~ Karabana ~

Ontario place closing this summer

2012-02-01T18:19:00.000-05:00

Today it was announced that Ontario place will be closing this summer for a much needed revamp. For the last couple years Caribana has been using the facility to hold the family oriented "lime" on the two days following the big parade. It was nice venue for the event and more easily accessible than the Toronto Islands.

We don't know yet where the event will be moved to... perhaps back on the centre island? Maybe Downsview? We'll see what happens. Anyway, below is an article about the Ontario place closing.

Its such a great physical location, I really hope they keep the public access and not sell off the land to some condo developer. I don't care for the casino idea, but then again I went to Vegas and didn't gamble.

Ontario Place shuts some facilities for revamp

By Antonella Artuso, QMI Agency

Ontario Place is seen in this 2010 file photo.

TORONTO -- The majority of Ontario Place's attractions, including the iconic Cinesphere, have been closed permanently to allow for a revitalized tourist destination.
An advisory panel led by Conservative John Tory has been told that members can consider anything, including a waterfront casino and condos, to ensure the faded beauty by the lake starts paying her own way rather than soaking up $20 million in taxpayer's money each year.
"We're not ruling anything in or out... I'm sort of lukewarm on more casinos, frankly," Tory said. "It's got to be something that is extraordinary."
The panel will work for free and is expected to provide options by this summer.
The move means the loss of 48 permanent full-time jobs and 600 summer jobs, although the government says it will look for money to replace the lost student positions.
"It sits on some of the most valuable real estate in the country if not North America," Finance Minister Dwight Duncan said Wednesday. "However, the park does not draw enough people to its gates to keep it sustainable in its current form. The transformation of Ontario Place is also an opportunity to modernize an iconic attraction and improve the way it delivers cultural, leisure and entertainment services to Ontario families."

Duncan said the government is hoping to bring in private capital although the goal remains to keep Ontario Place open to the public.
Attendance has been dropping from a high of about 2.5 to 3 million visitors when it first opened to 563,000 last year when the facility opened its doors for free.
Fans of Ontario Place have balked at changes made there in the past -- in particular, a decision to tear down the beloved open-air, free-with-admission Forum concert hall and replace it with the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre in 1994-95.
Up in the air is the fate of the Cinesphere, which looks like a giant white golf ball, and is the first permanent IMAX theatre in the world.
Tory didn't rule out re-purposing the Cinesphere, though the government says the closures are permanent.
The only facilities staying open at Ontario Place are those that make a profit, including the Molson Amphitheatre and the parking lot.
Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Michael Chan said Ontario Place may reopen in time for the 2015 Pan Am Games, but will definitely be back in business in 2017 when the country turns 150 years old.
"A new Ontario Place will be our birthday gift to all Ontarians and Canadians," Chan said.
NDP MPP Gilles Bisson said he is very concerned about what the government has in mind for a beloved provincial attraction.
"Is it going to be developed into condominiums -- who knows what it's going to look like at the end," Bisson said.
Joe Halstead, chair of Ontario Place Corporation, said parents and kids will miss the activities in the short term, but he hopes there will be much more for them to do in the future.
"It is the beginning of a new Ontario Place," Halstead said.
Councillor Mark Grimes, chair of the Exhibition Place board of governors, said he and the mayor's office were surprised by the provincial announcement but he believes he can work with Tory on a plan that benefits both properties.

BLC MASquerade Brunch and Show

2012-01-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

Sunday January 22, 2012

2pm-6pm

1083 Pape Ave, Toronto (Legion Hall)

$25/each or 2 for $40 - kids under 12, free

Hummingbird Dance and Performing Co, DJ Jay Williams

Pan, Calypso and More...

Door prizes

Buffet Lunch, Cash Bar - Wheelchair accessible

and then there was Barrie...

2011-08-16T14:18:00.033-04:00

Barrie's 5th Caribfest was a nice finish to our carnival season. Several bands represented, with Saldenah and Carnival Nationz masqueraders in particular who came out in good numbers to get their las lap. Most bands had very few masqueraders, not sure why (??). Fortunately, since there was no more judging & need for security, we all one, so many felt free to jump from band to band. Another BIG reason I love playing mas at Caribfest so much.

The route changed this year, we weren't parading through the side streets and then downtown, they kept us to the Lakeshore... hmmmm, familiar?!? How did you feel about that? It felt about the same distance, I don't know if that's bc at times there was no movement.

It was also better to get back to not charging admission into the park. The food & shopping vendors were out in full force again, which is fantastic, I love to see that. There were complaints last year of garbage, and I saw organizer Ricardo picking up litter in the park this year, so he really was on it!

So great meeting up with so many familiar faces!

I want to say thank you to all the readers who check out the blog, take the time to comment, and come and say hi at all the events. I've really enjoyed meeting so many of you fabulous carnival divas and divos this season!
It started to drizzle at @2, but the light rain didn't kill the vibe, in fact, because it was our last jump up, it felt like people took that as a cue to get on bad! After some jerk chicken, we took in a bit of the performance in the park. I spotted lightening at 7:00 so we made a run for it, and then the downpour came during the show, which put an end to it for us.I'm putting together a slide show of our 2011 carnival pics to display on the blog (we have soooo many more than what we've posted!) Helps to get through the dull 7 months without Caribana when we're on hiatus.

If you'd like to include your own photos, email them to me at karabana01@yahoo.ca.

Mas Toronto Hamilton Mardigras Carnival 2011 1(3/3)

2011-08-14T11:47:00.000-04:00

Barrie Caribfest

2011-08-11T19:55:00.002-04:00

This is an e-mail sent out by Revellers to their masqeraders, and it contains some of the best info I have seen so far. For example, I was wondering why I don't recognize lots of this years performers..... It turns out they are French Creole singers... who knew? So we are in store for a bit of a different flavor.

The 5th annual Barrie Caribfest will take place this weekend, August 12 - 14, 2011 at Centennial Park in Barrie. The 2011 event will feature the culture of the French/ French-Creole Caribbean. This will include the music, food, dance and crafts of French/French Creole speaking islands. There will also be soca and reggae music from Trinidad and Jamaica.

Toronto Revellers will be there!!

There will be a new parade route that will run beside beautiful Kempenfest Bay, creating a wonderful vantage point for the colourful and elaborately designed costumed to be highlighted as the masqueraders dance and make their way to Centennial Park.

The parade starts at 1:00 pm and ends at 5:00 pm.

Saturday, August 13, 2011 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Lakeshore Drive

Costume parade on the NEW parade route

Caribfest 2011 New Parade Route:

Lakeshore Drive (Intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Entry to South Shore Centre)

West on Lakeshore Drive

Pass Intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Tiffin Street

North on Lakeshore Drive

Pass Intersection of Victoria Street and Lakeshore Drive

Parade Ends at Boat Launch Parking Lot Between Toronto Street and Victoria Street

For the Toronto Revellers who are participating in the costume parade, the band will be meeting in the marshalling area for 11:00am (driving directions below)

SEE YOU THERE!

For additional info please visit www.caribfest.ca!

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

To Marshalling Area for Band Leaders and Masqueraders from Toronto

a. North on HWY 400

b. Exit at Essa Rd.

c. Turn Right on Essa Road

d. Turn Right on Burton Avenue (Burton Avenue Turns into Yonge Street)

e. Turn Left on Minets Point Road

f. Turn Left onto Lakeshore Dr.

g. Follow Lakeshore Dr. to Marshaling Area

To Marshalling Area for Band Leaders and Masqueraders from North of Barrie

a. South on HWY 400

b. Exit at Essa Rd.

c. Turn Left on Essa Road

d. Turn Right on Burton Avenue (Burton Avenue Turns into Yonge Street)

e. Turn Left on Minets Point Road

f. Turn Left onto Lakeshore Dr.

g. Follow Lakeshore Dr. to Marshalling Area

Sometimes, you need an outsider to remind you what you have

2011-08-09T10:05:00.002-04:00

Hi Folks,

We take Caribana for granted. We get all wrapped up in politics, funding, which band is the best, who have the biggest feathers and most expensive costume. We fight among ourselves and complain about mas not being what it was back in the day, and not being what it's supposed to be now.

We focus on everything that went wrong and fell short.

I have this auditor buddy of mine, he is from Chicago but his job takes him all over North America. He basically spends more than half of his time living out of a suitcase. He is in his mid twenties, he’s not West Indian and him and 3 college buddies (who had never been to Toronto) decided to come for Caribana.

