Marshalls Needed For Carnival Nationz

CARNIVAL NATIONZ MARSHALLS NEEDED

We are looking for people to volunteer on Caribana Saturday August 1st to help coordinate crowd control and assist security on the parade route. This allows you be in the parade, be with your family member or loved one or simply be in the Caribana atmosphere. Our meeting will be held tomorrow Friday July 31st, however please contact our supervisors first for specifics. SERIOUS ENQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE.

SUPERVISOR 1: JASON BLACKMAN: 647-330-7670 SUPERVISOR 2: RICHARD BRATHWAITE: 416 450-1133 OR EMAIL MARSHALLS@CARNIVALNATIONZ.COM TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITES TAKE CARE OF MASQUERADERS ASSEMBLING AND DISMANTLING KING AND QUEEN COSTUME PROVIDE FOOD AND WATER FOR MASQUERADERS AND SECURITY PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR MASQUERADERS ( MAKE SURE NO ONE IS TOO CLOSE TO THE TRUCK WHEELS ETC) ASSIST SECURITY WITH CLEARING THE WAY FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Feel De Vibe - Episode 3

Scarborough Ribfest 2009

I passed by Thomson Park this morning and the ribbers have started arriving. Ribfest is one of the events that I make sure to squeeze into a very busy Caribana weekend. Can't wait to get my rib on!!!

Ribfest Schedule:

Friday, July 31, 2009 from 11:00am - 11:00 pm

Saturday, August 1, 2009 from 11:00am - 11:00 pm

Sunday, August 2, 2009 from 11:00am - 11:00 pm

Monday, August 3, 2009 from 11:00am - 6:00 pm

Location: Thomson Memorial Park (Brimley Road and Lawrence Avenue)

Website: http://www.scarboroughribfest.com

Steelpan Accessories for Caribana 2009

Kes the Band.....New Video.....Stalker

I love Kes the Band. Can't wait to see them live at Big People Fete on Caribana Sunday. In the meantime enjoy the video for their latest release.....Stalker.

Carnival Nationz Costume Pick Up Begins‏

Pickup is located at the Mas Camp 533 McNicoll Ave.

NEW For ladies there will be tights on sale at the Mas Camp during pick times. These are the tights from Trinidad that are skin tone aaaaaand eliminate the Forbidden Cellulite look. They are great in hot conditions so don't worry about that. If you're interested ask at pick up time.

NEW There will be DVDs of Caribana 2008 on sale so if you know you were on camera or you just want memories from last year simply inquire at pickup.

Ladies and Gentlemen the time is here for 2008. Time to get ready for de road. We at Carnival Nationz are just as excited as you are to be In Full Bloom on the Lakeshore. I know you're all ready for yuh costumes like yesterday so as usual NO LONG TALK!

We have set aside special days for each section. Pickup begins on Sat July 25th and ends on Fri Jul 31st. For all out of town masqueraders please make sure we know to hold your costume until Friday evening. Please NOTE: At pickup you will recieve all other information pertaining to Caribana day assembly time, location, order of crossing the stage etc. The scheduled time for costume pickup is as follows:

DATE	SECTION	SECTION LEADER	TIME
Saturday July 25th	SUNFLOWER & WATER LILLY	BRYCE - 416.985.8488	2pm - 6pm
Sunday July 26th	SCABIOSA & WILD ROSES	MARCUS - 416.565.4079	2pm - 6pm
Monday July 27th	BOUGAINVILLEA & MORNING GLORY	DWAYNE - 416.930.9650	6pm - 9pm
Tuesday July 28th	AJUGA & LYCHEE	MARCUS - 416.565.4079 , BRYCE - 416.985.8488	6pm - 9pm
Wednesday July 29th	APHRODISIACS, BUTTERFLIES, POISON IVY & DRAGON FRUIT	ROSS - 416.301.7761 , BRYCE WILL CONTACT , AL & BRANDT - 647.727.4445 & HAYDEN - 416.220.4972	6pm - 9pm
Thursday July 30th	CLOSED FOR	KING AND QUEEN	SHOW
Friday July 31st	OUT OF TOWN MASQUERADERS		11am - 6pm

