Events on Thursday and Friday

I know you Americans (and others) are going to be arriving soon, so I wanted to give you some info as a Toronto local on whats happening. 


Thursday night 

King and Queen show @ Lamport stadium..

This is the crown jewel of the events leading up to the grand parade. This is where we showcase the Kings and Queens of the mas bands under bright stadium lighting and it really is impressive. 
 this year, for the first time, they will have a jumbo tron so you can get a better view. I don't know if this has anything to do with the addition of Chevy as a sponsor, but it should be cool.
Are you accustomed to attending this event, and sitting in the stands? Have you ever envied the guys with the floor seats, with center pieces getting served food and ting? Well, to score those seats in the past, you had to work for a sponsor, be a politician, be high up in media (blogs don't count) or some other form of big papi. 
Now, all you need is a $100 VIP ticket, and you too can be the envy of the folks in the stands. For this price you get prime seating, non-alcoholic drinks and cutters and you are really close to the beer/alcohol tent.
Cost:  Advance $30.00 / Gate $35.00 / Seniors $30.00 / V.I.P $100.00 VIP

Friday Aug 03, 2012

Pan Alive @ Lamport stadium

This is a thrilling evening displaying the musical and tonal qualities of the steel pan as members of the Ontario Steelpan Association compete before a panel of judges. This show is the best opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. This event highlights the talent of pannists ranging in age from early teens to adults as they perform their original renditions. Cost: Advance $25.00

 
Also, if you are looking for something free to do Friday night before you hit jouvert fish fry or a fete, you have two festivals to choose from: Irie music festival and Island soul festival.


Island soul festival
Friday 3, 2012

Music

Together Panman Pat and Percussionist Jeff have been thrilling their audiences with a Caribbean callalloo of musical styles. Tonight they’re doing it "Soul Village style.” Bring your own percussion instruments and join them in an impromptu steel pan parade!

Prices

Tribute to Lord Kitchener

August 3, 2012

Music

A not-to-miss musical tribute to Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts), grandmaster of classic calypso music and one of Trinidad's best-loved calypsonians. Featuring Moses Revolution.
myspace.com/mosesrevolution

Prices

Everyone: FREE

Friday, August 3, 2012

8:30PM – 9:30PM

The Mighty Shadow

August 3, 2012

Music

Winston Bailey, better known by his stage name The Mighty Shadow, is a unique calypsonian and soca artist from Trinidad and Tobago.

Prices

Everyone: FREE

Friday, August 3, 2012

10:00PM – 11:00PM

If you don't like anything yet, you can cruise over to Nathan Philips square you can see FAY-ANN LYONS perform for, yes, free 9pm till 10PM.

Nathan Phillips Square

TIME	FRIDAYAUG 3, 2012	SATURDAY AUG 4, 2012	SUNDAY AUG 5, 2012	MONDAY AUG 6, 2012
ALL DAY		IRIE ART EXHIBIT	IRIE ART EXHIBIT	IRIE ART EXHIBIT
11:00AM		SOUNDCHECK	SOUNDCHECK	SOUNDCHECK
12:00PM		SOUNDCHECK	SOUNDCHECK	SOUNDCHECK
12:30PM		SOUNDCHECK	JCA Flag Raising	SOUNDCHECK
1:00PM		DJ		DJ
2:00PM		IRIE Latin Baque de Bamba	DJ	Poetry: Charlie Bubus Patrick de Belen
2:45PM		DJ		DJ
3:00PM			IRIE DANCE Dance Immersion Summer Showcase
3:15PM				Likkle More
3:30PM		Luanda Jones		(DJ Break)
4:00PM		(DJ Break)	DJ/TD Dancers	IRIE REGGAE – Lillian Allen
4:45PM		(DJ Break)	IRIE REGGAE – House of David Gang	DJ/TD Dancers
5:00PM		King Fabulouso
5:15PM			DJ	Kaysha Lee
5:30PM		DJ/TD Dancers	IRIE REGGAE – The Memberz	Empress Divine
5:45PM				IRIE REGGAE tba
6:00PM	DJ “D’ ENFORCAS”	IRIE REGGAE Colin Levy		Donna Makeda
6:15PM			Ammoye
6:30PM		IRIE REGGAE		(DJ Break)
6:45PM		Shalli	IRIE REGGAE – Ibadan
7:00PM				IRIE REGGAE DAWN PENN
7:15PM	Jaxx	(DJ Break)
7:30PM			(DJ Break)
7:45PM	IRIE SOCA Jaxx	IRIE REGGAE Odell
8:00PM	Trevor B		IRIE REGGAE THIRD WORLD	CLOSE
8:30PM	(DJ Break – D’Enforcas)	(DJ Break)
9:00PM	IRIE SOCA FAY-ANN LYONS	IRIE REGGAE RICHIE SPICE
10:00PM	CLOSE	CLOSE	CLOSE

