Mas Toronto's "Mas in Atlantis" a Carnival Mythology

We made the long trek out to Pickering to check out Mas Toronto's presentation of "Mas in Atlantis, a Carnival Mythology". The trip was well worth it, we were not disappointed. We saw lots of familiar faces in the crowd, as well as a couple of other band leaders, and the atmosphere was pretty chill, like old friends getting together after a long winter. Luckily we didn't pull the West Indian time thing, because they started right on time at 10:45pm.

The band volunteers were friendly and welcoming, and after the presentation they were signing up interested masqueraders and they were even giving out a good soca mix CD from DJ SMS. The costumes were quite nice. There was a noticeable contrast to last year, where more sections have embraced large feathery head pieces and the bikini and beads thing... I guess you give the people what they want. They still maintained some more traditional elements like the "sailorish" bell bottoms, and they had some beautifully decorated corsets for the ladies who are looking for some coverage. The models could have been coached to spend a little more time (pause & pose) down at the foot of the stage (where most of the photographers were gathered), but they did make up for this after the presentation when they mingled with the crowd and there was lots of opportunities for pictures.

The sections are First People of Atlantis, Ocean Warriors, Bacchanal People, Children of Calypso, Pan Jumbies, The Eruption, Rant & Wave, Sirens of the Deep, Waiting in Limbo.

Mythical Creatures

As far as themes go, Mythical Creatures can certainly be chock-full of creativity. Carnival Nationz has created quite a buzz with their tantalizing theme, causing masqueraders to wonder what their costumes will look like.
A designer would neither confirm nor deny that gargoyles & gnomes will be in the lineup. I couldn't get a yay or nay on cyclopes or trolls either... (After all, men play mas too!)Will we see a serpent, or a siren? A genie, a gremlin? Hmmmm....
I suspect we'll see a sexy/scandalous version of a dragon.

How cool would these creepy wings be?

Speaking of wings, who doesn't want to have 'em?... I'd personally love the idea of butterfly wings on a fairy.

I especially look forward to seeing how the Sphinx, a unicorn & a centaur for the guys are designed. Oh, and a Pagasus perhaps? I hope we'll see fur, like in this creative & cute Halloween costume.
I figure there will be plenty of soft feminine pink, purple & peach for the fairies and pixies (and nymphs?), and of course white & silver for the angels. (& with angels there must be devils, right?) Mermaid is bound to be a fast sell out section, I mean think of how many females want to wear a mermaid costume...
I know CNz will come out strong at their much anticipated band launch (at a new location, the, ahem!, Phoenix) on Saturday.

Pics from Toronto Revellers 2011 "OZ"

Edited to add some more (above) pictures. Thanks Suga Cayne for your Wicked pictures.

Hi Everyone,

As we mentioned, we were away this weekend and we couldn't hit Toronto Revellers launch. It was a shame since we look forward to seeing them, and we have covered their launches I think about 3 years now. So I must give huge shout outs to Joann Chase (section leader for Emerald City) who e-mailed us some shots of the sections.

From what I see from these shots the costumes looking very nice. There are sexy skimpy options and some more coverage available for the more modest. Revellers needs to walk a fine line, because they are more of a family band where there are lots of younger masqueraders, but there is good representation of more mature and conservative crowd. This is the thing I like about the band. I imagine as a designer, you are trying to attract the younger folks, but not isolate your loyal customers. I think they have struck a good balance.

Revellers has a good reputation for on the road experience, security, for treating their customers like customers, having a large kiddies band and lots of smaller events and limes that bring their band members together. This year they added some very attractive costumes and I think this could be the icing that will help swell their numbers.
What you all think?
Trini-in-Toronto













orange fly - Flying monkeys
green - Emerald City frontline with backpack
green - Emerald City backline
silver - Tin man frontline
pink and blue - Glenda the Good Witch.
beige - Courage - lion costume, frontine and backline
red - Ruby red
yellow - Yellow Brick Road
multi color feathers - Over the Rainbow
blue, black, silver - Weathering the Storm
orange and gold - Wizard's Fury