PICKUP RULES AND GUIDLEINES:

• Please do not show up on days not assigned to your section before your scheduled pickup date. In other words if you are to pick up on Tues PLEASE do not show up on Monday and assume your costume will be ready.
• There will be no trying on at the mas camp on pickup days. We are also not responsible for alterations. For all minor alterations (as everyone may have) please feel free to do at home or at a professional tailor or seamstress ..thank you in advance for understanding.
• Lastly if you cannot come to pick up your costume on the assigned date, not to worry, PLEASE LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE and we will gladly make an appointment with you. We intend to hold your costume for you until 6pm Caribana Friday. YOU MUST LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE if you cannot make your schedued pickup date. Go to carnivalnationz.com and contact your section leader directly. Please be aware that you would have to make this appointment outside the time assigned to the other section's scheduled times. In other words if you are in MORNING GLORY and are supposed to come to the mas camp between 6-9pm on Monday and cannot make it for that time, then feel free to come anytime between the hours of 10am-4pm Tues or Wed.
• Any costume remaining after 6pm on Friday 31st July (without prir nofication to th band or section leaders) WILL BE SOLD. PLEASE NOTE ALL FINAL PAYMENTS ARE DUE AT PICKUP.

We look forward to meeting you in person once again and jumping with you on de Lake Shore!!!

Feel De Vibe - Episode 2 (Part 2)

Feel De Vibe - Episode 2 (Part 1)

Results Guaranteed at SOCACIZE™ Bootcamp for Caribana

SOCACIZE™ Caribana Bootcamp is pure bacchanal - non-stop burning of calories and fun for 2 hours long with top DJs! The most effective way to get ready by boosting your energy and self-confidence for Caribana and other summer festivities.

Feel the tightness in your glutes and legs after Ginga fitness with the amazing energy, skill and taste of Brazil ’s culture – Caporeira with Ken.

Feel the burning arms after Zumba fitness with the swinging of the hips and taste of latin culture with Ricardo.

Feel exhausted yet energized after SOCACIZE fitness with Ayanna, but don’t forget which move to use in a fete or on Caribana day!

Join us tomorrow from 6-8pm at Carnival Nationz Mas Camp (533 McNicoll Ave. at Victoria Park). DJ Sureshot will spin us into shape.

Due to popular demands.....SOCACIZE™ Bootcamp for Caribana may be extended....a confirmation email will be send out tomorrow.

Are you Ready to Sweat?

---

2009 Summer Sessions
&
**NEW**
SOCACIZE™ Bootcamp
The official workout for Caribana!
Designed for masqueraders & revellers!
A six-week vigorous & exciting workout
Rhythms to make you dance,
Exercises to build stamina, tone muscle, lose inches, boost confidence!

FEATURING
Top DJs: Dr. Jay, Kold Fusion, D.O.C
&
Top fitness instructors for
Zumba & Ginga classess

SOCACIZE™
Bootcamp Schedule

Scarborough
Carnival Nationz Mas Camp
533 McNicoll Ave. (at Victoria Park)
Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm
June 18 – July 23

Brampton
Terry Miller Rec. Centre (Fitness room)
1295 Williams Pky (Bramalea Rd and Williams Pky)
Saturdays 9:00-11:00 am
June 20 – July 25

12 sessions-$120.00; 6 sessions-$60.00; Drop-in $15.00 per session

Early bird Boot Camp Special
Register for 12 sessions by May 29th Save $10!


