First band launch of the year, Carnival Revolution

I'm baaaaack, and sooner than usual! It feels off though, since it's only April and many bands are launching this month. Even though it was just 8° last night, I started to have thoughts of jumping up in the heat on the Lakeshore. Hearing the new soca and seeing some mas helped put me in a Caribana frame of mind.

Carnival Revolution is headed by new band leader Osei Brand, although he's not new to mas. They presented 4 sections in their theme Warriors Come Out an Play: Samurai Warriors, Hannibal of Cartage and the Cartigian Warriors, Geronimo Spirits of the Apache, and Warrior Princess. The Maratha Caste Warriors and Conan and the Barbarian Warriors will be ready for another launch on May 20.

We always appreciate a launch in the west end, (& LOVE when mas camps are here, too) so having it at The Lambadina Lounge at Bloor/Ossington was a great switch. The small upper floor was a good spot for this launch.
No, these aren't bikinis, but yes, there are some beads. My impression is this band will appeal to the young masquerader who wants to play a more traditional style mas, but not completely covered up.

I really like how Carnival Revolution's mission is to work with youth at risk to develop and nurture their design and audio engineering skills. This is something absolutely needed in Toronto, and I can only hope lots of teens become involved!

Carnival Revolution is taking Jr. (Kiddies) Carnival and King & Queen seriously, having designed mas for other bands, including Revellers and Callaloo, and now itching to compete with their band. I look forward to seeing their designs and wish them much success in their inaugural year.