The Venetian Ball is an annual gala filled with Italian passion, flair and elegance in the spirit of Venice’s Carnevale.  The dazzling Venetian masks, evening gowns, decadent bites, fine beverages, and a plenitude of live musical performances all make this event a worthy attraction to draw in 1,500 guests to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Highlights from the reception included jumbo tiger shrimp on a large ice bar from Ristorante Sotto Sotto and well-seasoned rack of lamb.

The bars included high-end liquor including Tanquery Gin, Grey Goose, Crown Royale and Johnny Walker Black Label, and maple ice wine after dinner.

Rick Campanelli was supposed to host the evening but had to cancel due to a special assignment in New York City (to interview Daniel Craig for the new and upcoming James Bond movie, Skyfall, opening November 9th).  It’s always nice when a video is shared with a personal explanation, as was done in this case.  So instead the host was Kevin Frankish of Breakfast Television who did a fine job.

There were live performances by Simply Grand performing a variety of musical acts from jazz to top 40.  There was also a live auction with auctioneer, Martin Ross.  Then an entertaining segment by Andre-Philippe Gagnon, famous comedian and master impressionist with appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and who was also a regular act at The Venetian in Las Vegas.

Simply Grand performing on stage ranging from jazz, motown, and top 40

Andre-Philippe Gagnon with dozens of impeccable impersonations as a one-man show

The “One Man Hit Parade”, André-Philippe Gagnon

Ice Maple Wine after dinner

The headlining “Mystery Performance” was revealed to be “Golden Boy” teen idols from the 1950’s: Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Lou Christie.

Photo op with Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Lou Christie

Pic of the dance troupe (via @MaryDora_)

Lavish Cupcakes

Check out our quick video clip of Andre-Philippe Gagnon impersonating James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful”.

ABOUT VILLA CHARITIES

For over 40 years, Villa Charities has been providing culturally sensitive care and improving the quality of life for seniors, assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities or mental health issues pursue their life dreams and goals and sharing the cultural programming that continues to inspire our community.

The Villa Charities family of organizations includes: Villa Colombo Services for Seniors, Columbus Centre, VITA Community Living Services/Mens Sana Families for Mental Health, Casa Del Zotto, Caboto Terrace, Casa Abruzzo, and Villa Colombo Vaughan Di Poce Centre.

For more information visit www.villacharities.com

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Nick Lee

Editor and Photos at BestOfToronto.net