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I don’t think I’m up for skydiving…you know, that whole jumping out of a plane thing kind of freaks me out – but this MAY be the next best thing! It’s called Fly Zone , and you get to experience the part “after” the jump!

The instructors were awesome  – here’s the VIDEO  if you missed the segments on BT! They are only at the location until mid-February until they have to move to a different location (TBA)  – so give them a call!

Highly recommend this experience!

with the instructors of Fly Zone

Have a great weekend!

Dawn

This year I am thrilled to be performing New Year’s Eve with the Dal Richards Orchestra at the River Rock Casino in Richmond! I will be one of Dal’s Gals (which also includes Diane Lines, Jennifer Hayes and the newest addition, Caroline Markos) as we ring in 2012 – how cool is that?!?

Just one of Dal's Gals! photo by Linsey Hulls

On January 5, 2012, Dal will turn 94 years old! To celebrate this BC Legend, Breakfast Television is devoting the Live Eye that day to host an on-air birthday party at his home during the broadcast (imagine having to get up at 6am on your birthday and have guests over? What a guy!). We will hear stories, see pictures and some of his memorabilia from his 7 decades of performing.

We are also expecting a few special guests to join us, so please tune in to BT on January 5 and celebrate with us!

I also encourage you to post your birthday greetings to Dal here on my blog…I would be happy to print them off for him and present your wishes that morning. I know he will be thrilled and grateful for your support!

Have a wonderful New Years Eve! Please be safe and don’t drive if you are drinking. We all deserve a great start to 2012!

Please be sure to check out my Official Website for upcoming gigs with Dal Richards as well as my own Jazz Stylings.

You may also follow me on TWITTER and FACEBOOK - thanks for keeping in touch!

Dawn

Spent a wonderful morning at Solly’s Bagelry as we celebrated the first day of Chanukah (last night was Chanukah eve). Leah was able to show us through her production kitchen, we made Jelly Donuts, Ragolah and Latkes and learned of the significance of each of these foods as well as the significance of lighting the Menorah.

If you get a chance to go to Solly’s – be sure to have a potato and onion Knish or the Borscht – they are my fave!!

Happy Channukah!

Dawn

This morning I spent the morning at the Greater Vancouver Foodbank in anticipation of Foodbank Friday here at City TV on December 16th.

We always know the need is great. What you may not realize is that the need is up by 15 percent in addition to  being 10% below normal levels right now – so we have some work to do!

We all know about the non-perishables needed (high protein, beans ect) and most of us know that when you donate money to the food bank, each dollar they get actually translates into $3 spending power. But what exactly do they buy with that money?

They buy perishables like Fruits, Veggies, Bread, and meat, but also things like baby food and diapers. So you see…they need everything and anything you are prepared to give. Another thing to remember is that the donations received this time of year actually nourishes families right through summer.

Please…come by the back lane of CityTV (180 West2nd) this Friday between 5:30 and 9am. Bring your food. Bring your money (cash, credit, interac is also accepted) and bring your smiling faces. We will be smiling right back at you and the smiles you won’t see (but know they are there) will be the ones on the mouths you helped feed.

See you Friday!

Dawn

“If they’re legends…they’ve played the YALE”  is the statement at the top of the Website for the Yale Hotel - and in their 130 year history they have had the “who’s who” of the Blues world on their stage!

On Monday, November 21, the Yale is closing it’s doors for 12 months for renovations – you can read the story HERE.

To celebrate the last 130 years, a series of concerts will take place with a big finale taking place on  November 20 from 2pm-6 pm. Performers for the A Finale include Big Band Blues with Dal Richards Orchestra featuring Jim Byrnes  -

with Jim at this years PNE

I will be on hand to sing a few tunes with Dal and the rest of his “Gals”. Needless to say, I am honoured and thrilled to be a part of the celebration of this Vancouver landmark! For more information on all the events surrounding the 130th Birthday of the Yale, you can check out their website.

Breakfast Television will also be on location on Monday November 14 to give you a bit of a preview and share some memories!

Dawn

I had the privilege of being on location this morning at Potluck Cafe and Catering on East Hastings. For the last decade,  the Potluck has been feeding an average of 30,000 meals PER YEAR to residents of the Downtown Eastside. In addition to the lunch programs, the Potluck also co-founded the DTES Kitchen Tables Project which focuses on access to water and quality, nutritious food across the DTES  and also ensures the distribution of “real food” to those living with HIV/ AIDS, Hepatitis C and Diabetes.

I got to see these great people at work – and boy are they busy! John, Blue, Peter and Felix were busy in the kitchen working on a catering gig…and working front of house was Helen, who has gone through the program and says the Potluck Cafe has “saved her life” . She and I were fast friends.They also have a friend in Barney Bentall who is preparing for the Grand Cariboo Opry (both in Victoria and Vancouver)

with Helen and Barney Bentall

The Grand Cariboo Opry, in its 6th year, promises to be a great time, so get your tickets before they sell out - but there are other ways you can help! As a company can hire them for your next luncheon or also sponsor a lunch for residents of the DTES ( Happy Planet is sponsoring one tomorrow).  As an individual, you can dine at the cafe, volunteer or donate to the Potluck Community Programs.

It’s a great program that needs your help!

Dawn

Incredible how many people have turned out to say a final farewell to Jack Layton on Parliament Hill.  He truly was an icon in Canadian politics and touched people from coast to coast, no matter what their political beliefs are.

Layton’s casket will be taken to Toronto later today.

We’ll have live coverage of Jack Layton’s funeral Saturday morning beginning at 10:00AM on Citytv.

Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton lost his battle with cancer this morning, but we lost much more.

This year when I watched the federal election I couldn’t help but admire the brevity, passion and charisma that Layton exhibited in the political arena. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with his ideologies, it’s hard to argue against the fact that he was one of the most relatable leaders that spoke to the average Canadian and helped the NDP earn its first official opposition status in the party’s 50 year history.

The first time I took note of Layton was a few years back during his attendance at the Muchmusic Video Awards. I was covering the awards show for a different station and watching him work the crowd. He wasn’t there to simply shake hands, he proactively engaged his young following and proved he was a man of the people that was looking to empower the next generation of votes.

I will always respect his ability to eloquently speak “to” someone, rather than “at” them with trite rhetoric. It was tough to read his final letter but Jack Layton will be remembered for the rise of the NDP and getting us all just a little bit more interested in Canadian politics.

Jack\’s Final Letter

RM

Wow! What a great long weekend we had in Vancouver. And the weather was picture perfect for the Pride Parade on Sunday afternoon. Riaz, Dawn, Michel, Greg and myself got to take part in this year’s parade. We saw SO many viewers and handed out thousands of our BT fans (which came in very handy since the weather warmed up!).

Here are a few photos from Sunday’s Pride Parade. Hope you had a Happy Pride! We’re looking forward to next year’s parade!

K

Okay, it’s mid-July and our weather has been pretty depressing this month. Summer just isn’t wanting to arrive on the west coast. But elsewhere across North America, they’re dealing with some intense heat. The temperature has been in the high 30’s and even low 40’s for much of the month in places across the central US. Humidex advisories are in place for several provinces this week. And in Ontario, it’s supposed to reach 37 on Thursday!

Spoke with my family in Ottawa last night.  They had a brutal storm pass through the region (which is typical for the Ottawa Valley).  And it created some scary moments at Ottawa’s Bluesfest. Check out this video of the stage collapsing in the middle of a vicious wind storm.  At least four people were injured. Organizers say they’ll keep in touch with the weather office from now on to try and have a better heads up during freak situations like this one.

Mother Nature is incredible!

K