
Over 230 politicians, friends and colleagues gathered to honour newly retired senator, broadcaster and jazz musician, Tommy Banks at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s Empire Ballroom on Feb. 4. “I’m very grateful to everyone who thought it was a good idea [to honour my career] and to all the people who bought tickets,” said Banks.
The sold-out tribute dinner called “Take the B Train” included cocktails and dinner, and music by the guest of honour himself, but it also unveiled the Tommy Banks Performing Artists Fund established with the help of the Edmonton Community Foundation to provide accommodations and support to local artists.
“It’s very important that artists of all kinds are able to stay in Edmonton, both during their working careers and when they retire. We want to keep them here,” said Banks.
Proceeds from the ticket sales went to the Liberal Party of Canada, and a private musical performance by the Tommy Banks Trio was raffled off with the proceeds raised — more than $13,000 — going to the artists fund.

Maggie Mitchell, Hon. Bob Rae, Arlene Perly Rae and Marc de La Bruyrè

Fernelle Fjerwold and Donna Lynn Smith- Blackburn

Donna Bagdan and Brian Heidecker

Hon. James S. Cowan, Erika Beauchesne and Kyle Harrietha

Tony Merchant and Hon. Pana Merchant

Nausheen Khan and Arif Khan

Denis Tardif, Hon. Claudette Tardif and Chantelle McNichol


Bruce Bradley and Shelley Weinstein

Penny Ritco, Kayla Shoctor and Susan Gilmour

Hon. Rose-Marie Losier-Cool and Hon. Maria Chaput

Douglas Stollery, Scott Graham and Lucas Waldin

Reagan Gallup, Allan Harms, David Sheps, Noni Herchen, Mason Stalker and Ryan Wright

Matt Evans and Erin Ross

Sharon MacLean and Raj Sherman

Hon. Allan Wachowich, Mona-Lee Feehan and Kevin Feehan

Julie Stirling, Barb Stirling and Carole Halko

Walterdale Playhouse
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