Before you all get
vex and start to argue, tell me which other Big Toronto band has the balls to bring
out a section like Phagwa? That's the plain white section with plenty cloth and
no bling. (it's white at the launch because the owners of the hall wouldn't let
them throw colored powder all over the place). On the road, it will start off
white and quickly turn into a sea of color. (anybody looking for a
J'ouvert like
experience? Jamaal called this their J'ouvert section) That is not a safe costume, but it’s their representation of
Indian culture, and that's what they are portraying. They still have a
couple bikini and beads sections, but it’s the exception, not the rule.
Enough preaching, on to the show….
The evening started off with a tassa band making its way
through the thick crowd, and they were followed by Jamaal in a rickshaw, then, we were
treated to a troupe of traditional Indian dancers. This wasn’t just a launch,
it was a production.
I really liked the yellow costume with the little silky
cover up and the headscarf, very nice, I’m thinking it’s going to be really
popular. I hope you all like the pics. The mas camp opens Tuesday after work for registration (cash only on Tuesday).
Karabana here ~ I was very impressed to see Revellers lived up to my expectations for a fun Bollywood themed evening, with all the exceptional production they put into their launch. It really felt like more than your average band launch, so great job team Revellers!
I must also applaud the designers for using so many other beautiful materials available to mas makers to represent colourful Indian costumes. As Jamaal reminded us a couple of times, they had a theme, and they stuck with it. And for those who simply love their big feathers, there are a few sections where you can get your plumage fix. Hey, they've even threw in some cage bras for those who dare.
The thing that stands out for me most about Indian fashion is the gorgeous colour combinations. They did a nice job here, I have many favourites, including the yellow, purple, green & gold, blue & pink... I've learned never say never about a colour, because I'm still surprised that the one I'm most blown away by is the yellow costume! It's bound to sell out quick!
I know it may look like a bit too much (colour) is going on with a couple sections, but when you think about it, they are actually accurate representations.
The overall presentation was wonderful to see, and I'm going to just go ahead & make a prediction that this will be a BIG WIN for Revellers.
wow I have to say I really like their costumes! I may have to switch from Nationz to Revellers! do u know the price of the costumes?
ReplyDeleteThe costume are awful... Poorly put together!
ReplyDeleteno comment.......
ReplyDeleteThey will beat Nationz and Louis and Dexter hands down, just watch. The costumes portray something and that is what will stand out on the road not that feather fluff these other bands think looks cute.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your review!!!
ReplyDeleteFinally! A mas camp that will be portraying an actual theme on the road. All this other mas camp come out with a bra and pantie that has jewels on it and has the nerve to call it a costume. Nope! Mas is about portraying a theme and that's what this mas camp is doing! Band of the year? I hope so!
ReplyDeleteWe are the peoples band! We play what we say!
ReplyDeleteEven though the costumes are ugly and look like a mess, they have an outstanding chance of winning. I was able to see the theme they are portraying very clear. I believe that's what jugdes look for.
ReplyDeleteThe Sari has no place within Masquerders! as an indian woman i feel offended a sari is to represent the Grace of an Indian woman not to bump and grind on Caribana not to mention Pagwah Or Holi this celebration is to remind people that those who love God shall be saved and they who torture the devotee of God shall be reduced to Ashes. Did Mr Maglorie research this before he thought to offend an entire community!! THE PURITY OF INDIA BUMPING AND GRINDING IN THE OPEN THIS IS AN INSULT
ReplyDeleteYour funny. do you know where Mas comes from? Did you do your research before writing this?
DeleteWell the Revellers should be proud of their presentation, very well done. Nationz likes to talk the talk of being a premier band, but the Revellers are walking the walk.Once again outstanding.
ReplyDeleteIll start by saying, MOST of their costumes represent the 'Bollywood' theme. But sometimes its best to give the consumer what they want. The target market for these sections are "mature mas players". Some of the costumes look sloppy. For example the multi coloured one with the peacock feathers and the one with the tutu/ clown looking skirt....I'm actually confused by those section. The blue and purple section is nice, as well as the royal blue and the white and gold one. I sort of expected their costumes to look like this, it's Toronto Revellers.
ReplyDeleteI was at their band launch and the costumes are amazing and great quality.. The pictures do not do justice .. This year I'm totally on board.. Go Revellers!!
ReplyDeleteThis costumes hands are HORRIBLE! Revellers will not be getting my money for this most of the costumes looked like there was soo much going on it was not well put together at all. sorry.
ReplyDeleteBollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who don't know what "Bollywood" means.
