Toronto Revellers held their upscale band launch Brazil…Bacchanal in Rio at the newly renovated Events & Catering on the Park. The venue was certainly a decent departure from most launch/fete locations. There were no line-ups getting in or out, and none of that pushing & shoving crowding around the stage. The $25 (at the door) ticket included parking. The show started 11:30 and Jamaal Magloire gave a short speech thanking everyone for their support, and assured the crowd things would be top notch all the way. A Capoeira Brazilian martial-arts dance group opened the show, followed by Brazilian Samba dancers. 
Brazilian Samba dancer
This fuchsia frontline is my favourite. Now I know what people will say, comparisons will be made to that fabulous frontline fuchsia Trini Carni costume. Sometimes people can't help but start in on who-designed-what-first & who-is-stealing-from-who, blah, blah, blah. We all know every carnival gets inspiration from, and elements, pieces, feathers, & jewels from other carnivals - especially when they use the same suppliers - that's just the reality.
I like the headpiece & bra on this lime one.
It's a modest Bacchanal in Rio, no Carnaval inspired thongs or cage bras. They didn't go the traditional route with creatures or animals either.
The big door prize was airfare to Miami carnival. Revellers cater to a slightly more mature crowd that appreciates fine customer service and heightened security. There was a small line-up after to register and costumes are $150.
don't like them
ReplyDeleteI only like the fuchsia section.
ReplyDeleteOnce again....great job delivering the photos Kara!! My fave is the fuschia.
ReplyDeleteTotal FAILURE!
ReplyDeleteNot impressed AT ALL!
yeah the fuschia frontline is pretty nice. I was there and spoke to the section leader, Jenny and she said it would be between $350 and $375.
ReplyDeleteThe fuschia frontline is confirmed at $375
ReplyDeletenot really impressed with any beyond the fuschia. that one is really pretty
ReplyDeleteSoo disappointed...4 sections out of 10 were likeable.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally speechless..i wont even waste time on what went wrong.
Pink sections were the top likeable and will sellout before any section.
Te fuschis is the only costume that I like. I am so disappointed in Toronto Revellers. The costume are ugly. Sorry I will not be playing mas with them. I was expecting more from the reigning champions. I was looking for big headpieces, flamboyant sexy costumes. What went wrong Toronto Revellers, you guys need young refresh designers and some damn sexy costumes. Come one guys.
ReplyDeletewell i was disappointed i couldnt attend the launch... thanks kara for the pics... like others i think the fuchsia, but thats where the excitement ends for me. i think the designs are overdone. the band i am playing with sure has a good shot at regaining their title. it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
ReplyDeleteSigned Water Lily :)
has anyone seen pics from the Callaloo launch? They launched on Saturday as well.
ReplyDeletenvm...I'm seeing them on Torontolime right now.
ReplyDeleteLexx...I like you...lol..lol..the comments on the Fruits &Flowers write up..you talking the truth...
ReplyDeleteN-E-Wayz..I really expected more there are a few that are nice, but it does not scream "Brasil". Calaloo...no comment there..I went to that band launch...again no comment that should say it all..
I will be playing wit CNZ..the costumes look way better in person I managed to get in Boganvilla *Front line*..I was kinda turned off at not getting secret garden but when i looked at them Boganvilla is prettier plus the front line number made was a very small amount think it was 15(don't quote me though) so that means you have a beautiful costume with only a very few people in it. This has definately been an interesting start to the Caribana season...
Thanks carnival queen...I got spiced in that thread. That was uncalled for.
ReplyDeleteAnywho, so no comment eh? I think that was a marvellous choice of words to describe their offering for '09. No comment indeed.
I'm still on my CNz boycott, although it's burning my soul to keep it up. To be honest, I miss them and the excitement I usually feel after registration knowing I got what I wanted. Congrats on getting in with the Bouganvilla frontline. I wish I could say I had a costume lined up that I felt great about, but I can't.
*sigh*
*LEXX* it was totally uncalled for, people just get so angry and judge without even knowing the person...
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the boycott i was close too, but when i went to the mass camp I saw Bogavilla...I got that butterfly feeling and that did it for me...Once they said Frontline was avail...I felt good about it...Pluss seeing the rest of the costumes from other bands...I got even more excited..
I know how you feel though I have been there before..Good luck on ur search in finding one...at least Safari hasn't launched yet you may have some luck there
My apologies I meant to say
ReplyDelete"All Spice" whose theme is *Safari*
Next thing you know people would be cussing me for posting incorrect name of the band ahhh..lol..lol...gotta luv it!
"got spiced", lol, that's a good way of putting it Lexxx, I like it. There's many band launches yet to come, panic shouldn't set in now, there's going to be other options. No worries.
ReplyDeleteWater Lily, is that the section you're in (Water Lily)?
:-)
Seems like your readers aren't so impressed with the presentation. I on the other hand have to hand to to Revellers for making an honest effort at depicting their themes....some just change colours year to year. It's not total BACCHANAL, but it is heavily influenced from Brazil!
ReplyDeleteGood job with the post!
every year Revellers give us a great presentation and "top notch" teatment on the road .. we (the people) talk/judge and one thing i like about Revellers "the peoples band" is that THEY LISTEN... if you go to the mass camp next month dont be surprised if a costume got cut, added or improved... only bacchanal on lakeshore enjoy your caribana i kno i will lol
ReplyDeleteIm sticking with Revellers this year! I don't have worry about noting with them like other bands Ive played with. From alterations to making sure we are taken care of on the road. The theme isn't nudity but its definently the roots of Brazil... Culture. Im playin green and Im going to enjoy playin with Toronto Revellers!
ReplyDeletewell i was right i just went to the revellers mass camp last week and some costumes have been change since the bandlaunch so go and have a look :D
ReplyDeleteThat's typically the case w many bands. The final product isn't what you see at launches, changes are often made.
ReplyDelete