OFFICIAL CARIBANA EVENTS

In this post I want to let you all know about some of the official caribana events that will be taking place during the festival.
I got most of this from the official Caribana 2007 website http://www.caribanafestival.com/

The first event is the Caribana IMAGINE Music Festival This taking place on August 5th at Ontario Place. This is a really nice venue right down on Lake Ontario and really visitors should check it out.

Destra can be magnificent live. I saw her several times for carnival 2007 and loved watching her perform. I still have images of the Dutty wine on all fours :p

I don’t know Ne-Yo, I guess I will look on Limewire and see if I can’t educate myself

I real like Sean Paul and own a couple CDs, but I think his music, similar to Rap artists, sound really good on studio produced tracks but don’t really come across that well live. I’m sure that’s just me showing my age, those who like it will love it.

Caribana celebrates its 40th anniversary with the Imagine Music Festival. Join superstar performer Grammy Award-nominated R&B and pop singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, Grammy award winner Sean Paul, Soca Queen Destra Garcia, as they all perform together on ONE stage! Purchase your tickets by June 17th before midnight EST for your chance to win 2 backstage passes for the IMAGINE Concert.

The next big concert is Machel at Lamport Stadium on Saturday May 4th.

Machel….Nuff Said

Name: Machel Montano After Parade Bash

Location: Lamport StadiumDate: Saturday August 4, 2007

Description: de JUMBE mash up TnT…flatten NY…and now coming to Toronto. Join Machel Montano a host of other artists for a Caribana after Parade Bash at Lamport Stadium. Name: Official LaunchLocation: Nathan Phillips SquareDate: Tuesday July 10, 2007 Description: The official ceremony launches the activities for the Caribana Festival Season. Patrons can meet and mingle with federal, provincial and municipal officials, Caribana Representatives and Sponsors while sampling Caribbean and International cuisine. It is a snapshot of what’s in store over the next two weeks.

If you are in town, you should certainly check out the junior parade, the little kids are really cute. Just please make sure your older offspring are doing a nice age appropriate social wine. We don’t like to see them pelting waist and bringing scandal to your name.

Name: Junior Carnival

Location: Yorkgate MallDate: Saturday July 21, 2007

Description:Junior Carnival provides festival goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the trills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their earlier festival years.

This is a new initiative that is coming out for the 40th anniversary, I’m looking forward to checking it out
Name: Theatre Activity/Cultural Singing/Dance Drumming

Location: Albert Campbell SquareDate: Sunday July 22, 2007

Description: This event will highlight the various cultures of all of the Caribbean people. It will include a food competition, Theatrical drama and story telling. The event will be held in Scarborough

This is also a new thing and I haven’t made it down to our trendy distillery district, so we will check it out also
Name: Art Exhibition

Location: Distillery

DistrictDate: Tuesday July 24, 2007 - Monday August 6, 2007

Description:A visual Art Exhibition “COLOURblind! International” produced by “The Association of African Canadian Artists” - over 60 original paintings and sculptures that have been influenced by the diversity of a people -

Name: Calypso Monarch Finals

Location: Toronto Centre for the Arts

Date: Saturday July 28, 2007 Description: This is where the Calypso Monarch is crowned. Come and see the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonians battle for the crown. From the topical to the lyrical the sweet soca rhythms will lift you out of you seat and get you moving.

Caribana Village Location: Ontario Place

Date:August 1 - August 6 , 2007

Description: As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Caribana and 200 years of the abolition of the African Slave trade, Caribana Village will highlight our liberation through song, music, dance, drama and comedy. Vendors of food, craft, clothing and art will add to the island vibe ambiance generating delectable aroma and vibrant colours to warm up Lake Ontario throughout the 5 day event.

Name: King & Queen

Location: Lamport Stadium

Date: Thursday August 2, 2007

Description: On the Thursday night before Caribana Day all the kings and queens of the bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting oh and ahs from the audience. It is an honour for any reveller to be enthroned the king or queen of his or her band. The kings and queens symbolically have the keys to the city, freedom of the streets. Their movements are supposed to be uninhibited. Band members and onlookers alike are to give them the respect, even if mockingly, usually accorded to real-life royalty."

This is a great event, and its over early enough to hit a fete after. Also for any of you people with kids, Pan alive is a kid friendly event

Name: Pan Alive

Location: Lamport StadiumDate: Friday August 3, 2007

Description: A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. This panorama of the North is the best opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. Devoted entirely to the capturing rhythms of the steelpan.

Name: Caribana Ball

Location: The Fairmont Royal York

Date: Friday August 3, 2007

Description: An evening of style, glamour and pomp, celebrating Caribana 40th anniversary.

