It was an amazing night of music, food and friendship at the University of Calgary Theatre on Monday night as the AHEPA Family, The Broken Plate Restaurants and the Alefantis Family sponsored an evening of music to benefit FARA and the search for a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia. This debilitating disease has recently touched the Greek community in Calgary and they rallied to raise as much money as possible to aid in researching a treatment and hopefully a cure. Dana and I were very grateful to be invited to attend this event by our good friend Diane Polesello on behalf of the Alefantis family.
The evening started with an awe inspiring array of food prepared by the talented culinary team from The Broken Plate. As usual, they out did themselves with everything from Thai Chicken in single serving take out boxes to Lobster Claws and my personal favorite, the Duck Cigar's. There was also an excellent selection of Greek wine with cheese platters and fresh fruit. Have you ever noticed when you attend a function in the Greek community, and they tell you there will be appy's, it is more like a gourmet Las Vegas Buffet! No wonder I hate my bathroom scale!
"One Night Only - Two Great Guitarists - One Great Show" definitely lived up to the billing, as world class guitarist's Pavlo and Calgarian Oscar Lopez put on a superb show. This was my first time witnessing the unbelievable guitar skill of Pavlo, who is no stranger to virtually all who attended. His talent is evident as soon as he walks on stage, but what really struck me was his passion for his art and how it is received by the audience. I have seen Garth Brooks, Janet Jackson and many, many more, but I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have ever spent listening to an artist. Pavlo will be returning to Calgary on February 28, 2010 to play the Jack Singer Concert Hall along with friends Oscar Lopez and Rik Emmet of Triumph to play new music from their album "Trifecta", if you can, make sure you get out and take in the show!
The silent auction was full of great items, from a spa weekend at the Banff Springs to autographed hockey sticks and jersey's from the Calgary Flames. I got the nod from Dana to bid on a few items, but in the end I left empty handed. A word to the wise, when you bid on sports memorabilia at a silent auction full of guys who own pubs and restaurants, bring your checkbook baby! My buddy Vic Alefantis bested me a couple of times, so I will have to visit Richmonds Pub to see my autographed Iginla jersey. It is kinda like the guitar in Wayne's World, "It will be mine..oh yes..it will be mine!" Bring it to the next poker night buddy, cause I'm bringing my "A" game!!
A great time was had by all who attended and the money raised went to finding a cure and treatment for this terrible disease.
Cheers!
