[Cleopatra]

I have been following Michael's career for many years now, since my Acting Teacher was one of the judges at the P.N.E. Talent competition here in Vancouver. My Acting Teacher told some of us in the class about Michael's amazing voice, and we started going to see him every Sunday and Monday night at Babalu. We drove almost an hour from White Rock, twice a week, to see this fabulous performer. What a voice! Those were the days. For about 2 years, he played Babalu those 2 nights/week. We all dressed up in evening gowns, long gloves, and rhinestones, and felt right at home in that room. Babalu was a magical portal to another era, and Michael completed that picture, with style. Many of us agree to this day, those were the best couple of years of our lives.


Cleopatra

[Cleopatra]

I have been following Michael's career for many years now, since my Acting Teacher was one of the judges at the P.N.E. Talent competition here in Vancouver. My Acting Teacher told some of us in the class about Michael's amazing voice, and we started going to see him every Sunday and Monday night at Babalu. We drove almost an hour from White Rock, twice a week, to see this fabulous performer. What a voice! Those were the days. For about 2 years, he played Babalu those 2 nights/week. We all dressed up in evening gowns, long gloves, and rhinestones, and felt right at home in that room. Babalu was a magical portal to another era, and Michael completed that picture, with style. Many of us agree to this day, those were the best couple of years of our lives.


Cleopatra

[The Future Mrs Michael Bublé]

I am soooooo jealous of you!!! I would have loved to gone and seen him sing there!!!

- Jennie

[DarylO]

Wow! Thanks for posting, Cleopatra! What a cool story!! I wish I had lived in Vancouver!!!

Daryl

[Q-Girl]

Daryl, you really should at least visit. Vancouver is my home town (even though I'm in Victoria now)... It's the most amazing city.

Cleo, Babalu was a great place wasn't it? I never saw Michael perform there, but I did catch some other wonderful groups. (Great Martinis too! LOL)

[Cleopatra]

You said it, Q-Girl, Babalu was THE place in Vancouver for a couple of years. Once you were in there, it felt like the rest of the world could just fade away, and everything was just fabulous. I loved the fact that everyone was there for the same reason -to listen to great music, and dance. It was so awesome that the crowd ranged in age from 19 to 90 - and everybody danced with everybody.
You are so right about the martinis! The tapas menu was great too, when they still had it. Since that place shut down, there hasn't been anything that can replace the magic. Michael was a huge part of Babalu's success! If only we could go back to those days...



Cleopatra

[celticgirl]

Oh, those were the days! I too loved Babalu and the Purple Onion! I was going through a really difficult time in my life and Michael's music and performances provided a place to escape to. It is impossible to sit still while listening to his music. Dance, dance, dance! I miss those days. Vancouver just hasn't been the same since!

[The Future Mrs Michael Bublé]

Babalu sounds like the coolest place ever!!! I wish there was a place like that here. I would be in seventh heaven if I could go dancing to this type of music.

- Jennie

[Q-Girl]

I moved to Victoria... What's in place of Bablu now? I know Fred's had that fire a while back, was that the ultimate demise of Babalu?

[Jodes]

Yeah, a few years ago, Fred's AND Babalu burnt down in a fire. Right now, there's a little jazz joint, called The Cellar, in the place of Fred's.

[DarylO]

How sad! And to think that Babalu could have one day become a national landmark!

Daryl

[Cleopatra]

There is an Irish Pub where Babalu was, now! I can't even bring myself to look at it when I drive by. I think I would cry if I didn't see the "Babalu" sign there anymore.


Cleopatra

[The Future Mrs Michael Bublé]

Babalu burned down???? oh no! That's so sad. I sure wish I could have seen the place. It sounded amazing.

- Jennie

[celticgirl]

Yes, Babalu will always be a sentimental place for us Vancouverites! Although I must say I've been to the new Irish pub there and its fun too, it just isn't the same. I keep saying to myself, yep, that's where the stage was, yep, that's where we used to dance! And that's where we used to hang out with Michael between sets and after the show! I miss those dancin' days!

[Q-Girl]

Oh man... I gotta get back home and take a stroll downtown! Did you ever go to single's night at Freds? It was such a hoot!

[zippety]

Hello...I am a long-time fan/friend of Michael's..I knew him before his BaBalu days. He is indeed a charmer and soooo talented.

[nay1972]

Welcome zip!

It has to be so cool to know the 'real' someone before all the mayhem, etc. And to see someone with such talent finally make it in the business that they love.

~Cleveland Rocks!~

[Swingingly]

I'm new to the board, and its fabulous to read all these wonderful moments and memories with Michael.

I saw Michael at the Grove last night and met some AWESOME fellow fans. We ended up spending the evening as a group and have made plans to all be at the Roxie on Thursday. One of those new friends mentioned Michael's first album called "Babalu" but I can't find it anywhere. Is there indeed a recording, or did I misunderstand him and what he meant was the club mentioned in these posts?

And please tell me Michael is a dancer, too. I've been swing dancing for years and years and know that I enjoy the music on so many levels when I listen to amazing artists like Michael, when I sing it myself, and when I dance it.
HEAVEN!!! If Michael dances, too, then I'm just going to sigh and faint at his feet! LOL

[Swingtime22 (jeane)]

Hi..I was at the Grove too. Sorry I missed you guys...I met up with some really great members from here too. It was such fun exchanging Buble` ideas and thoughts. I'll be at the Roxy Wed. & Friday. sorry I'll miss you all...

jeaneh

[Swingtime22 (jeane)]

P.S. Re: "Babalu". It's near impossible to find unless you go on eBay and spend over $130. I think only 500 CDs were produced. Same with "Dream."

Hope springs eternal..

Also, our screen names are very similar...!!!!jeaneh