SOCACIZE™
Summer Schedule

Brampton
The Studio
12 Rutherford Rd. S. (Rutherford and Queen 2min off hwy 410)

Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm
June 10 – August 12
(No class July 1st)

Sundays 2:00-3:00pm
June 14 – August 16
(No class August 2nd)

18 sessions $238.00; 9 sessions $126.00; Drop-in $16.00 per session
________________________________

Scarborough
Tropicana Community Services
670 Progress Avenue, Unit 14
(Progress & Consillium Place Dr.)
Saturdays 1:30 - 2:30pm
June 13- August 15th
(No class August 1st)


Scarborough **NEW** location & time
Simply Swagg Studios
705 Progress Avenue, Unit # 62
(Progress & Consillium Place Dr.)
Tuesdays 6:00pm – 7:00pm
June 9- August 4th


18 sessions $238.00; 9 sessions $126.00; Drop-in $16.00 per session
____________________________

Maple **NEW** location & time
Dance Passion Studio
399 Four Valley Drive unit#10
(South on Bass Pro Mills Drive, off Edgeley Drive)
(Near Vaughn Mills Plaza)
Fridays 6:00pm – 7:00pm
June 12 – August 7th

9 sessions $126.00; Drop-in $16.00 per session
__________________________________

Downtown- Toronto **NEW** location
O.I.P. Dance Studios
190 Richmond Street East, 2nd Floor
(Richmond & Jarvis)
Mondays 5:30 – 6:30 pm
June 8 – August 10
(No class August 3rd)

Thursdays 5:30 – 6:30 pm
June 11 – August 6th

9 sessions $125.00; Drop-in $16.00 per session


**Special Promotions**

Punch Cards Special

Buy a 9–session punch card for $126
Receive a FREE drop-in session (valued at $16)

Buy an 18–session punch card for $238
Receive 2 FREE drop-in sessions (valued at $32)

Maple and Downtown -Toronto locations
New Price

Valued Member - Special
Register 2 or more friends or family members
Receive 9 FREE sessions

Returning Member Appreciation –
10% off Regular summer sessions
________________


Gift Certificates Available
________________

Registration

Ayanna
Cell: 416-728-5545
ayanna@socacize.com
www.socacize.com

Feel De Vibe - Episode 1

Toronto's Best Jerk

All Jerk lovers, vote for the best Jerk in Toronto and then head to Harbourforont on August 2 to meet the winner!

VOTE HERE: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/worldroutes/bestjerk/

Jerk Jamboree Competition Winner
August 2, 2009

Who makes the best jerk in Toronto? Your vote counts! Vote on-line, and come August 2nd to meet the winner and taste their jerk. (For those not in the know, jerk is a hot, spicy, unique and delicious Jamaican way of cooking.). Choose from: Willy’s Jerk, Jerk King, Mr. Jerk, Irie Food Joint, Sunrise Caribbean Restaurant, Albert’s Real Jamaican Food, The Real Jerk, Soul Food Restaurant, Jam Dee’s Jerk Pit, or Nicey’s Take-Out. Voting will begin in July 2009.

Everyone: FREE

Sunday , August 2, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

Lakeside Terrace York Quay Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

De Caribana Lime has moved.......

Hey Readers take note: De Caribana Lime traditionally held on the island has officially been moved to Ontario Place as a result of the ongoing Toronto city workers strike!

Event: De Scotiabank Caribana Lime
Place: Ontario Place
Date: Sunday, August 2, 2009
Time: 12:00 – 8:00 pm
Cost: $ 14.00

2009 Junior Carnival Results

RESULTS FROM JUNIOR CARNIVAL COMPETITION

2009 Junior Band of the Year
1st. THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE – Callaloo
2nd. IN FULL BLOOM – Carnival Nationz
3rd. (tie) BIRDS OF PARADISE OF PARADISE – Tribal Knights
3rd. (tie) DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL – Toronto Revellers

2009 Junior King of the Bands
1st. Demeko Minott, 13 – Aladdin and the Magic Carpet – DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL
2nd. Shane Vincent, 13 – Altamira Oriole – BIRDS OF PARADISE
3rd. Fabian Lee, 8 – Jewel of the Ganges – THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE

2009 Junior Queen of the Bands
1st. Paige Lewis, 13 – Botanica – IN FULL BLOOM
2nd. Destynee Charles, 10 – The Guardian of Luxor – THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE
3rd. Celena Seusahai, 10 – Lesser Birds of Paradise – BIRDS OF PARADISE

2009 Junior Male Individual of the Year
1st. Malik Adams, 9 – Cayman Parrot – BIRDS OF PARADISE
2nd. Marvin Lee, 9 – Snake Charmer – THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE
3rd. Jamal James, 14 – The Beast (Beauty & The Beast) – DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL

2009 Junior Female Individual of the Year
1st. Shania Cunningham, 10 – Yaruba – DIS IS AFRICA
2nd. Caneisha Edwards, 10 – The Superb Lovebird – BIRDSOF PARADISE
3rd. Anastasia Burton, 12 – Ariel, The Little Mermaid – DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL

2009 "Kaiso 365" Calypso Monarch Results

Nine calypsonians from across the GTA vied for top prizes in the "Kaiso 365" Calypso Monarch Competition on Saturday, July 18th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (CNE Grounds). The nine "Kaiso 365" finalists were Structure, Calypso Crooner, Susan G., Spice, Beginner, Redman, Macomere Fifi, King Cosmos, and Naki. They performed two newly-composed calypsos before a panel of judges and each song was awarded a maximum of 100 points divided into five (5) categories: Lyrics 35, Melody 20, Vocal Rendition 25, Presentation 10, and Originality 10.

The results for 2009 "Kaiso 365" Calypso Monarch Competition:
1st Redman - Black Hen Chicken / Ah Done With Picong
2nd Calypso Crooner - Congratulations Obama / Living Backwards
3rd Structure - Manifesto for the People / My Social Commentary
4th Macomere Fifi - I Eh Taking No More / Call Me By Name
5th Naki - Ah Real Vex / T'ings Brown
6th Susan G - Who Bailing We Out / Pollution School
7th Spice - Heroes / Data Collector
8th King Cosmos - Michelle and the Queen / The Summit
9th Beginner - Out of Nowhere He Came / Take Back Caribana

Awards categories:
Arrangement - Winston Maingot / I Eh Taking No More
Local Content (tied) - Bryan Thornhill / My Social Commentary & Michael Thomas / Black Hen Chicken Humor - Michael Thomas / Black Hen Chicken
Lyrics - Michael Thomas / Black Hen Chicken
Melody - Winston Maingot / I Eh Taking No More
Rendition - Macomere Fifi / I Eh Taking No More
Originality - Bill Newman / Living Backwards

http://www.ocpacalypsoca.com/

Roll Call......Caribana 2009

Hey Readers,

Only 11 days before the big day and hopefully by now you've managed to pick a band and your section! So that begs the question.........WHO YUH PLAYING WITH?

This is the official 2009 Caribana roll call.........let's here who you'll be jumping up with this year. I'll start things off:

De Cocoa Panyol: Carnival Nationz - Lychee

Oh yes, and just in case you're a procrastinator and you're still looking to play mas, here is a complete list of all the bands in order of appearance along with contact info and mas camp location.

Band #1 (Category A)

Mas Toronto (Errol & Alicia Achue)

2009 Theme: Into D Wild

Mas Camp Address:

Phone: 416-283-6161

Website: http://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

Mas Camp Address: 787 Warden Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue), Scarborough, ON Mas Camp Hours: Monday - Sunday 11am - midnight

Phone: 416-444-9118 416-560-4419 416-843-4215

Website: www.saldenahcarnival.com

Band #3 (Category A) Nip Davis & SCSC (Selwin “Nip” Davis)

2009 Theme: Dis Is Africa

Mas Camp Address: 60 Barbados Blvd, Units 4 & 5, Scarborough, ON
Mas Camp Hours: 2pm - midnight - daily