I asked him to throw together a paragraph outlining his experience of the festival as a first timer. I expected them to talk about what parties they went to, maybe mention the food they tried and some comments on the parade.... probably complaining about the barricades (I couldn’t convince them to play mas)

What I got was raw emotion. It reminded me why I love our festival and city. It’s only from the outside looking in, that you can get this kind of perspective.

There are lots of North American Carnivals, and we have been to a few of them, but they don’t have what we have here. We need to cherish, protect and nurture this thing.... it's special.

This is what he wrote:

Below is a quick paragraph about my friend’s first experience in Toronto and Caribana,

“'Best time of my life': probably the most concise way to describe Caribana 2011, without fully diving into the rich detail it deserves. I've never seen so many happy people in one place, it felt like one big family. The weekend was an epic sensory-overload. The experience is also utterly exhausting: I've never danced so much and slept so little in my life. Do not come to Caribana expecting to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful Toronto summer sun. It is an experience you have to create and participate in to gain full benefit from. Caribana is, after all, about people coming together to celebrate culture and party,

An experience as great as Caribana could not be possible in any other North American city than Toronto. No other place has the perfect balance of diversity, openness, acceptance, self-identity, and sheer size needed to pull off such an incredible large-scale cultural celebration. Since its genesis in the late 60s, Caribana has evolved from a small re-creation of Trinidad's Carnival into an epic landmark festival celebrating the music, art, culture, costumes, dance and food from the Caribbean and beyond. Caribana is, after all, about people coming together to celebrate culture, party and have fun.”

What do you think?

Trini-in-Toronto

Hamilton Mardi Gras 2011

2011-08-08T10:04:00.026-04:00

Carnival Nationz celebrating their clean sweep.

It may have been smaller this year, with only 5 bands participating, but the fantastic feeling at their 10th parade was still there. There's a lot to be said for being able to properly play your mas with no concerns.

It was fun meeting so many of you!

Tribal Knights was definitely where the party was at!

It was great to see all the usual suspects were there.

Thankfully we weren't rained out during the parade, the downpour came at 5:00, and actually it was refreshing from the humidity to end the day jumping in the rain.

First time Caribana masqueraders, if you didn't go to Hamilton, be sure to get in your las lap at Caribfest in Barrie - more bands are going.

This weekend Options for stretching out that Carnival feeling

2011-08-05T17:50:00.000-04:00

First there is the Mardis Gras in Hamilton. A lot of Toronto bands aren't sending music trucks, but that doesn't mean that you can't walk with your costume and take a jump. Its always been a good time and hopefully this year will be no different. We were there for their first year when hardly anyone knew about it and it was nice... so it can't be any smaller

If you aren't feeling the drive to Hamilton, and you are looking for a cool family vibe and the kids have been bugging you to take them to the water park Then Westfete (Brampton Carnival) might be a way to kill two birds...

And on Sunday Toronto Revellers is having a Potluck lime at the mas camp, so that is another option.

Hello Masqueraders and Supporters:

Despite the challenges we faced this season. We, the Toronto Revellers organization are blessed by God's grace. We endured.
Before moving forward into next year and next season, we must give thanks for surviving this season.

Therefore, in keeping with the Revellers mission of being the Peoples Band, we will be having an Appreciation Evening on Sunday, August 7, 2011 at the Mas Camp from 5.00pm to 9.00pm.
Lets's make it a fun evening.

Those of you who take pride in your culinary skills, we will be delighted if you would bring one of your specialty dishes to share with us.

See you all again soon!

The people want water!

2011-08-03T23:55:00.027-04:00

That appears to be a theme for Caribana 2K11... but more on that in a bit. My experience this year was different, and not only because we played with a different band.

We registered online with Toronto Revellers on May 30^th. We decided on Revellers for a few reasons, mainly because we always heard positive things about their customer service and security, which are important for us. As the years go by and the stormers don’t decrease but increase, we feel security is necessary when playing mas on the Lakeshore. Also, as costume prices continue to increase, we expect great service from the band to be included in that price. Having Machel didn’t hurt, either! So I chose a costume that I liked & felt would suit me.

Registering online was easy, as was communication with one section leader Stacey. She always promptly responded to my emails/phone calls for the 2 months, and was friendly and helpful. Of particular concern to me was that the headband headpiece would stay on, and she assured me it would, they’ve been testing it. I thought all the emails she sent showed attention to detail, like letting our section know about an opportunity to have MINX nails done, how our characters are to be portrayed before the judges, (including sending Wizard of Oz video clips), and the change in route map.
Where communication slipped was with costume pickup. We received 2 voice messages on Wed. that the Winkie Guard costumes wouldn’t be ready on Wednesday after all, but on Friday. That put a kink in our plan to drive to Scarborough only once. Trini-in-Toronto drove on Wednesday evening from Brampton to get mine, only to be told mine was also not ready, come back on Friday. Pretty upsetting! Stacey did apologize for that, saying we should have been told, and explaining they took many last minute orders which delayed them. So I agonized for 2 days over whether the headpiece would slip off, and worried that I didn’t have enough time to make any adjustments to my costume if it didn’t fit, which is often the case.

When we went for our costumes at @3:00 on Friday, my waistband was sized & we got them immediately. We got glitter (even the Winkie Guards), glitter stickers, gems, and makeup tips, which was thoughtful for those who are makeup challenged such as me. I had my doubts when seeing the string bra, and the headpiece didn’t feel like it would be secure as is. I figured if it’s windy, it can fall off. But once I tried everything on, I was sooooo relieved, everything fit! I super glued a wire headband under the headpiece headband so it stuck into my hair, and am thrilled to say it didn’t slip off! My boots were comfortable, so no probs there, & no rips in my fishnets, even though I had side chains dangling (just like last time in ‘08!) I’ve never played a character before, & I must say, I enjoyed it, having a particular wicked witch in mind, it made makeup fun.

We judged the band, being #6, would get started in the afternoon, we estimated @3:00. Well, as I told Trini-in-Toronto a few times on Saturday, “I go take de blame!” With the new parade route, the normal entrance to the assembly area was further away, so we had to walk very far through the seated spectators past Carnival Nationz, and finally caught up with Revellers who were finishing going before the judges at @3:00, later than we would have liked. We asked about lunch, found the lunch truck, but it was closed, so we got distracted by the drinks truck. Eventually, we got a ¼ chicken. We heard different stories about what happened to the rice. Hmmmm...? It was awkward trying to eat a greasy piece of chicken with no fork or napkin.

Anyway, talking about drinks, I must say while having bar service is a nice unexpected surprise, what was really essential was WATER! Why was there none?

FYI band leaders: There is a lot of different information available about how much water you should drink while being active outside in the heat. An average is to drink 2 - 4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of water each hour. If you exercise you should drink another 8 ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water! And when you sweat a lot, you especially need to replace fluids. I saw several masqueraders being carted away on the medical carts (incl. someone pictured in this post). Now I don’t know what the causes were, but I can’t help but wonder if they were drinking enough/any water? This lack of water was a serious complaint from many masqueraders from several bands.
Band vibes were nice while they lasted, which felt like ½ hr. I was most surprised by the amount of stormers in a “secure” band. At first there were a few, and security was putting them out. When we’d leave for the drinks truck, there were too many, so we’d try & make our way back into the security of the orange fencing. Hah! I kept hearing “are we in the band?” I’d look around, and yup, we were inside the fencing – along with stormers. Steups. After awhile, we stopped trying to figure it out since there were stormers inside and outside, basically, everywhere. I noticed that eventually the fence holders were just holding up the fence, not really securing us, throwing non masqueraders out. And really, watching it, I can’t blame them, there were just too many to contend with! And I observed they really could do just one thing, either throw people out, or hold the fence. Which would you chose if it were you? Now I don’t know if the hour was to blame, or that CNz was behind us - but for all intents and purposes, the stormers won, they infiltrated the band. It felt like there was an equal number of stormers to masqueraders. I did my part by telling them to leave, and by not allowing non costumed guys to wine on me. Oh, but to the guy who did, & when I looked back & asked if he was in costume, & he said yes, but I didn’t see one, so I told him no! & pushed him off, but turns out he was in Tin Man, I apologize!

So I must answer if this was in fact Carib2KHeaven? Well, I seriously worked my butt off in Survivor Bootcamp, (THANKS Rick!) and sweat up a storm at Curves. (Big hey to Galactic Tango Tanya!) I felt Wicked & no, not purple, but I'm quite happy with my costume choice. Mas certainly wasn’t stormer free, even with a fence, but I have experience now of what it’s like playing past #3, even with security. Heavenly band treatment? Communication started off great, had one screw up. For 1^st time section leaders, I felt they still did a good job, I know there will always be mistakes, no one is perfect, & I’m sure the having costumes done on time lesson is learned. The band was lacking in food & water on the road. The music, ahhhhh, I couldn’t tell you, I didn’t really notice it! I mean, I saw Machel for a bit, but after that, ???