Name: Parade

Location: Exhibition

PlaceDate: Saturday August 4, 2007

Description: This showcase events features an incredible display of colours and pageantry along a 3.6 kilometre parade route on Lakeshore Boulevard.

Order of the bands in the parade

-- Band Name -- Bandleader -- 2007 Presentation

1 -- Mas Toronto -- Errol Achue -- "PETIT MONDE"

2 -- Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club -- Louis Saldenah -- "THE RAINFOREST"

3 -- Toronto Revellers -- Jamaal Magloire -- "VIVA LAS VEGAS"

4 -- Carnival Nationz -- Curtis Eustace -- "BIG TOP"

5 -- The Calabash Company -- Jessie Matthews -- "THE RHYTHM OF LIFE"

6 -- Arnold Hughes & Assoc. -- Arnold Hughes -- "A QUEST FOR GOLD"

7 -- Callaloo -- Marlon Singh -- "THE CONQUEST OF ALEXANDER"

8 -- Toronto Caribbean Connection -- Mervyn Skeete -- "FUSION"

9 -- Scarborough Caribbean Sports Club -- Alvin Adore -- "REFLECTIONS 2K7"

10 -- Bazodee Connection -- Cecil & Roz Roach -- "THE ENCHANTED GARDEN OF SOCALAND"

11 -- Pleasure Players -- Whitfield Balasco -- "AMAZONIA"

12 -- Evolution Carnival -- Andre & Ken Defreitas -- "DREAMSEEKERS"

13 -- Mas Players Int'l -- Bridget Renne / Troy Logan -- "DANCING SPIRIT OF RESILIENCE"

14 -- Nip Davis & Associates -- Selwyn "Nip" Davis -- "IN FLIGHT"

15 -- Borokeete Canada -- Frank Ramsaroop -- "ATLANTIS"

16 -- Tribal Knights -- Dexter Seusahai -- "TRIBAL KNIGHTS" And the "Beat" continues - JAZZ

Location: Distillery District

Date: Thursday August 9, 2007 - Sunday August 12, 2007

Description: Jazz extension to the traditional carnival type events. The event will be held the week after Caribana in conjunction with the Nu Jazz Society and featuring the vibes of Caribbean Jazz.

Big fun at the Big Top

~ Must start with a BIG UP to you Ross, thanks a lot!! :-)~
What?: Carnival Nationz band launch, Big Top. Where: the Docks
When?: Now at 12:00, you don't expect to have to wait in such a long unmoving line, but there it was. At least the Farmers Rhythm Section played to preoccupy the crowd which was getting antsy. There was the usual steupsing, people were complaining they were afraid they missed the costumes. So when a crowd finally reached the door only to be told to wait further by the one security guy letting them in, the shoving, shouting & general blast at security ensued.
We managed to get in at 1:00 and were greeted by a line of gyrls handing out swag (Money Gram pens & keychain/bottle openers). Inside was decked out with a popcorn machine, cotton candy, snow cones, and those long animal balloons, fun treats given out to get the anxious crowd into the theme. Their Greatest Show on Earth banner held big promises. MC's SKF (I think) & Earl La Pierre Jr. came out at 1:15, welcomed everyone to the Big Top and assured us big things were on the way.

Two acrobats started the show.

Which was a hot intro to the first section, Fire. Yes, Fire is the costume for 2007, seems every band has a blazing hot Fire. I think red is the #1 favourite costume colour.

The large soft plumes on the headpiece and on the fanny would be the theme for many of the costumes.

Fire Daddy

Second section was Ariel. Sharp emerald colour, and the thick ribbon detail is a different touch.

Cute ballerina tutu for those who want to feel (a wee bit) more covered. Halter top with gold rings looks sexy.
Flourishing peacock feathered back pack, very foresty.


Next up, Jester. The first thing I saw coming at us was the pointy headpiece, which to me is big trouble. Can't see those sharp plastic points being a hit to wear (or to try & get jam from), but from a design standpoint, it does look right to complete the costume.



Then instantly I see the ribbons and think hmmmmm?, channeling Pierrot Grande?


Cotton candy got big applause, lots of gyrls like their pink.


She can't help but admire Candy man's large crystal on his candy stick.


Very vibrant fuschia, tall plumes - will be a popular section.


Siberian Tiger came out with a roar, not only because they blasted Jumbie, but the costume is fierce!!!

Rhinestones, feather boa, strapless feathered bra, massive mohawkish headpiece = LOVIN it!!

Feelin Jumbie.

