Red Around Town: May 10

It was a treat to meet Clara Ann Fowler, better known as Patti Page, backstage at the Bell Centre in Surrey. It was amazing to hear the singer who is now 80 years of age. With few exceptions, she is still able to hit the notes. She didn’t disappoint when it came to her list of hit songs such as Tennessee Waltz, How Much Is That Doggie In The Window, and so many more. We all agreed that this is one classy lady… Next up was a visit to my theatre and the Kenny Rogers show. Ever the showman, he walked through his multitude of hits with great stage presence and humour. He and I talked about his recent knee replacement surgery and he said it was awkward at times, but that he insisted on continuing with his tour despite his doctor’s advice not to do it. It certainly did not prevent him from giving us a great show… On radio row, add another voice to the CKNW news team. Brett Mineer joins the station as a reporter. His last post was at CHNL in Kamloops… Danny Federici, longtime keyboard player for Bruce Springsteen, whose stylish work helped define the E Street Band’s sound on hits from Hungry Heart through The Rising, has died at the age of 58 after a long battle with melanoma. He last performed with Springsteen and the band March 20th in Indianapolis, Indiana… A fond farewell to local country singer Patti Mayo who has passed away. The tribute to this lovely lady was held April 25th at the Whalley Legion in Surrey. She will be missed…

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One half of one of Vancouver’s favourite morning teams is packing it in for real estate. Shawn Webster, who has been co-hosting the morning show with Bob Saye on CKBD (600 AM), has informed management of her departure and now the search is on to find a replacement. Good luck Shawn, you are one of the best… Plans have been announced for the restoration of the famous Pantages Theatre at a recent special presentation at the venue. On hand to encourage and support the plan were maestro Dal Richards, actress supreme Joy Coghill, the amazing Dalannah Gail Bowen, the ever pleasant Roma Hearn and thespian extraordinaire Christopher Gaze. A private tour, media conference and variety show was held to showcase this historic venue. The renovation will cost $26 million. The famous Pantages chain of vaudeville palaces, later to become movie theatres, sprung forth first in Seattle and then Vancouver before becoming a North American chain. This is a landmark property… Supernatural and Smallville, two locally produced televisions series, have both been renewed. This is Smallville’s 8th season… Also the Vancouver production of Robson Arms has also been picked up for another season… The Leo Awards is back for its 10th Anniversary ceremony and gala to be held at the Westin Bayshore Resort May 23rd and May 24th… Concert happenings include the double bill of Brooks & Dunn with ZZ Top August 8th at GM Place… Boz Scaggs will appear at the River Rock and Red Robinson show theatres August 15th and 16th… And Emmylou Harris will appear at the Orpheum July 23rd…

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