So overall, it appears from my previous list, that what I got, what I’m most pleased with was my costume!

Alright, right about now I should be excited about Hamilton Mardi Gras, because even when something puts a damper on Caribana, there's always Hamilton and then Barrie... but Revellers is saying they are not going. I seriously hope this is just the same unfortunate thing they (bands) put us through last year, where at the 11th hour, the bands announced they are going after all. We'll have to wait & see...

So back to the parade, how was it for you??

What's up with Hamilton Mardis Gras 2011?

2011-08-03T20:35:00.001-04:00

So, I'm hearing grumblings about Hamilton Carnival again. I saw a post on Revellers facebook wall saying:

Toronto Revellers
Revellers... Many of the large bands were not invited to participate in the Hamilton Carrnival 2011. The Toronto Revellers is one of them. The Toronto Revellers always enjoys their time in Hamilton, we encourage all of our Revellers to support

Huh?

I know last year there were some disputes over money, as well, certain advertised artists didn't show. I've heard from 3 band contacts saying that as of now, they aren't going. Hopefully this is some kinda negotiation technique. I'd hate to see the Toronto bands not attend the festival.

So if anybody knows what's up and want to buss some files or just enlighten the rest of us, please go ahead. (The anonymous comments are enabled, just keep it clean and free from slander, and we will post them.)

People making plans for the weekend, and they want to know what's happening!

Wind down

2011-08-02T13:45:00.010-04:00

In October, he will be Dr. Roy Cape. Congratulations!

JMC Triveni

Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Lime was a nice wind down from Caribana. Performances included Calypsonians, Soca bands, and even acrobats put on a few lively shows. To wrap it all up, the crowd waited for the grand finale, Roy Cape.

Blaxx and Rita Jones

Now it's back to reality, but just for a few days, because Mardigras is on Saturday!!

Pictures from the road

2011-07-31T15:41:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures from yesterday, more to come in a post later. Hope everyone enjoyed Caribana Carnival 2011, looking forward to posting our experiences and hearing yours.

ADVANTAGE!!

See you in Hamilton next week!

3Canal in Toronto

2011-07-30T00:52:00.005-04:00

Did anyone check out 3Canal tonight at Harbourfront? It's their first time performing in Toronto, and they put on a fantastic show. I heard a lot of songs I wasn't familiar with. I guess I only know the 3 or 4 "crossover" hits that get airplay on normal soca stations.
They are very talented and have great stage presence, I think it was a little too conscious, with a lot of talk of love. I suppose I prefer the slackness that comes with todays soca.
But the show was very entertaining.
Love their music, style and voices.

We just love that venue, and seeing 3Canal there was wonderful. And you can't beat the view at the side or the back of the stage.

So carnival is finally tomorrow! Have an amazing time on the road everyone, and non masqueraders: RESPECT THE MAS!!!

CongratulationZ to Carnival NationZ

2011-07-29T16:57:00.003-04:00

Last night was another fantastic King and Queen show. Carnival Nationz behaved like creatures of Mythical proportions and took every single 1st place prize bestowed by the judges. Anybody say clean sweep? These guys were so dominant, I didn't even hear the normal protests from the stands when the judges make a decision they didn't like. They really take Advantage.

The one exception to their dominance came when Jackie and Clarence Forde took the Ontario Science Centre prize for Innovation with their King "The Storm". This is their inaugural year as bandleaders and they looking like another band that could jump to class A on their first try.

It really was a great night and for all those who left early to avoid the traffic, you missed a taste from a little known artist called MACHEL MONTANO who sang a couple songs.

But really the star of the night were the many amazing costumes. There are lots of pics here so check them them out and enjoy.

We are getting ready to head down to Harbourfront centre to take in the Free 3Canal show starting at 9pm. If you see us, please hail us out
.Laters.

Full Unofficial results

Female Individual of the Year:
1. Carnival Nationz
2. Saldenah Mas-K Club
3. Callaloo

Male Individual of the Year:

1. Carnival Nationz
2. Saldenah Mas K-Club
3. Mas Toronto

Queen of the Bands:
1. Carnival Nationz
2. Saldenah Mas-K Club
3. Callaloo
4. Renaissance Mas

King of the Bands:
1. Carnival Nationz
2. Callaloo
3. Tribal Knights
4. Saldenah Mas-K Club

Watching the parade is still FREE

2011-07-28T15:24:00.001-04:00

They aren’t charging admission to watch the parade.

I thought it was pretty clear when the map for the new parade route was released, but we have been getting hits on our blog from people searching for Caribana fee, and Caribana admission and yesterday my mom came to me and asked why are they charging a fee to go to the parade? So I guess a little work has to be done to make this clearer.

I’m not entirely convinced that some of these “admission to the parade” rumours weren’t intentionally spread by folks who don’t want to see the festival succeed. I have read articles by people who certainly know better, and their articles contain inflammatory comments and misinformation.

So here goes:

If you are accustomed liming along the Lakeshore and watching the parade, nothing has changed for you. You will still be able to do this.

What has changed is that the parade will make a circle within the CNE before it enters the Lakeshore close to Ontario place and heads West as it has for the last several years.

There are additional paid seating areas, but these will not infringe on traditional free viewing spots. The new bleachers areas are located within the CNE close to BMO field and the cost to sit there is $15. Here you will get a view of the parade free of stormers. There is also a VIP tent area located near to the judging point at a cost of $50 per person. In that same area, you can even rent a private tent for you and your crew for $150 (in addition to your $50 per person admission). You can get these tickets at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com

Now for the commentary portion, I'd like to touch on where this seating money goes. As I have heard, this new revenue will go to the festival management committee (FMC) to cover the costs of running the festival. I have also heard that band leaders are wondering, if people are going to be paying money to see the bands, shouldn’t the band leaders get a cut of this?

By extension, us as masqueraders are paying for the privilege of contributing to the parade. If this parade is going to generate this new income, and if any of this filters down to the band leaders, do you think you can at LEAST hold the line on costume prices?

If the band leaders aren’t going to directly be given a cut of this income, perhaps some of the revenue will be used for extra fences and security to minimize the stormer impact on the parade. I mean, we put on the show, can we get a little help here?

On the topic of security, now that there will be this longer route with more paying spectators, I really hope that this doesn’t mean that the bands will be left to their own devices to deal with crowd control once we pass the judging area and hit the Lakeshore. I really hope that the same crowd control measures are in place and are enhanced at known weak spots. Please don’t focus your efforts on the keeping stragglers out of the paid areas and let the rest of the route slide. I’m not saying that’s the plan, I’m just saying that better not be the plan.

If you are still looking for something to do tonight, don’t forget this evening is the King and Queen competition at Lamport Stadium. You can still pay at the door if you don’t have tickets, but I’d reach early as seating is limited.

This is what we have all been waiting for, Carnival time is now, have a time, take care of yourself and each other.

Getting ready...

2011-07-27T14:59:00.011-04:00

I get my costume tonight! I'm excited and also a bit nervous, as always, hoping: #1 the headpiece STAYS ON. My #2 concern is that the bra is the correct size. When you're not getting a real bra, that's a worry. I hope my anxiousness is for nothing!

I've had fun finding some great buys in jewellery, nail polish & eye shadow in the costume colours. I spotted the bangle and ring for $1 ea. at a little shop in Washington, and the rhinestone stretch ring at Deb for $1. The nail polish duo and l'il stars at Honest Ed's were $1.49, and the eye shadows ($1) and false eye lashes w gems ($2) at Designer fragrance depot.

I came across these great fitting fishnets at Honest Ed's for $1.99, so I got several pairs.

My soft & comfy boots I found at Ali Baba at the beginning of June for $27. They're cute enough that I'll wear 'em in the winter & probably for mas again.

I think I'll gemify my cute water bottle ($1).

So, if you picked up your costume, what do you think? - any issues, praise and/or comments about the experience?

De Scotiabank Caribana Lime 2011

2011-07-27T09:55:00.008-04:00

Shurwayne Winchester taking the crowd last year to de right to de right to de right

De Scotiabank Caribana Lime 2011 is FREE this year. Head back down to the Lakeshore on Sunday, July 31st at Ontario Place (CNE) from 12 noon until 8pm.