Revellers should be ashamed of what the launched last night. 3 of the sections were good but that was it
Bollywood aka Hot Mess!!!
Was hoping for some bollywood themed costumes...soo disappointed :(
Well, they definetly get points for staying on theme.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I played with them last year, and it was the most poorly put costume together EVER!
The mens costume look like they can accumulate some serious ball sweat, not to mention it's cheap material that wont last you coming down the stair, never mind crossing the stage.
Men, if I can give you some free advice, double up on your shorts for this mas camp.
The white costume looks like something you wear at a cult or a nut hospital. They look like diapers.
ReplyDeleteCostumes are looking nice. You can tell they put a lot of work into them. It's not easy. Let me tell you I was wondering how they were going to pull off this theme... it's definitely not an easy one to pull off... but they did. They stayed on theme... which I'll admit is great. I had a hard time looking through some other bands costumes and catching the relation between the mas and the theme. Besides Revellers, the only other band which stayed on theme all the way through was Nationz.
ReplyDeleteLast year I played with revellers, the costume was put together poorly... however I had the best time of my life on the road. So no real complaints here. I'm trying to decide between them and Nationz now. I just need to compare prices. But most likely I'm going back.
nationz has a SPARTA costume with silver and green and Persian section with light purple and silver LMAO. really??
ReplyDeleteWELL DONE REVELLERS! U STAYED ON THEME! LIKE EVERY A OR B BAND, SOME SECTIONS ARE UGLY AND OTHERS ARE AMAZING.
you get nice and ugly costumes but in the end, IT FIT THE THEME!.
-masquerader for 10+ years .
Presentation off the season hope you have something big for the road this was one of the best i have attended from the big 3.
ReplyDeleteI predict Nationz-Revellers and Sally in that order.keep up the good work Roger Taylor Montano.this looks like a fun band to be with.
Revellers took time to portray what they say. Anybody that truly knows about mas will know that revellers is taking this as an art not a chance to make money off of its consumers. Trust me play with this band they will win at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteI guess they will give him a win as he is a raptor now.... early congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteAgreed @ Anon 9:02PM.
ReplyDeleteT.O Revellers stuck to theme and that is commendable. Some sections I didn't care for while others I liked. At least the costumes portray SOMETHING and leave no guessing to the theme, and nowadays that is rare.
The offensive factor is another thing altogether. Carnival has and always will step on toes, what can I say.
Regardless, well done Revellers.
Revellers stuck with the theme, but the color combination is another' story. Can't find a good costume, poorly made, looks cheap.
ReplyDeleteyes. the theme is Bollywood but this was a horrible attempt or representation of true Bollywood. I would not pay money to be parading on the streets of Toronto in anything that looks like these costumes. These costumes are a disgrace. I have been a masquerader for years so I know there is a certain level of satisfaction as well as quality that you look for and this is NOT it. The costumes looked a MESS! It looked as if they were poorly constructed, rushed and just no effort put into them. Will be taking my money and my group of people elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteBitter lemon did an indian theme last year. It has been done before.. Band of the year? lol I doubt that too me it looks like beads and feathers are what the judges like... Beads and feathers seem to win every single year. I see revellers coming 3rd...saldenah and cnz 1st or 2nd
ReplyDeleteThose costumes are HORRIBLE, very disappointed. I was looking forward to this theme as I am Indian. They're HIDEOUS!!!!Even saldenah's costumes look better. And Nationz sorry revellers you dont even come close to touch dem.I am still undecided but this is a real disappointment...awful costumes!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat's the tread count on that material? 40?
ReplyDeleteWhen Minshall and Mc Farlane went different they'all said what nonsense, that not mas, their mas is garbage look at them now. Change is hard but if the Revellers keep it up they'll get better at it and all you nay sayers will play mas with this band and if they win it will have nothing to do with being a Raptor, but having the balls to be different congrat to the Revellers well done and to does who don't know the white section will not be white when they cross the stage trust me it's call Phawga you'll be surprise how many people will love to get dirty on the lakeshore
ReplyDeleteThe gold/blue and blue/pink are going to have some serious body odor issues. That polyester should be nowhere near anybody's armpits, and definitely not while they'll be jumping up and down all day.
ReplyDeleteUgh... I'm going to smell them coming.
Mas camps, you should do more research when picking material. Cheapest is not best. What if you're playing 5th? Do you know how bad your masqueraders are going to stink by then?!?!
I call major points lost for stinky costumes.
I don't know where to start. Jamal said that the man from own Huyandai Mississauga told him about the BOLLYWOOD THEME, so if the mad man from Guam told him about a theme he will go for that also. wow.
