Stephen Page, (ex. of the Bare Naked Ladies) to headline the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival

MEDIA RELEASE

Stephen Page, (ex. of the Bare Naked Ladies) to headline the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival

April 26, 2010

Osoyoos, BC – Organizers of the 2nd annual Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival, June 10 to 13, 2010, in Osoyoos, BC, announced today that Steven Page, the former front man of the Bare Naked Ladies, will headline the 2nd annual festival. His performance will be the highlight of the Celebrity Wine Auction on Saturday June 12, which is a charity fund raiser for Children’s Charities.

For twenty years, Steven Page was the lead singer and songwriter with Barenaked Ladies, the Toronto-based band he formed in 1988 with Ed Robertson. Known for his dynamic, physically exuberant performances, his powerful tenor, quick wit, and an arsenal of songs that span the gamut between humor and pathos, Steven and the band toured the world,
selling out venues ranging from Madison Square Garden to the Royal Albert Hall; sold nearly 15 million albums and won numerous Juno awards as well as two Grammy nominations, and two Gemini awards for their work on Canadian television. He left the band this year to pursue a solo and theatrical career.

“This is an exceptional addition to the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival,” said Jason Priestley, one of the celebrities involved with the festival, which raised $55,000 for children’s charities last year. “His great music, incredible energy and wicked sense of humour are going to make this a weekend that no one will want to miss.”

The Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival takes place from June 10 to 13, 2010. It’s a 3-day celebration of food and wine pairing events showcasing regional chefs and winemakers. It lets participants rub shoulders with film and television A-listers while enjoying the region’s best cuisine and wine. So far, the following celebrities have confirmed their attendance: Jason Priestley (Beverley Hills 9020, Hollywood & Vines1), Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, National Treasure), Ned Bell (Food Network), and Chad Oakes (Emmy award-winning producer). Other invited celebrities include Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, and numerous actors, chefs and winemakers.

Six different events are part of this year’s festival. Go to osoyooscelebritywinefestival.com for details.
• Thursday, June 10, 8:00 pm at the Watermark Resort: The Vinos- the world’s first wine commercial film festival and contest. The event is going to be a lively, laugh-filled evening that will feel like a spoof of an Oscar’s party right in the middle of Osoyoos. Tickets only $29
• Friday, June 11, 9 am to 2:00 pm: Ride with a Winemaker. Join local winemakers as they enjoy a bike ride tour through South Okanagan Wine Country and vineyard picnic lunch with B.C. wine $70.
• Friday, June 11, 6:00-10:00 pm at Walnut Beach Resort: Osoyoos VIP Reception and Beach Party. Includes an exceptional silent auction of hard-to-find B.C. wines and special musical performances. Ends with a lively Beach Party and BBQ. Tickets only $99.
• Saturday, June 12, 12 noon to 3 pm at Black Hills Estate Winery: Nota Bene Release Party. Enjoy an afternoon lunch visiting numerous food and wine pairing stations located throughout a beautiful vineyard and winery setting. Featuring the cuisine of Celebrity Chef Ned Bell and the impassioned music of “Double Magnum”. Tickets only $149.
• Saturday June 12, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at Watermark Beach Resort. “Judgement in Osoyoos: the International Wine Showdown”. This event is inspired by the famous 1976 “Judgement in Paris” blind wine tasting that was featured in the feature film “Bottle Shock”. A panel of experts will be assembled to see what happens during a blind tasting when the top B.C. wines go head-to-head with the best wines from around the world. Hosted by wine personalities Jay Drysdale and Mohamed Awad. Tickets only $40.00, include tastings of all wines.
• Saturday, June 12, 7 pm to 11 pm at Spirit Ridge Resort: Celebrity Wine Auction with proceeds benefiting children’s charities. Participants taste an array of South Okanagan wines with appetizers from local restaurants, and can bid on rare wine from great Canadian wineries in silent and live auctions. Last year, $55,000 was raised for the Providence Children’s Centre and Osoyoos Child Care. The evening features a live performance by Stephen Page, formerly of the Bare Naked Ladies. Tickets only $249.

For tickets and further information
• Visit www.osoyooscelebritywinefestival.com
• Or phone Black Hills Estate Winery (250) 498-0666


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Media contact:

Glenn Fawcett – President, Black Hills Estate Winery
Telephone: (Cell) 403.710.1667
E-mail: glenn@blackhillswinery.com
Website: www.blackhillswinery.com


About
The Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival is a joint venture between Destination Osoyoos, presenting sponsor Black Hills Estate Winery, e=mc2 Event Management and hotel sponsors Walnut Beach Resort, Spirit Ridge Resort, and Watermark Beach Resort.

Destination Osoyoos
As a "grassroots" organization with dedicated people from the community, Destination Osoyoos Development Society is committed to strengthening the economic as well as the physical, social, and cultural conditions of the Osoyoos Area. The organization is driven by a Community Economic Development Strategy that is designed to reflect the wishes and aspirations of the citizens of the Osoyoos Area through an extensive community consultation process. More information about Destination Osoyoos can be found at: www.destinationosoyoos.com

Black Hills Estate Winery
Black Hills Estate Winery is the Presenting Sponsor for the second annual Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival. For information on Black Hills Estate Winery, go to www.blackhillswinery.com
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E=mc2 Event Management
Is one of the largest and most award-winning event management companies in Western Canada. For information on e=mc2 Event Management, please go to: www.emc2events.com