Performing on Sunday:

Salah Steelpan Academy

Samba Kidz Drummers

SW Storm & Raw

Moses Revolution and Yellows

Retro Trio – Anslem Douglas, KV Charles and Guney

Traffik

Or on Monday:

Ossie Gurley and The Truth

Macomere Fifi

Keysha Freshh

Delee

Jay Douglas and the All Stars

3 Veni

Iwer George

Roy Cape All Stars

They are advertising that Caribbean food will be available, plus games, live shows, and dancing.

Sway summer 2011

2011-07-26T13:46:00.006-04:00

Swaymag.ca has the full story

Did you get your copy of Sway magazine? It was available at the launch, and now you can find it in newspaper/magazine boxes and at some TTC stations. This time there's not too much Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto (Caribana) coverage though. There's a piece on the whole name change situation, Caribfest, and Jambana. It was interesting to hear what some band leaders/designers said about what their mas means to them.

Free 3canal show and other events @ Harbourfront centre this week

2011-07-25T11:38:00.000-04:00

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

Structure takes back Calypso Monarch

2011-07-24T14:21:00.008-04:00

Structure is the Kaiso 365 2011 Calypso Monarch

2011 Kaiso 365 Monarch ~Structure~

Panman Pat

Macomere Fifi

Beginner

Redman

King Smokey

Stucture

Mr Wonderful

Beginner

Redman

Macomere Fifi

Structure

Spice

Newton P

Spice

Mr. Wonderful

Last night we attended the 30th anniversary of OCPA's 2011 Calypso monarch finals (Kaiso 365).

It was quite the evening, held at the beautiful Chinese Cultural Centre (P.C. Ho Theatre). It was a stellar night of outstanding calypso renditions. Alexander D’Great, Britian's 2010 Calypso Monarch, was the special guest performer. Ossie Gurley and his band also entertained the crowd with a few hits.
Believe me, the quality of Canadian calypso was very much evident and the judges were certainly hard pressed to come up with a winner. This is evidenced by the multiple ties in the judges results.
In the end, Structure (Bryan Thornhill) was crowned the 2011 Calypso Monarch. He also won People's Choice (likely for his eerie, yet humorous ending to Trenton Monster) and the majority of other category prizes. This is the 5th time that Structure has walked away with the title.

Results:
1st Structure
runner up tie Pan man Pat and Macomere Fifi
2nd runner up Beginner
5th Spice
6th Mr Wonderful
7th tie Newton P and Redman
8 Smokey

If you missed the show, you still have another chance to take in some real Calypso on Wednesday night (July 27th, 2011) at 7:30pm. The Calypso Stars showcase will be taking place at Harbourfront Centre at the West Jet Stage. And the Admission is FREE!
So really, you have no excuse not to support Calypso. Click here for details
See you there.

Extra extra!

2011-07-21T21:40:00.020-04:00

Rhinestones, glitter, gem stickers, embellishments- all found at dollar stores for yes, $1.

One of the things I enjoy doing leading up to the parade is scouting out fun accessories for my costume, finding all the extras needed. And let's face it, since playing mas is getting more & more expensive, the last thing I want to do is to pay top dollar for accessories. Costume jewellery will do just fine for one day, and since dollar and discount stores carry such a variety of sparkly shiny embellishments, why pay more than one or two dollars?

Designer fragrance depot has a pretty good selection of fantasy eyelashes including metallic, glitter, and sparkly black with crystals or feathers for just $2.

This pouch caught my eye at Designer fragrance depot. How cute would it look with Cosmic Nebula and Lost Treasures?

Even these pretty pouches would carry a camera well.

Love the choice of big blingy rings at Dollarama.

Don't want to fuss with getting glue on gems?

- use cell phone stick on gems!

Even some nail stickers, especially the 3D ones, are big enough to wear on your face.

Dollar Blitz has these cute beaded bracelets.

Or, make your own bracelet with these Krystaal's at Dollar Giant.

These glass beads to make a bracelet are fantastic.

Beaded earrings at Dollarama

Basically, there's no shortage of options to bedazzle yourself out: nail jewels that you don't have to limit to only your nails; stick on rhinestones; or Body Art from Claire's.
And these peacock earrings are perfect for sooo many costumes.

So how is your search for extras going, what are some of your great finds?

2011 Calypso Monarch Competition

2011-07-20T19:27:00.003-04:00

Macoomeh Fifi. Last year's calypso Monarch

2011 Calypso Monarch Competition

Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) will hold the KAISO365 Calypso Monarch Competition, Saturday, July 23, 2011 to choose the top Calypso singer at the Chinese Cultural Centre, (P.C. Ho. Theatre) 5183 Sheppard Avenue, East, (Parking entrance on Progress Avenue).

Finalists this year are: Spice, King Smokey, Beginner, Newton P, Mr. Wonderful, Panman Pat, Structure, and Redman.

The nine finalists – eight plus last year's winner Macomere Fifi - will perform two newly composed calypsos before a panel of judges. Each song will be awarded points out of a maximum of 100 points divided into five (5) categories as follows:

Lyrics 30
Melody 30
Vocal Rendition 25
Originality 10
Presentation 5

In addition, there will be the following special awards categories: Most Original, Best Competition on a Local Topic, Most Humorous, Best Arrangement, Best New Artiste.

The Calypso Monarch Competition attracts singers from across the GTA and beyond and has been held annually in Toronto for the past 30 years. The 2010 first prizewinner was Macomere Fifi singing, “ Haiti will Rise Again” and “Your Turn To Die”. Macomere Fifi will be defending her crown.

The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes is a non-profit organization whose offices are located at Suite 120 – 215 Spadina Ave., Toronto ON. M5T 2C7.

Visiting a mas camp - TruDYNASTY

2011-07-19T10:03:00.025-04:00

Speak Easy

It's not too late to find a great costume for the parade in 11 days! I checked out TruDYNASY's mas camp, and band leader Thea Jackson said they have many costumes available. 3 sections are almost sold out though: Show Girls, Flappers and Coco Chanel.

If you want to play in Josehine Baker section, but don't want to wear the body paint or the wire bra, you can bring in a bra to be decorated.

All that Jazz

Gangsterz

Match Girls

Jackson told me as part of the band's initiative to give back to the community, teens at a local youth detention centre are helping make some costumes. A portion of funds from each costume will also go to 8 different charities. Playing mas can be expensive, and for those who can't afford a costume, the band is making costumes available on a what you can donate basis.

Show Girls

Flappers

Coco Chanel

TruDYNASY's mas camp is at 246 Brockport Drive, Unit 29 in Etobicoke.

Afropan Scarlet Sunday Lime

2011-07-17T15:34:00.001-04:00

Well if you are looking for something to do this evening when the temperature cools down a little bit, Why not go and take in some steel pan? This is a pretty cool way to spend a Sunday evening

The People's band since 1973

The Afropan Steelband “The People’s Band” is Toronto’s oldest and most successful steelband. Click Here to learn more about our colourful history and who we are!

Upcoming events

Scarlet Sundays Are Back!

Be Sure to join us on July 17th and 24th for our annual Sunday Block-os! Toronto's Original Street Parties.

Admission is free starting at 4pm at the bottom of Jefferson Ave.

show your support and wear RED

After "King and Queen" Panyard Lime

Come and enjoy a TRUE PANYARD VIBE! Thursday July 28th @ the foot of Jefferson Ave.

Immediately following the King and Queen Competition.

Show your support and wear WHITE

After "Pan Alive" J'ouvert Jump Up

Friday July 29th starting at midnight at the Afropan Panyard

Junior Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto Pictures

2011-07-16T22:33:00.002-04:00

Below are the results for the 2011 Junior Carnival Parade


Rank	Contestant	Portrayal	Band Leader	Band Theme


1	Jalen Gause	The Timid King	Jamaal Magloire Toronto Revellers	Toronto Revellers


2	Maven Lee	Symphony of D’ Sea	Mark Deleon Mas Toronto	Mas in Atlantis A Carnival Mythology


3	Courtney St. Louis	Guardian of the Rainforest	Dexter Seusahai Tribal Knights	Legends

Female Individual


1	Anastasia La Rose	Good Witch of the North	Jamaal Magloire Toronto Revellers	Welcome to Oz


2	Canisha Edwards	Lost Treasures	Dexter Seusahai Tribal Knights	Legends


3	Sariah Seon	Jelly Jamboree Shake and Wine	Mark Deleon Mas Toronto	Mas In Atlantis A Carnival Mythology

Queen


1	Calena Seusahai	Cleopatra	Dexter Seusahai Tribal Knights	Legends


2	Rebecca Martinez	Hope and Tranquility	Narisa Ali Blues Carnival Fusion	Mirage of Drums


3	Shanisse Kaola Jackson	Arabian Dancer	Will Morton Fantazia International	Come Dance With Me

King


1	Demeko Minott	The Gryphon	Marcus Eustace Carnival Nationz	Mythical Creatures


2	Fabion Lee	Young King Neptune	Mark Deleon Mas Toronto	Mas in Atlantis A Carnival Mythology


3	Ty Williamson	Tim Man	Jamaal Magloire Toronto Revellers	Welcome to Oz

Parade of the Bands


Rank	Band Leader	Band	Theme	Paints


1	Jamaal Magloire	Toronto Revellers	Welcome to Oz	261


2	Dexter Seusahai	Tribal Knights	Legends	260


3	Marcus Eustace	Carnival Nationz	Mythical Creatures	259

Pics from Launch of Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2011 (Caribana)

2011-07-12T21:17:00.001-04:00

If you missed the launch today, these are some of the pictures we took. The ceremony was moved to City Hall, so it started pretty much on time and ended exactly at 2pm. We were treated to the steel pan sounds of Silhouettes and then we heard some speeches from the politicians and some sponsors. We also took in some calypso performances and saw some costumed models from various bands.

