There is something magical about the Banff Centre. The world-class facility is an essential destination for artists across Canada and around the world. Its breathtaking setting provides the optimal combination of environment, mentorship, networking and inspiration. And its success is unparalleled. That 90 per cent of the Centre’s alumni go on to work professionally and nearly 80 per cent earn their living from their art is inspiring indeed. That the Centre’s Artists’ Fund allows participants’ enrolment in myriad programs — because of their talent, not their ability to pay — benefits us all.
The recent (July 22-24) 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend raised an impressive $1.073 million for the Centre’s Artists’ Fund. The 37th annual was attended by more than 310 industry, government, arts and culture and community leaders from across Alberta, Canada, the United States and overseas. Not surprising given the Ball Weekend is the best event of the summer, if not the year.
The chock-a-bl0ck weekend kicked off with the Digital & Visual Arts Social followed by Friday Night LIVE’s Performance Showcase featuring fine wine, cuisine and a unique and diverse line-up of performances from top artists. For those who didn’t party-hearty until the wee hours at the Three Ravens Wine Bar, it was up and at it Saturday morning to attend the three Creative Spotlights and Guided Arts Tour. Primping, spa-ing or strolling were the afternoon’s options as guest readied for the fabulous Gala Ball. Highlights of the must-attend gala were numerous including: performances by Banff Centre faculty including JUNO Award nominee and international trumpet virtuoso, Jens Lindemann who paid tribute to the late Ken Taylor; internationally acclaimed Canadian soprano, Adrianne Pieczonka; a four-course feast; fabulous auction and raffle items; dancing to the sounds of the Barry Shaw Band; and a late-night scotch lounge.
The wondrous weekend concluded with a brunch hosted by Banff Centre president and CEO Janice Price and Ian Findlay followed by afternoon performances at the Shaw Amphitheatre featuring Banff Centre alumni Basia Bulat and Ron Sexsmith, the JUNO award-winning Canadian legend.
Enjoy this two-page look at just some of the guests and performers who made the 37th annual the memorable weekend it was.
The 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 was a phenomenal success and raised $1.073 million. Pictured at the Friday Night LIVE performance showcase is Cree vocalist and rising star Mariame Hasni.
Pictured at Friday Night LIVE performance showcase, the kickoff to the fabulous 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend is award-winning dancer Peter Chu who performed Banff Centre Alumnus Crystal Pite’s solo piece, A Picture of You Falling.
Pictured, from left, at Friday Night LIVE performance showcase, the kickoff to the fabulous 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend are Banff Centre resident artist Shawn Evans, Shaw Communications President Jay Mehr, and his wife art gallerist Viviane Mehr with avid Banff Centre supporters Andrea Brussa and David Lyons.
Pictured, from left, at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 are Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity President & CEO Janice Price, Brooks and Dodd Consulting’s Tom Dodd, McCarthy Tetrault’s Greg Turnbull, Q.C. with his wife Shirley and Herald scribe Bill Brooks.
Among the hundreds of guests having a wonderful time at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 were, from left, Banff Centre Leadership Program director Mazi Raz, Banff Centre vice-president arts Carolyn Warren, artist Cris Cran, Denise Clarke, Banff Centre dance director Emily Molnar and Cornelius Verburg.
Pictured, from left, at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 are Banff Centre Artists’ Fund supporters Brent McLean, Sheila Wappel-McLean, managing director J. Vair Anderson Jewellers Annette Toro-Huber, senior vice-president Kensington Capital Partners Harold Huber, and J. Vair Anderson Jewellers president Ken Anderson.
Among the hundreds of guests having a wonderful time at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 were, from left, Gord Ritchie, Banff Centre development event lead Lynette Markham, trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann, Robyn Ritchie, Banff mayor Karen Sorensen and Carsten Sorensen.
Pictured at Friday Night LIVE Showcase, the perfect kick-off to the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 are RBC Alberta and the Territories regional president Jeff Boyd (left) and corporate director Andrew Wiswell.
RBC Community Investment manager Jerilynn Daniels and Ghost Lake’s Mike Weinert had a great time at Friday Night LIVE Showcase, the perfect kick-off to the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24.
Past Banff Centre board of governors chair Margot Kitchen and her husband David had a great time at Friday Night LIVE Showcase, the perfect kick-off to the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24.
Looking fabulous at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 are, from left, Madam Justice Charlene Anderson and her husband , Banff Centre board chair David Weyant, Q.C. and Anna Weyant who is currently studying at the Rhode Island School of Design. The fab weekend raised more than $1 million for our beloved Banff Centre.
Pictured, from left, at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 are, Governor General’s Performing Arts chair Douglas Knight, Walrus Foundation executive director Shelley Ambrose and renowned arts supporter D’Arcy Levesque.
The 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 was an enormous success thanks to myriad supporters including, from left, Jan and Adam Waterous and Carol Bentley.
The 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 was an enormous success thanks to myriad supporters including, Jo-Anne Caza and Robert Macneill. The wondrous weekend raised more than $1 million.
The 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 was an enormous success and tons of fun. Myriad entertainment ensured all in attendance had a marvelous time. Pictured is Barry Shaw Band leader Barry Shaw.
The 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 would not have been the success it was were it not for the support of myriad individuals including Stephen and Mary Lougheed.
The 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 was fabulously philanthropic and full of incredible entertainment and performances. Pictured are pianist Jeanie Chung with internationally acclaimed Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka.
Looking fabulous at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 are FirstEnergy’s Jim Davidson with The River’s Anne Clarke.
Posing for the lens at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend are Banff Centre’s Amy Roseler(left) and Hannah Ordway (right) with ski instructor James Ordway.
Lucky Larry Fichtner gets the beautiful lady sandwich from J. Vair Anderson’s Annette Toro-Huber (left) and his wife Jan Fichtner at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24.
Contemporary Calgary director and CEO Pierre Arpin poses for the lens with Donna Rooney at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24.
Having a great time at the 37th Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Midsummer Ball Weekend held July 22-24 are Fairmont Banff Springs’ Stephen Tait (left) and Banff Centre’s Matt Matheson.