Lion tamers was, well, tame. Shiny sharp colour mix of gold, copper and brown. But only one model was feelin her inner lioness.





When Acrobats came out, I thought I've seen this before!... Saucy Diva, isn't this baby doll (or a revamped version of it)?


Shimmery blue ocean coins, silver hoops, & that's about it folks... very skimpy, plenty of scandal potential. Xtremely sexee!



 

LOVE love LoVe the makeup! I want that!!!! (I must look into where/how to get such fabUlous makeup...)
Gypsies were next. First thought was, I really like the mango colour, don't see too much of this shade, and second, I love the abundance of jingly gold coins. When you don't scrimp on such features, it makes the mas come alive more. The unique and very stylish style bra/corset will be a perfect choice for cup runneth over gyrls.



This will be such a comfortable costume, and will really sparkle on the road.


I was curiously awaiting Sexy Clown, because a clown? Sexy? Plenty of lime & pastels and pouff, not my particular colours, but I know many will look great in it. It's a fun costume, and very importantly, the models represented that, they had a blast with it, especially Mr. Crazy Clown.

talk about insane clown possee.

Clown painted on his back & clown face back pack.

When I saw these large purple plumes coming onto the stage, I got goosebumps. Purple is my passion. I have a weakness for that colour. Snake charmer is a sumptuous costume, with that high gold snake plumed headpiece...

and lush gold bra & waist band.


Makeup artists did such an amazing job on all the models, check out the snakes w rhinestone eyes.



The grande finale was Warrior Spirit, er, Wild Indian. Native is also a prerequisite costume - it will probably sell out first.

SKF introducing his section.

Designers learned from the Tribe headpiece blunder that didn't stay on securely, so this has a cowboy cap in the back - very smart.

Parade of all costumes.

I only learned afterwards that Snake Charmer is in fact Ross' section... :-) (former Sally designer/section leader we played with) What's the chance in that?!!

I really like a few costumes, can so see me wearing several in Callaloo & Sally also, so yikes, decisions, decisions...! Great shots Trini-in-Toronto, it was worth going, huh?

Carnival Nationz is going for the big win again, and from this launch, I must say watch out rivals, because their costume designs continue to be modstyle, sexy, & have special unique touches characteristic of a Band of the Year.

CARNIVAL NATIONS BAND LAUNCH

Carnival Nationz band launch this weekend

Plenty people think Carnival Nationz, led by Curtis Eustace and his brother Marcus are going for a hat trick this year by winning the coveted Caribana band of the year tile for the 3^rd time in a row. This might not sound that impressive until you hear that this will only be their third year as band leaders.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that these guys are an overnight success. They, like Marlon Singh of Callaloo, got their start as section leaders in Louis Saldenahs’ band and have both gone on to head their own successful enterprises.

Curtis is the same Mr Eustace that has won the most prestigious Trinidad King of the Bands title 8 times. I believe this ties him with Peter Samuel. (4 of these times were in a row…. also a record)

These guys have become such a huge force in Toronto. They are also promoters and have teamed up with other top Toronto Djs and Promoters like De Island boyz and D Bandit. They have put on huge fetes like Unite the nations, All Ah we, Memoirs of Soca, Boarding pass fete and plenty others. These are the parties that all of the younger crowd flocks to, Hence it was only natural that when they brought out their band 2 ago, the “youths” claimed this band as their own and have been supporting them in a big way.

To borrow a phrase from Pepsi, they are generation Next.

Their launch is this Saturday

Saturday May 26th, 2007
2-time defending Caribana “Band of the Year”
lCarnival Nationz Launches... it’s 2007 presentation…
"The Big TOP"
At: Next Level Nightclub – 11 Polson St (Docks Complex)
Featuring: D’Bandit ~ Court Jester ~ Soca Sweetness ~ Farmer’s Rhythm Section
Hosted by: SKF & EMAN
Plus: Carnival Nationz Models and much more…
Adm: $10 for 2K6 CNz masqueraders ~ $15 (+sc) adv tickets for non-masqueraders ~ more @ door
Ticket Outlets: BAD LAD @ (416) 335.5292 ~ Play de Record @ (416) 586.0380 ~ Charlie’s @ (905) 896.3663 ~ Drupati’s @ (416) 745.4189
Info: www.carnivalnationz.com ~ www.islandboyz.com ~ www.dbandit.com ~ wwwcourtjesteronline.com

I’ll try and get some pics from the launch, but I am not going to be able to make it. As always they will be up on Toronto-lime.com

Ready for mas again?

(Trini-in-Toronto: I know this was on the other blog, but I figured it would be good to have it all in one place for any newcomers.)

