Want to give a Toronto band leader a piece of your mind?

If you ever wanted to talk to a Toronto Band leader, this Saturday is your chance, the TMBA is holding a dance at the Continental Soiree this Saturday and every last Saturday of the month till...

So you can come out and support the culture.

Alternative accommodations during Caribana (Toronto Caribbean Carnival)

The first question we get from visitors is, Where should I stay? I want a hotel close to all the action, ie clubs, fetes, food, the parade etc.

I understand choosing a spot makes you nervous, you don't want to make a bad choice and end up spending all your money on taxi cabs, or being in a dead area where you have to drive 20 minutes to get breakfast. Safety might also be a concern.
If you found the blog, then you can use trip adviser or expedia. Look for a hotel in downtown Toronto, south of Bloor street, and within a few blocks of Yonge street. This is the downtown core, and there are many many choices. I pick this area because it is busy, lots of restaurants and shopping and you are right on the subway line. It's an easy jump off to the entertainment district, and within striking distance of the lake. The hotels are easy to find, but they are pricey, so for the youth out there, I'm offering some cheaper accommodations if you are are willing to compromise a little.
There are two universities and a college in downtown Toronto, most of these students have vacated their accommodations for the summer and the dorms rent out their rooms in excellent locations for bargain prices.
You might have to share some facilities, but you can save $500 over a four day weekend. Also, you will probably meet some fellow Caribana visitors and you might make some liming partners.

Neill-Wycik is centrally located and an ideal base to visit all that Toronto has to offer! The hotel is within 2 minutes walk of Yonge Street and 5 minutes walk of the Eaton Centre and Yonge-Dundas Square. They are still advertising double rooms for $85 a night (don't stick... it won't last) 416-977-2320 or toll-free 1-800-268-4358 or https://reservations.neill-wycik.com/

You can also check http://www.hostels.com/toronto/canada
Actually, the hostel site is a great resource, as they list most of the dorms in Toronto and you can book through their site.
Just check for reviews on trip adviser, downtown Toronto is very safe, so don't be afraid to take transit and again, try to stay within walking distance of Yonge street, south of Bloor street or maybe a few blocks north of Bloor is cool also.
I wish you all luck finding a place to stay. Whatever you do, don't stick. rooms in Toronto during Caribana  don't go on sale on priceline a week before, everything will sell out and the price has nowhere to go but up from right now... if you see something you like BOOK IT !!! just me.

Laters
Trini-in-Toronto

Change in parade position rules?

Hi Folks,

The return fete has come and gone, and that's my unofficial signal to start keeping my ear to the ground for Caribana developments. Most of the bandleaders and local mas players are now back in Toronto and even though its minus 14 degrees today, in a few short weeks band launch season begins (see the list on the sidebar for the dates I know so far)... its our time to shine.
I heard a talk this morning that a certain man from a certain band saying they going down the road in one of the first 3 parade positions.
Now, I don't know how someone might know this at this point in time, but if anybody knows about a change in policy that hasn't been widely publicized, and you want to share with us, the anonymous comments have been enabled :)
laters
Trini-in-Toronto