Phone: 416-286-0097 647-242-7715 905-940-2944

Website: www.nipdavis.com www.scsc.ca

Band #4 (Category A)
Callaloo (Marlon Singh)

2009 Theme: The Ganges Meets The Nile

Mas Camp Address:

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
Mas Camp Address: 533 McNicoll Avenue (Victoria Park Road and McNicoll Avenue), North York, ON
Mas Camp Hours: Monday to Friday 6-9pm (except on holidays); Saturday & Sunday 2-6pm
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 – Bachannal In Rio

Mas Camp Address: 1530 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, ON
Mas Camp Hours: Monday - Saturday & Holidays - 4pm to 10pm

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

Mas Camp Address: 83 Dynamic Drive, Units 11 & 12 (Markham Road & McNicoll Avenue), Scarborough, ON
Mas Camp Hours: Sunday 12 - 9pm, Monday - Thursday 11am - 9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am - 11pm

Phone: 416-893-1867 416-396-3780

Website: www.tribalknights.com

Band #8 (Category A)
Jessie Matthews & All Ah We Toronto (Cy & Jessie Mathews)
2009 Theme: All Board
Mas Camp Address: 90 Melford Drive, Unit 2, Scarborough, ON as of June 1, 2009

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

Mas Camp Address: 55 Nuggett Avenue, Scarborough, ON

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

Mas Camp Address: 45 Ernest Avenue (Bloor & Dundas West), Toronto, ON

Phone: 905-568-9136

Website: http://www.dpleasureplayers.com/


Band #11 (Category B)

Connections – TCC (Mervyn Skeete)

2009 Theme: Gem Stones

Mas Camp Address: 705 Progress Avenue, Scarborough ON

Phone: 416-492-5584 647-295-5584

Website: www.tocarnival.com

Band #12 (Category B)

Doldron, Doldron & Associates (Courtney Doldron)

2009 Theme: Mas Hysteria

Mas Camp Address: 1790 Albion Road (@ HWY 27), Eotobicoke, ON

Phone: 416-986-7875 647-928-5609 416-779-4211

Email: csdoldron@rogers.com

NEW MAS BANDS for 2009
Band #13 (Category B)

All Spice Carnival (Curtis Eustace & Andre DeFreitas)

2009 THEME: Safari

Mas Camp Address: 538 Gordon Baker Road (Victoria Park and Steeles Avenue), Scarborough, ON

Phone: 416-728-6504 416-660-9154

Website: www.allspicecarnival.com

Band #14 (Category C)

All d’Friendz (Sherry Lee Kam)

2009 Theme: Dance With Me

Mas Camp Address: N/A

Phone: 416-287-6309 416-238-5323

Email: sherry.leekam@gmail.com

Band #15 (Category C)

Fantazia International (Will Morton)
2009 Theme: A Taste Of Brazil

Mas Camp Address: 501 Passmore Avenue, Unit 23 (Markham Road and Passmore Avenue), Scarborough, ON

Phone: 289-888-1247

Website: www.fantaziainternational.net

Pan Alive 2009

Introducing the E-PAN.....

Happy Anniversary.....De Cocoa Panyol after one year!

Dear Readers,

Exactly one year ago today I, De Cocoa Panyol, decided to "try a ting" and started blogging. I wasn't convinced that I would be able keep up with my blogging duties but I have to admit that this has turned out to be a lot of fun for me and I can truly list blogging as one my favourite hobbies. Thanks to everyone who has ever taken the time to visit. Its much appreciated... God Bless you all!!

Afropan Blockos

Hey readers,


Every year Afropan Blockos are a must for me for the Caribana season. Head on down to the panyard for some free family fun and some sweet pan music.

It's BLOCK-O time again!!!!

