Incredible. Fantastic. Wondrous. Fabulous. Unforgettable. There are perhaps not enough adjectives to describe the 36th Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26. Let’s just summarize by saying this was one of the best events your faithful social scribe has had the pleasure of attending and covering in my nearly 20-year history on the scene. And did I mention the weekend was philanthropic as well? How about historic? $1.348 million (net) was raised making it the most successful in the event’s 36-year history. And in this economy!
More than 350 industry, government, arts and culture, and community leaders from across Alberta, Canada, the United States, and overseas attended the ball. The enormous success of the 36th annual will ensure The Banff Centre continues to attract artists of the highest calibre- because of their talent- not their ability to pay.
The weekend kicked off in style as guests gathered in the Kinnear Centre for Friday Night LIVE’s Culinary Festival and Performance Showcase hosted by renowned playwright and Banff Centre alumnus Daniel MacIvor. Socalled and artists opened the performance followed by Josh Martin’s fresh and eclectic dance performance. Banff Centre resident pianists Alexander Malikov and Stephanie Tang were met with a standing ovation after their duo-piano performance of George Gershwin’s 1924 Rhapsody in Blue. And the evening was topped-off by Canadian jazz pianist, singer-songwriter and Banff Centre alumna Laila Biali who, in her final number, thrilled guests with a surprise duet with iconic Canadian singer-songwriter and Banff Centre alumnus, Royal Wood.
Saturday saw guests take in five Creative Spotlights which offered unique glimpses into The Banff Centre’s multi-disciplinary programming. For many, however, the highlight was Saturday evening’s Gala Ball that featured not one, but two extraordinary performances-one by Grammy and JUNO Award-winning Banff Centre alumna k.d. lang, and another by Banff Centre brass faculty member, and Grammy and JUNO Award nominee, trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann.
Kudos to all involved on the success of the weekend and take a bow sentiments go out to invaluable sponsors: Husky Energy (Presenting Sponsor) represented by Asim Ghosh and Rob Peabody; RBC Capital Markets (Showcase Performances Sponsor) represented by Gord Ritchie, Derek Neldner, Kent Ferguson and Trevor Gardner; KERN Partners represented by Jeff and Kim van Steenbergen; Parkland Fuel Corporation represented by Bob Espey, Irfhan Rawji and Peter Kilty; Progress Energy represented by Mike and Heather Culbert; and Norton Rose Fulbright
represented by Chris Hilbert, Dan Hays, Norm Steinberg and Ken Stewart. Standing ovations go out to personal supporters: Adam and Jan Waterous; Andrea Brussa and David Lyons; Mary and Chris Fong; John and Sheilagh Langille; Sheila Wappel McLean and Brent McLean; Pat and Connie Carlson; Rick and Julie George; Rick and Brune Sinneave; and Jeff and Marilyn McCaig.
Banff Centre Alumnus, dancer Josh Martin was but one of the amazing performers at the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend Friday Night LIVE performance showcase.
Jazz pianist and Banff Centre alumna Laila Biali wowed the audience at the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend Friday Night LIVE performance showcase.
Pictured at the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend Friday Night LIVE performance showcase are Banff Centre vice-president, arts, Carolyn Warren and Dialog principal Robert Claiborne. The 36th annual was the most successful ball in history and raised $1.348 million for the Centre’s Artists’ Fund.
Among the several hundred guests who attended the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend July 24-26 were David and Margot Kitchen.
Pictured at the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend Friday Night LIVE performance showcase are Banff Centre past chair Brenda Mackie and her husband, Mackie Wealth Group director Jamie Mackie.
Pictured at the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend Friday Night LIVE performance showcase are Shaun Ford (left) and renowned fashion designer Paul Hardy.
Joining Sen. Doug Black at the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend Friday Night LIVE performance showcase are philanthropist Claudia Hilbert (left) and Black’s wife Linda (right)
Rick and Julie George were among the several hundred guests who attended the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend July 24-26.
Pictured at the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend Friday Night LIVE performance showcase are Banff Centre music program participants Alexander Malikov and Stephanie Tang.
Pictured, from left, at the Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend are, from left, John and Bonnie Buhler from Winnipeg with Ball sponsors Sheila Wappel-McLean and her husband Brent McLean.
Looking fabulously glamorous at the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend are from left, Jennifer Carroll, Tara Mathison, Dr. Peter Whidden, Megan Mathison and Joanne Whidden.
The 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26 was the most successful in history raising $1.348 million. Pictured with reason to smile are Banff Centre president Janice Price and her husband Ian Findlay.
Having a great time at the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26 are, from left, IPL’s Jim Madro, Dr. Farida Saher and Baker Hughes’ Michael Velcic and Sean Delsnider.
National Arts Centre board chair Adrian Burns and her husband Dentons’ Greg Kane, Q.C. pose for the lens at the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26.
Among the several hundred guests enjoying the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26 were Sheila O’Gorman, Jane McCaig, Ann McCaig and Rich Waller.
Pictured at the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26 are The River’s Anne Clarke and FirstEnergy’s Jim Davidson.
The 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26 was the most successful in history raising a staggering $1.348 million. Pictured is Ball diamond sponsor Andrea Brussa with David Lyons.
The 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26 was the most successful in history raising a staggering $1.348 million. Pictured are Banff Centre acting board chair Bob Walker and his wife Barbara. The weekend was even more memorable for the Walker’s as it coincided with their 40th wedding anniversary.
The 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 24-26 was the most successful in history raising a staggering $1.348 million. Such phenomenal success would not be possible were it not for the support of sponsor RBC Capital Markets. Pictured is RBC’s Jeff Boyd and his wife Michele.
The annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend would not be the fabulous event it is were it not for the performances from legendary trumpeter Jens Lindemann.
The 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend was wondrous indeed. For many, the highlight was a surprise performance from legendary k.d. lang
The 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend was the most successful in history raising $1.348 million thanks in large part to presenting sponsor Husky Energy. Pictured is Husky Energy president and CEO Asim Ghosh and his wife Sanjukta.
Former Alberta Premier Jim Prentice and his wife Karen were among those who attended the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend July 24-26.
Barry Shaw and his band rocked the house at the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend July 24-26. The Barry Shaw Band had guests dancing until the wee hours.
Stephen and Mary Lougheed were among the several hundred guests who took in the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend July 24-26.
Jim Kinnear and Sally Elliott pose for the lens at the 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend July 24-26. Many of the activities throughout the weekend took place in the fabulous Kinnear Centre.
