the South Seas Martial Arts - Mr.Laing The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series Presents ‘Ache Brasil’ Salvie Music Studio Finnish Canadian The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series presents “Da Boyz” The Vancouver Tap Dance Society Josie Debatt Polynesian/Hawaiin Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers Darcell’s Academy of Dance Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Final Night Prize Draw
Gillian Campbell
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 127
Showboat 2000
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2001 June
27th
29th
July
1st
2nd
4th 6th
9th 11th
13th 15th 16th 18th
20th
22nd 23rd 25th
Official Opening, Vancouver Naval Veterans Band Kainer Dancers The National Band of the Naval Reserve Stave Falls Scottish Dancers (42nd Anniversary) Canada Day Vancouver Sportive Baton Club McHardy Productions Canada Day Youth Award Cruz de Cristo (Portugese Dancers) Josie Debatt’s Polynesian/ Hawaiin Spotlight Productions LITTLE STEPS Performance Group Inverglow Scottish Dancers Kalaya’s Hawaiin/Polynesian Polonez Polish Canadian Song/ Dance Co. Footloose Dance Productions Peggy Peate Academy of Dance Vancouver S. Vineyard Community Church Dance Express Raine Dance Aztlam Mexican Dancers Time Step Cloggers Polonez Polish Canadian Song/ Dance Co. Forras Hungarian Dance Ensemble Vancouver S. Vineyard Community Church Delta Music Makers Spirit of the South Seas
27th 30th August
1st
3rd
6th 8th
10th 13th 15th 17th
(Hawaiin) Martial Arts - Mr.Laing Colombia’s Independence Day GRUPO AMERICA Vancouver Community College Band and URBANA The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series presents, Broadway Bound The Vancouver Sun and CBC Radio Two presents the Sounds Like Summer series, Slowdrag and The Be Good Tanyas Amalia (eight piece Funk/soul band) The Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series presents Klondike Kate (Gillian Campbell) Bela Dominga Polynesian Dancers Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Darcell’s Academy of Dance Kirkwood Academy of Dance Wells Sr. Trappers Closing Night Prize Draws
THE NATIONAL BAND OF THE NAVAL RESERVE This summer, residents of Canada’s Western Provinces will have a chance to hear the tunes that long have been associated with Canada’s naval tradition, since they will be part of the extensive repertoire of the Naval Reserve’s National Band, which is touring the communities of Western and Pacific Canada in the summer of 2001. The National Band of the Naval Reserve is the Naval Reserve’s travelling musical representative to the Canadian public, composite Naval Reserve Bands have existed since the late 1950s, but the NBNR has been in action since 1976.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 129
Showboat 2001
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2002 June 26th
28th
July 1st
3rd 5th 7th 8th
10th 12th 14th
15th
17th
Official Opening, Vancouver Naval Veterans Band Jan Kainer Dancers Scandinavian Band and Dancers ‘Queen’s Jubilee Celebration’ ‘Klondike Kate’, Gillian Campbell Canada Day Magical Derrick Wilson ‘Ojama Daiko’ St.James Japanese Preschool Flag Ceremony - 47th Trinity St. Marks Scout Troup, Leader Jim Lamb Peggy Peate Academy of Dance Presentation of the ‘Canada Day Youth Award’ Spotlight Productions ‘Polonez’ Polish Canadian Song/ Dance Co. The Wildings Inverglen Scottish Dancers Shalom Dancers Tierra del Sol - Mexican Dancers Delta Music Makers Footloose Dance Productions Martial Arts International Christian Festival ‘Bridge’ The Wildings Stage I - Centre for Performing Arts Sizzlers Fiddle Group Keff L’Olam Dancers Time Step Cloggers Raine Dancers Babe’s on 4th Children Wear Fashion Show Winks Tappers
19th
22nd 24th 26th 29th 31st August
2nd
5th 7th 9th 10th 12th 14th 16th
Sammi Morelli (vocalist) Columbia’s Independence Day GROUPO AMERICA Folklore from Columbia Sammi Morelli La Perfecta Combinacion Friends 4ever (Line Dancers) Spirit of the South Seas “REQUEST” A CCAPELLA Johnny Hatch “Urbana” Band Kalaya’s Hawaiin/Polynesian Dancers ‘Forras’’ Hungarian Dance Group Josie Debatt’s - Polynesian/ Hawaiin Dance Express - BC Day Kirkwood Academy of Dance CBC Radio 690 presents “The Waifs” Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Ray Carroll - A Tribute to the Platters Impressions Darcell’s Academy of Dance Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers
THE VANCOUVER NAVAL VETERAN’S BAND The Vancouver Naval Veterans Band is unique in Canada and the world. That is, because the volunteer unit includes ten founding members who served in either the Royal Canadian Navy (Battle of the Atlantic) or in Canada’s Merchant Marine during World War II. When these veterans formed the band in 1992, many had not touched an instrument since cadet days and some had never played at all.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 131
Showboat 2002
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2003 June
25th
27th 28th
July
30th 1st
2nd 4th 7th 9th 11th 13th 14th
16th
18th
Official Opening Vancouver Naval Veterans Band Kainer Dancers Scandinavian Band and Dancers Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment & the Lakewood Concert Band, USA Dance Express Canada Day St.James Japanese Preschool, Toki Yo Yu Yu & Mini Hams by the Ribbon Dancers Magician Derrick Wilson Flag Ceremony, 47th Trinity St.Marks Scout Troop Leader Jim Lamb Kainer Dancers Tutt Academy of Dance Canada Day Youth Award Spotlight Productions ‘Polonez’ Polish Canadian Song/ Dance Co. ‘Urbana & Impressions’ Band Darcell’s Academy of Dance Peggy Peate Dance Productions The Bridge - Christian Festival The Wildings Vocalist Jan Cabalu Time Step Cloggers Martial Arts Vocal/Guitar Song Writers ‘Paula & Adrienne’ The Knabenmusik Schaffhausen (90 piece band) The Raine Dancers ‘Babe’s of Fourth’ Children’s Wear Fashion Show Spirit of theSouth Seas, Na Keika
20th 21st 23rd 25th
28th
August
30th 1st 2nd 6th 8th 9th
11th 13th
Polynesia The Wildings Kitsilano Boys’ Band Alumni - 75th Anniversary Vancouver Independent Singer Songwriters Paradise of Polynesia Hot Flash Hookers Keff L’Olam Tierra Del Sol Mexican Dancers Footloose Dance Productions Debatt’s - Polynesian.Hawaiin ‘Klondike Kate’, Gillian Campbell Famee Furlame Dancers Aboubacar & Doundounba Music & Dance CBC Radio Presents: ‘The Bill Hilly Band’ Amati String Studio Delta Music Makers Festival Vancouver presents, SFU Pipe Band, World Vision Children’s Choir, Puri, Jabulani Kalaya’s Hawaiin/Polynesian Dancers Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Closing Night Prize Draw
TIERRA DEL SOL MEXICAN DANCERS The Tierra del Sol Mexican Dancers are a Vancouver based group of dedicated volunteers. Their mission is to share with the audience the culture and heritage of Mexico through their colorful costumes, lively music and dances representing the various regions of Mexico. They started in 2000 and have provided entertainment on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and to many various events to promote cultural awareness. They are true ambassadors for Mexico.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 133
Showboat 2003
Top Left: Lorita Leung Dancers Top Right: Western Dancers Middle: Delta Music Makers Above; White lady Dancers Above Right: Polynesian Left: Square Dancers
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2004 June
23rd
25th 28th
30th July
1st
2nd 5th 7th 9th 11th 12th 14th
16th
19th 21st 25th
Official Opening 26th Debatt’s Polynesian/ Hawaiin Kainer Dancers Dancers Friends Forever Candela Dance Group, Scandinavian Band and Colombian Dances 28th CBC Radio ‘Sounds Like Vancouver Dancers Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Summer’ Vancouver Firefighters Band & Presents, ‘Clumsy Lovers’ 30th Urbana Band Kitsilano Boys Band Alumni ‘Ken Sotvedt Celebration Wesburn Wranglers (square Concert’ dancers) 31st New Westminster Banduras EnDelores Kirkwood Academy of semble’ Performing Arts August 2nd Canada Day BC Day, Vancouver Multicultural St.James Japanese Preschool Association 6th ‘Hanagasa Dance’ Polonez Polish Dancers 7th Kelly Haines, Ventriloquist Spirit of the South Seas P & B Dance Unlimited Keff L’Olam Dancers 9th Polonez Polish Folk Dancers Vancouver Multicultural Peggy Peate Academy of Dance Association 13th Wsburn Wranglers Spotlight Productions ‘Footloose’’ Dance Academy ‘Inspired by Jan’ 18th Darcell’s Academy of Dance Wesburn Wranglers ‘The Wildings’ Closing Night Prize Draw 27th Band Performance Kalaya’s Hawaiin/Polynesian Dancers Stage One Centre of Performing KEFF L’OLAM Arts Tierra del Sol Mexican Dancers Israeli Folk Dancers of Vancouver BC. Keff l’Olam ‘Raine Dance’ is Hebrew for “Fun Forever.” The group has been ‘Babes on Fourth’ Fashion Show Young Ballet Dancers, Dunbar C. performing Israeli Folk dances in the Vancouver area since 1988. Their dances are highly diverse in dance Centre and music styles. (Yemenite and Arabic), and influ‘Fraser Valley Fiddlers’ ences from all over the world (Greek....Spanish.....), Dance Express reflecting the multi-national origins of Jews who Summer Pops Youth Orchestra have settled in Israel. Folk Dance is very popular in Shitsu Martial Arts Israel, and new dances are constantly choreographed ‘The Bridge’ Christian Music to modern music. Festival
MEMORIES OF SHOWBOAT`~ 135
