Thursday, April 30, 2009

Pretty Wings

Mark your calendar Maxwell fans......July 7, 2009 is the official release date for BLACKsummer's night. I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!

Enjoy the video in the meantime.......http://www.musze.com

Monday, April 20, 2009

5th Summit of the Americas Cultural Presentation







LESSOR: Bird of Paradise......Tribal Knights 2009

A few words from Ian Andre Espinet.......
Saturday evening, I will be at the Tribal Knights band launch for 2009 - Birds of Paradise. My section is FIIIIIIRE. If you know me, I'm very very seldom pleased with - well - with ANYTHING. For the first time since my "Monarch Butterfly" (which was modified 3 times) in 2006, I'm ecstatic with my costume. I think this may be the first ever costume to not undergo any modifications, colour changes or overhauls.

I will be doing a special for all friends and family (that's you) and something special for friends who have played with me in the past to make the move with me. The first 50 friends who register in "LESSOR: Bird of Paradise" my 2009 section, between the band launch (April 25th) and the May 9th (2 weeks) will receive the costume for $100.

p.p.p.s. URGENT:
I am looking for 2 ladies who want to play mas & fete 4 free Caribana weekend to model my costume.
Requirements:
• You must be available Tuesday (tomorrow) and 2 other appearances
(band launch - Saturday / Nathan Philips for the Caribana Media Launch).
• You must be able to DANCE the costume (read: wine a little) and fit the sample.
Pls email pictures, measurements and contact phone number to ian@amnesia.ca ASAP. You will be contacted tonight.

2009 Caribana Kick-Off Press Conference

Kick-Off Press Conference
Launch of the Scotiabank Caribana Festival Calendar

April 21st 2009

10.30 a.m.- 11.45p.m.

Royal Ontario Museum

Queens Park Rotunda

Bloor Street Entrance, Toronto

On Tuesday morning the 42nd annual Scotiabank Caribana festival producers, the Festival Management Committee, will be announcing:

Major sponsorship deal including new corporate and broadcast partners
Release of the 42nd annual Scotiabank Caribana Festival Calendar
Support from City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario

Scheduled to speak are*:
The Honourable Monique Smith
Mayor David Miller
Scotiabank District Vice-President Christine Williams
Royal Ontario Museum CEO William Thorsell
Tourism Toronto CEO David Whitaker

*More speakers and final list to be confirmed on Monday April 20th

Q&A to follow


For further information contact:

Stephen Weir

Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com or sweir5492@rogers.com

2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.CANADA. M4P 3E3

Tel: 416-489-5868 | Fax: 416-488-6518

Fantazia International Band Launch Review

The first band launch for Caribana 2009 took place this past Saturday. I was unable to attend but please enjoy the review provided by CB......(thanks for sharing CB).

CB said...

OK so the anticipation is over, went to see FANTAZIA INTERNATIONAL band launching last night and....

Well, honestly, the costumes were quite impressive.

They representated 'a taste of brasil' quite well. Mr. Will Morton (band leader) being first out of the gate with Fantazia International had everyone with the look of great expectations on their face as they entered the hall at Embers'. Too bad we may not get to see the band on the Lakeshore for Caribana Saturday - as a new band, he's defacto position is #15 (essentially last in appearance of bands).

Having those terrific Brasilan dancers on-stage before and after the parade of costumes only enhanced the night.

And that final 'one of a kind' costume with the wire framed bra kinda summed up what my 'Brasilian' expectations were is the first place.

I love the elaborate back-pack pieces that seemed to be so unique to each section yet common throughout the evening.

What appeared to be folk drummers and other band members were mulling about earlier in the evening, but they did not perform, at least not while the majority of the
attendees were present.

Knowing the way band launches go, I am almost certainly there's probably more to see from Fantazia International and Mr. Will Morton.

For starters, my question would be, where are (were) the male costumes? The two
male protrayals were lost in the Brasilian sea of colors.

It was also very humbling to see other renowned band leaders and mas band members present. Were they simply lending their support or bitten by the curiousity bug too?

Lets wait to visit the Fantazia mas camp when it opens.

If you also attended the band launch please feel free to share your thoughts and pics too if you have any!!

UPDATE: CHECK OUT THE FANTAZIA INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE FOR SOME PICS!

FURTHER UPDATE: MORE PICS FROM THE LAUNCH ARE ON TORONTO-LIME.COM

Friday, April 17, 2009

OCPA - Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes

This coming Saturday, April 25th, 2009 the OCPA presents the Battle of the Sexes at the Steelworkers Union Hall (Spadina & College) .

Click on the event poster for more details, as well as a listing of future events for the 2009 Caribana season.


