Some pics from de road

Congrats to Carnival Nationz for taking Band of the Year! 

 More pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12921503@N04/sets/72157630942933936/

Beyond De Lime

If you're looking for something to do today before you head out to a fete, this is a great option.  The food festival goes until 7, then the concerts start. 

Yes, parade pics coming...

Costume collection... no fuss, no drama.

Trini-in-Toronto here, we just got back from costume collection with Tribal Carnival (Knights), Bubblicious, and it went really smoothly, which is a good thing because with the parade tomorrow, we don't have time for any adjustments. (Which fortunately we don't have to do.) When we went there about 3pm we noticed that many masqueraders hadn't come down yet (there were still lots of costumes waiting to be picked up). Everything was orderly and section and band leaders were greeting people and handling any complications in a customer friendly manner.

As Karabana was in the back with Marsha working out some details, I was out front chilling next to the A/C for abut 15 minutes or so. I had the chance to see how the pickup went for other people. One thing I liked was, as you walked in, someone took your name, went in the back to get your costume and came back with a box. Then they walked over to a display case, opened the box, took out each piece and showed it to you and explained how to put it on. (This is your arm piece, this is you size c- cup bra, this is your belt etc.) Then you paid and signed that you got everything.
I can't tell you how many times I have been handed two or three bags and gone home to find stuff missing. This is a simple no-cost procedure that every section leader should implement to avoid problems. (A piece of paper with a checklist would make it fool proof.)

You know Karabana is jealous my head piece is bigger right?

It's me Karabana now, yes, he's right, I do wonder how come men get a bigger headpiece? (envious) Anyway, I'm quite pleased with my entire costume though, the blue changed to silver, but that's alright. I have been impressed with the entire registration and communication process with Tribal Knights from the start. From easily registering on their mas camp computer with Candice, to the friendly and professional phone calls and emails from Gail, great conversations in person with Dexter, and today's pick up with helpful Marsha. I liked that you could add comments to your order, such as no wire bra, but a real bra. We received emails that day confirming our registration. Dexter was there to help at registration and answer any questions. Bubbleicious wasn't on the pick up message, so I asked and was told on Monday pick up was Thursday, but then on Thurs. got a call that it wouldn't be until today. I was disappointed with that change, but really, as long as I wasn't getting my costume late Friday night, and there weren't problems with it, I'm good. I understand it's pressure this week at mas camps, esp with King & Queen on Thurs. night. 

But of course what I really want to be very pleased with is tomorrow, and another positive (& important) sign is I saw plenty of bottles of water at the mas camp, which is going to be greatly needed tomorrow!!  

See you on de road!

King and Queen 2012

Unofficial 2012 King and Queen Results

Female Individual

1) Fantazia International

2) Carnival Nationz

3) Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club

4) Callaloo

Male Individual

1) Fantazia International

2) Carnival Nationz

3) Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club

4) Toronto Revellers

Queen of the Bands

1) Carnival Nationz

2) Tribal Knights

3) TruDynasty

4) Blues Carnival Fusion

King of the Bands

1) Carnival Nationz 

2) Fantazia International

3) Mas Toronto

4) Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club

Ontario Science Center Innovation Award - Renaissance Mas Productions' King 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm wearing my shorts, I'm wearing my hot gyal shades...

Official Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto Promo Spot



I love this funny video! It reminds me of the annual push to get in shape for Caribana. Did you do a new exercise program this year? Anyone try any of the many Caribbean dance classes offered out there?
I started Insanity in March, worked out hard with Sean T. 6 days a week, and just finished second rounds of it. It's the most intense workout I've done so far. I'm always looking for a challenging workout, and this was definitely it! I'm as ready as I'm gonna be for Saturday!

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