MY MEMORIES OF SHOWBOAT by Reid Anderson, May 2010 My sister and I first started dancing when we were 4 & 3 respectively. Susan, my sister, was to start dancing (TAP) with Dolores Kirkwood but she would not stand up and do “Shuffle, knock, down” without me holding her hand. That’s how I started dancing! A couple of years later we started ballet classes and, later still, added ballroom, jazz, singing, acting, playing in the school orchestra, playing the piano etc. etc. Looking back on things we were two little stage animals. I cannot remember a time when I did not dance, sing, play an instrument or was on stage. The stage and performing defined my life. It made me, me!! It made me feel different from other children sometimes BAD different however most of the time GOOD different. I felt special, challenged, supported, encouraged and loved. Susan and my dancing was like a special works project for my parents. They immersed themselves in our endeavours and therefore in us. My mother made our costumes and our father rehearsed us, played the ‘records’ for our performances and drove us to all of our shows. (He also built a special dance floor for us in the basement.) Looking back on it all it was quite an extraordinary time. We danced ‘out’ 2 or 3 times a week. We were constantly on the stage. Performing, performing, performing. And, our parents were always there for us. My first great ballet master was my father. The first costume designer/maker in my life was my mother. Dancing ‘out’ meant that we had a ‘show’ somewhere in the evening. It could be a hospital, mental institution, school, university, old peoples home festival OR, in the summer outdoor performances arranged by Bea Leinbach for the Showboat stage at Kitsilano Beach. I think one could say that we were regulars. I always remember meeting all the other kids (who did what we did, namely performing) there. We knew each other. Our parents knew each other. Our teachers knew each other. We would perform our new routines (2 or 3 numbers perhaps) and visit with all of our chums. It was also interesting to watch us all grow from small children to medium sized ones and then suddenly teenagers. I guess some people would think that it was weird but not us. It was the most rational thing in the world. I am still in contact with childhood friends from that time. Thinking back I guess one could see the Kitsilano Showboat as a kind of metaphor for our lives. For us it was a stage (a real one), it was outdoors, it was, usually the nicest time of year when we performed and it smelled of all the good things that made childhood memorable. I have never forgotten Bea. I can see her in my mind’s eye. I remember her positive spirit, her energy, her pragmatic approach to the situation at hand, her love of what she was doing and her belief that it was somehow going to be enriching and life changing for us all. And it was!! Nothing is for nothing in life. Everything and everyone helps make you, you. Thank you Bea for all the wonderful years when you helped me become me. Reid Anderson , Artistic Director, STUTTGART BALLET, State Theater Stuttgart
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2005 June
July
27th
29th 1st
4th 6th 8th 11th 13th 15th 17th 18th 20th 22nd
27th
30th August
1st 6th 12th 17th 19th
Official Opening Vancouver Firefighters Band & Kitsilano Boys Band Alumni Celebration 2nd Concert ‘Ken Sotvedt’ Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Canada Day St.James Japanese Preschool ‘Footloose’ Dance Academy ‘Canada Day Youth Award’ Jan Kainer Dancers Spirit of the South Seas The Art of Dance ‘Footloose’ Dance Academy Spotlight Productions Polonez - Polish Folk Dancers Peggy Peate Academy of Dance ‘Singing Angels’ P&B Dance Unlimited ‘The Wildings’ Scandinavian Band & Vancouver Dancers Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Raine Dance ‘Babe’s on Fourth Fashion Show’ Variety Entertainment Salsa Dancers Spirit of the Seas, and more Kalaya’s Hawaiin/Polynesian Dancers ‘A Tribute to Sinatra’ Delores Kirkwood Academy of Performance ‘Inspired by Jan’ deBatt’s Polynesian/Hawaiin Dancers Entertainment
HARMONIES UNLIMITED We are an adult Choral Group which volunteers at Community Events, Hospitals and Senior Facilities, and Music Festivals. Formed in December 2003, this group has a fun and varied repertoire of wonderful swing, pop, gospel, folk, and classical songs arranged in three-part harmony.
P&B DANCE UNLIMITED Owner, director and choreographer, Barbara Tutt is delighted to have students of P & B Dance Unlimited entertaining at the Kitsilano Showboat again this year on July 15th. The performers range in age from 456 years! P&B Dance Unlimited offers recreational and competitive classes, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Ballet and Lyrical programs. The studio relocated recently to a new location in North Burnaby, at Lougheed Highway and Brighton Avenue, across the street from the Production Way Skytrain station. Come join us, shake it up and check out our new pad and our ‘cool’ summer dance camp!
WESTCOAST HARMONY CHORUS A dynamic chorus of approximately 85 women with high energy, who love to sing and perform! They are so seriously WESTCOAST that, in a recent competition, where they competed with choruses from all of Western Canada they won TWO gold medals! One for the best mid-sized chorus and then they won the over-all competition and qualified to go to Las Vegas in 2006 and compete with choruses from all over the world. This is an annual Sweet Adeline Competition which includes choruses from all over Canada, the United States and other countries from Sweden, to New Zealand. Members come from all over the Lower Mainland and even a few from the United States.
SHOWBOAT MEEMORIES`~ 137
Showboat 2005
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2006 June
28th 30th
July
1st
3rd 5th 7th 10th 12th 14th 17th 19th 21st 24th 26th 28th
29th August 2nd 4th 5th
Official Opening, Vancouver Firefighters Band Scandinavian Vancouver Dancers & Band Canada Day St. James Comm. Square Japanese Preschoolers Spirit of the Seas “Emotions”” Flag Raising Canada Day Youth Award Jan Kainer Dancers P&B Dance Ltd. Side By Side - Vocalists Peggy Peate Academy of Dance Spotlight Productions ‘Footloose’ Dance Academy Polonez Polish Folk Dancers Variety Program ‘Raine Dance’ The Art of Dance Summer Pops Youth Orchestra Star Performers Variety Entertainment Tierra del Sol Mexican Dancers Urbana Band Delores Kirkwood Academy of Performance Variety Program Spirit of the South Seas ‘Noya’ Vocal, Band/Variety Kalaya’s Hawaiin/Polynesian Dancers Delta Music Makers Variety Program The Johnny Cash and Friends Show, Tommy Parker aka Johnny Cash, Ingrid Besmeyer
7th 9th 11th 14th
16th 18th
akka Patsy and June Time Step Cloggers Variety Program JCCGV or Chadash Israeli Youth Folk Dance Group Dance Express deBatt’s Polynesian/Hawaiin Dancers Keff L’Olam ‘The Wesburn Wranglers’ Square Dancers Official Closing, Prize Draw
THE DELTA MUSIC MAKERS The Delta Music Makers Concert Band plays wonderful music for summer fun! The audience will enjoy the thrill of a concert march, the joyous sounds of a famous musical, the most stirring renditions of songs from bygone years, the toe-tapping beat of the swing era, and the patriotic sounds of Canadian standards and folk music. The 50-piece concert band rehearses in Ladner, but gathers musicians from the entire Greater Vancouver area, performing as many as 15 concerts per year around Delta and the Lower Mainland, at hospitals, community events and concerts-in-the-park. Besides giving local concerts, the band has travelled extensively through Europe and North America. The band enjoyed a concert tour of Quebec and the Maritimes, even becoming honorary Newfoundlanders by kissing the cod in St. John’s! A Scotland/Ireland tour is next on the agenda, in August 2007. Curt Jantzen, Director
NOYA -SINGER SONGWRITER My music is an interesting mix of Middle-Eastern music and R & B with a Latin twist...energetic, fun, makes you want to get up and dance -
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 139
Showboat 2006
Vancouver Fire Department Band
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2007 June
25th 27th 29th
July
1st
2nd 4th 6th 9th 13th 16th 18th 20th 23rd
25th 27th 28th August
29th 30th 1st 3rd 4th
Official Opening Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Vancouver Firefighters Band Peggy Peate Academy of Dance Scandinavian Vancouver Dancers & Band Canada Day St.James Comm. Square Japanese Preschoolers Spirit of the South Seas Cindy O’Connor, Vocalist/Songwriter Canada Day Youth Award ‘Razzmatap’ Jan Kainer Dancers Side By Side - Vocalists P&B Dance Unlimited Spotlight Productions Josie deBatt’s Polynesian/ Hawaiin Dancers Variety Program Kitsilano Boys Alumni Band ‘Footloose Dance Productions’ The Dancing Danes Variety Program Westside Dance Center ‘babes on fourth’ Fashion Show ‘Polonez’ Polish Folk Dancers Presented by the Polish Friendship ZGoda Society FW Variety Program Delores Kirkwood Academy of Performance Every Nation Church Vancouver Variety program Keff L’Olam Ray Myers Band Kalaya’s Hawaiin/Polynesian Dancers
6th 8th 10th 13th 15th 17th
Variety Program Sister DJ’s Radio Band Mission Thunder Stompers Dance Express A Little Night Music Orchestra Variety Program Official Closing, Prize Draw
SISTER DJ’S RADIO BAND A 7-piece, mostly acoustic band who play jazz, folk and other kinds of fun music. Sister DJ’s Radio Band music is mostly acoustic - stand-up bass, steel drums, banjo, uke, piano, sax, flute, harmonica, guitar and drums. They usually play around town in places like the Purple Crab, the Cottage Bistro, El Cocal, Our Town Cafe and other venues.
SIDE BY SIDE A dynamic and entertaining duet comprised of Bert Munn and Lesley Burke. Their repertoire is from the 1920s to present day material that includes comedy, choreography and tons of fun. This duet performs at conventions, hotels, clubs, showcases, special events, outdoor festivals and fundraisers. Bert Munn is a vocalist, drummer and vocal coach. He toured Canada for nearly a decade in show bands, most notably Tommy Hunter, with artists Ian Tyson, the Allen Sisters and Lucille Star. Leslie Burke is a dancer, teacher and choreographer and has toured Canada and the US. Over the last decade she has performed as a choral and duet singer.
