I have lost a pal and B.C. has lost a great friend. I was at home Sunday morning when another chum telephoned to ask me if I had heard the news that Bobby Ackles had died of a heart attack. I said, “That can’t be, let me check with my media friends.” I was shocked to discover that it was true; Bobby had died on Bowen Island at 69. A legend in B.C. sports has passed. Bobby and I go back to King Edward High School days where he was one year behind me. In recent years I emceed his High School Reunion (1956) and he came to mine (1955). We kept in touch over the years and when he returned to Vancouver we got together often. He rented some space in my office building, where he spent time working on his hobby, painting. The Thursday before the sad news came down we had gone to Joe Fortes Restaurant and enjoyed a two-hour lunch on the roof in blazing sunshine. It was a great get together. I miss him To quote William Shakespeare, “No monumental stone preserves our name, nor sky-aspiring pyramids fame. The memory for whom this stands, shall outlive Marble and defacers hands.” Goodbye old friend… It has been a busy time in recent weeks interviewing various celebrities for my Wednesday morning Global News feature, Red’s Reunion. The whole weekend was taken up travelling around talking to the famous. Jewel came to my theatre and we met backstage and talked about her rise from poverty to becoming one of the biggest selling artists of her generation. She was a delightful young lady, and of course enjoys being a judge on the television series Nashville Star. She flew out of Vancouver and back to Nashville to complete her contract obligations to the show…
“Click me – I talk!”
Next up on my agenda was an interview with Kid Rock. It took place in the old Forum building at the P.N.E., where years ago Harry Belafonte and Frank Sinatra entertained. He was originally scheduled for the Coliseum, but they were working on installing some special features for the forthcoming Olympics. The Kid is no stranger to our town, having spent much time here with Ladysmith legend Pamela Anderson. The topic of Pam was one item that was not to be discussed… Next up, a trip to the River Rock Show Theatre and a talk with game show host Bob Eubanks. He was in town to perform the $250,000.00 Game Show Spectacular at the Red Robinson Show Theatre. Bob has had a varied career, including being a deejay in Los Angeles at KRLA, a concert promoter who mortgaged his house to bring The Beatles to the Hollywood Bowl, to personally manage artists such as Dolly Parton and Marty Robbins. Bob is best remembered as host of the television show Newlywed Game… Not only does the Reverend Al Green have a brand new CD out titled Lay It Down, you will be able to hear selections from it when he appears September 6th at the River Rock and the next night at my theatre. The “hot” summer continues with some outstanding shows. A recent example was the great performance by George Michael at G.M. Place. The 12th annual Maple Ridge Jazz and Blues Festival takes place Saturday August 9th at Memorial Park in Maple Ridge. There is music, BBQ and beer garden and great fun… September 6th is just around the corner and the C.H.I.L.D Foundation presents an Evening of Great Canadian Achievement with a special tribute to Brandt Louie, President and C.E.O of H.Y.Louie Co. and Chairman of London Drugs Limited. The salute to Mr. Louie will include a Gala evening with David Foster at my theatre. For tickets please call the C.H.I.L.D Foundation at 604-736-0645.
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