A few of our largest bands were noticeably absent again this year. I don't know if this is because they are sold out or almost sold out and don't need the exposure, or if there are other reasons..... I get boof for repeating rumors so I'll leave it at that.

I'm not sure if its because I've been to a few of these now, or because I was completely sober, but I think the ceremony wasn't as "hype" as I remember it being a couple years ago. It had all the ingredients: beautiful weather, costumes and models, steelpan, food, calypso & soca.... but something missing. Maybe they need a comedic MC or something.

This is a few CAG supporters voicing their support for their group. During the ceremony, they lined up in front the stage and held up their signs. The cops talked to them and they moved after the speeches without incident. It wasn't an ugly situation, I didn't see hatred between the two camps or anything like that. We are in Canada, and they have the right to protest; I do however question the intelligence of attacking the sponsors who have nothing to do with the running of the FMC. Eventually, if you guys kiss and make up, you are going to have to work with them and you will be sorry that your supporters held up a sign asking if Scotiabank is a corporate thief.

In the spirit of striving for excellence, and if somebody in charge of the launch is reading this, some of the bandleaders and models weren't too happy about changing into costumes in a tent with no door or a public restroom. They could understand if this was at Dundas Square, but it is City Hall. There must be a conference room, meeting room or some kind of room that they could have had access to.

Next stop Junior Carnival at Yorkgate Mall this Saturday at 11am. BE THERE, its free and its FUN.

DC Carnival

2011-07-11T13:48:00.027-04:00

DC Carnival was an interesting experience for us. It was different attending a carnival as a spectator. This small carnival had 23 advertised bands of all types representing many islands including Haiti, Grenada, and Jamaica. There were bands with children's choreographed dancing, Mardi Gras beads & boas, mud mas and steel pan ended the parade.

Spectators remained along the street watching, and didn't jump in with the masqueraders. Officers started putting up the police tape, and maybe that deterred people from crashing in, but I suspect it must be just the history of the parade, people don't storm. And this is probably due to the fact that the bands are small (you'd really stand out). It's not that there was massive police presence either. Sure, there were some cops on motorcycles, and horses throughout the parade, but it wasen't like the "army" like wall of police in Brooklyn.

Most of the costumes had that old school look, certainly no near naked skimpy designs, & if there were thongs or cage bras, we didn't see them. Prices ranged from $50 (for the tanks & shorts band) to $160 (didn't see any frontline prices online).

The mud mas was said to be the band, but when we saw them, masqueraders looked done, like it was J'Ouvert 9:00 a.m. They lost their music, so no wonder.

We chipped along with the pan bands when it was over, and it was nice going for a short while. Then the crowd followed, and it quickly became a massive crush of bodies barely moving. Not pleasant to say the least, reminded me too much of trying to get through the crowd of stormers at Caribana. We managed to duck out of the craziness and didn't bother to go to where it winds up at the marketplace, which was very fortunate, since we heard later about the shootings.
Well, we can say we've been to DC carnival. I know now that playing mas is preferred, you don't feel the same vibe at all when you simply watch. (Although I had no interest in playing mas this time.) We enjoyed Kes the night before more.

Official launch this Tuesday

2011-07-10T14:39:00.000-04:00

Folks, the official launch is this Tuesday July 12th at Nathan Phillips Square at 12 noon.

This event is always worth attending, along with the speeches from the politicians and sponsors, you will see steelband and calypso performances as well as some costumed models from a few bands.

There is always food on sale and since when West Indians need an excuse to get together and celebrate the culture? So if you are in the area, come spend your lunch hour with us and bring some of your co-workers who usually head to cottage country for the long weekend .....

Parade of the Bands

2011-07-09T20:24:00.002-04:00

1 - Mas Toronto

2 - Saldenah

3 - TruDynasty

4 - Callaloo

5 - Tribal Knights

6 - Revellers

7 - Carnival Nationz
8. Mas Players Int'l.
9. Fantazia Int'l
10. Black Sage
11. Connections
12. Concept Costume Creators
13. Bitter Lemon
14. Blues Carnival Fusion
15. Renaissance Mas
16. Spirits of the Caribbean

Ok everybody, this is the full parade in order of appearance.
I'm a man who tries to embrace change. I'm all for coming up with improvements to the festival through innovative ideas and approaches. I see the management committee has come up with some changes to the parade route, they have moved the judging onto the lakeshore and are having the bands do a lap in the CNE before hitting the road.
This allows them to lock down the CNE and charge admission to many more patrons who want to get a view of the costumes before the hordes of "spectators" jump into the bands. This is sounding like a good idea and it should allow for a less crowded way to see the parade. It sounds like a good option for people with children. Hopefully it will dissuade young mothers from storming the parade with baby and stroller in tow. Hopefully it generates some revenue and offers a good alternative to patrons.

The TMBA's plan to announce the order of the bands 3 weeks before the parade, has been executed. We can ask some questions about the success or motives behind the decision. Did it benefit the new bands who are making their first appearance in the class A group? Who did it benefit? Was it the masqueraders? Was it the larger bands with with loyal followings?
I'm really not asking this to be controversial, I really think I am missing something here, and would love to hear from stakeholders.
One person told me the motive was to have masqueraders choose a band based on the quality of costumes and services, as opposed to position in the parade. I could understand that motivation, If I am a band leader and last year I felt I had hot costumes, but lost customers due to parade position, I would push for this rule.
As a new band, maybe I would have wanted to roll the dice and see if I can beat the 4/7 odds to land an early spot. I'm thinking Tru Dynasty would welcome a few more weeks to capitalize on a number 3 position... is it a little late now? Does this policy protect the market share of established bands?

What you all think?
Trini-in-Toronto

It's all about the kiddies

2011-07-07T17:45:00.009-04:00

Adorable bumblebee London Avery danced his mas again at the launch of Jr. Carnival.

Junior Revellers Costume pick up TUESDAY JULY 12th 3pm to 9pm.

Junior Revellers Are You Ready?

Its time to get your Costumes!

Pick up will be on

Tuesday July 12 from 3pm to 9pm

at the Toronto Revellers Mas Camp,

2135 Sheppard Avenue E.

IMPORTANT

You must bring your copy of the registration form, and full payment must be received at time of pick up.

If you are picking up a costume for someone else, we require a signed letter from the purchasor, releasing the costume to you along with full payment.

An information package on where to meet, our number position, times and all other details will be with your costume on Tuesday.

Welcome to OZ, Junior Revellers edition is on it's way!

Costumes in 5 sections are $40, with $80 and $120 for 3 frontlines.

~ 5 out of the 6 sections in Saldenah are SOLD OUT.

You know you're in Washington when...

2011-07-04T19:41:00.034-04:00

the fete is in a historical building!
We've been on vacation! Trini-in-Toronto and I decided to combine two of our favourite things, travel and carnival. So to start our vacation, we decided to check out Washington DC Carnival.
To kick it off, we went to see Kes at Live in the City. We conveniently purchased our $55 drinks included tickets online (dccarnival.com). This party was advertised to be held at the Historical Society of Washington building, as was printed on our tickets. So we found our way, and snagged free parking very close to it on K St., only to find a very dark, quiet, and indeed historic building with zero activity. Closed! Luckily we found a number for the promoter and were told it had changed to the nearby Andrew M. Mellon Auditorium. Also free street parking on Constitution Ave! In Toronto, finding parking close to a downtown venue on a Friday night is pure luck, but free?! Score, Washington!