Checking in on TruDynasty

There was a buzz of activity when we stopped by TruDynasty's new mas camp location on Toryork Dr. A dj was blasting the tunes at their Sunday fix lime, band leader Dario was helping people with costumes, and band leader Thea was off doing a CHRY radio interview which we caught on the way over. This creative couple is gearing up for King & Queen on Thursday.

I hope costume pick up is going well, many bands started distributing today. I've been reading some organized bands sent messages a few weeks ago with pick up dates. Kudos to those who are avoiding the dreaded late Friday night before the parade!

NO PARADE IN BARRIE CARIBFEST THIS YEAR!

Despite organizers best efforts, they have not been unable to secure a suitable alternative venue for a parade in Barrie.

We have been to Caribfest in Barrie for the last four years. In the first few years, I felt really welcome, like they were happy to have us. We paraded through downtown and ended up in beautiful Centennial Park. Last year, I felt a little less welcome with the route starting within sight of the lakeshore and ending at the park, but I had a great time anyway.

It was a little surprising to me that the necessary permits were not granted for the parade or the festival at Centennial park. I read in the Caribbean Camera that one of the factors considered was the consumption of alcohol in public areas and the policing of such behavior.

This is really unfortunate, especially considering the festival draws a more family oriented crowd, often with everyone from grandparents to little kids. The crowds are small and manageable (with little need for police intervention apart from traffic control), and I haven’t witnessed or heard of any problems occurring.

Below is a press release for the remaining events.

 NO PARADE IN BARRIE CARIBFEST THIS YEAR!

See the Caribfest Caribbean Costumes on Sat Aug 25, Kerr Park, 130 Beaumont Drive, Bracebridge, Ontario starting at 1:00 PM

Barrie Caribfest 2012 Schedule of Events

Thur Aug 16 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Hot n Spicy

Details Coming Soon

Fri Aug. 17 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Welcome to the Caribbean

Army Navy & Air Force Club, 7 George St, Barrie, ON

Adm $5

Fri Aug. 17 9:15 PM – Midnight

Caribbean Boat Cruise

Serendipity Princess, Barrie, ON

Adm: $20 advance Groups of 6 $15 each advance Door $25

Sat Aug18 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Caribbean Showcase – Featuring Soca/Calypso Super Star CRAZY

Army Navy & Air Force Club, 7 George St, Barrie, ON

Adm: $5

Sat Aug 18, 9:30 PM – 2:00 AM

Rupee in Concert (plus 5 of Toronto’s top DJs)

West 46, @ 46 Dunlop St West, Barrie, ON (Formerly Roxx Night Club)

Special Adv. $20

Sun Aug 19 1PM – 6PM

Caribbean Steel Extravaganza Hosted by Canadian Federation of Steel Pan

West 46, @ 46 Dunlop St West, Barrie, ON (Formerly Roxx Night Club)

Adm: $5

Caribfest 2012 Media Update

Unfortunately we did not receive a permit to have the parade in Barrie for the 2012 Barrie Caribfest. A permit was also not granted for us to use city owned Centennial Park to hold Caribfest. We tried to find an alternative outdoor location for the parade and the event but although there was interest from a number of possible venues they were already booked for other events on the date that Caribfest is scheduled to be held this year. In light of the fact that so many people had already booked time off for vacation and reserved hotel rooms we have decided that rather than cancel the event we would move it indoors. This means that visitors can still come to the city and enjoy all the activities and support the many tourism related businesses that operate within the region. We encourage you to see your visit to Barrie this year as an opportunity to discover and enjoy the many tourism attractions that make this region one of the most beautiful and exciting in Ontario. The local hotel and tourism businesses will welcome you. Please remember to tell them that you came to Barrie because of Caribfest.

