WI Blues Fest VIP night was one for the books
By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban
The West Island Blues Fest (WIBF) has officially launched the 2024 season with its VIP night in Pierrefonds-Roxboro. This year, the five beneficiaries include Centre Bienvenue, West Island Women’s Shelter, West Island Black Community Association Literacy Unlimited and Volunteer Accompaniment Service (ABOVAS).
Elected officials in attendance included West Island Blues Festival Co-Founders Errol Johnson and Jim Beis, Pierrefonds-Roxboro City Councillors Benoit Langevin, Sharky Tarakjian, Catherine Clement-Talbot and Louise Leroux, Pointe-Claire Mayor Tim Thomas and Pointe-Claire City Councillors Tara Stainforth, Eric Stork, Kelly Thorstad-Cullen, Cynthia Homan and Bruno Tremblay, Dorval Mayor Marc Doret and Ile-Bizard Mayor Doug Hurley and Ile-Bizard City Councilor Suzanne Marceau.
Artists Sylvie DesGroseilliers and Jewelle McKenzie filled the room with their soulful voices. The event’s Master of Ceremonies Daniel Khoury accompanied by his soon-to-be wife Sally Yaboub treated attendees with a story of romance as they announced their engagement while mingling throughout the evening.
In its 21 years, the WIBF has raised over half a million dollars to benefit local community organizations that support the West Island population.Attendees enjoyed mingling while lining up for the buffet layout and while seated at their tables they were serenaded with the sounds of jazz and blues.
As the evening progressed, many were lured by the beats to get up and dance while others felt inspired to sing along with the nostalgic tunes.In the post-pandemic era, it was a sight to see new faces along with familiar personalities blend together at an event that has become a highpoint on the West Island calendar. n
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