The Vancouver Music Industry (VMI) honoured the songwriting duo of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance at its fourth annual gala, held July 28, 2009, at the Villa Amato ballroom in Vancouver. Adams and Vallance received the Bruce Allen/Sam Feldman Legend award, presented to those who’ve made great contributions to the local music scene for many years. Valance, a SOCAN board member, attended the event to accept his award, while Adams sent a videotaped acceptance speech.

The gala featured performances from State of Shock, Daniel Wesley, Shaun Verrault, Jordan Carrier and Jessica Beach, and included a silent auction of guitars and other items signed by the likes of Adams, Coldplay, Metallica, AC/DC and more. The gala tickets and auction both raised funds for several charities, including the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach program, a free curriculum to children and youth in Vancouver’s inner city, offering students high quality music instruction in guitar, piano, percussion and choir.

The day after the gala, the VMI also hosted a fundraising golf tournament at the University Golf Club, also in Vancouver.