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

2009 Calypso Tents Music Series

KAISO KAISO!!!
The 2009 ScotiaBank Caribana Festival is just around the corner. One of the first major events in North America’s biggest Caribbean festival is the Calypso Tents Music Series, produced by the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA). This much-anticipated music series features most of Toronto's top calypso singers performing all original works to capture the mood of the festival.

The 2009 Calypso Tents Music Series features two calypso “tents” that run every weekend from June 6th to July 5th (see details below). The Professionals and the KAISO FORUM “tents” are currently auditioning calypso singers for the series. Persons interested should call the OCPA Hotline (416) 795-2722. The series welcomes interest from new and younger artists.

2009 Calypso Tents Music Series
Saturday, June 6th 8pm THE PROFESSIONALS Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St.
Sunday, June 7 4pm KAISO FORUM CAW Union Hall, 30 Tangiers Rd.
Saturday, June 13th 8pm THE PROFESSIONALS Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St.
Sunday, June 14 4pm KAISO FORUM CAW Union Hall, 30 Tangiers Rd.
Saturday, June 20th 8pm THE PROFESSIONALS Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St.
Saturday, June 20th 7pm KAISO FORUM Masonic Temple, 15 Chisholm Ave.
Saturday, June 27th 8pm THE PROFESSIONALS Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St.
Saturday, June 27th 7pm KAISOFORUM Masonic Temple, 15 Chisholm Ave.
Saturday, July 4th 8pm THE PROFESSIONALS Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St.
Sunday, July 5th 4pm KAISOFORUM CAW Union Hall, 30 Tangiers Rd.

Calypso is a popular music of the Eastern Caribbean and its infectious rhythms, its humorous lyrics and political / social commentaries have found loyal audiences in Toronto and in other major Canadian cities. The Calypso Tents Music Series has consistently featured the most recent songs of artists from Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Jamaica, Aruba and Canadian-born singers.

For more information on the 2009 Calypso Tents Music Series please call (416) 795-2722.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

All Spice Carnival

More big news for Caribana 2009......we have another new band on the scene......All Spice Carnival!!! Very interesting as Curtis Eustace has left CNz and has combined his efforts with Andre DeFreitas (Evolution Carnival) to present "SAFARI". The band launch is scheduled for May 23, 2009 at a venue to be announced. Stay tuned for more details.......


To all,
First of all I would like to thank all of you who have supported me in the past and who continue to support me to this very day. Whether it may be through Unite D’Nationz, Memoirs of Soca, Las Lap, All Ah We Boat Cruise, 4 Kings Fete, Carnival Nationz, Evolution in Trinidad and lets not forget all those great times in Fortress North (Those who were there know exactly what I’m talking about).

Sadly, as life changes-so do people. Therefore, it is with deep regret that I announce my separation from the Carnival Nationz family in order to pursue my own ventures in life. In doing this I would like to also thank the rest of the the nationz family - for their continued support and enlightenment in all aspects of business and would like to wish them nothing but unparalleled success, not only now but also in the future wherever their paths lead them.

I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that I am in the planning stages for the production of a new Mas Band for the 2009 Toronto Caribana Parade. It going to be a band with lots of energy, positive vibes, sexy ass costumes and crazy music! When fused together it cannot be called anything but “All Spice”. I personally think that there is and always will be room for improvement with our CARIBANA Parade.

With the experience I believe I possess, I hope to take this new venture to the highest level and try my best please the public. With that said, I look forward to your continued support, now and in the near future. May God bless and once again thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Curtis Eustace
Band Leader

Callaloo $99 Early Bird Special

Welcome to The NEW CALLALOO ....Moving Boundaries & Making Changes.....We Gone International ...We Staying Local .....

Any How .... Our Bandlauching is on MAY 9th @ the Lion's Gate Lounge(Kennedy & Progress ). We are Presenting for 2K9 " Ganges meets the Nile " and Its gonna be Wild - We Parting Waters ..& Conquering Kingdoms.

With that being said ... Here this:

On 9th of May inside Lion's gate (Kennedy & Progress). Admission is FREE for ALL Ladies before 11.pm...

Now.... There is a PLUS ....

If you Join our group " CALLALOO CARIBANA 2K9 " before bandlaunching day and you also Send us an email at any of our contacts that is shown in the group .. Telling us you want to play with Callaloo for 2K9 (THE NEW CALLALOO).

We will send you our E- registration form to fill out so that you can to receive our $99 EARLY BIRD SPECIAL. How's That Sound. This is a Limited Time Promotion , but As Always -- Only @ CALLALOO!!! Doing It for you!!!


Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1044936323186&f=0&mbox_pos=0#/group.php?gid=2340157412

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Toronto Revellers 2009 Caribana Band Launch


2009 Caribana Mas Bands - Parade Positions

Here is the Order of appearance for all competing 2009 Caribana mas bands......

