WESTDALE THEATRE TURNS 90
Valentine's Day Gala Fundrasier concert
"Love Songs of the Decades"
Friday Feb. 14th @ 7:00 pm
1014 King St. West, Hamilton ON
https://www.thewestdale.ca
905-577-0074
As a life-long Hamiltonian and also a graduate of McMaster, I’m very familiar with the Westdale Neighbourhood. Numerous businesses have come and gone from the village but there are only a couple that have been there for a long time, and at the top of that list is Hamilton’s iconic WESTDALE THEATRE, which will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary with a gala fundraiser on Valentine’s Day.
The theatre was opened in 1935 and was notable for a couple of reasons. It was the first theatre in Hamilton designed specifically to showcase the “talkies”, i.e. films with sound. When it opened in 1935 the theatre featured the latest in modern technology, such as R.C.A. Victor Photophones High Fidelity sound reproduction and a scientifically designed non-reflective screen. Along with being Hamilton’s first “talkie”, the theatre also provided an air-conditioned space for customers which drew them in as much as the films did in the warm summer months! When it first opened it had over 600 seats but by the time of the most recent renovation the seats have been improved, including great leg room and drink holders (love that one) to 342 seats.
The Westdale was designed for films, and continues to operate as a film theatre, showcasing a mixture of mainstream and arthouse films and is a great theatre to experience the cinema. However, since it’s reopening in 2019 it has also introduced more events including lectures, community events and now of course Live Music and Concerts. This year alone I’ve been to about 8 shows at the Westdale, and each one has been great. It is now a great live music venue with good acoustics, comfortable seats and a selection of local craft beers to boot.
The Westdale reopened after the most recent renovations on February 14th, 2019 and is now a registered charity. Every year since, they hold an anniversary gala to celebrate The Westdale and what it has come to be, not only as a theatre for screening films, but also as a venue for concerts, live theatre shows, and other events that bring the community together. And this year they are celebrating the 90th Anniversary of this iconic Hamilton landmark with a concert:
Valentine's Day Gala Fundraiser
"Love Songs of the Decades” concert
featuring Suzie McNeil and Jacob Moon.
Friday, February 14 at 7:00 pm
Suzie McNeil & Jacob Moon
Hamilton All Star Jazz Band
With host Lohifa Pogoson Acker
The Hamilton All Star Jazz Band will kick the evening off with jazz standards while guests enjoy wine from Peller Estates, nibbles from Valentino’s, who introduced Panzerottis to Hamilton, and of course, the theatre’s famous popcorn!
Following that, Suzie McNeil (Rockstar: INXS) and local favourite Jacob Moon will perform a selection of history’s most popular love songs from the 1930s to present day, with a full band. Hosted by community champion Lohifa Pogoson Acker, this unique evening will include a live auction, and a raffle draw.
All funds raised will be generously matched by a long-time supporter, helping to sustain The Westdale for future generations to enjoy.
Tickets are $90.00 and include the following:
- Reserved seating
- Live entertainment
- Wine, hors d’oeuvres and dessert
- Unlimited popcorn
Tickets and more information at https://thewestdale.ca
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