This years theme is "A TRIBUTE TO THE MAGIC MAN MICHAEL JACKSON" so this SUNDAY JULY 19th come out as the tribute begins. We have many special guest coming to the 'YARD' to perform at the annual PAN KAISO JAZZ BLOCK-O.

Then on SUNDAY JULY 26th is the annual BIG BLOCK-O, come pick up your 2009 Afropan T-Shirt plenty food and drinks and some of Toronto's best DJ's will be passing thru!

There's nothing better then a good PAN YARD LIME so after KING & QUEEN
(Thursday July 30th) come dressed in WHITE and get a chance to take in the MAGIC DRUM as that will be our song for the PAN ALIVE COMPETITION taking place Friday July 31st!

AFROPAN - The People's Band Celebrating over 35 years!!!
http://www.afropan.ca/
http://www.myspace.com/afropan
(416) 245-6411 Ext # 1

Roller skating Babies

Cariban has launched......

Caribana is officially here.......BACCHANAL!!!!

Here is a listing of all the events taking place during the 2009 Caribana season (some familiar and some new). Click on the links for a full description of each event.

Junior Carnival - Saturday, July 18, 2009

"Kaiso 365" Calypso Monarch Finals - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Art Exhibition - "Beyond the Rhythm" - Thursday, July 23, 2009

Scotiabank Caribana Gala - Friday, July 24, 2009

Clash of Tents - Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Scotiabank Caribana King & Queen Show - Thursday, July 30, 2009

Pan Alive - Friday, July 31, 2009

Scotiabank Caribana Parade - Saturday, August 1, 2009

Caribana Tent Theatres - Saturday, August 1, 2009

Caribana After Parade Fusion - Saturday, August 1, 2009

De Scotiabank Caribana Lime - - Sunday, August 1, 2009

Caribana Tent Villages Goes to Ontario Place - Monday, August 1, 2009

Visit the Official Cariban website for more details: http://www.caribanafestival.com/

Junior Carnival - Caribana 2009

Junior Caribana takes place this Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Yorkgate Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A panel of five volunteer judges will adjudicate all bands using the following criteria: Visual impact (max. 20 marks); Authenticity (10); Creativity (20); Mas on the Move (10); Clarity of Theme (10); Presentation (20); and Craftsmanship (10) for a total of 100 marks. The order of merit is determined by discarding the highest and lowest score per participant. The judges’ decision is final, and is announced at the end of the parade.

Its not too late to get a costume for your little ones so check out each mas camp for there 2009 offering for the kiddies.

Now if only the weather would cooperate......let's pray for some sunshine for our lil masqueraders!!

OCPA 2009 Calypso Monarch Finalists

The finalists for the 2009 Calypson Monarch have been announced. Eight competitors will take on defending champion Macomere Fifi for the esteemed title.

Here are the finalists in Order of Appearance:

1. Brian Thornhill ~ Structure ~ Kaiso Forum
2. Bill Newman ~ Calypso Crooner ~ The Professionals
3. Susan Grogan ~ Susan G ~ Kaiso Forum
4. Denise Alexander ~ Spice ~ Kaiso Forum
5. Michael Moore ~ Beginner ~ The Professionals
6. Michael Thomas ~ Redman ~ Kaiso Forum
7. Tara Eulith Woods ~ Macomere Fifi (2008 defending champ) ~ The Professionals
8. Henry Gomez ~ King Cosmos ~ Kaiso Forum
9. Nzunaki Tuitt ~ Naki ~ The Professionals
* Reserve Leslie Carrabon ~ De Carra ~ Kaiso Forum
* in case one of the original eight finalists cannot perform on the night for any reason

OCPA's KAISO 365 Calypso Monarch Finals with take place on Saturday July 18th, 2009 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Exhibition Place, CNE Grounds). Tickets are $42.00 in advance; $45.00 at the door. For a list of ticket outlets, check your local Toronto Caribbean newspapers or call OCPA at 416-795-2722.