(Posted March 13 on http://mocagyrl.blog.com/)

Didn’t get enough of Trinidad Carnival, and can’t stand the thought of waiting 11 months to play mas again? Well, what about waiting just 5 months? If you can’t bear the thought of not jumping up ‘till February ’08, I’ve got a solution for you – Caribana!

http://wejumpinghigher.com/ It’s North America’s largest Caribbean carnival/festival, about to celebrate it’s 40^th this year. Caribana always attracts Americans who know Torontonians know how to party. I especially encourage New Yorkers who have never been to come; I promise you’ll be impressed. Last year Hubby met some people online from New York who never experienced a carnival and really wanted to. They came for Caribana, stayed in university dorms where they met other first time masqueraders, experienced much of the city, and had a blast!

Consider Caribana your cheaper Carnival alternative – playing mas won’t set you back near as much as it does in Trinidad. Fetes run from $20-40. The most expensive costume is $135. You’ve got the old school bands keeping the Trinidad traditions alive, plus newbie bands who give younger second generation masqueraders their bikini mas. For the last 7 years, the average Caribana day temperature was 27°, so you’ll get your sun! My first strong recommendation is to go on boat cruise fete - Roy Cape is always a good choice, and if it’s put on by a Guyanese Chinese style restaurant, you’re good to go! Besides the Saturday parade, there’s Junior (kiddies) Carnival, art exhibitions & cultural performances, Calypso Monarch finals, park concerts, King & Queen, Pan Alive, & even a Caribana Ball.

The following weekend is Hamilton Carnival, a 1 hour drive from Toronto. This smaller parade has a fun, no pressure kind of vibe, because bands parade through downtown & end up in a park where there's vendors and entertainment. So even though it tends to have a friendly family feel, it is carnival, so masqueraders still jump up & get on bad.

Besides Caribana, Toronto in the summer (especially the week of & after Caribana) is so fun, there’s always a lot going on, enough variety for every travelers taste. There’s shopping galore whether it’s huge outlets, designer duds, bargain bins, or second hand you’re looking for. You know how far your USD will go. I highly suggest a romantic picnic, wine & cheese style, under the stars watching a Shakespeare comedy in a secluded park. And can you say festivals? At the Beer Festival one year we heard a fantastic reggae band. Good times! The hugely popular food & entertainment Greek street party, Taste of the Danforth, is a must-do. If you want to sample some other kinds of music, there’s the Beach’s Jazz Festival and the Irie Music Festival. Masala! Mehndi! Masti! is a colourful South Asian festival featuring music, dance, film & cuisine. There’s always many theatrical productions running, and if it’s laid back you want, the Toronto symphony will deliver.

http://www.toronto.com/ for info on hotels, attractions, restaurants, clubs, shopping & events. Trip Advisor is always great for reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com To select your price range & even a proximity search for Toronto hotels, check http://www.hotels.ca For Toronto dorm rooms, go to: http://www.hostels.com (you can select prices in USD) Bed & breakfast's, which I personally prefer to stay in, check http://www.torontocitybandb.com

This year we just might open our home, give guest rooms, to Caribana weekenders!

Hmmm… although this might have sounded like it, I was not commissioned by the city or Caribana to write a travel piece! Hubby asked me over a week ago to write something to entice all the out of country Carnival bloggers we met to come for Caribana. So I will conclude with this: Caribana - it’s the next best thing to Carnival!!

~Soca or Die 6~

One of the biggest fetes in the west end to kick off Caribana '07 was well worth the wait in the cold ass line up. This was my sis & bro-in-law's first fete, & I think it was a good first time experience. They got some excellent shots, including Wanda's above TriniGyrl, & Rudder below.
The high priest himself King David Rudder started off the show at 1:30, & he delivered his standard strong set, including The Hammer, Trini 2 de Bone, & Bahia Girl.

Jeremy Leadbeater

Kerwin Du Bois's Madology and Party Rocker were both good.

Mamacita is one of my fave hottest tunes this season, so I was especially looking forward to Collie Buddz, but his 20 or so minutes on stage was rather underwhelming. The crowd was feeling Come Around & Mamacita, but his other stuff, not so much.At 3:00 Nadia Batson performed with KES the Band & brought down de place with My Land and Lion.
Ziggy Rankin was a no show as apparently he couldn't get into the country. (Hmmmm...??)

The great quality corn soup & bake n shark after were hot & tasty enough to almost make you stop shivering. Tasted like Trinidad, but didn't feel like Trinidad ...maybe in June.
Up next, Carnival Nationz Big Top band launch!