Band #1 (Category A)
Mas Toronto (Errol & Alicia Achue)
2009 Theme: Into D Wild 2009
Phone: 416-283-6161
Website: www.mastoronto.com | http://sites.google.com/site/mastoronto/


Band #2 (Category A)
Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)
2009 Theme: A Tribute to Harold Saldenah – The Golden Years
Phone: 416-560-4419
Website: www.saldenahcarnival.com


Band #3 (Category A)
Nip Davis & SCSC (Selwin “Nip” Davis)
2009 Theme: Dis Is Africa
Phone: 416-282-8809
Website: www.nipdavis.com | www.scsc.ca


Band #4 (Category A)
Callaloo (Marlon Singh)
2009 Theme: The Ganges Meets The Nile
Phone: 416-576-0694 | 416-845-3754
Website: www.callaloo.net


Band #5 (Category A)
Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace, Bryce Aguiton & Dwayne Pitt)
2009 Theme: In Full Bloom
Phone: 416-565-4079 | 416-985-8488 | 416-930-9650
Website: www.carnivalnationz.com


Band #6 (Category A)
Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)
2009 Theme: Brazil – Bachannel In Rio
Phone: 647-827-5745 | 289-232-0366 | 416-709-0632
Website: www.torontorevellers.com


Band #7 (Category A)
Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai)
2009 Theme: Birds Of Paradise
Phone: 416-893-1867 | 416-396-3780
Website: www.tribalknights.com


Bank #8 (Category A)
Jessie Matthews & All Ah We Toronto (Cy & Jessie Mathews)
2009 Theme: All Board
Phone: 416-283-2238 | 905-924-1716
Website: www.allahwetoronto.com


Band #9 (Category B)
Borokeete Nex Generation (Anthony Joseph)
2009 Theme: 20TEN – A Tribute to the Olympics
Phone: 416-452-9973
Website: www.borokeetecanada.com | www.bcmas.com


Band #10 (Category B)
Pleasure Players (Whitfield Balasco)
2009 Theme: Dragon Masters of the Shaolin Temple
Phone: 905-568-9136
Email: werfamily2@hotmail.com


Band #11 (Category B)
Connections – TCC (Mervyn Skeete)
2009 Theme: Gem Stones
Phone: 416-492-5584 | 647-295-5584
Website: www.tocarnival.com


Band #12 (Category B)
Doldron, Doldron & Associates (Courtney Doldron)
2009 Theme: Mas Hysteria
Phone: 416-986-7875 | 647-928-5609 | 416-779-4211
Email: csdoldron@rogers.com


Band #13 (Category B)
All Spice Carnival (Curtis Eustace & Andre DeFreitas)
2009 THEME: Safari
Phone: 416-728-6504 | 416-660-9154
Website: www.allspicecarnival.com


NEW MAS BANDS for 2009

Band #14 (Category C)
All d’Friendz (Sherry Lee Kam)
2009 Theme: Dance With Me
Phone: 416-287-6309 | 416-238-5323
Website: http://www.alldfriendz.com

Band #15 (Category C)
Fantazia International (Will Morton)
Theme: A Taste Of Brazil
Phone: 289-888-1247
Website: www.fantaziainternational.net

2009 Caribana Band Launch Dates

3933-08CALLING ALL MAS LOVERS.......

The 2009 Caribana band launch season starts this month and will take you all the way into June.......stay tuned for more dates as they become available!

Fantazia International - "A Taste of Brazil" - Saturday, April 18, 2009

Tribal Knights - "Birds of Paradise" - Saturday, April 25, 2009

Carnival Nationz - "In Full Bloom - Fruits & Flowers" - Saturday, May 2, 2009

Callaloo - "The Ganges Meets the Nile" - Saturday, May 9, 2009

Toronto Revellers - "Brazil - Bacchanal in Rio" - Saturday, May 9, 2009

Pleasure Players - "Dragon Masters of the Shaolin Temple" - Saturday, May 9, 2009

All Spice Carnival - "Safari" - Saturday, May 23, 2009

Courtney Doldron & Associates - "Mas Hysteria" - Saturday, May 23, 2009

Borokeete Canada - "20 Ten" - Saturday, May 23, 2009

Nip Davis and Associates - "Dis Is Africa" - Saturday, May 23, 2009

Louis Saldnenah Mas K Club - "A Tribute to Harold Saldenah - The Golden Years" - Saturday, May 30, 2009

Mas Toronto - "Into D'Wild" - Saturday, June 6, 2009

Toronto/Caribbean Connection - "Gem Stones" - Friday, June 5, 2009

Jessie Matthews & The Calabash Company - "All Aboard" - TBA

All d' Friends - "Dance with Me" - TBA

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2019 Toronto Carnival Band Directory

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