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Cosby a crowd pleaser – Metro US

Cosby a crowd pleaser

It was more comedy than you could shake a stick at this week. First, the legend himself, Bill Cosby, was in town for two sold-out shows at Casino Nova Scotia. My Scene spies tell me he took stand-up to a sit-down level, performing both shows centre stage, seated in a chair. Very few comics could command an audience using just facial expressions and voice, but the Cos can and did last Friday.

Although I didn’t make the show, I did manage to get a vintage Cosby album signed and those I spoke to who had direct contact with him during his visit say he’s very much the Cliff Huxtable he played on television. Let’s hope he’s back soon to perform more shows for an audience that clearly wanted more!

Then Sunday, the Police Association took Comedyfest to the casino stage. For the fourth year in a row, comics came together to raise money for community safety, crime victims and front-line police personnel. Headlining this year was Dartmouth’s own Tracey MacDonald, winner of Star Search in 2003. She now lives in Hollywood and performs all over the United States, but came home for this worthy cause.

Earlier in the week, the Rotary Club of Halifax honoured Mickey MacDonald at its annual Spring Dinner. MacDonald is now known as the owner of the Chickenburger and Mills Bros., but is also a philanthropist and great speaker. Last Wednesday, he spoke to the business audience at the Holiday Inn Select, sharing his stories of becoming and being an entrepreneur.

Hard to believe that it’s been three years since the Middle Deck faded off into the sunset, but that’s how long the Beer Market has occupied that Historic Properties space. It was time to celebrate three years on the scene and so, of course, the Scene had to be there. Happy Birthday! Friday night the beer was flowing and this week DJ Bill G and DJ Mo Bounce will be keeping the party going.

It’s always wonderful to witness a birth, or in this case a rebirth. Once again a bar and eatery occupies the place where the Carleton Hotel once stood on Argyle Street. The historic building has housed everything from a veteran’s residence to a costume museum to Rosa’s Cantina (I’m showing my age now…). Simply called The Carelton, the 160-seat restaurant and lounge will feature the best in Nova Scotia acoustic music as well as an amazing wine list. It started off with a bang, featuring Joel Plaskett for two nights to celebrate its opening. For those of you not old enough to remember, the Carleton is at 1685 Argyle St.

Since I am a sucker for a good charity auction, Saturday saw me sneaking into a fundraiser for the Kid’s Help Phone at the Rodeo Lounge in Burnside. Some great deals were up for bids, including tickets to Avril Lavigne’s concert in August (note to my daughter: NO I did not get them!) and a Via Rail trip for two to Montreal.

I’d love to make a deal to cover your event for The Scene. Just e-mail me at beatlejamie@eastlink.ca.

JoJo Thompson and Lynn Murray at the Rodeo Lounge for the Kids Help Phone Charity Auction.

Marc Perry and Vanessa Rodrigues at Casino Nova Scotia to see the great Bill Cosby.

Julie Huskins, from left, Leif Fuchs and Tracy Holloway at the Rotary Club annual Spring Dinner.

Yvonne Foisy and Jessica at the Rotary Club annual Spring Dinner.

Sarah Mallon and Peggy Boudreau greet people at the Rodeo Lounge for the Kids Help Phone Charity Auction.

Happy Anniversary! Dave Murchison, from left, Heather Lebuki, Mike Condy and Josh Lebucki toast the continued success of The Beer Market.

Norsat and Azar Eblaghi at the Rotary Club annual Spring Dinner.

Staff of the Red Stag join in the Beer Market anniversary celebration. From left, Michelle Calnan, Christina MacRae, Adam Purcell, Lauren Fry and Stephanie McCullough.