The CBABC Tenth Annual Battle of the Bar Bands took place before an enthusiastic and sold out crowd at the Commodore Ballroom on Friday, June 10, 2011. The event coincided with the Vancouver Canuck’s stunning victory over the Boston Bruin’s in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The competition was as fierce as it was at Roger’s Arena with seven well-seasoned veteran bands taking to the stage. The Winner of the coveted “ZSA Cup” for best band was Mike Mjanes’ “Standard of Hair.” First runner up was Pat Haberl’s “The Disclaimers” and second runner up was longtime seasoned veteran Howard Mickelson’s “Still Living At Home.”

The fundraising part of the event this year was the most successful to date, with ticket sales and sponsorships exceeding $116,000. All proceeds from the event went to the benefit of the CBA (BC) Benevolent Society. Ninety five per cent of the sponsorships and ticket sales came directly through the efforts of the participating bands themselves. Special mention goes to The Disclaimers who raised more than $38,000 this year and to David Hay’s “The Noted Uppers” who raised in excess of $32,000 this year.

All the bands pushed through tight sets with music ranging over a variety of musical genres. The event judges were Darryl Moriyama from the Bank of Montreal, Lisa Christiansen from CBC’s Radio 3 and Jonathan Meadows of Harper Grey.

The quality of music at the Battle of the Bar Bands has continued to excel each year with the bands giving their competitive best through hours and hours of practicing and image buffing in order to win the crowds appeal.

The event’s Master of Ceremonies was Rick Cluff of the CBC’s Early Edition who has become a much-loved perennial event booster and supporter of this event. The Benevolent Society’s president Basil Hobbs and Stephanie Hacksel presented John Doolan of McCarthy Tetrault LLP the ZSA award for the highest Law Firm Sponsor. The highest corporate sponsor award went to West Coast Title Search Inc.

Much thanks to Gord Knights and Carita Sword of Live Nation for their continued support, assistance, professionalism and for graciously making the Commodore Ballroom available each year. Thanks also goes out to the law firms and corporate sponsors who contribute very generously to this event. Special thanks to the Event Sponsor ZSA Legal Recruitment and to Dragana Milisic and Stephanie Hacksel for their efforts. Thanks also to Alexandra Schwabe and Patricia Jordan of the Canadian Bar Association for all of their assistance and enthusiasm. Lastly, thanks to all the bands for the hard work, talent and inspiration that they bring to this event year in and year out. Plans are already underway for the Battle of the Bar Bands XI which will take place on a hot and sweltering evening in June, 2012.

Please click the links below to view band photos.

Standard of Hair - First Place
The Disclaimers - First Runner Up
Still Living At Home - Second Runner Up
Mr Fancy Education
The Noted Uppers
The Suits
Twisted Solicitor



2011 Vancouver Battle of the Bar Bands Winner: Standard of Hair



Darryl Moriyama, Jonathan Meadows, Lisa Christiansen and Rick Cluff



ZSA's Stephanie Hacksel and Basil Hobbs



Basil Hobbs presenting John Doolan of McCarthy Tetrault LLP with the ZSA award for the highest Law Firm Sponsor.



Back stage at the Commodore.



[posted June 21, 2011]