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC ORCHESTRA The orchestra is a community orchestra with 55 players, ranging in age from 17 to 87.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 141
Showboat 2007 Electric Lightning Bros. Band
Above: Barry Leinbach with the Firefighters Band
A Little Night Music Orchestra
Bottom Left: Firefighters Band Bottom Right: Kitsilano Boys’ Band Alumni
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2008 June
23rd
24th 25th 27th July
30th 1st
2nd 4th 7th 9th 11th 14th 16th 18th
21st 23rd 25th
August
25th 26th
28th 30th 1st
Official Opening Fynsholdt Polish Dancers Serbian Folk Dance Group Stave Falls Scottish dancers Vancouver Firefighters Band Polonez Polish Friendship ZGoda Society Sister DJ Radio Band Canada Day P&B Dance Unlimited Dance Express Spotlight Dancers Kayala Dancers Kitsilano Boys Band Alumni The Art of Dance Studio Scandinavain Dancers Fraser River Ramblers Lakeshore Concert Band A Little Night Music Orchestra Canadian Academy of Performing Arts Jessica Rae Variety Show Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts & Royal City Youth Ballet Company HSBC Celebration of Light Fireworks Display - Canada Royal City Concert Band The Syndicate Celebration of Light - Fireworks - USA Variety Show Eire Born Irish Dancers Tierra del Sol Mexican Dance Group Wild West Can Can
2nd
4th
6th 8th 11th 13th 15th
18th 20th 22nd
The Company Kids Wesburn Wranglers Square Dance Club Maria Rosen, Big Dip Productions Stephanie Elliot Sentimental Journey Precision Dance Academy Pancho and Sal Time Step Cloggers Side By Side Josie De Batt’s Polynesian Dancers Festival Ballet Ceroc Canada BC Dance - Salsa Westside Dance Centre The Sanctuary All Stars Closing Ceremonies Abada Capoeira
JOSIE DE BATT’S POLYNESIAN DANCERS Josie de Batt’s Polynesian Dancers is a Burnaby based Hula Dance studio. This high energy, colorful group is entertaining us again with their beautiful dances and music. The Josie deBatt’s Polynesian Dancers are celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, giving a special performance at the Surrey Arts Centre. All net proceeds of this event will be donated to the Vancouver Children’s Hospital and Union Gospel for Christmas.
DANCE EXPRESS Dance Express is a busy Burnaby Dance studio offering many types of dance for children and adults. They have been teaching students for 30 years and have enjoyed performing at Kitsilano for over 30 years.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 143
Showboat 2008
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES 2009 June July
29th 1st
3rd 6th 8th 10th 13th 15th 17th 20th 22nd 24th 25th 27th 29th
31st August 1st 3rd
Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Canada Day Bobs & Lobo Whistles the Clown Emotions: Maria Rosen Spotlight Dance Centre Dance Express Razzmatap Klondike Kate Wild West Can Can Dancers Polonez Polish Folk Dancers Corazon Dancers Vancouver Firefighters Band Vancouver Thunderbird Chorus In The Bag Keff L’Olam The Art of Dance Studio Mooshum Bob’s Little Jiggers Sentimental Journey Precision Dance Academy Spirit of the South Seas Urbana HSBC Celebration of Light Fireworks Night Kayala Dancers HSBC Celebration of Light Fireworks Stephanie Elliot Wailele Wai Wai’ HSBC Celebration of LightFireworks Pancho and Sal Party Boys Eire Born Irish Dancers HSBC Celebration of Light The Syndicate Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House
5th 7th 10th 12th
14th 17th 19th
21st
Side By Side Sister DJ Radio Band Electric Lightning Brothers OEQ Hot Breakfast Land of Deborah Blenheim Street Project Fresh Groove Productions Westside Dance Centre Traditions Scandinavian Dancers CEROC Canada Josie De Batt’s Polynesian Dancers Closing Ceremonies
Kosta ChatziSpiros While still a student at Kitsilano Secondary in 1980, Bea Leinbach recruited me as Showboat sound man and stage hand. Since then, Bea has regularly called me back into service as a volunteer, business advisor, MC and now member of the Board of Directors. As a small token of my great appreciation, for the valuable lessons learned through Bea Leinbach and the Showboat, I dedicated 6 months of my MBA researching the business of nonprofit performing arts organizations from around the world and prepared a strategic plan for Showboat. I would like to thank the Leinbach family, performers, volunteers, staff and government agencies for their support.
SHOWBOAT MEMORIES`~ 145
Showboat 2009
Above: The Syndicate Right: Gillian & Wildwest Bottom: Some of the volunteers
146 ~ Barry Leinbach
.....AND THE SHOW GOES ON! “There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t hear someone say “When I was a kid I was on the Showboat stage”. From entertainers to volunteers to performers to the audience, everyone has really fond memories of Showboat.” The outdoor setting is incredible. You can sit there and watch the performers on the Showboat stage, the swimmers in English bay, the boats, Stanley Park, the joggers, the mountains ..... it’s all there. And the admission price is FREE. Since Bea Leinbach cut back her schedule in 2006 her son Barry has stepped forward and was recently elected as the new and third captain of Showboat. Bea still works behind the scenes but it is Barry that steers the ship. He books the shows and acts as one of the MC’s for the summer showcase. I sat down with
Barry, Bea, Darlene, Kevin
Barry and asked him to relate his feelings about Showboat past, present and future. “When entertainers come down to Showboat to perform such as the Polynesian or Polish groups it is a very energetic evening of fun as their respective communities also come along to support them. I try to get into the spirit by welcoming them in their native language and they just love it. I now know how to say “Hello, Welcome to Kitsilano Showboat” in about 16 different languages. When you involve the audience it is a lot of fun and the best part of it is that they all go home with a big smile on their faces.” Showboat is always evolving and we try to get new acts every year. However previous entertainers enjoy the experience and the audiences want their favourites to return so our booking schedule is always full. It’s just a matter of finding a spot to fit them in. Since 1935 when Bert Emery came up with the idea of Showboat till today we have kept the formula the same: Free entertainment” by the seaside. In the beginning Showboat started as a direct result of the depression. Theatres couldn’t afford to hire acts because the public couldn’t afford the luxury of buying tickets. Bert gave vaudeville acts, bands, dancers, singers and other entertainers the opportunity to showcase their trade in front of a live audience. Showboat couldn’t afford to pay them but at least they could perform. This was a big chance on Bert’s part but the entertainers came in throngs. They loved the opportunity and returned for many years to come. As in 1935 to today everyone associated with Showboat is a volunteer. Nobody gets paid. I see it as part of giving back to the community and I love being associated with such a great part of Vancouver’s history. How did you manage to bring other groups around Vancouver to the Showboat Stage? There was always a standing invitation to any festivals, clubs, entertainment halls, theatres, dancing schools and bands that were in town to “come on down to Showboat’ and perform in front a very appreciative audience. The CBC took advantage of this offer for several years in the 80’s with their concert series.
AND THE SHOW GOES ON`~ 147
Now audiences all across Canada could experience the “Kitsilano Showboat”. Folkfest also performed at the beginning of each season during the eighties. Radio stations like CKNW, CKWX, CFUN, CKLG and CJOR were a Friday night tradition that saw many of the top entertainers of the day on the Showboat stage. That’s when we saw Bobby Curtola, Mimi Hines, Rolf Harris and many other professional entertainers before they headed off to perform at Isy’s or the Cave supper club. There were also a few one hit wonders back in the early 60’s. I remember one in particular; Kathy Brandon. I thought she was great. Kathy was a teenager and had a big hit on the US and Canadian charts called Surfin Girl. Her fan club was there and the stands were filled to overflow. Do you think Showboat is still good for the youth of today? “Absolutely, many performing arts schools look to Showboat as the key venue for their students to perform. The majority of our entertainers are under 20 years of age. If a youth group is entertaining then we would love to see them at Showboat. Traditionally we think of performing
ABOVE: Barry with Mayor Larry Campbell BELOW: Barry with Mayor Sam Sullivan
148 ~ Mimi Hines
ing groups such as bands and dancers but we have also had many non-traditional groups such as judo demonstrations, fashion shows, hip hop, rap, sword demonstrations, electronic music and many others. With so many community and school program cut backs Showboat gives them an opportunity and venue to pursue a talent.” What is one of your favorite stories about Showboat? “There are so many. We’ve all heard about Bobby Curtola leaving the stage in a lifeboat, Mimi Hines walking along the pool edge to make her annual appearance, the radio station live broadcasts, and so on. One that sticks out for me as a kid was the night that Showboat got flooded. In those days the swimming pool was actually a tidal pool. When we had a high tide they would open these two big steel gates and the pool would fill with sea water. Well one night they forgot to close the gates and the pool just kept filling up with water. It got so high that you couldn’t get off stage. The volunteers had to transport the entertainers by piggy back. It was quite a sight. Another highlight for me is on the nights that we have a big crowd and they really get the crowd going. The performance can be Polynesian dancers, Scottish dancers, jazz bands, R&B, Soloists; it doesn’t matter, the results are the same; the crowd buys into it. The Kitislano Boys Band Alumni had one of those nights with over 2,000 people in attendance. The crowd was standing room only and cheered with a standing ovation after every number. The entertainers love it as it gives them energy also. It is nights like those that make it all worthwhile. What do you see in the future for Showboat? “Showboat takes a lot of work. As I have mentioned nobody gets paid so it is always a struggle to get volunteers that want to put in the many hours of work required to put together a season. I don’t know how my mother Captain Bea pulled it off for so many years on her own. I have a great team with my good friend Kosta Chatzispiros. Other volunteers include local residents like Doug Menges, Dorothy Graham, Shirley Hunter, Eva Andrianos, Debbie Chatzispiros, Dolores Johnson, The Jays, Kevin Leinbach, Darlene Therrien, Edith Paker and their respective families. Without people like these Showboat would be more like a job rather than something we love to do for the community. Kosta and I talk by phone daily and by the time the season starts we are in constant communication. That’s what you have to do to be a success like Showboat. I think Showboat will always be around as so many see it as a great community event for young and old; entertainers and audiences. . Do you have any parting words? “I guess the one thing I would ask the community to do is to not forget the volunteers that bring Showboat to you year after year. Please come down and show us your support and tell the volunteers “thanks,” they will appreciate it, I know I do.”
