When I think about the upcoming Wine Gala this Saturday, Nov. 3, I think about glamorous and how intoxicating it is to dress up and paint the town red, as the saying goes. There have been 15 Wine Galas to learn from and it is an exciting event, with the corridors and rooms brimming with action. It all begins when the Martini Lounge opens at 6 p.m. and the specialties of the house are flowing. From chocolate to dry to cosmos, our bartending ladies are there to whip up the creations that complement such an alluring evening. Wine Gala has enthralled crowds for years and it’s always morphing into a different event. My new sparkly dress is waiting for wear and like most ladies I enjoy dressing up as there are few occasions to do so outside of the shows I attend. Yes, some will be in costumes which can mean anything from the popular tunic craze to long medieval-type dresses but I’m told by many that the cocktail hour and little black dress are prevalent and I agree. Dress up, dress down, keep your costumes handy from Halloween, it’s up to you to wear what you are comfortable in. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. when comedian Scott Harris takes the stage. Scott Harris has worked in all the entertainment mediums and has written and performed in tv commercials, acted in films and spent 15 years as a radio broadcaster. He’s released 3 comedy albums and was nominated for the “Best Standup Comedian” at the Canadian Comedy Awards. When not headlining his own shows Scott can be seen sharing the stage with such stars as Russell Peters, Tom Jones, Bruce Willis, Howie Mandel and Tommy Chong. Scotts’ quick wit, glib manor, and slick improvisational skills are as legendary as his connection to his audience, and after eighteen years on stage, that is a connection this talented stand-up intends to keep. I’m so looking forward to a giggle or two and he actually is managed by the Giggles Agency in Toronto. How funny is that? With Scott is Matt Disero, and when I saw his video, I thought he was ultra cool. A regular on the comedy circuit, this Toronto comedian/magician has opened for the likes of Drew Carey and will entertain like no other. After the show, the tastings open and patrons can make their way around the multitude of wine and beer tastings. There’s plenty of hospitality and this year we have a special mead station to give you an idea of the beverages from historical times. Mead is a honey wine that is known from many sources of ancient history throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. It can be regarded as the ancestor of all fermented drinks. That’s where Renaissance ends so tip your tankard and enjoy before visiting one of many catering tables that have provided hors d’oeuvres and delicacies for your enjoyment. There are so many community supporters of this annual event that a big thank you is in order. Without the support of so many from volunteers to restaurants and caterers, to corporate sponsorship, the plans would not unfold to ensure all participants have the time of their life.   This year much attention will be focused on the new platform built within the main orchestra of the theatre. This newly carpeted VIP section will house Rob Bilan on his keyboard while pub tables and stools encircle this entertainer creating a bar scene like no other. The many donations for the silent auction can be found on tables erected off the aisles on either side of the house and previews open at 6:00 p.m. There are many unique items in the 50 or so packages and new this year is a special silent auction contains much sought after sports memorabilia. Bidding is easy and when you register at the Box Office, a bid number is written on your program that is yours to use for the evening. Auctions close between 11:15 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. dependent on location and if you choose to leave your items, the Box Office opens the next day at 6 p.m. for those purchasers wishing to take him their much coveted items. The NBSO trio lights up the gallery with their delightful sounds right after the main stage event and as the rooms open up the sweet sounds of strings will cascade out of the large Gallery. The fire eater Terrence Drake is another main event and his hot, hot show hits center stage at 10:50 p.m. where crowds will gather to see his tricks. An intense artist, Terrence is a professional fire performer considered one of the best in North America and his shows is packed with an arsenal of skilled arts including fire eating, fleshing (contact fire), staff spinning and breathing columns of fire twelve or more feet in height. While in the theatre lobby don’t forget to locate the exceptional silent auction items which may include having the Mayor and City Council prepare dinner for you one night. Having been part of this event for numerous years, it is one of the highlights of the year and surprising what great chefs they all are with stories to tell of the origin of the particular dish they serve up. While checking your coat visit the Peasants Market located by the Volunteer Garden and bid on an item or two, all in the name of arts and culture. While the night is still beating, the Blackbirds begin their dance sets in the large Gallery to take us home and have the pulsating sounds luring us to shake our booties on the dance floor. Come enjoy all that your Capitol Centre has to offer this Saturday. Last minute tickets are welcome. Your support for arts and culture has never been so important and the return on your investment is irresistible. Come play with us and our ride home program will ensure you are dropped safely at your front door. The next evening, our first digital film hits the big screen when “Trouble with the Curve” is rolled out at 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy this moment in history. Tickets are $6.

Dee Adrian, General Manager

dadrian@capitolcentre.org