 Joy's Journal
Vancouver's Social News Scene
Joy's Bio
Joy Metcalfe isn't really everywhere, it just seems that way. Openings, premieres, interviews, news conferences, celebrity sightings...it's fast-paced, energetic, and effusive, like Joy herself.
"My main job in life? Get it first." - Joy Metcalfe
Tuesday, June 30th
One of our town's biggest tourist boosters and Vancouver show biz historian is Jeff Veniot and he recalled an incident way back in 1974 when comedian Rich Little came to town to perform at the Pacific Coliseum.
He can't recall why but Ed McMahon was on the same bill, though he was a big name then as Johnny Carson's right-hand guy.
Jeff had heard a rumour that Ed always liked to scope out the venue, hours before the show.
So off went Jeff to the PNE and approached genial G.M. Mario Caravetta. He explained that he was a huge Johhny Carson fan and asked if he could stand at the entrance and perhaps say hello to Ed.
"Sure, why not?" said Mario. (Can you imagine this happening today?)
Shortly after a limo pulls up and out comes Ed McMahon, very big, very tall and very friendly and greets Mario who, in turn, introduced Jeff.
Jeff welcomed him to town and hoped he'd have a great show and added "please say hello to Mr. Carson from all his fans in Vancouver."As Jeff turned to go, Ed said,"Would you like to come in with me while I tour the building and check things over?" Wow! Jeff is thrilled as they walk through the site, chatting about Vancouver and other shows that have come through, Ed making sure that Jeff has tickets for the show that evening, friendly and gracious.When it came time to head for his dressing room, Ed made a point of thanking Jeff for being there, for all his pertinent Information, saying goodbye and again shook his hand.As Jeff said, Ed McMahon was a real super, down-to-earth guy and he' knows that he'll be missed by millions around the world...
Jeff and his wife Trish were in Victoria checking out of the Coast Harbourside last week when he spotted one of those music touring coaches parked out front. There was Canadian music legend Burton Cummings.
The previous evening had been the first night of a cross-country tour with Randy Bachman.
While it had been very successful, Burton admitted that he was glad it was over as he still finds first nights nerve-wracking...
The weatherman has certainly been co-operative with all the various charity golf and tennis tournaments going on. And the day couldn't have been better for the annual Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament at the Ambleside Greens Golf Couse in West Vancouver. This is a popular fundraiser for the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation. Some 32 teams took part in the fun sport that kicked off precisely at 2 pm with a chilled champagne reception.
Following the game (which I love!), the players in their crisp whites, were joined under the huge marquee tent set up beachside, by dinner guests who were treated to white glove dinner service by Glowbal Catering.
Event chair Nicole Brown welcomed everyone to the affair thanking the various sponsors like London Drugs, IGA, Millenium and Park Royal for their support.
The emcee for the evening was West Vancouver Mayor, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones while the live auction was handled efficiently by former West Van mayor and return auctioneer Mark Sager.
The surprise for everyone involved is that the 2009 Mallet Masters raised an amazing $74,013 in this depressed economy...
Still in the Ambleside area, Crave Beachside reopened officially last week with a huge reception hosted by Crave's Executive Chef and co-owner Wayne Martin.
This upscale bistro will feature fresh, local and organic ingredients in a creative menu at an affordable price in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
With a smashing new patio overlooking the beach and harbour, a sophisticated new look and decor, an inspired comfort-food-meets-urban-bistro menu and the new Beachside To Go, Wayne's newest creation is bound to be a winner...
There was quite the glitzy gala last Thursday evening at the intimate Opus Hotel on behalf of Arts Umbrella. Entitled Au=Precious Element, the event was totally sold out with the theme of Gold and Glamorous and attended by the city's fashionable stylistas, glitterati and see-and-be-seensters.
Welcoming guests were John Evans, owner of the Opus, Lucille Pacey, CEO of Arts Umbrella, Arts Umbrella director Jennifer Peterson and Opus's national marketing director, Chella Levesque.
Delectable canapes by Elixir's Bistro Executive Chef Don Letendre were devoured while gold-painted goddesses danced to the beat of D.J.'s Blondtron & Krown.
Monies raised will go to support arts programs for Vancouver's less privileged children...
Now this should be fun! Two dedicated and hardworking individuals who have kept Theatre Under the Stars operating through thick and thin are Cecelia and Roger Smith. As an archivist and a TUTS founding members, they are on a committee headed by veteran Alex McLeod with Mari Kassell, to produce a 40th anniversary memorial evening in Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park of the musical "Carousel" from the TUTS production in 1969.
They'd love to invite all the original cast, crew and musicians to join them on this auspicious evening which will be Friday, July 17th. Sounds like a great idea!...
Spotted at the recently renovated and greatly expanded Absolute Spa at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver were that handsome couple, actor Matt Frewer and E.T. Canada personality Cheryl Hickey who took time to relax and enjoy the perfect pampering...
|