Watching the parade is still FREE

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...

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.