Ooh, it's gonna be good...

I must say, I appreciated attending a fete at this type of venue, the high ceilings and ample space in the auditorium created a comfortable atmosphere. It's a relief to be able to party in an un-crammed area that's not a sweatbox. Score, Washington!

We didn't see the Johnnie Walker Green room, but the Courvoisier Rose table was front & centre. Yum! Top shelf drinks were plentiful, there were no long lines, and bartenders were professional.

As for Kes, they put on the usual great show, with the recent band dancers adding to it. Oh, and Kees, niiiiiiice Reggae mon! (put me in the mood for Jamaica, where we just returned from today.)

What was missing was a corn soup man outside the fete. Or even a place open nearby you can grab a late snack. I can't give you a score Washington for that. Overall though, a terrific party, good vibes from the "big people" crowd, and we certainly liked that drinks were included. I'd happily go to Live in the City again.

Cheers to you Kes

Get that bumper ready!

2011-06-24T14:57:00.002-04:00

It's time to get serious gyrls about fitting into those skimpy costumes!

GoodLife Fitness Membership Consultant Janelle says she's fully aware it's Caribana crunch time, just under two months left and everybody is hustling to get the body just right to have it adorned in the fabulous costumes. So she wants to reach out with some information and a special promo. GoodLife Fitness has lots of summer promotions taking place right now on fitness memberships - where you can get full access - group excercise classes, tons of equipment, and over 280 locations nationwide...many being 24 hr locations. She can offer a free 1 week all access pass to anyone who wants to try out the gym and see if this is the route they want to take to get the best Caribana body.

They provide excellent and exciting classes such as Zumba, a hip hop dance class called BODY JAM, a bootcamp style class called BODY ATTACK, Yoga, Pilates, a weight training class called BODY PUMP, Spinning (Spin class), Step, a 1/2 hr strictly abs called AWESOME ABS and more.

GoodLife also has excellent promotions on short-term personal training packages where you can get 60% off!

Right now Janelle has a promotion she can offer Karabana readers for the next 2 weeks: you can get started on a membership for $0. No hidden fees. The membership would include access to all our equipment and group exercise classes, as well as all of their over 280 locations.

Show Off Soca Queen!

Anybody who is interested can contact her at this email address: Janelle.Powell@Goodlifemakesiteasy.com

Janelle S. Powell

Membership Consultant

GoodLife Fitness (St.Clair/Yonge Coed Club)

12 St. Clair Avenue East

Toronto ON M4T 1L7

Tel: (416) 927-8042

www.goodlifefitness.com

The cost of Caribana

2011-06-21T00:18:00.016-04:00

Do we all have fabulously feathered, diamond and gold crown dreams like Rio Carnivale Samba Queen Luiza Brune?

I remember in 2008 when the A band costume price jumped from $110-$120 to $140, and being shocked. So costumes are maxing at $185 now. Some front lines and ultras are $500. What are these expensive mas materials that have resulted in such a price increase? 24 carat gold wiring? Swarovski crystals, not rhinestones? Um, no, the usual feathers and plumes. Last year I honestly couldn’t get over how some front lines were actually called front lines when they were seriously lacking in any extras. Are we getting something else that we didn’t get 3 years ago? No, only one band provides extras such as port-a-potties, an air conditioned bus, & the top soca star Machel. (and Toronto Revellers costumes are $10 less.)

For Trinidad Carnival, where Caribana takes its cues from, masqueraders like to justify paying $500+ because they have 2 days of playing mas (although many don’t wear their costume on both days, resulting in another expense, Monday wear). Many bands are all inclusive, so you have endless alcohol & some food.

But Caribana isn’t Carnival. We can’t serve liquor, and ours is a one day parade. There’s nowhere near the amount of masqueraders who go to Hamilton Mardi Gras & Barrie Caribfest. Which is personally fine with me, I like the fact that these two carnivals are smaller and give you a different vibe.

That got me to thinking why someone would pay double for feathers? I imagine when seeing a captivating costume in all its gigantic glory, you become overcome with a grand diva fantasy and realize you MUST wear it on the Lakeshore. Cost is beside the point. Frontline isn’t for everyone – personally, my fabulously frugal nature won’t allow me to pay that amount for anything that I can’t utilize. i.e. what do I do with all those feathers after wards??? Nothing. As well, knowing how much of a mash up the Lakeshore is, & how costumes get destroyed, I know how annoyed I’d be wearing a target on my back. I also don’t want to be encumbered, playing mas isn’t about posing for me, I need to have space & feel free to jump if I want.

The costume is just the start, there is footwear to consider. I'd say about 5 years ago, boots hit the parade in a noticeable way, another Trinidad influence. If you score a pair at the end of spring, you can go as low as the very reasonable $10. But many people buy them now, and pay the (high) price.

Louboutin's to die for, and on the road, fall for

Then there are those who go with professional makeup, body paint, hair, nails...

Daring divas deserve diamond manicures

What are your thoughts on the rising cost of playing mas, particularly the (on average) almost double in price front lines? Are you buying that the cost of materials has risen (like the last 2 years when the poor economy and then recession was to blame)? Do you even mind, and figure it's the price of playing mas now?

CAG decides not to try to file and an injunction to stop the festival

2011-06-15T18:20:00.001-04:00

I pulled this from here The Toronto star

The Caribana Arts Group says it’s putting the community first and won’t be going to court in an attempt to block this summer’s street festival.
However, the embattled Caribana group filed papers in court on Tuesday in an attempt to reach a licensing deal over the wildly popular celebration, which attracts more than a million people each summer.
The Caribana group had the power to file for an injunction to block the festival, but decided otherwise, Caribana Arts Group secretary/assistant treasurer Knia George Singh said Tuesday.
“An injunction would also leave the community with a sense of something missing, a sense of a great atrocity that has taken place,” Singh said. “It would leave the airlines, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets missing on that great weekend where downtown Toronto is a buzz with economic excitement, flavour and festivities.”
Amid allegations of financial mismanagement, the city appointed the Festival Management Committee to manage to festival in 2006.
Singh said the Caribana group retained intellectual property rights as the owners and creator of the festival.
A court ruled last month that the new directors of the summer party can’t use the Caribana name. It’s now known as the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto.
Singh said his group has met with three city councillors between January and March of this year in an attempt to end the dispute.
Celebrations began back in 1967 as part of Canada's centennial celebrations.

Just who does Caribana belong to?

2011-06-14T22:21:00.001-04:00

You might notice I have been a little quiet since the last band launch. I’m finding it hard to sit down and write something. There is lots going on, but I’ve been in a kinda sour mood and I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I think I figured it out. I’m kinda upset that the TMBA, CAG, OCAP and OSA (mostly the first two) can’t come together and work this mess out without involving the courts.... no wonder the city had to mandate a management committee.

The thing that’s really bugging me is that if you google “Caribana news” all you are seeing on the first page is negative press about how the stakeholders in our community can’t work stuff out among themselves and need to get external arbitration to get anything done.

You know, this is back to the early 2000’s again, before the advent of social media and the only news you saw in mainstream media was about violence or some financial scandal. This is embarrassing. The only thing that the majority of Torontonians know about Caribana is what they read in the papers. We have to do better than this.

I think the former CCC has to be given the credit they deserve for administering the festival for almost 40 years. I used the word administer as opposed to build, because I don’t believe the CCC is the only group than needs to be credited with building the festival. The CCC, bandleaders, calypsonians, steel band members, countless volunteers (in mas camps, in administration, in panyards and everywhere else), the food vendors, party promoters, masqueraders, who are often ignored as stakeholders (if you ever wondered which single group kicks in the most money towards the parade, it’s the masqueraders.) Plus anyone who has attended and supported any Caribana event over the years. These are all the people who built the festival. It is not the sole property of any of these groups. No one group owns this thing, it is owned by all of us.

Although it belongs to us all, we can’t all steer the ship. And the CCC shouldered the responsibility to steer the ship for 38 years and they must be respected for that.

The new CAG has to continue to embrace change and realize that other groups who built the festival now have a seat at the management table, and they must all pull in one direction to help the festival grow. It’s time to build bridges, not burn them.

Men throwing out rhetoric like the city has taken over the festival, but, It’s the same foot soldiers who do the heavy lifting who are actually running the show and they have been around often for 20 or 30 years. These people have been working hard all these years and are still there working hard, so what’s the problem? It’s not like the FMC is some foreign group that has swept in and taken over, its the same faces who been here from ever since. Who is it that you don’t recognize?