EPILOGUE`~ 149
EPILOGUE by Barry Leinbach Kitsilano Showboat has always been a part of my life. In fact I often joke that I was a part of Showboat 9 months before I was even born. When I wasn’t down at Showboat, Showboat was in my backyard; and I mean that literally. During the winter months in the 50’s and 60’s Dad would bring the plywood backdrop home to be painted. There it was spread all over the backyard. All the neighborhood kids would come over to perform a daily variety show for each other. It was lots of fun until it had to go back to Kitsilano pool for the summer performances. Mom was a strong believer in giving back to the community and she did that in spades with Showboat. She instilled this belief into my brother and sister and I that this is what you should do as an upstanding citizen. My whole family has always contributed their time through organized programs, church and school. I think Showboat has done so much for the community including children and adults. It has given focus to many children that may not have had an opportunity to pursue a career and perform in front of a live audience. I can’t think of anyone that hasn’t had a positive experience from their association with Showboat. In putting together this book I was reminded many times of the happiness that many have had either performing or watching Showboat. Showboat started as a dream 75 years ago with a philosophy of bringing free entertainment to Vancouver. Every year I get hundreds of phone calls from entertainers that want to come down and perform. They don’t care that they don’t get paid; they just want to be part of the Showboat experience. From 5 years old to 92 years old, the smiles are always just as big. What you see on the Showboat stage is only a small part of what goes on behind the scenes, booking performers, producing the program book, selling advertising space, paying all the bills, coordinating volunteers, working with students, advertising, marketing plans, capital projects and on and on and on. I sometimes wonder how it all comes together especially considering no one gets paid. As a volunteer organization funding is always an issue. We have to keep growing to meet our changing needs including sponsors and access to funds. We run a very tight ship (no pun intended) and are always looking for creative ways of getting the message out to the community. And that message is simple “When you want something fun to do THINK ABOUT THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT.” Amazingly enough Showboat hasn’t moved in our 75 years of providing entertainment on the beach. This is due in large part to the great relationship we have with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. Their dedication and assistance to Showboat has taken Bert’s dream, Captain Bea’s energy and helped sustain a Vancouver tradition that makes us all proud. When the Board of Parks heard that mom was going to be Honorary Director they were very happy that Showboat was going to continue. All of us at Showboat thank them for their 75 years of support. Showboat wouldn’t be where it is today without its volunteers. “Showboat, entertaining the world for 75 years.’ Barry
2010 Bea and Barry
150 ~ Canada’s Birthday
APPENDIX~ 151
12. APPENDIX LETTERS, CERTIFICATES, AWARDS
152 ~ Folkfest 82
APPENDIX`~ 153
154 ~ BC Special Olympics
APPENDIX`~ 155
156 ~ Brian Mulroney
APPENDIX`~ 157
158 ~ Kitsilano Showboat Society
APPENDIX`~ 159
160 ~ Gordon Campbell
APPENDIX`~ 161
162 ~ Larry Campbell
APPENDIX`~ 163
164 ~ Bill Vander Zalm
APPENDIX`~ 165
166 ~ Kim Campbell
APPENDIX`~ 167
168 ~ City of Vancouver Merit Award
APPENDIX`~ 169
Recognition Received by Beatrice Leinbach 1998 – Order of Canada, Rt. Hon. Romeo LeBlanc, Gov. Gen. Canada 1994 – City of Vancouver Civic Merit Award, Mayor Philip Owen, Vancouver – Youville Residence 10 Year Volunteer Appreciation Award, Grey Sisters of Immaculate Conception, Vancouver 1993 – Volunteer Vancouver Recognition Award, Rt. Hon. David Lam, Lt. Gov. BC and Mayor Gordon Campbell, Vancouver 1992 – Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation, Rt. Hon. Ramon Knatyshyn, Gov. Gen. Canada 1991 – Canadian Volunteer Honor Award, Hon. Benoit Bouchard, MP, Ottawa 1990 – Emeritus Honorary Life Member National Council Of Women, Ottawa - Honorary Life Member Vancouver Council of Women, Vancouver 1989 - Citation For Citizenship, Hon. Gerry Weiner, MP, Ottawa 1988 - WYCA Women Of Distinction Community and Humanitarian Services Award, Vancouver - Celebration ’88 Certificate of Merit, Hon. Pat Carney, MP, Vancouver 1986 - Vancouver Centennial Distinguished Pioneer Award, Rt. Hon. Madam Sauve, Gov. Gen. Canada 1984 - BC Special Olympics Certificate of Recognition, Vancouver 1981 - BC Good Show Pin, Tourism BC 1980 - Honorary Life Member Kitsilano Community Centre, Vancouver 1979 - BC Year of the Child and Family Achievement Award, Hon. Grace McCarthy, MLA, BC 1977 - Honored as “Princess Skwalwen” by the Northwest Indian Cultural Society, Vancouver 1976 - Vancouver Good Citizen Award, Native Son’s of BC 1973 - Vancouver Lions Club Appreciation Award, Vancouver 1972 - Kitsilano Showboat 25 Year Dedication Award, Vancouver 1967 - Kitsilano Outstanding Citizen, Don Brown Award committee, Vancouver
1/1
170 ~ Kalaya Dancers
REMEMBERING THE PERFORMERS PAST & PRESENT
KALAYA DANCERS Under the direction of Kalaya Nilson, the Kalaya Dancers have presented the traditional dances of the South Pacific to enthusiastic audiences for over 40+ years. Kalaya is one of the nation’s leading musical instructors. She is widely acclaimed for her artistic talents, her teaching excellence and her emphasis on original and creative dance interpretations. Kalaya is an active professional in the performing arts. Kalaya and Bea Leinbach, the founder of Showboat, have been friends for a very long time. The dancers’ children, their spouses, their parents and their families are joined together to form ‘Kalaya’s Family’; they are all her children. Kalaya teaches her children more than just the dances of Polynesia. She teaches them the culture customs and spirit of the islands. Kalaya and her dancers have performed hundreds of stage productions and musical dance reviews for community service groups, children’s hospitals, senior citizens’ residences, churches, the P.N.E. and of course, at the Kitsilano Showboat. The Kalaya Dancers look forward to their annual performance at Kitsilano Showboat. Every year, dancers old and new are very enthusiastic about performing at the Showboat, and it is the highlight of their dance year. Here’s hoping that the Kitsilano Showboat will go on for many more years to come! It’s a wonderful venue for all performers, and the setting is so beautiful and natural. Cheers!
REMEMBERING THE PERFORMERS`~ 171
THE MIRACLE OF ONE MAN’S DREAM (Con’t. from Page 20) “An adopted son of the City of Vancouver (who) has shown to this city a lifetime of devotion and duty as a supporter of activities directed to the community welfare.” Emery also received a replica of the jewel in the Mayor’s chain and his only tangible reward, a brass sun-visor plaque which entitled him to free parking at meters. Another idea of Emery’s, started in 1967, happened as a result of a hospital visit - a Festival of Flowers. “We got flowers from the Parks Board and from people all over Vancouver - but not from the hippies,” said florist Joyce Anderson, who directed the flower arrangements for Vancouver’s first Festival of Flowers. The festival at Kitsilano received enough to make up 100 bouquets for shut-ins and hospital patients. Ten women, including several trained florists, arranged the flowers into bouquets to frame the Showboat stage. Later the bouquets were placed on a decorated truck and distributed to seven institutions. Bert Emery was a charter President of the Burrard Lions. Also, in 1962 he had been named Good Citizen of the Year by the Native Sons of British Columbia. Although Bert is gone his Showboat remains as the epitome of fulfilled dreams, accomplishments and a classic example of the power of one man’s idea. A REMARKABLE WOMAN (Con’t from Page 28) Once it opens, I’m down there - it’s my summer holiday. I