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30 Artscene Talent sparkles at Stars Among Us By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF · FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2009 The red carpet was rolled out for the inaugural Stars Among Us gala last Thursday. The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts was filled with close to 300 patrons decked out in sparkling gowns and svelte suits, all in the name of celebrating the arts in Oakville. The gala, which is slated to become an annual event, served as both a fundraiser and awards night for the Oakville Arts Council. The event was a success and raised more than $54,000 through sponsorship, ticket sales, silent and live auction donations, and in-kind donations, according to Megan Whittington, executive director of the Oakville Arts Council. "I'm thrilled with the show and the way the community came together to present this event," Whittington said. "It is amazing how people contributed to this to get it going and it was such a beautiful night. The Oakville Arts Council has been working so hard to advo- cate, to enable, to communicate why the arts are vital to our lives, but it takes everyone coming together to get that message across." The night featured a dazzling array of talent, with performances by famous Canadian singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark, the Oakville Children's Choir, violinist Serguei Tchepournov, pianist Annie Zhou, and actors Virginia McEwan, Pam Keywan and Dina Dametto. Jordan John and the Blues Angels kept the night going with musical interludes and performances that had the audience's toes tapping. Local actor Danny Deakin seamlessly connected the musical acts and award presentations as host of the evening. The awards presentations were dispersed throughout the night, with each of the four winners taking home $500. The show had an Oscar feel thanks to the presentation of exquisite video clips of the nominees created by Sheridan College stuDEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER dents Stephanie Korski and Mike Rilstone, with assistance from student Angela Saieva OAKVILLE'S GOT TALENT: Award nominee Leslie Ashworth, and left, award winner and faculty member Sandy McKean. See Gala page 31 Alexandra Kane, right, and Mabel Kane. Financing Available Escape to paradise Rose Celebration Saturdays and Sundays, June 20 and 21, 27 and 28, July 4 and 5; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Hendrie Park Celebrate the classical beauty of the Gardens' two acres of roses in full bloom. Enjoy activities for the kids, live entertainment, BBQ, garden tours and explore the Discovery Cart. Have a horticultural question? Meet the Master Gardeners on Sundays. q y Father's Day S d y Sunday J Sunday, June 21; 10 a.m. to 5 p m ; Hendrie Park y, 21; am t p.m.; H d i P k E j yg Enjoy games and crafts, beer and BBQ catered by Pepperwood d crafts, b f ft d Q t d by P pp d C t i g Speci l E t Di Catering & Special Events, Discovery Cart guid d tours, vendors, Sp Events, y C t, guided t Cart, g t tours, vendors, d d prizes d more door p i and more. Tranquil Tuesdays T d y Tuesdays, June and J ly; 6 t 8 30 p m ; L ki g G d Tuesdays, J d July; to 8:30 p.m.; Laking Garden y k R fl Reflect and rejuvenate -- enjoy live classical music and stroll the d rej enate enjoy li l i l sic d j j i ll h gardens gardens. R f h gardens. Refreshments available Performance list online at d t available. f il bl l l li t li l t ppli b $4 www rbg ca R g l d i i applies www.rbg.ca. Regular admission applies, RBG members: $4. bg RBG members' all access music passport available for $25 at members' all-access b ll i p p t il bl f $ t any admission kiosk with a valid membership. y d i i ki k ith ih lid membership b hip Admit On e BECOME A MEMBER -- An annual membership starts at just $50 and provides many benefits. Sign up or renew your membership online at www.rbg.ca DAILY ADMISSION: Adult: $10; Senior/Student: $7; Child (age 5 to12): $5; Family: $25; Child under age 5 and RBG members FREE BUY n .rbg.ca Owwline w RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road West, Hamilton/Burlington 905-527-1158, 1-800-694-4769