10th Anniversary Launch Party Fundraiser – A HUGE SUCCESS!

November 07, 2013

What a fantastic evening! PuSh was proud to launch it’s 10th Anniversary Festival Program with a bang last night.

Beginning with a pre-reception with refreshments from Festival partners Emelle’s Catering, Kronenbourg 1664 and Summerhill Pyramid Winery, guests got a taste of what is to come with some curatorial reflections from Artistic & Executive Director Norman Armour, impressive statistics from Board President Peter Dickinson, and a beautiful serenade from Woodpigeon, Colin Cowan and Jenn Bojm.

When the main doors opened at The Imperial at 7pm, guests were treated to the full glory of the incredible venue. The Imperial is a hidden gem on the edge of Gastown, though after last night we all feel sure it won’t be hidden for long! Vaulted ceilings, minimal but inspiring decor, friendly and helpful staff, and absolutely unbelievable sound. Thank you so much to Ken Phelan, Kai Johnson, Ryan, Fife, and the whole Imperial crew!

To the main event… such tremendous talent from all around Vancouver. We were treated to some amazing treasures from the following artists: Colin Cowan, Corbin Murdoch, Bocephus King, Brasstronaut, Veda Hille, Jim Byrnes, Woodpigeon, the Coastal Sound Youth Choir and Wintermitts. The performers all paid tribute to their favourite Vancouver artists. Who could have imagined the way a double bass could evoke the anguish of k.d. lang’s Constant Craving? Or how a simple ’80s headband coupled with a keyboard could evoke the jubilance of Loverboy’s Everybody’s Working for the Weekend? Or the night’s capper — a gorgeous, melodic, indie band tribute to Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe that had the crowd on their feet! And the whole night was held together by none other than Charlie Demers, keeping us all on our toes as he deftly weaved the crowd through the ambitious lineup, all the while keeping us in stitches.

As a compliment to this tremendous artistic offering, party goers jockeyed for position to get the winning bid on some incredible silent auction items. Thanks to all our amazing auction sponsors, some PuSh fans will be journeying to artistic destinations in Victoria and Whistler, and will be enjoying amazing cultural experiences here in Vancouver. Thank you to the following supporters of PuSh for their contributions to the auction: Helijet, Fairmont Empress Victoria, Dance Victoria, Whistler Film Festival, Listel Hotel Whistler, Acura, Taku Resort on Quadra Island, Hollyhock Lifelong Learning Centre on Cortes Island, Vancouver International Film Festival, Georgia Straight, Vancouver International Wine Festival, Quality Hotel – The Inn at False Creek, Emelle’s Catering, Innovative Fitness – The Four Seasons, and Vancouver Fashion Week.

It was an absolutely magnificent evening!

And now on to the Festival!