The nine finalists 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 - 35
Melody - 20
Vocal Rendition - 25
Presentation - 10
Originality - 10

Cash prizes and gifts are awarded to the four (4) singers with the highest score out of a total of 200 points.

In addition, there will be the following special awards categories: Arrangement, Local Content, Humor, Background Vocals, and New Artiste.

OCPA (Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes) Website: http://www.ocpacalypsoca.com/index.php/kaiso-365

Good luck to all the contestants!!!

Carnival Nationz Miami

Great news Carnival Nationz masqueraders.......CNz is spreading their wings to Miami!!!

Check it out......

BIG News from the CNz camp...
Picture this... it’s October, getting colder in Toronto as Thanksgiving long weekend fast approaches... dreams of sun, sea and sand on everyone’s mind... yuh feet doh stop ‘cause somewhere around the world ah carnival is about to explode on stage... ahhhhhhh where better to be in early Fall than in MIAMI... playing mas with North America’s #1 Carnival masquerade band...

CARNIVAL NATIONZ – MIAMI in the 2009 rebirth of “One Miami Carnival”.
In this, our 5th year of existence, with 2 Caribana “Band of the Year” titles and numerous King, Queen and Individual wins under our belt, we have commenced a new era in Toronto’s #1 band’s history, i.e. the launch of CARNIVAL NATIONZ MIAMI.

CARNIVAL NATIONZ MIAMI begins...

What is CNz Miami about?
CNz Miami is about unleashing the spirit, quality and experience that is deeply embedded within our philosophy and mentality on the sensory overdose that is MIAMI , especially around carnival time. Now we have not ventured into this lightly but rather through months of careful planning. We truly believe that with the recent consolidation of the Broward & Miami carnivals into one Miami festival... the timing is perfect to launch CNz Miami. So we will be teaming up with promoters and other business people in Miami and across the US to re-create the CNz vibe. We are truly excited with this venture and look forward to being able to participate and develop a strong loyalty base in two of the biggest Caribbean-style carnival festivals in the world.

Miami Carnival takes place on the same weekend as Canada’s Thanksgiving Long Weekend – so that is even more incentive to get away and travel to Miami to enjoy a long weekend in the sun, near the sea and playing mas with CNz Miami.

What does this mean for YOU – the masquerader?

Quite simply put... if you buy and play mas with CNz in Toronto for Caribana, then you are automatically entitled to use that costume at Miami Carnival in CNz Miami – for a nominal band fee. So buy one costume and play mas at two of North America ’s premier festivals. There will be further details explaining how this process will work but for the first time in North America the ultimate mas loyalty program will be put into action. Of course if you wine-up too much during Caribana and yuh mash up yuh costume, then you can always purchase a brand new one specifically for Miami . Or you can even buy a brand new costume in a completely different section to the one you played in Toronto.

So buy one CNz costume and play mas at TWO of North America’s best carnivals – Toronto & MIAMI ... this is the just the beginning of the madness!!

MORE INFO to come...
So stay tuned to favourite websites... CNz facebook user group info... CNz official emails... etc... and get more info on:

CNz Miami specific details

Miami travel plans

CNz Miami dates and events

CNz Miami DJs – e.g. Bandit etc...

Any questions regarding CNz Miami please feel free to contact us:

CNz Band Leaders:

Bryce @ 416.985.8488

Marcus @ 416.565.4079

Dwayne @ 416.930.9650

Caribana Lauch Location Change

Hi Readers,

The 2009 Official Caribana Launch will now take place at Dundas Square instead of at Nathan Phillips Square (due to the current garbage strike).

Date and time are still the same though.....
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

See you all in the square........Caribana is almost here!!!!

MONTREAL CARIFIESTA

Happy Carifiesta to all those partying in Montreal........
hope everyone is having fabulous time!!!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!

HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!!!

(psst.....don't panic but its only 30 days before our Caribana Parade.....
ARE YOU READY?!?!)