wouldn’t miss it.” I asked Bea about some of the celebrities who have appeared at Showboat, she said, “When Boby Curtola appeared at the venue it sent the teenage girls into a frenzy. To get away, Curtola had to slip into a lifeguard’s t-shirt to disguise himself and layflat in a row boat while lifeguards took him to the other side of the pool.” In 1967 when Bea won the Kitsilano Good Citizen’s Award she was ushered to the stage and stood there dabbing her eyes. Her husband Ray stepped forward to thank the crowd and say, “This is the first time I have ever known my wife to have nothing to say.” THE EXECUTIVE & VOLUNTEERS (Con’t from page 61) As the years went by the Prime Ministers of Canada continued to send their warm wishes to the Kitsilano Showboat from Pierre Trudeau, to Brian Mulroney to Jean Chretian. The Premiers’ of BC as well, from Bill Bennett to Bill Vander Zalm to Glen Clark to Gordon Campbell and the Mayors of Vancouver, from Tom Alsbury to Tom Campbell to Mike Harcourt to Gordon Campbell to Philip Owen to Larry Campbell to Sam Sullivan Through it all Bea Leinbach was there to receive them all like the Queen of Kitsilano or Captain Bea as she became affectionately known as in later years. When her son Barry took over her duties in 2005, he always dedicated one show to ‘Bea Leinbachs’ Outdoor School of the Performing Arts, which it certainly was! Barry Leinbach is now President of the Kitsilano Showboat Society (At right Bea’s star on Granville Street)
172~ Neal Hall
THE SHOWBOAT JUST KEEPS ROLLING ALONG (Con’t. from page 91) saris swirl about the stage, another dance troupe dressed in fringed satin cowboy shirts prance about - Western style - and an Oriental man and woman perform a libidinous Snake Dance. And of course, there’s a draw for prizes during intermission. After the prizes are handed out, it’s back to the show. During a Polynesian dance number, the dancers come out into the audience to recruit people to join in on stage. Uh-oh, I think I am about to make my Kitsilano Showboat debut. (Excerpts from The Vancouver Sun, July 13, 1985 by Neal Hall)
INDEX`~ 173
INDEX Abada Capoeira, 142 Abbey Theatre,42 Aboubacar & Doundounba Music & Dance, 132 A.Burch, 63 A.Cluff Dancers, 100 Acro & Dance “Encore” ,102, Ada Knapp School of Dancing,44,46,48,50, 52.54 Adelle Cattrell, 46,50,52,56,58 Air Command Band, 112 Alan Gaudry, 58,59,60 Alan Young, 42 Alboano’s Acrobats, 122 Aldor Lodge, 65 Alec Guiness, 42 Alice Carr,Mrs., 44,46,48,50,52,56,58,66 Allen Sisters,The, 140 A Little Night Music Orchestra, 140,142 All-Indian Show, 36,38,40 Althea Carmichael, 22 Amalia Band, 128 Amati String Studio, 132 Americana Hotel, 40 “America Sings”, 74 Angela’s Dance Studio, 120 Anna Mae & May Knots, 124 Anne Clifford, 22 Anne Marshall, 61 Arlene’s Review, 92,94,98 Arnie Chycoski, 123 Art Lowes, 59 Arthur Delamont, 18,32,36,47,54,56,63,64, 78,104,107 Arthur Delamont Concert Band, 81 Arthur Hughes Davies, 33 A Tribute To Sinatra, 136 Art of Dance Studio, The, 120
Art Phillips, Mayor, 62 Atlas Studios, 59 Attic Restaurant, 104 Audrey Hitchens Dancing School, 54 AUUC “Kobzar” Dancers, 78 August Jack Khatsahlano, 32 Australia, 125 Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art, 125 Aztlam Mexican Dance, 120,122,124,126, 128 Ballet B.C., 22,100 Ballet Folklorico Olin, ___ Barabara Funk, 61 Babes on 4th, Childrens Wear, 130,132, 134,136,140 “Bangkok Hilton”, 125 Barbara Parkins, 49 Barbara Tutt, 82,136 Barker, Mary, Mrs., 48,50,52,54,56,66 Barrie Clark, 104 Barry Leinbach, 20,48,60,61,67,141,146 Barry Madden, 60,61 Bathtub Races, 50,52,54,56,58,62,64,68, 86,92,94,98,100,108,110,112,146 Battle of the Atlantic, 42,130 B.C. Dance, Salsa, 142 B.C.Day, 134 B.C.Electric, 18 B.C., 22,69,72 B.C.Heart Foundation, 35 B.C.Highland Ass., 52,54,56,58,62,68 B.C.Junior Cycling Team, 50 B.C.Lions Cheerleaders, 22 B.C.Lions Society for Crippled Children, 35
174~ INDEX
B.C.Modern Rhythmic, 62 B.C. Penitentiary, 34,67 B.C.Special Olympics, 27,154 BCTV, 104 B.C.Year of Music Society, 102 Bea Leinbach, 20,24,26,32,38,44,46,48, 50,54,56,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66, 90,114,122,124,144,146 Beard Judging Contest, 47 Beatles, 35 Beachside Entertainment, 28 Bela Domingo Polynesian Dancers, 84,92, 94,98,100,102,108,112,114,116,118, 120,122,124,126,128,130 Bellingham, 20 “Bells Are Ringing”, 22 Belgium, 30,34 Ben Kopelow, 34 Benny Ross, 19 Bert Emery, 17,18,19,20,22,24,26,36,42, 46,59,60,61,63 Bert Munn, 140 Bette Davis, 106 Betty Gandy, 59 Betty McHardy, 82 Betty Robertson, 22 Betty Ryder, 19 Betty Thom, 42 Beverley Heuchert, 22 Big Dip Productions, 142 Bill Bailey, 69 Bill Bennett, 155 Bill Cosby, 82 Bill Hilton, 36,59,60,61 Bill Parton, 36,59 Bill Ward, 59 Blenheim Street Project, 144 “Blood Oath”, 125 Body Electric, 98,100 Bob Buckley, 123 Bob Fosse, 82 Bob McGrath, 125 Boby Curtola, 28,146
Bob Zigich, 59 Bobs & Lobo, 144 Bonnie & Darlene, 60 Bonnie Lea School of Dancing, 62,64,68,76, 80,82,84,87 Bournemouth-By-The-Sea, 33 Brendan Behan, 42 Brigadier Landon, 106 Brian Mulroney, PM, 88,156,161,165 Britain, 42 Brandoni’s Modeling School, 110 Broadcast Performer of the Year Award, 35 Broadway Melody Dancers, 110 Brock, 105 Brownstone Players, 116 Brussells, 33 Buda Brown, 36,63,65 Bunny Parton, 36 Burnaby, 35,116,138,142 Burnaby General Hospital, 65 Burnaby Talentaires & Twirlettes, 38,50,52, 54,56 Burrard Lions Club, 44,46,48,50,52,54,56, 58,62 Burrard Street, 24,34 B.Whitrow, C&W Singer 110 ‘Caleuche’, Chilean Dance Group, 118,122 California, 125 Cal Woods, 36,59,61 Calgary Dance Express, 92 Calixa Lavalee, 118 Cameron Fitness Centre, 86 Canada, 30,33,35,69,72,94,108,136,140 Canada Day, 84,86,94,96,98,100,102,118 122,126,128,130,132,134,136,138, 140,142,144 Canada Day Parade, 69 Canada Day Youth Award, 124,128,130,
INDEX`~ 175
132,136,138,140 Canada’s Merchant Marine, 42,130 Canada Volunteer Award, 27 Canada Youth Award, 122 Canadian Academy of Performing Arts, 142 Canadian Army Show, 104 Canadian Cycling ass., 52 Canadian Folk Arts Council, 34 Canadian Folk Society,44,46,48,50,52,54, 56,58,76,92 Canadian Legion Branch 168, 34 Canadian Legion Pipe Band, 50 Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 26,27 Candela Dance Group, 134 Capilano College, 40 Capitol Hill Community Concert Party, 38, 34,44, 46,48,50,52,54,66 Captain E.F. Thrussell, 36 Captain Folger, 35 Captain’s Table, 42 Cardiff, 33 Carol & Diane Fredrickson, 118 Carolyn Hopkins, 22 Carrie Young, 61 Cattrell, Della, Mrs., 66 Caulfield School of Dance, 122,124 Cave, The, 42,146,147 CBC, 35,42,61 CBC Radio, 126,130,132,134,146 Cecil B.DeMille, 42 Celebrate Canada, 124 Celebration of Light, HSBC, 142,144 Central Y Singers, 52 Centaurs, The, 45 Century Plaza Hotel, 125 CEROC Canada, 142,144 Certificate of Merit, 151 Certificate of Recognition, 167 CFUN, 38,44,46,146 Challenge 87, 159 Challenge 89, 163
Challenge 90, 102,164 Chan Academy of Dance, 84,100 Chancel Choir/ Garden Grove,Ca., 98 Charles E. Findlater, 33 Charlie Nunn, 19 Cheryl Rafter Highland Dancers, 124 Chiasson Dance Centre, 86,92,94,98,100, 108,110,114,116,118,120,122,124 Chicago,33 Chicago World’s Fair, 18 Children of Tokayo ( George Family), 82 Chief Dan George, 40, 54 China, 84 Chris Evans, 58,59 Christ Church Cathedral, 34 Christopher Crowe,125 CBC Radio, 122 CBS,104 CFTO, 104 Childrens Time, 116 CHQM, 38 Cindy Lee, 82 Cindy Moroz, 82 Cindy O’Connor, 140 City of Vancouver, 34 CFRN, 104 CHQM, 86 Cindy Yang Dancers, 112 City’s Civic Merit Award, 114 CJOR, 35,146 Class Acts, 98,100,102 CKLG, 38,44 CKNW, 37,38,44,46,48,50,52,54,56,146 CKVU, 68,76,82 CKWX, 146 Cloggers Time Step, 118 CNIB, 65 Cobh, 72 Coca Cola, 24 Coconut Grove, 40 Colleen Bratus, 22 Colleen Ostlund, 110
176~ INDEX
Collingwood Community Concert Party, 38,44,46,48,50,52,54,56,58, 62,66,68, 76,82,84,86 Colombian Dancers, 134 Colombia’s Independence day, 128,130 Colonel Vic Mozer, 42 Colonial Theatre, 106 Company Kids, The, 142 Copenhagen, 110 Coral Stage, 92 Corazon Dance Co. 124,144 Coquitlam, 35,102 Coquitlam Dance Festival, 82 Cornwall Street, 22,24 Cottage Bistro, The, 140 County Cork, 72 Courtney Froh, 118 C.Oustland, Acro/Dance, ___ CPR, 30,33 “Crash”, 125 Cricket Dance Class, 84,110,112 Croatian Dancers, “Kardinal Stepinac”, 78 Crumlin, 30 Cruz de Cristo,/Portugese, 128 Curt Jantzen, 138
