The CBABC 12th Annual Battle of the Bar Bands rocked an enthusiastic and sold out crowd at the Commodore Ballroom on Friday, June 7, 2013. The winner of the coveted “ZSA Cup” for best band was Howard Mickelson’s “Still Living At Home”. A dynasty is in the making as “Still Living At Home” won in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and now 2013!
But it’s not all about rock and roll, as the CBA (BC) Benevolent Society is the true beneficiary of the event. Fundraising from this year’s event reached new heights, as with ticket sales and sponsorships the total exceeded $145,000. All proceeds from the event support the CBA (BC) Benevolent Society. Special mention goes to House Arrest who raised a whopping $48,000 and counting, and The Disclaimers who raised more than $32,000 this year.
The event judges had the toughest gig of the night as they had to select the winner from an incredibly talent lineup. Thanks to the judges, Mr. Justice Arne Silverman, Steven Quinn (CBC), Lee Rosevere (CBC), Paolo Pietropoalo (CBC), Michael Bain (Hamilton Bain & Gould), Joel Bakan (UBC), and actress/singer Rebecca Jenkins.
The event’s Masters of Ceremonies were Rick Cluff of the CBC’s Early Edition who has become a much-loved perennial event booster and supporter of this event, and Derek Brindle. Also on hand were the Benevolent Society’s president Basil Hobbs and ZSA’s Stephanie Hacksel to present the ZSA award for the highest Law Firm Sponsor to McCarthy Tetrault LLP. The Top Corporate Sponsor Award went to ALF Software, Keyprime Complete Property Management, and West Coast Title Search Inc.
Much thanks to Gord Knights and Carita Sword of Live Nation for their continued support, assistance, professionalism and for graciously making the Commodore Ballroom available each year. Huge thanks are extended to the law firms and corporate sponsors who contribute very generously to this event. Special thanks to the Event Sponsor ZSA Legal Recruitment, especially to Stephanie Hacksel and Shannon Quinney for their efforts. Lastly, thanks to all the bands for the hard work, talent and inspiration that they bring to this event year in and year out. Plans are already underway for the Battle of the Bar Bands XIII. Rock on!