Anybody who has been reading this blog for a while knows I think the Harbourfront centre is one of the best (and often overlooked) entertainment spots in the city. For you visitors who aren't familiar, Harbourfront centre is located right downtown on the lake. There is a great stage, with exotic foods on sale, a beer garden and a craft market. This is a family friendly venue, so you can feel free to bring the kids along. With the water just meters away, if you squint your eyes, you could beleive you were in the islands.
Especially in these days, when the promoters of my favorite fete are asking $60(advance) for entrance on Caribana Sunday, it's really nice to know that you can still see a band like 3Canal for free.
If you have never been to a Harbourfront concert, keep in mind, although this is a West Indian event, the times listed are STRICTLY followed. If it says 9pm, it means 9pm
TORONTO, ON – On July 27 at 7:30 p.m., Harbour front Centre and its lead summer partner, The Toronto Port Authority, present a two and a half hour Calypso STARS Showcase featuring calypso, steelpan and mas’ (masquerade) – the three core disciplines of Caribbean festivals. Hosted by local storyteller and author Itah Sadu, this event fires up the Redpath Stage as some of Toronto’s grooviest calypsonians play popular and original calypso songs chosen from the 2011 Calypso Tents Music Series (CTMS).
The CTMS is an annual event presented by the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes that takes place over five weekends in June and early July. This year, the popular music series celebrates 30 years of calypso “tents” in Toronto, where singers premiere their latest works which reflect life in the city’s diverse Caribbean community.
Calypso STARS Showcase highlights include a special appearance from England’s famed calypso master, recording artist, teacher and writer, Alexander D’Great. Known for his political and social commentary compositions, delivered with wit and style, D’Great is an energetic and inspirational performer who recently won the Association of British Calypsonians’ 2010 Calypso Monarch title.
The house band for the evening is award-winning arranger/producer Ossie Gurley & The Truth. Gurley is the man behind smash soca hits “Who Let The Dogs Out”, “Moving To The Left” and “Follow The Leader”. Rounding out the showcase is steelpan virtuoso Gareth Burgess, a gifted young player from Toronto’s phenomenal steelpan community.
Representing mas’ and moving among the audience are iconic carnival arts characters on stilts called Moko Jumbies from Swizzlestick Theatre (a West African tradition brought to the Canada via the Caribbean). Fancy Sailor and Fireman dancers from the Hummingbird Dance Company and Prime Dance, two historical costumes introduced to Trinidad carnival back in the 1880s, will also be on site to join in on the fun.
Join us this summer as we explore “Hot Spots” of intensity, artistic brilliance, connectivity, and regions of conflict that shape the impressions we have of ourselves and our world. This theme is programmed into each weekend festival to bring together rich artistic traditions from our own backyard and around the globe! It also presents a unique opportunity to experience top Canadian and international artists in a fun, family-friendly environment without ever leaving the city!
Jouvay! An Ole Mas Carnival Parade
July 29, 2011
Jouvay is an ole mas spectacle where the traditional Trinidad and Tobago carnival characters come alive to the rhythms of drums and steel pan worn around their necks. Join Theatre Archipelago, directed by Rhoma Spencer, Tobago Speech Band characters (Keisha Jack and Dr. Verleen Bobb-Lewis), a pack of blue devils, a Midnight Robber, a Tobago Speech Band, Paper Doll, and an interactive mud band as they roam the Ole Yard of Harbourfront Centre, parading the grounds accompanied by steel pan. Starting from the Redpath Stage, mask-wearing characters will display ole mas placards, stopping to re-enact them as they move along, playing their portrayals to spectators with satirical parody, some spoken word, dance and buffoonery.
theatrearchipelago.ca
Prices
Everyone: FREE
Friday, July 29, 2011
8:00PM - 9:00PM
235 Queens Quay West
3canal
July 29, 2011
3canal are recording artists from Trinidad & Tobago whose style of music is called rapso. Rapso is conscious music and is more of a philosophy and stance than an identifiable musical signature. It has been termed “The Power of the Word in the Rhythm of the Word,” “The Poetry of Calypso” and “The Consciousness of Soca.”
They began their musical journey in 1997, with the song “Blue,” a song which marked a turning point for the music industry of TnT. It became a benchmark for the new sound of the music of Trinidad’s Carnival. Two years later they recorded “Talk yuh Talk” [1999] a hard hitting response to all “mocking pretenders of society.” This went on to become an anthem for the dispossessed and voiceless. In 2004 they created “The 3canal Show,” a multi-media performance event, which has since become an annual event in Trinidad’s carnival calendar. For the Trinidad Carnival they also created a Jouvay Band. Jouvay is a street "parade" where revellers take to the streets from 4am to sunrise, masquerading in various guises, using mud, oil and pigments. A significant part of their work involves working with young people in workshop labs using the carnival arts as a means of expression and empowerment.
In partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment Company Ltd.
3canal.com
Prices
Everyone: FREE
Friday, July 29, 2011
9:00PM - 11:00PM
235 Queens Quay West
map
1 comment:
They had the best machel show there some years ago :)
- buublenut
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