In his 73rd year as a professional musician, Dal Richards is as popular and busy as ever.  Dal works full-time booking and performing with the Dal Richards' Orchestra, as well as writing and hosting his weekly radio show Dal's Place on 600 AM. Dal is also an active volunteer with the Variety Club, the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, and the Vancouver AM Tourist Association. Dal has received many honours and accolades during his career, including honorary doctorates from both the BC Institute of Technology and Open Learning University recognizing his lifelong commitment to learning. This has led friends and fans alike to refer to him affectionately as "Dr. Swing"


Everyone knows that Dal gave Canadian icon Juliette

 

her start, when as a young girl of fourteen she was hired by Dal to sing with his band at the Panorama Roof

Since that time Dal has promoted countless young musicians and performers.  Perhaps most notably singer Michael Buble

who got his first big break when Dal invited him to sing with the Dal Richard's Orchestra at the PNE.

Dal was a great support to
Michael Kaeshammer

who has also gone on to receive international acclaim
as a jazz pianist and vocalist.

More recently Dal has 'discovered' percussionist/ wunderkind, 15 year old
Kai Basanta

 whom he often features with the band in a showstopping version of 'Sing Sing Sing'

Dal has also been thrilled
to feature the phenomenally talented vocalist and musician
Bria Skonberg.

Dal anticipates bright futures for these rising stars. 



Dal's History


A native to Vancouver, Dal began entertaining at clubs and dances around town while still attending high school in the 1930s . By 1941 Dal and his orchestra began a long, legendary engagement at the Hotel Vancouver’s Panorama Roof.  “The Roof” and Dal’s band were the focal point of the Vancouver social scene for more than twenty five years during which time he gained national attention with his CBC radio broadcasts

“Live from the Top of Town”



The Panorama Roof at The Hotel Vancouver

Vocalists Lorraine McAllister and Canadian icon Juliette also gained national fame while working with Dal and his Orchestra at The Panorama Roof.

Lorraine McAllister pictured here with Bing Crosby
and Dal, was the premiere vocalist with the orchestra
for many years.  Several songs recorded during that
era are featured on Dal's recently released hit CD
"The Swinging Years"
Click here for to order a CD from the
Dal Richards Collection

When popular music changed in the 1960s, Dal made the decision to return to school and complete his degree in Hotel Management.  After a 15 year career in the Vancouver hotel business big band music began to make a comeback.  That's when Dal resurrected his orchestra, and he hasn’t looked back!

In addition to his full-time work as a performer and bandleader, Dal is a popular keynote speaker at numerous events for various organizations.  His talks typically focus on his experiences in the entertainment industry, as well as the importance of his commitment to life-long learning.

In his spare time, Dal continues to take courses as he believes:
"One is never too old to learn something new!"



This December 31, 2007, will mark Dal Richard's
73rd consecutive New Year's gig! He will be doing
what comes naturally - playing a swinging New Year's
Eve show for a dance floor full of happy fans at the
River Rock Casino in Richmond!  Don't miss it!

(604) 681-6060
info@dalrichardsorchestra.com