ReplyDeleteThe costumes looks bad, I hope the Phagwa section is free, because 4 yards of white cotton material to play mas on the Lakeshore should be free.
I can't find 1 good costme that I like, the headpieces seems missmatch. And the Creative Designer, is terrible to approve these costume. Island people did a Indian theme years ago, and it was done tastefully, but these costumes are another story. Good luck why would not get my money, to jump up in those costumes, I don't think no one in their right mind should jump up and wine up in a sari. It's offending to the Indian community, to have a sari as a costume.
Poor costume.
I find most of your comments to be very rude. If I didn't pay for my Nationz costume I would play with Revellers. I think Revellers have a GOOD CHANCE of winning! I personally think they portray the Bollywood theme well! The costumes are captivating, full of colour and original (not your usual bra and panty's) Revllers are proving to be a band that shows that they are versatile and willing take risks, unlike other bands. I give credit where credit is due! Good job!
ReplyDeleteI was at the show and I thought the costumes were very nice. I wasn't to excited about the black costumes but the others were great! For those feeling offended by the attire I don't see why you are. This is Caribana and this is how costumes are worn. Caribana is not only about wearing panties and bras, a costume is a costume whether you are covered or not. The fabric isn't thick at all. I was back stage with the models and the material is very thin which won't cause too much sweat. Either way you're going to sweat whether you're half naked or not. Anyways I'm looking forward to seeing all the costumes in the parade.
ReplyDeleteMost people are offended because its an insult to their culture or what the sari stands for.
DeletePHAGWAH!!!! Initially I wasn't too impressed with the costumes at first glance, but then I had a vision and a thought - if Jamal and the Revellers team put half as much effort into an on-road display as they did for the opening sequence and program flow of the launch on Saturday, then many of the other bands could very well have a serious sleeping contender!
ReplyDeleteThis is what Carnival is about - throwing caution to the wind and celebrating your culture even if its with something as significant as a sari. In my opinion, the use of the sari in this presentation drives home the symbolic nature of the heavy indian influence and connects the theme. I see it as a celebration and not a sacrilege! If I did, then the same argument MUST be made for folks who curse and defile themselves, while wearing crosses around their necks! - Yet we have rap moguls and other ecclectic artists that influence the thinking of our youth doing the very same - yet we pardon them!
We must learn to lift our visions from these minor short-comings, because in the grand scheme of things - its the culture that we are celebrating and that is paramount!
All these anonymous comments - really make me chuckle (you all are really QUITE entertaining), here you have a presentation that has little to no peacock feathers, more clothing that you can think of and no backpacks laiden with feathers or size zero models in every candid shot - so you complain about the quality of the cloth?! - LAUGHABLE!
Karabana - always a pleasure - an entertaining read and you have my thanks for keeping me up to speed with all things "Bana!" .. Respect!
How dare someone try to compare these costumes by revellers to Minshall and McFarlane.
ReplyDeletePeople should just wait for the results come Aug 4th.I remember 1995 a small band by d name TORONTO CARIBBEAN CONNECTION lead by Kenny Combs and design by Walter Elliott won BAND OF D YR,no beeds & bra 90% cloth and no one was smelling stink,so my blogger friend just WAIT.D JUDGES WILL DECIDE
ReplyDeleteKenny Coomb was never a small band. They were always in the "A" band category. Just thought I would put that out that. I know this because that's the ban my family played with every year.
ReplyDeleteThe person who told Jamaal to do this theme is of that culture and if it was offensive he would know, so people stop all the nastiness and hateful remarks it call mas if you don't like it that fine you don't have to play in that band. I play mas in Trinidad all the time and trust me the people who pay to go in the stands to watch mas is fed up of the bikini and bras that is why Mcfarlane wins. I know cause when I sit in the stands with my family to wait for my band to come to the stage that all I hear, so you might be surprise when the Revellers hit stage P.S savannah was almost empty because of that. Where are my dancers, ..lol
ReplyDeleteWOW! @ the amount of negative comments!
ReplyDeleteEvery year designers work their creative juices to produce something true to their theme and its hard to do something like that.
Revellers did a good job trying to portray the "Bollywood" theme. They're making costumes for EVERYONE in ANY body type. There are people who want to partake in mas but not show a lot of cleavage, and some of these costumes give you that option without simply wearing a tankini top.
I do feel however that the "phagwah" so called costumes should have been a lil' more CREATIVE. I understand it's all about powder and getting messy, but now ANY ONE can jump on the road with all white and take part in the band. That section could have easily vamped it up with colour tie-dye cloth wrapped bras or mono-kinis. Unless its not even a section??