Dave Denton, 30 David cronenburg, 125 David Lee Roth, 44 David Vertessi, 118 Dawson City, 32,34 Dayde Rutherford School of Dramatics,44 48,56 Deanna Zinko & Her Entertainers, 38 Deanna Zinko Fantasy of Baton, 44,46, 48,50,52,54,56 Debatt’s School of Dance, 92,94,98,100, 102,110,112,114,118,120,122,124,126, 128,130,132,134,136,138,140,142, 144 Debbie’s Dance Studio, 68,76,78,80,82, 84,86 Debbie Winston, 34 Deborah Kara Unger, 125 Delamont Park, 33,107 Della Cattell,Mrs., 44 Delta, 138 Delta Music Makers, 126,128,130,132,138 Denholm Elliot, 125 Denis Doucett, 65 Denmark, 118 Derbyshire,22 Dal Richards, 97,104,123 Derry Byrne, 42 Dan Minor, 54 Deryk Wilson, 118,120,130,132 Dance “Athon”, 76,78 D.Henson Dance Review, 76 Dance Co., 120 Diamonds in the Rough, 100 Dance Express, 98,100,102,108,110,112, Dick Clark, 108 114,116,118,120,122,126,128,130, Dingwall Cotts, 106 132,134,138,140,142,144 Disc Jockey of the Northwest Award, 35 Dancing Danes, The,140 Disneyland, 74 Dann School of Dance, 64 Dolyce Smith, 22 Darcelle’s Dance Review, 92,94,98,108, Donalda Cameron, 33 110,112,114,116,118,122,124,126,128 Don Bellamy, 94,100,108,110,126 130,132,134 Don Brown Trophy, 36,46,48,50,52,54,56, Darlene & Bonnie, 147 58,62,63,65,68,76,78,80,82,84 Darlene Devenny, 20 Donna Davidson,22 Darlene Leinbach, 31,47,60 Doris Walters School of Dancing, 38 Dann School of Dance, 50,52 Dorothy Hall,22 Darlene Marzari, 110 Dorothy Lamour, 42
INDEX`~ 177
Dorothy Olsen, 61 Doreen Sillery - Swingtime Dancers, 108 Drum & Bugle Corp, 44 Drum Daruma, 52 Duker, Harry, Mr.& Mrs., 52 Dupre School of Dance, 82,84,86,92,94, 98,100,102,108,110,112,116,118,122, 124 Earle Dunsmuir, 19,36,59,61,63 Easter Seal House, 35 Edith Borsa, 61 Edward Stewart McIlwain,--,--,91,93 Edythe Collins Dancing School, 48,50,52, 54 Eire Born irish Dancers, 142,144 Eileen Warnock, 61 Elaine’s Twirlers, 54 El Citta, 104 El Coral, 140 Electric Lightning Brothers, 144 Elgar Junior Choir, 33 Elizabeth Eichel, 22 Ella Gallaher School of Dancing, 38,44,46, 48,50,52,54,58 Elsie May, Mrs., 54,56,58,66 Elvis Presley, 35,106 “Emotions”, 138,144 Empire Stadium, 35 Encore Dance,108,110,112,114 England, 22,32,33,34,72,100 English Bay, 90 English Bay Cafe,108 Eric Jones, 102 Erin O’Daly Academy of Dancing,__,44,46 Erwin Swanguard, 64 Esquimalt, 19 Essondale, 65,67 Ethel Hilton, 61 E.T.Thrussell, ___ Eugene West, 61 Europe, 33,138
Europa Productions,118 Evelyn Dykes, 59 Evelyn Ward Academy of Dancing, 38,44,46,48,50,52,54,56,58,62,64, 68,73,76,78,80,82,84 Every Nation Church Vancouver, 140 E.V.Springbett, Dr.& Mrs., 42 Expo 67, 94 Expo 86, 35,94,102 Expo Theatre, 35 Famee Fur Lame, 80,82,84,92,98,110, 132 Famous Artists, 106 Festival Ballet, 142 Festival of Flowers, 48,50,52 F.Faurey, 63 ? 15th Field Regiment Band, 132 “Final Dimensions,The”, 125 Finnish Canadian Grand Festival, 76,92, 126 Fireworks, 50,52,78,80,82,84,86,94,100 102,108,110,112,114,120,142,144 Fishguard, 33 F.Melton, 63 Folger’s Coffee Co., 35 Folkfest, 34,58,62,68,69,78,82,94,98, 146,152 Folklans over Granser, 118 Footloose Dance Productions, 126,128, 130,132,134,136,138,140 FORRAS Hungarian Dance Ensemble, 126,128,130 France, 30,72 Francis Fridge,Mrs., 54,56,149 Fran Dowie, 19,34 Frank Baker, 104 Frank C. Anders, 34 Frank Scott’s Cavalcade of Laughs, 38, 46 Frank Shuster, 34 Frantic Follies, 32,34 Fraser River Fiddlers, 114,134,142
178~ INDEX
Fred Stride Sixtet, 98 Freeman of the City Award, 107 Fresh groove productions, 144 Friends 4ever, 130,134 Fynsholdt Polish Dancers, 142 G.Allen, Mrs., 46 Gandy’s Hardware, 105 Ganges,67 Garden Grove, Ca./Chancel Choir, 98 Garfield White, 30 Garth Williams, 102 “Gaslight Follies”, 34 Gastown, 69 G.Diespecker, 63 General Gordon School, 32,107 General Motors Parade of Progress, 18 Geneva Calangis, 38,40,98 George Calangis, 98 George Wainborn,24,36,48,50,52,54,56, 58,59,60,63,65 George W.Bush, 63 Georgia Straight, 125 Germany, 34,40,114 Gerry McGeer, 18 Get’ N Started, 118 G.Harrison, 44,66 Gilbert & Sullivan, 42 Gillian Campbell, 42,82,97,126,128,130, 132,144 Gimini Dance Studio, 44 G.Kearney, Mrs., 56 Glad tidings Temple, 68 Glanllyn Singers, 54 Glasgow, 104 Glencoe Scottish Dancers, 114 Gleneagles Scottish Country Dance,112 Gloria Bondoreff, 22 Gloria Code’s Twirlettes, 44,46,48,58, Goh Ballet, 82,84 Good Citizenship Award, 26 Good Times Trio, 92 “Goody Bags,” 24
Gordon Campbell, 160 Gordon Nichols, 63 Gordon Tune, 102 Grace MacDonald School of Dancing, 44 Grace McCarthy, Hon.,26,57,61,106,108 Graham Forst, Dr., 40 Grandview Community Concert Party, 38,44,48,50,52,56,58,66 Great Britain, 33 “Groovy Girls”, 126 Gunther Baylow, 59 Gypsy Ensemble, 38 Gypsy Rose Lee, 125 Hamburg Youth Choir, 114 Haney Correctional Institute, 34 Haney Old Time Fiddlers, 98 Haney Woodmen Variety Show, 38 Hannover, 114 Happy Hour Entertainers, 92 Harmonies Unlimited, 136 Harry Mossfiled, 42 Hart School of Dancing, 64 Hastings Community Concert Party, 52, 54,56,58,62,64,66,68,76,78,80 Hawaii, 104 Hayley Crittenden, 118 H.Dungey,59 Health & Welfare Canada, 27 Heritage Festival, 71,78 Heritage Festival Society, 34 Heritage Musical Theatre, 78,84,92 “Highlander III”, 125 Hilker Attractions Theatrical Agency, 106 H.Kidd, 59,63 Holland, 30,34 Hollyburn Singers, 80 Home Gas Hour of Music, 34 Hope Chapel, 110 Horton,Mrs., 59 Hot Breakfast, 144 “Hotel Room,” 125
INDEX`~ 179
Hotel Sahara, ____ Hot flash Hookers, 132 Houston, 40 Howard Hughes, 125 Hugh Pickett, 106,108,114,124 Hungarian Csardas Group, 110 Hungarian Dancers, 92 “Hurricane,The”, 125 Hyack Festival 94 I.Director, Mr. & Mrs., 59,63 Ian Caddell, 125 Ian Tyson, 140 Impressions Jazz Band, 124,130 Ingala Baylow, 22 Indian Classical Dance, 122 Indian Events, Canoe Races, 56 Ingrid Besmeyer, 138 International Christian Festival, 130 International Folk Festival/Ireland, 72 International Year of the Older Person, 124 In The bag, 144 Inverglen Scottish Dancers, 126,128,130 Ireland, 72,138 Israel, 134 Israeli Youth Folk Group, 138 Isy’s Supper Club, 146 Italian Cultural Centre, 76,86,92,94 Italy, 30,34,108 “It’s Your Choice”, Jack Anderson, 19 Jack Cullen, 104 Jack Parr, 40 Jack Volrich, 68 J.D.Inkster, Mrs., 36,61 James Signorelli, 125 Jan Cabalu, 132 Jane Olynyk, 34 Janet Vertessi, 118 Jan Kainer’s Dancers, 116,124 Japan, 24?
Jasmine Dexter, 22 Jasmine Gardiner School of Dance, 63,80 92 Jasmine’s Dancers, 56,58 Jaye Rogers School of Dancing,44,46,50, 52,54 JCCGV or Chadash, 138 Jean Moore, 63 Jennifer Mascall, 108 Jerry Millerd, 22 Jessica Rae, 142 J.Gardiner’s Dance Review, 62,68,76,78, 84 J.H.Inkster, Mrs. 63 J. Horton, 59 Jim Lamb, 130 Jimmy Pattison, 104,123 J.Krainer - Kerrisdale C.Centre, 108,110, 114 J.Marie Johnson, 61 Joan Bain, 61 Jo Anne’s School of Dance, 54,56,58,62, 64,68,76,78,80,82,84,92,94,98,100, 102 Joan Sien-Wong, 61 Jocelyn Harrison, 108 John Cranko, 40,100 John Newmeire, 40 John Pluil, 53 John Taylor, 36,59 Johnny Cash & Friends Show, 138 Johnny Feoca Band, 110,112 Johnny Hatch, 130 Johnny Wayne, 34 Joyce Anderson, 58 Joy Metcalfe, 105 “Joy To The World,” 114 J. Sutherland, 22 Judith Forst, 40, 42,124 Judith Joyce, 22 Judith Partaik, 61 Judy & Angel Spanish Dancing, 124 Juliette, 29, 42,87,125
180~ INDEX
“Juliette & Friends”, 42 Kalays Wahines, 62 Kaneryo Hiagaonna, 86 ? Kainor’s Dancers, 122,126,128,130,132, 134,136,138,140 Karate Demo, 68,76 Karen Kain, 100 Katherine Hepburn, 106 Kathy Brandon, 146 Kathy Wright Dancers, 98, 108,110,112,116 Kaye Nelson Dancers, 50,52,54,56,58,62, 64,66,68,75,76,78,80,82,84,92,94,98, 100,102,108,110,112,114,116,118,120, 122,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138, 140,142,144,168 Kaye Visini School of Dance, 31,44,45,46, 48,50,52 Keff L’olam Israeli Dance Troupe, 120,124 126,130,132,134,138,140,144 Kelly Haines,134 Kelly McCormick, 118 Kelowna, 104 Ken Armstrong, 59 Ken Korrigan, 59 Kennedy School of Dancing, 48 Kenneth McMillan, 40 Ken Sotvedt, 63,64,68,123 Kenwa Mabuni, 86 Kerrisdale Community Dancers/Jan, 102 Kerrisdale Hawaiin Dancers, 124 Kerrisdale Tappers, 118 Kevin Leinbach, 60,61 “Keys To Tulsa”, 125 Kiddies Parade, 20,22,24,38,44,46,48,50, 52,54,56,60 Kim Campbell/ MP, 27,102 King Kids International, 92,98 Kirby Singers, 97 Kirkwood Academy of Dance, 44,46,68,78 80,82,84,94,100,108,112,116,118,120, 124,126,130,132,134,138,140,142 Kitsilano, 20,22
