Spirit of Nightlife Profile: Tyson Villeneuve

By Andrew Dalik (September 21, 2007)

When he's not busy managing supply and demand for many of Vancouver's favorite drinks, Bacardi Canada Sales and Events Manager Tyson Villeneuve is usually formulating yet another one of his high-profile, innovative events. The man can be found donning anything from a vintage fedora and suit to the latest GSUS gear (he's sponsored for having bottomless positivity) on one of his nightly excursions into the neon jungle of nightlife entertainment. It's this joie de vivre that makes him so successful at what he does.

Tyson's events have been among the most memorable in the city. From throwing the legendary Bacardi White Parties to hosting the annual Vancouver Nightlife Awards, Tyson is in his element after dark. If you've spent any amount of time with Tyson, you'll know that his enthusiasm for having a great night (and ensuring everyone else does too) is matched only by his enthusiasm for dreaming up new ways to make Vancouver nights more exciting.

The key to Tyson's events lies in his infallible attention to detail, considering everything from the lighting to the décor to the music with a hands-on approach. Often this hands-on method of making the party happen takes a literal form. Tyson is as talented behind the decks as his is behind the scenes, known to rock many a party with his mix of house and electronica, and thorough knowledge of what gets partiers rushing towards the dance floor.

With residencies at Ginger 62 and Crush Champagne Lounge, Tyson can DJ with the best of them, and he has, sharing the booth with the likes of Tommy Sunshine, Miguel Migs, Andy Caldwell, MSTRKRFT, and others. Tyson also performed at this summer's Virgin V-Festival. However, his most important performances to date were on his recent tour to Europe. Tyson was invited to play three September 2007 shows in Germany, two in Berlin and one in Frankfurt at the impressive King Kamehameha Club. He also played one show on the Greek island of Mykonos, a world-renowned party mecca.

Quite apart from building personal accolades, Tyson's tour brings prestige to Vancouver, as international DJs are commonly billed with their hometown listed beside their name. Tyson is one of the first local DJ's taking Vancouver's nightlife to an international level, showing the European crowds how things are done here at home. If you encounter an influx of European tourists rocking out at your local haunt this winter, Tyson is probably responsible.

So the next time you're tipping back a Bacardi (or Bombay Sapphire, or Grey Goose, or one of the many other liquors he represents), you'll also be tipping your cap to Tyson, one man who is really taking strides to make the Vancouver nightlife appreciated in the world beyond Granville Street.

Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR)

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Website: www.yvr.com

Ranked among the world’s top ten airports, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is Canada’s second busiest passenger gateway. In addition to being the major West Coast airport closest to Asia, YVR is ideally situated on the Great Circle Routes, with infrastructure and services to handle the largest aircraft in the world under extreme weather conditions.

Passengers at YVR enjoy leading-edge technology and more than 160 shops, services and restaurants. The airport provides direct service to some 130 destinations in Canada, the United States and around the world, keeping B.C. at the crossroads of international travel, tourism and trade.

Vancouver Airport Authority, the community-based, not-for-profit organization that operates YVR, is undertaking a $1-billion construction program that will ensure the airport meets the growing demand for air travel and continues to be developed as a premier global gateway and economic generator for British Columbia.

While the airport’s reach is global, the Airport Authority remains firmly rooted in the local community and is pleased to be a founding partner of Spirit of Vancouver.