The costumes that most stood out was the blue jeweled section, purple section, blue and pink section, orange and gold...and the white with gold details. I also think they should have better head pieces, but I'm seeing a lot of bands have these headband pieces and they're aren't so bad.
Honestly when there are more cons than pros there is a PROBLEM! ITS OFFENSIVE PEOPLE! who wants to go down the lakeshore in a sari?? these costumes are hideous. Im sorry there was not 1 that even peaked my interest at all and I played with this band last year had horrible service and the quality of the costume wasnt good at all. These costumes are a turn off. Thats ALL.
ReplyDeleteI think they're very creative. I play with Saldenah every year and I'm getting pretty fed up of the same jewels and feathers. Definitely believe Revellers is a refreshing change. The bright colours will look beautiful on the lakeshore
ReplyDeleteThese costumes do not flow at all!you have bollywood(which we are all in an uproar about this representation) then plain pink and plain blue sections?? with no representation of the theme at all in these. They all look sloppy poorly done.
ReplyDeleteIf nobody attacks your band, its because nobody feels threatened by you.
ReplyDeleteTrini-in-Toronto
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily agree with your comment, I think we as West Indian people have always been opinionative and at times much harder on our own community then anyone else. As you know Mas is expressing world experiences, cultures, political stories etc. and at times, many are offended due to their own personal beliefs, religions etc. I don’t believe any of the bands intentionally plan to “offend” anyone... we know the Revellers have a history of sticking to their theme and when I think of Bollywood – I don’t think of a Sari – I think of film, story, dancing, an array of spectacular colors. Were I think the Revelelrs lack is an experienced designer with history of designing, producing and selection of material.
Nationz has Marcus, SaldnhaMas has Louis, but who would be the designing force in the Reveller Band... Jamaal?... smh. We all know he loves carnival, as he says it over and over again :) but I am sure you me and he will agree, designer... he is not – so he may look to others for inspirations of theme – nothing wrong with that. If the Revellers can get an experienced designer on board, that will help guide and cultivate the band and construct costumes that will hold up during Carnival Day - I agree with Designing Daryl, the other bands have a sleeping competitor at hand.
Each band targets a specific audience... for those who play in Toronto or elsewhere in the World, we all are aware, it can be by class, culture or even ethnicity. We all know what we like and don’t. So I will never comment on material used, or construction of costume - cause I truly don’t know. I personally will wear what I like or colour that suits my skin tone. It may be barely there (bikini) or a material wrapped in a creative way... I give an A+ to the Revellers for theme - costumes and their visual construction, I will say no comment!
So to all of you – dialogue is definitely what a blog is about!
Good Luck to all of the bands! A, B, and C categories
Carnival 2K12 - We READY!!
Don't get me wrong, when I say attack I mean attack. With the Sari thing, I don't find it offensive, but if someone thinks it should not be a part of carnival, then they are entitled to that opinion.
ReplyDeleteI question whether they really BELIEVE that someone who chooses to wear a full Sari will be dropping on the ground to roll or behaving in a fashion degrading to Indian culture. If they believe that merely being included in Mas is offensive, (than Mas is inherently vulgar) I don't see how they can be supporter of mas.
If people don't like the color combination of a costume and suggest something else, that is subjective and they are encouraged to express that view. And, being critical is very different from saying the costumes are ugly or look a hot mess. These sound more like attacks than criticism. I mean, as a designer how can they take seriously a comment like hot mess?
I was also saying if you were too small to be relevant, nobody bothers to attack you.
I don't know how big a role that Jamaal plays in design, but if you take a close look at his section leaders and staff, he isn't exactly surrounded by a bunch of newbies.
I think Revellers tried this year...I am not crazy though about the designs but its an almost there.. with a little push the costumes could have been great.
ReplyDeleteThey could also have expanded on the bollywood theme, instead of all saries incorporate something more creative....
designingDARYL hit the nail on the head! Well said mih boy.
ReplyDeleteWhen Island People came out with "Kutchela" the reception was lukewarm, lots of folks did not like the costumes. As it turned out IP looked AMAZING on the road and to me that had to be some of their best costumes. Too many people lack vision outside of the featherdom. I say give T.O Revellers a chance.
Another irony is East Indians played mas in IP's said saris and dhotis and liked themselevs eeen d mas.
Oh well, so it go sometimes.