Kitsilano Beach, 21,90 Kitsilano Boys’ Band,18,26,32,33,36,47, 54,56,104 Kitsilano Boys’Band Reunion, 122,123, 132,134,140,142 Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce,18,22,36, 59,60,63 Kitsilano Community Centre, 26,27 Kitsilano Community Concert Party, 22,24, 38,44,46,48,50,52,54,56,58,59,60,65, 66,67 Kitsilano Day, 22,23 Kitsilano Good Citizenship Award, 22,61 Kitsilano High School, 22 Kitsilano Neighborhood House, 64 Kitsilano Pool, 21,90,105 Kitsilano Secondary School, 144 Kitsilano Showboat, 20,32,34,36,40,42,59, 60,63,69,88,90,105,114,125,136 Kitsilano Showboat Commitee, 59,60 Kitsilano Showboat Society, 26,28,102 Kitsilano Times, 17 Kitsilano Yacht Club, 18 Klondike Kate/ see Gillian Campbell, 144 Knabenmusik Schauffhausen, The, 132 Korea, 30 Korean War, 30 Kory Tyler, 50,56 Kosta Chatzisporis, 61,144 Kouka Tilbrook, 22 K&S Dance Productions, 112,114,116,118, 120,122,126 Ladner, 138 Lakewood/Lakeshore Concert Band, 132, 142 Lance Harrison, 104 Land of Deborah, 144 La Perfecta Combinacion, ____ Las Vegas, 116 Lavonne Kayyat, 61 Lawerance Welk, 42
INDEX`~ 181
Legends of Rock n Roll, 35 Leila Paul, 108 Leontyne Price, 106 Leslie Burke, 140 Leslie Peterson, Hon., 50 “Leus Skwalwen”, 26 Lido Show/Las Vegas, 82 Lillian’s Dancers, 84 Lillie Delamont, 32 Lindsay Clark, 118 Lions ‘Club’ Shriners, 98 Little Big Man, 40 Little Steps Performance Group, 128 Lithuanian Dancers/Toronto, 92 Lloyd Dyk, 61 Logan’s Dance Studio, 68 London, 40,42,100 Lord Byng Symphony Orchestra, 140 Lord Stanley, 36 Lorill Keith, 22 Loris Michilein, 67 Lorita Leung Chinese Classical Dancers, 68,78,80,82,84,86,92,94,98,100,102 Lorraine Grescow, 134 Lorraine Marshall, 22 Lorraine McAllister, 104 Los Angeles, 42,102 Louise Blanchard, 22 Louise Cummings, 61 L.Shaw, Mr.& Mrs., 63 Lt. Gov. George Pearkes, 46 “Luminous Motion”, 125 Lynn Primeau, 22 Lynn Seymour, 42,125 Lynette Majorettes, 46 Madeline Howie, 61,63 Maestro Francesca Priviteva, 118 Magee H.S.Stage Band, 83,84 Magee Strings, 140 Magic Circles, 64,68 “Magistrate’s Court,’ 104 Mahili Dancers, 69
Major J.S. Matthews, 36,63 Mandolins, 116,118 Mandrake the Magician, 147 Maple Leaf Singers, 54 Maple Ridge, 118 Maple Ridge Concert Party, 38,66 Margaret Allen, Mrs., 48,50,52,54 Maria Rosen, 142,144 Marnie Jennings, 74 Margaret Parton, 22 Marge Berri School of Dancing, 38,44,46,48 50,52,54,56,58,62,64 Margery Wilson, 22,23 Marie Gracie Dancers, 78,80,82,84,86,92, 94,98,100 Marjorie Murphy, 61 Marina McElwain, 93 Marlborough Elementary, 58 Marlene Rae, 22 Marpole, 24 Marpole Community Concert Party, 84 Martinuik Academy of Dance, 82 Mart Kenny, 104 Mary Alberts School of Dancing, 38,43,46, 48 Martin Mellado, 61 Mary Isdale School of Dancing, 38,44,46 Maurice Pearson, 42 May Glasspool, 61 McHardy’s School of Dance, 54, 56, 58,62, 64,68,76,78,80,82,84,86,92,94,98,100 102,108,110,110,112,114,116,118,120 122,124,126,128 Meals on Wheels, 26,27,65 Melodius Mandolins, 118 Merv Griffen Show, 82 Metrpolitan Community Concert Parties, 38 Metropolitan Council of Vancouver, 66 Metropolitan Opera Ass.,40, 42 Mexican Frigate “California,” 39
182~ INDEX
Mexico, 74,94,132 Michael Douglas, 125 “Midsummer Nights Dream”, 116 Mike Harcourt, Mayor, 88 Mimi Hines, 40,41,42,146 Mike Horsey, 108 Minor & Latta Review, 56 Miss Kitsilano Contest, 22,59,60 Miss PNE Contest, 104 Miss Vancouver, 22 Mission Thunder Stoppers, 140 Mississippi River, 20 “Mixed Company” Band, 102 Monique Leclerc, 67 Montgomeryshire Youth Band, 102 Montreal, 94 Mooshum Bob’s Little Jiggers, 144 Moses, 42 Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House,144 M.Perrett, Mr., 44,46,66 “Mr. Ed”, 42 Mr.Liang, Martial Artists, 118,120,122, 124, 126,128,130,132 Mrs. Kitsilano, 26 Murdoch, N.C., Mrs., 48,50,52 Muriel Clay, 63 Muriel Waine, 22 Musical Human Interface Band, 108 Nancy Chivirio, 110 Natalie Cole, 42 National Ballet of Canada,, 100 National Band of the Naval Reserve, 42, 128 National Citation for Citizenship, 27 National Council of Women, 27 National Heritage festival, 78 National Theatre School, 125 National Welsh Eisteddfod, 33 Native Sons of BC,Good Citizens Award, 63 N.C.Murdoch, 66
New Dimensions & Liberty Brass, 68,76, 78 Newfoundland, 138 “New Image”, Musical Revue/Phoenix, 100 New York, 19,33,40,42,104 New Westminster, 100 New West Banduras Ensemble, 134 New Westminister Boys’ & Girls’ Band, 38 New West Day,38 New Zealand, 136 Nicole Kidman,125 “No Fixed Address” Band, 84,86 “No Names Mentioned” Band, 102 “No Way Home”, 125 Norad Band, The, 43,52 Norah Topple, 63 Norm Babb, 59 North America, 42,138 North Powys Youth Band, 102 North Shore Neighborhood House, 44,66 North Van Alumni Band, 126 North Van Centre, 52,54 North Vancouver, 40 North Van Rangerettes, 68,78,80,82,84,86, 92,94,98,100,102,108,110,112,114,116 118 Norval Chester, 18,20,36,58,59,60,61,63 Norway, 33 Noya - Vocalist, 138 O Canada, 118 OEQ, 144 “Ojama Daiko”, Japanese Preschool, 130 Okalla Prison Farm, 34 O.L.O.S.Variety Program, 82,86 “Onegin” ,100 Orange Country Song & Dance, 110 Order of Canada, 27,32,107,124 Oregon, 116 Oslo. 33 Ormiston Entertainers, 56,58,62,63,64,68, 72,76,78,80,125
INDEX`~ 183
Orpheum, 24 Ottawa, 27,34,36,124 Otto-Hahn High School, 114 Our Town Cafe, 140 Outstanding Citizen of Kitslano Award, 36 62, P&B Dance Unlimited, 134,136,138,140, 142 Pantages, 24 Pacific Northwest Vaudeville, 20 Paddy Allen School of Dance, 94 Paddy & Alvenna, 80 Paddy’s Pacers, 92 Palace Grand Theatre, 34 Palladium, 40 Pamela Carr, 48,50,52,54,56,62,68 Pam’s Pace Setters, 98 Pancho & Sal, 142,144 Paradise of Polynesia, 132 Paramount, 42 Parliament Hill, 120 Party Boys, 144 Pat Carney Hon.,M.L.A., 89,157,159 Pat Johnston, 44,46 Patricia West, 61 Paula & Adrienne, 132 Pauline Zinko, Mrs., 52,54,56,66 “Payback”, 125 Peake School of Irish Dancing, 56 Peggy Peate School of Dance, 86,92,94, 100,102,108,110,112,114,116,118,120 122,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138 140 Peggy White Dance Theatre, 78,80,82,84, 86,92,94 Penny McKoski, 22 Peruvian Folk Club, 116 Peter Archer, 80 Peter Dunlop, 110 Peter Jasmine, 61 Peter Partaik, 61 Peter Rolston, 97
Peter Ustinov, ___ Pete Stigings, 140 Phil Ford, 40,41,42 Phil Jones Variety Show, 63,64 Phillipine Dancers 112 Phillip Owen/ Mayor, 124 Phoenix, 100 Phoenix Gynmnastics Club,100,102,108, 110, P.M.A.Concert Band, 100 PNE, 26,38,64,98,114,125 PNE Outdoor Theatre, 50,52 PNE Parade, 50,52,56,58, 68,94,102,108, 110, 112,114 PNE Travelling Road Show, 112,114 Poco Twirlwettes, 100 Point Grey, 18 Point Grey Community Church,114 Polish Canadian Youth Circle, 46,48,50,52, 54,56,58 Polish Dance Group, Polonez, 108,110,112, 114,116,118,120,122,124,126,128,130, 132,134,136,138,140,142,144 Polish Dancers, 69 Polish Friendship Zgoda Society, 52,54,56, 58 Port Moody, 40 “Posse on a mission from Honolulu Hawaii”, 114 Powys, 102 Precision Dance Academy, 142,144 Prince Charles, 42 Prince George, 22 Princess Diana, 42 Princess Margaret, 42 Province of BC, 84 Provincial Council, 27 Purchase, Mrs., 48,50,52,66 Purple Crab, The, 140 Quarry House Restaurant, 105 Quebec, 138 Queen Elizabeth II, 120
184~ INDEX
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 36,107 Queen’s Jubilee Celebration, 130 Rachmaninov, 100 Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, 92?,82, 104 Rainbow Review Variety, 80,84,98 Rai Purdy, 104 Raine Dance & Co. 110,112,114,116, 118,122,124,126,128,130,132,134, 136,138 Rangerettes Variety Entertainment, 80 “Rat Pack,The,’ 125 Ravel, 100 Ray Carroll - Platters Tribute, 130 Ray Leinbach, 53,58,59,60,61 Ray Mercier, 20 Ray Myers Band, 140 Razzmatap, 140,144 Red Robinson, 35 Red Robinson Show Theatre, 35 Reid Anderson, 40,66,100 Renfrew Community Concert Party, 56 “REQUEST”, A Cappella, 130 Rex Werts, 17 RCAF, 19 Richmond Academy of Dance, 100 Ricky Mann, 51 Riley Park Seniors Dancers, 100 R.Johnston, Mr.&Mrs., 66 Robson Square, 34, 69 Rob Stuarts Publicans, 92 Robbin Holburn, 112 Rock Hudson, 42 Rodger Reimer, 61 Rolf Harris, 42,51 Rolling Stones, The, 106 Romeo & Juliet, 22 Ronald MacDonald Big Red Shoe Revue, 84,94,110 Ron Collier, 123 Ron Docherty, 50