Another set of you all complain about Scotiabank’s relationship with the festival. They think that we have sold Caribana to them. They are the title sponsor... they put up more money than any other private company, so they get the rights to splash their name all over everything. Sure, they get lots of publicity and goodwill from the deal, but I would say that the festival has gotten a great deal more out of the arrangement.

Scotiabank came forward as a sponsor at a time when companies weren’t exactly beating a path to Caribana’s door. They came in at a time when the only press we were getting was negative, usually focusing on funding, lack of accountability and violence. Did Scotia get a bargain on their first contract? ...probably so. But, what did they bring to the table?

They brought credibility. Other companies realize that if Scotia is willing to associate their name with the festival, then they can’t be that bad. Has anyone noticed the new list of corporate sponsors on the festival website now? It wasn’t always like that.

They also brought in accountability. There is a big difference between applying for yearly government funding and making a call with a corporate sponsor to discuss next year’s advertising budget.

And the TMBA can’t get off so easy from my rant. The next thing that is bugging me is that
they won’t announce the order of the bands. I know why they are doing this and I bitch about the crowd control issues in every other post, but I don’t care. I know that if the city would give us more police, that it would be a lot better, or if the city would let us spread the parade out in the downtown core so the crowd would be more dispersed, it would be a lot better, and none of these things are within the control of the TMBA. But I am a masquerader and there are somewhere around 8 or 9 thousand of us and we kick in about $200 each, so being really conservative, we bring at least $2 million to the table for the privilege of being the showcase of the festival. I don’t think that this decision makes me feel respected as a contributor.

Who exactly benefits from delaying this announcement for another month? The two biggest bands have their core supporters and will hit their 2,000 members regardless where they are in the order of bands. They approached these numbers within 2 weeks of their launches. Our third biggest band will easily surpass 1,000. And the medium sized bands also have their loyal supporters that they count on every year. I think there is a pretty small group of undecided masqueraders who base their decision on band position... it’s not a very popular viewpoint.

Whoever was pushing for this new policy, are you seeing the ranks of your band swell past previous years? Is the distribution now spread evenly among all bands? I might be in the minority, but why are you pissing me off? Picture this, if I am a masquerader who wants to go down the road in one of the top 3 positions, and I feel strong enough that I’m willing to wait until mid July to hear the announcement, then they aren't a mas fanatic. If you make them wait until mid July to try and find a costume, there is a strong chance that they won’t find something they really like and they will just skip playing altogether.

I don’t fall into that category, we already picked a band to play with, but I know people who usually play and who haven’t registered yet and believe me, they are on the fence about playing, and once you lose them, they might be gone for good.

I have no fear everything is going to work out, and we planning to make the trek down to DC for their carnival so I'll be in a better mood soon.

laters

Trini-in-Toronto

One Love, love that price!

2011-06-14T11:45:00.008-04:00

Section leader Trisha Strachan of One Love in Tribal Knights is currently pricing the costume on sale for $140. They are calling it their throw back price, to remember the days of when the price for a costume was $140. They are also having a draw for 1 free blackberry for one person in their section.

Costumes was displayed at Afro Chic's Cultural Arts Exhibit on June 11.
Great price, & nice to see the alternate black version, giving people a choice in colour.

Respect The Mas - Caribana 2011

2011-06-12T00:04:00.001-04:00

This guy on facebook is trying to get a little social media action going to get the message out to keep non masqueraders out of bands during the parade. check out the site and lets help him get the message out

Mas camp visit - Toronto Revellers

2011-06-05T19:54:00.030-04:00

When we visited Toronto Revellers mas camp, I was pleased with how volunteers and some section leaders/designers were available to provide information and answer questions.
There are some fun, creative costume designs, with Courage and Heartless (and Tin Man male) portraying their name and the Oz theme well. Many have the monokini, tankini, or corset on display, which is helpful to get a visual of the options, not just see the standard bikini.

It's unfortunate to not be able to touch the costumes though. I'm like most people I think, in that I'm hands on when it comes to costumes, I like to feel the materials and certainly try on headpieces.

Yellow Brick Road frontline is sold out as of June 3, and Wicked and Heartless are about to be sold out.

It's wonderful to see that kids costumes are decent mini replicas of the adult costumes. Designers put the same care and detail into them, and are giving kids a costume like mom's or dad's. I think they will make quite a showing at Junior Carnival.

Carib2KHeaven?

2011-05-31T23:36:00.016-04:00

Every year I hope for my best Caribana yet. I anxiously await the band launches and hope there is at least one costume that has that WOW factor for me. Every year is so different, and this year is no exception, with the name change and late band order announcement.

What will make Carib2k11 Carib2kHeaven for me?

#1 of course, would be a sensational costume. I began this season wondering will this be the year I’d get a perfect purple costume? (My favourite colour, & I haven't played in it yet!) I scored a pair of purple boots from Stitches warehouse thanks to Tara, courtesy of a tip from Nationz Jeannine. But even if this isn’t my purple year, I have my eye on costumes colours I haven't worn before, and that aren’t difficult to match up boots or shoes to.

A heavenly bod, or alright, okay, to be my fittest yet. So as always, I’m working extra hard to be fit. I’ve been taking Zumba®, cardio kick, abs, Spinning, body blast, Pilates, and Latin dance classes, and doing the elliptical, Stairmaster & treadmill, etc. since December. I’m also kicking butt in Survivor Boot Camp.

Caribana heaven for me would also be no stormers. Now that’s not entirely impossible, especially if the band has security. I’m so over rude ignorant people breaking into the band and causing our parade to be more of a free for all than a cultural display. I want security this year considering we’re paying more, and I just know we deserve security. I realize some persistent idiots do get into the band in spite of the best efforts of security, and that’s understandable.

Heavenly treatment from a band is also extremely important. Examples are: to have my phone calls and emails responded to promptly & politely; section leaders/designers communicate with me about costume changes (but ideally, there are none!) and pickup; enough water on the road and a tasty lunch; not sooooo much repetition of the same damn songs dj, throw in some of the many, many, MANY other tunes; fun friendly on the road vibes, with all band staff showing they appreciate masqueraders; and to carry on the positivity in Hamilton & Barrie.

Going down the road second, third or fourth would be heavenly for me. I don’t want to be first (10 a.m. is too early). I’m just used to crossing the stage at noon and having the rest of the afternoon to jump up. I personally wouldn’t want to be waiting around at the CNE at 2:00. Now if the band had security, then that would help. But by 2-3:00, the route is thick with the cheap non costumed youngsters wanting to carry on, and they’re swarming like mosquitoes trying to get into a band.

What are your expectations this go around, have they changed? Are you expecting more, or less from your band? From many of the comments I’ve read, I’ve noticed many of you have said you went with a different band last year, or would be trying out another band this time. How did you reach that decision? What would make this Caribana ideal?

FMC gives reason for renaming Toronto Caribana

2011-05-26T18:04:00.009-04:00

I saw this on YouTube and I think it makes some points that I haven't seen in the media coverage, what do you all think?

The confusion continues, and with the exact name itself! Some media reported it as (Scotiabank) Toronto Caribbean Carnival, like in today's Metro, and CTV News, whereas others called it (Scotiabank) Caribbean Carnival Toronto, like Globe & Mail, the Star, TO Life and the CBC.
Even others are calling it (Scotiabank) Caribbean Carnival.

So what is it?

Visiting Tribal Knights mas camp

2011-05-24T13:34:00.001-04:00

Legends of Cleopatra Section lead & frontline SOLD OUT, May 28

One of the things I enjoy doing for this blog is visiting mas camps and talking to the band leaders. We chatted with Dexter about not only the new things happening with his band, but other carnivals he participates in, and next year's theme Candyland, which he is quite excited about.

The costumes, as always, are designed with attention to fine detail and quality. Care is also put into giving men great looking costumes, not just board shorts. This is something that discerning masqueraders must appreciate, I mean, they pay for it too! I'm drawn to big headpieces, and have many favourites, particularly Spain & Northern Lights.
Dexter told us four sections are about to be sold out. Can you guess which ones?

Legends of the Orient Section lead & frontline SOLD OUT, May 28

Legends of Spain Section lead & frontline SOLD OUT, May 28

Legends of Africa Section lead & frontline SOLD OUT, May 28

Legends of the Black Pearl Section lead & frontline SOLD OUT, May 28

The Northern Lights Section lead SOLD OUT, May 28

Bitter Lemon Carnival 2011, Monsoon Wedding, before the storm

2011-05-22T11:59:00.004-04:00

Last night we were treated to the launch of Bitter Lemon Carnival's premier presentation of Monsoon Wedding, before the storm. We got much more than a band launch, it was more of a cultural presentation. The evening opened to the sounds of the Flambeaux drummers, these guys really set the mood for the the rest of the night. We were also treated to performances by the Humming Bird dance and performing company, who did a couple numbers as well as a limbo presentation. There was a performance from Calgary's reigning calypso monarch Newton P., who will also be performing this year at "De Masters Cove Calypso tent."