I know someone who can help out /w the next band Revellers bring in (2013),his name is WALTER EILLOTT he is being around for a long time,remember that wining band called 'THE ART OF NATURE"lead by veteran band leader KENNY COMBS well he design that band,since then nothing like that never graced the lakeshore again(1995).Everyone brings the same crap yr after yr and charge so much money in dis hard times.REVELLERS IS THE BAND TO BRING CHANGE TO MAS IN TORONTO.Theme Revellers work together and u have good results @the end yur Creative Director did a great job in putting that presentation together on Saturday night the best for 2012 d rest off so call big band did garbage.I ENJOYED IT TO THE END.I agree some of d costume need a little help but overall not that bad.D judges will decide on Aug 4th.luv u all
ReplyDeleteKEEP up the good work Mr Roger Taylor Montano and be STRONG.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry..did I miss something? Because when I google 'bollywood dancers' the pictures that come up(with and without saris) aren't exactly ones of modesty, purity and innocence. It's a celebration of culture!! Lighten up!
ReplyDeleteWhere to start? I think Revellers did a great job! Staying with a theme; let's be honest, it's difficult for any band to stay within the perimeters of a theme. It's all about creative expression.
ReplyDeleteThen a sari being of cultural significance, true, but it's more a reflection of fashion. Sari nowadays are anything but the "purity" stated above. Some are strapless, low cut, and have sheer wraps. That has to be the stupidest point possible.
"the purity of India bumping & grinding" !! Lord. Two points for this: 1) was the kama sutra not founded in Indian culture? 2) mas IS NOT about bumping and grinding. It is about showcasing your costume. Why better costume to show off than a sari. The way the sun hits that will be gorgeous. If you want a fete, go to a fete. Caribana is not a fete. It is a parade. To show off a costume.
I may not like all of Revellers costumes, but I don't like all of Nationz, Saldenah or Tribal either.
Bravo Lisa!! Well said!
ReplyDeleteWell said
ReplyDeleteWell said.....but the costumes are still poorly put together and really rough looking.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the win....
I think that revellers missed the mark here. some of the costumes lookin blah and like the kinda costumes you get anywhere else but theyre okay. and other costumes are looking real indian, but they missed the mas aspect. and the costumes do look cheap. the blue and the white and gold one look like they put effort into it. but what is up with the 2 costumes that have every colour in the book.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think Bollywood I think of fantastic looking saris with glitter and gold and various colours. And revellers have that I guess. But one big thing they are missing is the design aspect. you cant expect anyone to pay around$185 or so for a piece of cloth with no jewels or braid on it. This is mas. yes do a sari like thing, but you need to decorate it too. the way they made these costumes your cannot price them any hirer than $70. I wouldnt even pay that
Hmmmmm. I read these comments and I smile to myself, so many critics out there, so many experts. Some on materials, some on designs, some on culture, some on religion. It amazes me that most of those who comment probably won't even know where to start if they had to design a costume. Just think..DECIDE ON THE THEME...THINK IN TERMS OF DESIGNING FIVE SECTIONS,hmmm where do we start? I wonder how many of us would be able to come up with designs to satisfy everybody. Folks criticism is simple, designing is not what most critics perceive it to be. One has to think about likes, dislikes, theme, relationship to theme, pricing, materials to suit the product and the client, research, availability of materials and a whole lot of other factors, so please, not because you don't like a band or for some reason you don't like the costume, please consider the fact that some work had to be done to arrive at the design and production of all costumes. Give the designers some credit and do not tear into his/her ideas or concept of what they are trying to do. Before some of us get down to pen and paper to write adverse things about costume designing, I suggest you use that same pen and paper and try sketching something worthwhile. See how simple it is or can be. Good luck
ReplyDeleteAnonymous
I must thank The Collabo, Shana Marshall, Carnivalcocoa, designingDARYL, In d mas, Natasha, Natasha R, nurse T, jade, Lisa, and Disappointed for using a user name to comment.
ReplyDeleteDesigners, section & band leaders do read your comments, they want the feedback to help them determine what people are looking for.
They want to hear about for example, how polyester isn't breathable, so it sweats big time in the hot sun. Not good. Yep, that's something that should be reconsidered.
Just stating costumes are hideous or ugly isn't constructive or useful. Most of the time, those types of comments are read as competing band loyalists bashing.
As for all the Anonymice out there, it's a shame you can't stand by your opinions. Your comments aren't taken that seriously, &/or read as just hatred/jealousy for whatever band you're bashing when you can't sign a name.
For someone who is a multi millionaire... your band is a hot mess with a whole bunch of ghetto ppl playing in it. --- NATIONZ all the way
ReplyDelete