I think the Rolling Stones sang it best with “What a drag it is getting old.” That song must have been running through Jeremy Webb’s head more than once this past week as the actor and director turned the ripe old age of 40. The British import, who now calls Halifax home, celebrated four fine decades with a party at The Bitter End. Friends and co-workers raised a glass with the dashing Webb on a Monday night, since that’s the night Neptune’s stage goes dark. Webb is in the current production of The Producers and is working on writing and directing his first film, Wake, which is due to start filming in September.
Wine is something to be celebrated, and fans turned out to sip some of the best in the world last Wednesday night at Pier 21. The California Wine Fair arrived in Halifax as part of its cross Canada tour. Wine producers from all parts of the state were on hand to promote their vintage. It was an evening of nibbles and education on the history of California wines. Guests had plenty of chances to sample some of the dozens of wines on hand, many that can’t be bought in Nova Scotia. I made it about half way through before they broke the news to me that an entire glass is not a “sample.” Imagine my disappointment … and my headache the next day.
Education seemed to be the theme of the week as Friday was “Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex, But Were Afraid to Ask.” Saturday at the McInnes Room at Dalhousie University, the Not So Serious Side of Sex was explored with music and comedy. The evening was a fundraiser for the Halifax Sexual Health Centre on Quinpool Road. Formerly known as Planned Parenthood, the still not-for-profit centre provides a vital service to the community. Local “sexperts” joined actor and dancer Cory Bowles for a tongue-in-cheek evening of risqué entertainment that moved along like a well lubed … um … oiled machine.
Across the street at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, a capacity crowd was treated to the Halifax Comedy Fest Grand Finale. The Gala, featuring veterans Alonzo Bodden, Greg Proops, Ant, and many others, wrapped up an entire week of laughter. Venues at Casino Nova Scotia, the Westin, and Historic Properties treated people to international comedy, and provided stages for our local up and comers. After the Gala, comics all headed to the Harbourfront Lounge at Casino Nova Scotia for an informal decompression. It was also a chance to meet someone from one of my favourite TV shows. When he’s not putting in time at Dunder Mifflin on The Office, Craig Robinson is working on a new movie, The Pineapple Express.
It was teatime on Sunday for Dress for Success, a group that works with disadvantaged women to get them a dynamite outfit for that first professional job interview. The Eighth annual Totally Suitable Tea Party, complete with guest speakers, a fashion show, and a silent auction, was held at historic Pier 21. MC Nancy Regan kept the afternoon fundraiser rolling with plenty of laughs, and floral designer extrodinaire Neville MacKay was the lively live auctioneer. The afternoon managed to raise a total of $30,000 in support of Dress for Success Halifax.
I’d love to make a deal to cover your event for The Scene. Just e-mail me at beatlejamie@eastlink.ca.
