Though they continue to fill up the Vancouver Playhouse with each of their events, I still feel like former Mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan and his partner, Lynn Zanatta, convey something very personal with their Public Salon series. Designed around something they used to do in their home, for ten-or-so very exclusive guests, its current incarnation has an incredibly intimate feel as they've translated it for a broader audience that convenes every few months to listen to talks from great people who are making our community better.
Their latest event, which V.I.A. was a media sponsor of, started with 11 year old piano prodigy Jeffrey Luo opening things up as people were getting settled in. He played a few songs to the semi-distracted bunch until he fully got our attention with some Chopin which he played brilliantly. What followed was over an hour of talks from folks such as Rudy Buttignol from the Knowledge Network, Rick Antonson from Tourism Vancouver, Gina Morris from Radish Underground in Portland (who choreographed THIS viral lipdub marriage proposal you may have seen). In the middle, Vancouver's own Dr Gabor Mate delivered what may have been the most personal talk he's ever given. Not speaking about addiction or other massively global issues, which he's known for talking about, he dug deep and delivered a story about his own insecurities and a feeling of anxiety that has been lingering with him since he went on a retreat some weeks ago. When I say that Sam and Lynn have succeeded in bringing us in to something personal, I feel this time around it really hinged around Gabor and what he delivered to us. Correction, he didn't deliver it to us; it was more like he was including us in it.
Devon Brooks from Blo Blow Dry Bar delivered a personal story about being strong despite abuse, Tim Laidler talked about helping veterans transition back into civilian life, Peter Tingling informed us about the science behind decision making and throughout Sam Sullivan served as a generous host sharing personal anecdotes and thoughts before presenting each speaker.
Filmmaker Jem Garrard delivered one of my favourite talks of the night, sharing with us her inspiration that she found in spending time in England with her young nephew who reminded her to stay curious and to never stop playing dressup.
I'm looking forward to November 7th when the next Public Salon hits the Vancouver Playhouse. Maybe I'll see you there? HERE is info on tickets.