And we also saw a new Toronto soca/dance hall band called T Dot Boys.

Bitter Lemon has taken up the challenge of carrying on the tradition of how mas was. They have made a conscious decision to reject the barely there bikini, with the standard beads and feathers trend that now dominates the carnival experience. They are demonstrating that you don't have to embrace nudity to create a mas band. So if you feel you want to play mas, and contribute to the festival, but you don't want to go down the Lakeshore considerably more than half naked, then this might be your band.

For more info, you can check out their website at www.bitterlemonmas.com

There mas camp is at 60 Barbados Blvd, Unit 2 and they have a grand opening blocko on Sunday June 12th, so you can go help keep the tradition alive.

Bitter Lemon Carnival launches this Saturday

2011-05-19T17:35:00.004-04:00

You are cordially invited to wedding of Radika and Ramjit during the ever-turbulent Monsoon Season. They have a family who know no boundaries and chaos and mayhem is to be expected and anticipated. Come join us!

Band Launch!- Saturday May 21st
Legion Hall 345: Victoria Park and Peard: Loads of free parking
8pm-midnight: Costumes on display at 10:30pm $10 adv/$15 door

DJ (Ian) Bad Lad, DJ Jay P. Williams, MC Dick Lochan, Chutney artist Joeezy, suprise Calypsonian...the Hummingbird Dance and Performing Company featuring Keith Pascall. Registration available on site! See you there!! $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 81 Peard Rd, Victoria Park/St. Clair (Legion Hall)MC DicK Lochan

Costume selection causing disruption in my domestic affairs

2011-05-18T17:49:00.003-04:00

I have to preface this post by saying that Karabana has washed her hands of this post and these are my opinions.

caribbeanstars.com(photo credit)

I have played mas in Toronto about 17 times. 11 of those times have been with Karabana at my side. In 16 of those 17 times I have played with the same band.

In the beginning, I started playing with them because they were the biggest, most successful band with the best entertainment (In my opinion). Over the years, as the parade changed, new hot bands came on the scene, I got older, and my stormer tolerance decreased. I began to notice that I enjoyed my experience a whole lot more if I went down the road earlier in the day.

Eventually, I told Karabana that I wanted to implement a rule to wait for the order of the bands to come out before we made a selection. We would wait until June, they would announce the order, and she didn’t have a problem finding a costume she liked among the first few bands.

This year, we hear, the bandleaders have decided to postpone this draw until mid July. Karabana is feeling the pressure to make a choice, and she is transferring this pressure to me and my rule. I don’t need stress in my relationship, this is my happy time of year. I have been playing mas long enough to realize Carnival is about woman. More importantly, I have been married long enough to realize this isn’t a difference of opinion I care to get my way on.

So, we are going to choose a costume blind of their parade position. For her, the most important factor is how much she likes the costume. I want to play mas freely without having to fight my way through thick crowds just to get out of the CNE grounds. You see the dilemma?

I know of two of the Class A bands who place security as a priority, and they display this by having fences around the band. I don’t know who, if any, of the other bands use ropes or fences. You all can let us know in the comments.

If I am being persuaded (I didn’t say forced) to choose a band without knowing their position in the parade, I think the least they can do is let us know what measures they plan on taking THIS YEAR to keep the non-costumed out of the band should lady luck put them in the back.

Am I being unreasonable? Let me know.

Trini-in-Toronto

Caribana, er, Toronto International Carnival updates

2011-05-17T13:32:00.058-04:00

Some Saldenah front lines were marked closed on Sunday.

Your designs are dynamite Daryl!
Frozen Abyss of Sirius (SOLD OUT AS OF MAY 24 weekend.)
Cosmic Bliss (SOLD OUT AS OF MAY 24 weekend.)

Galactic Tango (SOLD OUT AS OF MAY 25) Milky Way - Sold Out May 28Cyborg: SOLD OUT May 28

and Hailey's Comet (XPats)

Umbriel SOLD OUT as of June 14
Supernova SOLD OUT as of June 14

Solar Flare SOLD OUT AS OF JUNE 19

Keepers of the Universe

This is such a smart business idea, it's about time! Cute sneaks decorated to match your costume.

Lunar Eclipse

D Visitors

Cosmic Nebula

I'm extremely impressed with Saldenah's costumes, most designers had fun with the Outer Limits theme and worked in different materials/elements, especially Cyborg, D Visitors male and Supernova. The colours are overall super strong, as are the headpieces. Adjustments should be made to some to ensure that the beauty is functional (stays on), particularly the gorgeous Cosmic Bliss ultra front line.

This year presents the hardest decision yet as to not only what section to play in, but what band to play in. With all the A bands bringing their A game and putting out such fierce costumes, most masqueraders probably have many choices, including me!
As well, we heard this weekend that the order of the bands will be chosen the week before Jr. Carnival, so that is another big factor (for many) in deciding what band to play with.

What to do, what to do?

As to Caribana going back to being called Toronto International Carnival (or something else), I feel the same way about it as when I was first told about it on May 4th: steups, whatever! I'm not renaming my blog!I'm quite unimpressed with Caribana Arts Group chair Henry Gomez saying it will do everything in its power to prevent the festival from going forward. Wow, how nice! You want to kill something cultural that you created? Another big steups.
Louis Saldenah was quoted in the Toronto Star as saying:
"We’re glad that they changed the name. When we go to the private sector for sponsorship and they hear the name Caribana, it gives a negative vibe because of all the problems we had for years.”

Yahoo news article.
Carib2k11 is not without some bacchanal...

~ Karabana ~

Ontario place closing this summer

BLC MASquerade Brunch and Show

and then there was Barrie...

Mas Toronto Hamilton Mardigras Carnival 2011 1(3/3)

Barrie Caribfest

Sometimes, you need an outsider to remind you what you have

Hamilton Mardi Gras 2011

This weekend Options for stretching out that Carnival feeling

The people want water!

What's up with Hamilton Mardis Gras 2011?

Toronto RevellersRevellers... Many of the large bands were not invited to participate in the Hamilton Carrnival 2011. The Toronto Revellers is one of them. The Toronto Revellers always enjoys their time in Hamilton, we encourage all of our Revellers to support

Huh?

I know last year there were some disputes over money, as well, certain advertised artists didn't show. I've heard from 3 band contacts saying that as of now, they aren't going. Hopefully this is some kinda negotiation technique. I'd hate to see the Toronto bands not attend the festival.

So if anybody knows what's up and want to buss some files or just enlighten the rest of us, please go ahead. (The anonymous comments are enabled, just keep it clean and free from slander, and we will post them.)

People making plans for the weekend, and they want to know what's happening!

Wind down

Pictures from the road

3Canal in Toronto

CongratulationZ to Carnival NationZ

Watching the parade is still FREE

Getting ready...

De Scotiabank Caribana Lime 2011

Sway summer 2011

Free 3canal show and other events @ Harbourfront centre this week

Structure takes back Calypso Monarch

Extra extra!

2011 Calypso Monarch Competition

Visiting a mas camp - TruDYNASTY

Afropan Scarlet Sunday Lime

The People's band since 1973

The Afropan Steelband “The People’s Band” is Toronto’s oldest and most successful steelband. Click Here to learn more about our colourful history and who we are!

Junior Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto Pictures

Pics from Launch of Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2011 (Caribana)

DC Carnival

Official launch this Tuesday

Parade of the Bands

It's all about the kiddies

You know you're in Washington when...

Get that bumper ready!

The cost of Caribana

CAG decides not to try to file and an injunction to stop the festival

Just who does Caribana belong to?

One Love, love that price!

Respect The Mas - Caribana 2011

Mas camp visit - Toronto Revellers

Carib2KHeaven?

FMC gives reason for renaming Toronto Caribana

Visiting Tribal Knights mas camp

Bitter Lemon Carnival 2011, Monsoon Wedding, before the storm

Bitter Lemon Carnival launches this Saturday

Costume selection causing disruption in my domestic affairs

Caribana, er, Toronto International Carnival updates

Toronto Revellers
Revellers... Many of the large bands were not invited to participate in the Hamilton Carrnival 2011. The Toronto Revellers is one of them. The Toronto Revellers always enjoys their time in Hamilton, we encourage all of our Revellers to support