You can find a comprehensive list of local tourism attractions at Tourism Barrie’s website: http://tourismbarrie.com/things_to_do.aspx

Although we will not have access to the Barrie waterfront we still have a full four days of Caribbean events that is sure to help you experience some of the sights, sounds and tastes of the Caribbean that Barrie Caribfest has become known for providing. This include the appearance for the first in the region of pop super star, Rupee, famous for the song “tempted to touch” and many other well known hits. Soca/Calypso artist Crazy will also be at the event this year headlining the Caribbean Show at the ANAF, located at 7 George Street, Barrie. We will also be hosting the first steel pan extravaganza with the appearance of six national steel pan groups at the West 46, formerly the Roxx Night Club on Sunday August 19.

Despite our best efforts we know that many people will be missing not seeing the beautiful costumes. We have a solution for that problem. On the following weekend, Aug 25 – 26 we will hold the 3rd Annual Reggae Muskoka Festival at Kerr Park, 130 Beaumont Drive in Bracebridge, Ontario. This year we will have many of the beautiful Caribbean costumes in a parade display in the park. The focus of the parade will change as we explore the artistic aspects of the beautiful costume creations and experience the stories they tell in their themes. You can find more information about Reggae Muskoka at www.reggaemuskoka.com

Thank you for your support of the events. We look forward to seeing you at the Indoor Barrie Caribfest and the Outdoor Reggae Muskoka.

For further information please email: info@caribfest.ca

Kaiso 365 Calypso Monarch Finals 2102

 Macomere Fifi regains the Calypso Monarch crown

For the second year, Kaiso 365 Calypso Monarch Finals were held at the Chinese Cultural Centre's lovely P.C. Ho Theatre. Britian's Calypso Monarch 2011 Alexander D Great performed several Calypsos. Nine finalists sang two original songs lead by Ossie Gurley's band. Lively and humourous host Itah Sadu again kept the evening along smoothly. 

 

 Pan Man Pat

 Beginner

Connector

 

 Macomere Fifi 

 

 

 The Crooner

 Dennis James

 

Some Calypsonians included dancers and masqueraders as part of presentations. The prizes went to compositions that were about controversial topics and showed originality. The crowd for the most part seemed pleased with the results, which are as follows:

Best Presentation: Connector

Best Composition on a local topic and Best Arrangement: Macomere Fifi

Most Original Calypso: Calypso Web

Best Lyrics, Best Rendition, Best Melody and Most Humourous Calypso: Dennis James

People's Choice:  Macomere Fifi 

Second Runner Up: Dennis James

First Runner Up: Structure

First Place: Macomere Fifi

 Macomere Fifi 

 

 Calypso Web

 Redman

 Structure

 

Congratulations to Macomere Fifi!

Do it up!

With the parade in just 8 days, how are you doing with your preparations? Of course by now Caribana divas not only have their costume and footwear, but makeup and accessories.  I admit, I don’t know exactly what I’m doing for my makeup. I’ve always wanted it done by a pro, maybe this will be the year…

Here are some awesome eyes that I like for inspiration.

          

Since peacock feathers & mas go hand in hand, what do you think about these eyes?

I do have some fun accessories, including a cute gemmed bangle, a panja gift from a friend, a belly chain from Faire de la Mode & a feather extension.

I really love this...

... and these!

Fun nail art has really taken off this year, much to my pleasure. I always have manicured nails, and this year, I have been trying water marbling. 

There are many, many nail tutorials you can watch that are quite helpful, and Pinterest is good for creative pictures. There are so many options now, like foil strips, crackle, and shellac which are big trends. Embellishing nails with rhinestones or “caviar” is a perfect accompaniment for most costumes. I also love the funky glittery nail art with one gemmed nail.

I spotted these nail rings and think they’d be ideal for playing mas.

            

                             

What about gems on lips, has anyone tried this while playing mas? They look fantastic in pics, but unfortunately I can’t see how they’d stay on. I know some models wear glitter on their lips for launches, but it won't last on the road.  

       

Another cool trend, feather extensions. 

 

Very nice, but when I read how to put on the tinsel strands, I thought are you serious, you have to do all that for one strand of hair? Maybe I’m not that patient. (or handy with hair styling)

So what do you think, for you are these extras, or necessities? What are must have’s for you this year?