Ron Erickson, 59 Ronnie Mercier, 20 Roots Round-up Band, 98 Rose Jay, 31,36,58,59,60,61,63 Rosemary Silversteen, 34 Route 66, 122,124 Royal Ballet, 42 Royal Ballet School, 100 Royal Canadian Legion #142, 62,64 Royal Canadian Navy, 42,130 Royal Canadian Twirlettes, 48,50,52,54,56, Royal City Alumni Band, 116,118 Royal City Concert Band, 142 Royal City Youth Ballet, 142 Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, 58 62,100 Roy Jacque, 104 Roy Thomson, 104 Rudolf Nureyev, 106 Russ Jensen, 59 Russian Community Centre, 122 Russian Dancers, 120 Salsa Daancers, 136 Salt Lake City Entertainers, 124 Saltspring Island, 67 Salvation Army Temple Musicale, 44,46,50, 52,54 Salvation Army Youth Variety Program, 50 Salvie’s Singers, 122,124,126 Sammy Morelli, 130 Sanctuary All-Stars, 142 San Francisco, 33 Santa Anita Racetrack, 125 Saskatchewan, 105 Scandinavian Dancers, 110,112,114,120, 122,124,130,132,134,136,138,140,142, 144 Scarlet Angel, 42 Schultz Dancers, 94,102 Scotland, 33,72,104,138 Scottish Dancers, 76 Sea Festival Board, 27
INDEX`~ 185
Sea Festival Parade, 94,102,108,112 Sean Penn, 125 Seaside, 116 Seattle, 20,118 Second World War, 30,34 Secord School, 52,54 Select dance Studio, 116,118,120 Sensai Akira Sato, 86 Sentimental Journey, 142,144 Serbian Folk Dance Group, 142 Sesame Street, 125 SFU Pipe Band, 122,132 Shakespeare, 116 Shalom Dancers, 130,132 Shamrock, The, 40 Sharon Hansen, 22,86 Shay Duffin, 42 Shelly Stewart Hunt, 67 Shito-Ryu Karate Demo, 82,84,86,92,94,98 Shitsu Martial Arts, 134 Showboat, 24,27, “Showboat” the musical, 116 Showboat Highlite Show, 50,52,56,84 “Showstoppers”, 38,44,46,48,50,52,54, 56,58 Shrine Parade, 48 Shrine PNE Night, 44,46 Shrine Stage Extravaganza, 48 Side by Side, 138,140,142,144 “Signs & Wonders”, 125 Sillustani Folkloric/Peru, 118 Sinclair Centre, 86 “Singin, Dancin & Actin” Studio, 110 “Singing Angels”, 136 Sir Adolphe Basile Routhier, 118 Sir William Van Horne School, 92 Sister DJs Radio Band, 140,142,144 Sizzlers Fiddler Group, 130 Slovenian Folklore Dancers, 78,98,100, 102,108,110,112,118,120,122 SO-LA-MI Singers/Youth Theatre, 74 Sol Aymara “Chilean Dance Group,112
Sonja Bakker, 110 “Sorcerer,The”, 125 South Cambie Community Concert Party, 38,44,66 South Korea, 34 Spain, 108 Spirit of the South Seas Dancers, 122,124 126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140,144 Spotlight Productions, 92,108,110,112,114 116,118,120,122,124,126,128,130,132, 134,136,138,140,142,144 Square dancing & Eagle Cloggers, 92,94 SSYMCA Square Dancers, 98 Stage I, 126,130,134 Stanley Park, 32,98,106,146 St.Andrews & Caledonian Society, 38,46, 48,50,52,54,56 “State of Emergency”, 125 Stave Falls Scottish Dancers, 72,86,92,100, 102,108,110,112,114,116,118,124,126, 128,132,136,140,142,144 St.Casmirs Youth Band, 52 Stephanie Elliot, 142,144 Steven Anderson, 126 St.James Japanese Preschool, 132,134,136 138,140 St.John, 138 St.Marks Scout Troop, 47th Trinity, 124,126, 130,132 Stockholm, 110 St.Pauls Indian School, 40 Strathcona Chinese Dance Co., 92,94,98, 100 Strathcona Community Centre, 94 S.Tulloch, 66 Stuttgart Ballet Co., 40,100 Stardust Hotel, 82 S.Tulloch,Mrs., 44 Sue Scruton, 61 Summer Pops Youth Orchestra, 100,102, 108,112,114,116,118,122,124,126,128, 130,132,134,136,138 “Sunshine,” 125
186~ INDEX
“Surfer Girl,” 146 Susan Anderson, 40 Sunrise Community Concert Party, 38,44, 46,50,52,54,56,58,64,66 Sunset Community Concert Party, 38,44,48, 50,52,54 Surrey Arts Center, 142 Surrey Dance Festival, 82 Sweden, 136 Sweet Adelaines, 44,46,50,73,86 Sweet Adelaines Competition, 136 Swingtime Dancers, 110,112,114,116,120 Sylvia Krull, 22 Syndicate,The, 142,144 Symphony of Fire, 108,112 Tacoma, 20 Taekwon- do - Karate Demo, 56 Talk Of The Town, 40 Tamure Tahiti’s Polynesian Spectacular Paul Latta, 68,76,78,80,82,98,100,102, 108 Tavai’s Dance Revue, 58 Taylor Sayor, 118 Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, 91 Ted Cawker Dance School, 38,44,46 Ted Gandy, 58,59,60,61,63,90,93,105 Teenage Fashion Show, 48,50,52,54,58 Terry Lynn School of Dance, 84,94, 92,98 Theatre Under The Stars, 19,106,147 The Art of Dance, 138,142,144 The Bridge, Christian Music Festival, 132, 134 “The Flock” Posse from Surrey, 114 “The Game”, 125 “The West Ender”, 114 “The Wildings, 130,132,134,136 Thunderbird Talent Troupe, 48,52,54,58 “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport”, 42 Tierra del Sol Mexican Dancers, 130,132, 134,138,142 “Till There was You”, 125 Time Step Cloggers, 122,124,128,130,
132,142 Timmy’s Telethon, 35,104 Tittmus Trio, 19 Tom Alsbury, 36,42 Tom Campbell, 20,48,59 Tommy Parker, 138 Tony Camillo Show, 38 Tom Jones, 82 Tommy Hunter, 140 Toronto, 33,104 Totem A&T Ford Club Totem A&T Teddy Bear Fund, 112 Traditions, 144 Tutt Academy of Dance, 132 UBC, 22,40 UBC Brass Menagerie, 98 UBC Women’s Club at Hycroft, 67 Ukranian Entertainers, 120 Union Gospel, 142 United Kingdom, 104 United States, 35,42,94,105,136 University Hospital, 104 University of Victoria, 125 Urbana Band, 112,114,116,118,122,128, 130,132,134,138,144 Valerie Lee Dance School, 62,64,68,76,78 82 Vancouver, 24,27,28,32,98 Vancouver Bicycle Club, 52 Vancouver Childrens Circus, 122 Vancouver Childrens Hospital, 142 Vancouver Christian Life Centre, 108,110, 112 Vancouver Community College Band, 116, 118,128 Vancouver Council, 27 Vancouver Courier Newspaper, 105 Vancouver Courthouse, 32 Vancouver Elgar Junior Choir, 33 Vancouver Firefighters Band, 136,138, 140, 141,142,144
INDEX`~ 187
Vancouver Folkfest, 69,78,80,82,84,86 Vancouver General Hospital, 67 Vancouver Guild of Puppetry, 64 Vancouver Hungarian Folk Dance Society, 114,116,120,122,124,126 Vancouver Island, 132 Vancouver Jewish Community Centre, 132 Vancouver Medal of Merit, 63 Vancouver Naval Drum & Bugle Corp, 126 Vancouver Naval Veterans Band, 128,130,132 Vancouver Opera Ass., 40 Vancouver Order Of Merit, 33 Vancouver Outstanding Citizen Award, 26 Vancouver Pioneers, 26,27 Vancouver Playhouse, 22 Vancouver Police Dog Squad,116,118,120, 122 Vancouver Province, 35 Vancouver Railway Museum, 46 Vancouver Sea Festival, 44,46,48, 50, 52,54, 56,58,68,112 Vancouver South Vineyard Community Church, 120,122,124,126,128 Vancouver Sportive Baton Club, 116, 118,122,124,128 Vancouver Sun Community Concert Series, 122,124,126,128 Vancouver Sun & Province, 126 Vancouver Tap Dance Society, 126 Vancouver Thunderbirds, 44,54, Vancouver Thunderbird Chorus, 144 Vancouver Youth Band, 112 Vanguard Fencing Club, 120 Variety Club Tlethon, 104 Verity Purdy, 104 Vicki’s School of Dance, 102,108 Victor Crowe, 64 Victoria Drive Community Concert Party, 38,44,50,52,54,56,58,62,66,68,
76,78,80,82,84,86,94 Vi Moore School of Irish Dancing, 46,48, 50,52,54,62 Vincent & Hazel Dance & Theatre School, 38 Violet Cameron School of Dancing, 38, 44,46,58,62,68 Volunteer Recognition Award, 158 Volunteer Recognition Letter, 167 Wailele Wai Wai, 144 Waldorf Plaza, 40 Wales, 30,72,102 Washington D.C., 74 Wayne Hunter, 61 Wayne Newton, 147 Wayne & Shuster, 104 “Weekend,The”, 125 Wells Sr.Trappers, 128 Welsh Brass Band, 100 Wesburn Wranglers, 134,138,142 “West Coast”, 104 Westcoast Harmony Chorus, 136 West End Choir, 83 Western News, 105 Westside Dance Centre, 140,142,144 Western Sound, 61 West Vancouver, 104 W.H.Hilton, 36,58,59,60,63 Whistles the Clown, 144 White Cane Ass., 27 Whitehorse, 34,72 Whitehorse S. Dancers, 86 White Spot Pipe Band, 94,98,100,102, 108,110,112,116,118,122 Wild West Can Can, 142,144 William Vander Zalm, 160,162,164 Willingdon Church Group, 94 Winnipeg, 112 W.I.S.E. Singers in London Capers, 54 Woods Flower Shop, 59 W.Parton, 59
188~ INDEX
Woodlands Institute, 67 World War II, 42,130 World’s Sunday School Convention, 33 “Worshippers of the Dark”, 125 W.R.Bennett, 89 Yaletown Buskers, 42 Yastune itosu, 86 Year of the Child Award, 26 Young Ballet Dancers, Dunbar C Centre, 134 Young Hearts Band, 116 “Youri”, 125 Youville Residence Care Facility, 27 Yukon, 34 Yukon News, 34 Yvonne De Carlo, 42 YWCA Women Of Distinction Award, 27
THE KITSILANO SHOWBOAT`~ 189
190~ The Audience