Caribana Official events

CARIBANA™ 2008 OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Luminat’eau: Carnival H2O (formerly “Carnivalissima”)

Friday June 13 - Sunday June 15, 2008; Noon - 6:00 p.m.Harbourfront CentreLuminato month long event closing at Harbourfront.

Calypso Tents Music Series

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
from June 13 - July 13, 2008; 8:00 p.m. - MidnightDe Great Iron Pot, 55 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough Calypso City, 25 Cecil Street, TorontoThis is an exciting annual showcase of Canada's best Calypso and Soca original music for the Caribana Festival. The series runs three nights each week (Friday Sunday) at various venues in Toronto, each night featuring a different cast of singers and 'live' bands performing Calypso in its best storytelling tradition: social and political commentary, humor and wit.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Official Launch
Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall
Tuesday July 15, 2008; Noon - 2:00 pmThis official ceremony launches the activities for the 2008 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 coming weeks.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Junior Carnival
Shoreham Drive Yorkgate MallSaturday, July 19, 2008; 10:00 am - 4:00 pmJunior Carnival provides festival-goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years

Roots to Rhythm
- Art ExhibitionRoyal Ontario Museum Thursday July 24 – Monday Aug 4, 2008; Noon - 9:00 pmA Visual Art Exhibition – COLOURblind International – ‘Roots to Rhythm’ produced by the Association of African Canadian Artists. An intriguing collection of over 60 works that have been influenced by our journey.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Caribana Gala
Liberty Grand – Exhibition PlaceFriday July 25, 2008; 7:00 pm – 1:00 amAn elegant evening of style and glamour, celebrating Caribana and paying tribute to its pioneers. Proceeds from this event will be directed to a Caribana Foundation.

'Kaiso 365' Calypso Monarch Finals
Leah Posluns Theatre, 4588 Bathurst Street, Toronto Saturday July 26, 2008; 8:00 pm - 1:00 amThis 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 your seat and get you moving.

King & Queen Show
Lamport Stadium Thursday July 31, 2008; 7:00 pm - MidnightOn the Thursday evening before Caribana Day the Kings and Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience. It is an honour for any participant to be enthroned the King or Queen of Scotiabank Caribana 2008. The King and Queen 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

Pan AliveLamport
Stadium Friday August 1, 2008; 7:00 pm - MidnightA 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 biggest opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. The evening is devoted entirely to the capturing rhythms of the steelpan.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Parade
Exhibition Place (Lake Shore Blvd) Saturday August 2, 2008; 10:00 am - 6:00 pmThis showcase event features an incredible display of colour and pageantry, commencing at Exhibition Place and proceeding west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard will come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival!

De CARIBANA™ Lime
Island FestivalOlympic IslandSunday August 3, 2008; 10:00 am – 6:00 pmThis event features a full day of performances from a variety of artistes, highlighting the diverse cultures of all the Caribbean people. Activities include a food competition, song, dance, theatrical drama and storytelling.