Monday, May 31, 2010

THE PROFESSIONALS 2010 CALYPSO TENT MUSIC SERIES

THE PROFESSIONALS 2010 CALYPSO TENT MUSIC SERIES
SATURDAYS JUNE 5, 12, 19, 26 & JULY 3 - ADMISSION - $15. (adv),$20.(door)
Steelworkers Union Hall, 25 Cecil Street, Toronto.

“NEW FACES IN THE PROFESSIONALS 2010 LINEUP!”

“Rajiman” (Roger Gibbs) and “Lady Pearl” (Sheila Bereteron) and the “Calypso Crooner” have all opted out of calypso this year and the veteran, “Smokey Burke” and Soca Artiste “Nikki” (Nikeisha Toussaint) Have joined us!” announced the producers TLK, as they un-veiled the new 2010 lineup of Calypso Stars who will take centre-stage at The Professionals Calypso Tent when they open their doors on Saturday June 5th at 8.00 p.m at the Steelworkers Union Hall, 25 Cecil Street in downtown Toronto.

The Professionals Calypso Tent Music Series will be fielding a very powerful cast this year featuring several of Canada’s top Calypso stalwarts. “Jayson” (John Perez) is Canada’s Juno Award Winner for Calypso, a former 4-time Monarch and top Calypso lyricist. “Beginner” (Michael Moore), is the nephew of the late great Lord Beginner after whom he took his sobriquet, and who still holds the record for having won the crown here five times. “Macomere Fifi” (Eulith Tara Woods), is Canada’s Calypso Queen and winner of several other monarch titles including twice here. “D Juiceman”(Dick Lochan) placed 2nd in the 2010 Central Trinidad (Couva) Monarch Finals and sings with Kaiso Showcase Tent in T&T.

“PanMan Pat” (Pat McNeilly), is a former 2-time Calypso Monarch here. “Naki” (Nzunaki Tuitt) is a former Junior Calypso Monarch (South Trinidad) and finalist here and “Pensioner”(Kenny Quammie) has previously made it to the finals.

Newcomers “Smokey Burke”, is a true Veteran in the entertainment business and a very versatile performer and “Nikki” (Nikeisha Toussaint) is a young and vibrant soca princess.

Dick Lochan will take over the MC duties and the cast will once again be all backed by The SOCA BUNCH BRASS BAND led by Michael “Skel” Redhead and the Professionals Back Up singers and the music and sound will be handled by Dubble Impack.




For further information contact Judith Thompson at 416-769-7888.

Toronto Lime - CARN 98.7 FM begins testing its signal!

Toronto Lime - CARN 98.7 FM begins testing its signal!

After many unforeseen delays and obstacles, CARN Radio is proud to announce that it commenced the testing its 98.7 FM frequency on Monday, May 31st, 2010 at 10am EST. CARN is aimed at servicing Toronto’s vibrant Black and Caribbean population in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding environs. Tune in now to hear it!!!!

“This is a great day for our community,” says Fitzroy Gordon, President of CARN. “We wish to thank everyone for their patience and support while we sorted out a petition against CARN.”

In April 2006, the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) approved a new commercial radio license for CARN Radio subject to it having an approved airways frequency. The frequency chosen after much technical and engineering testing was 98.7 FM. There is a Canadian broadcast rule which stipulates that if any frequency license holder has a second adjacent license to an incumbent broadcaster, then approval from the incumbent license holder is required before the second adjacent license holder can commence broadcasting. CBC Radio 99.1 FM is the incumbent broadcaster to CARN Radio 98.7 FM.

CARN had to lobby the CBC, the CRTC, Industry Canada, and the Government of Canada in its quest to get support for this second adjacent license. Finally, in July 2009, the Government of Canada, under the Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, granted CARN Radio permission to run tests on its 98.7 FM frequency. Toronto’s community held a celebration on Sunday, September 27th, 2009 to a packed house of well-wishers, politicians, media, and church elders.

CARN’s initial broadcasting test will comprise a music-only format, with occasional public service announcements, while its engineers work out technical matters. Before the switch was turned on, Fitzroy Gordon said a prayer of thanks to God for His greatness and for this great day for CARN. Then he flipped the switch turning on CARN at 10am with its first song being “One Love” by Bob Marley.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

2010 CARIBANA Parade of the Bands order announced

2010 CARIBANA Parade of the Bands order announced

The Toronto Mas Bands Association met earlier today to draw for the official order of appearance at the 2010 Scotiabank CARIBANA parade of the bands.

Toronto Revellers will lead off the pack followed by the other 13 Mas bands. (full order listed below).

The parade takes place on Saturday July 31st starting at 10am, from the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and proceeds along Lakeshore Blvd till 6pm in downtown Toronto.

Here is the official order of appearance of the 2010 competing masquerade bands:
1. Toronto Revellers
2. Mas Toronto
3. Saldenah Mas-K Club
4. Tribal Knights
5. Callaloo
6. Carnival Nationz
7. Connections
8. Black Sage
9. Mas Players Int'l
10. Fantazia Int'l
11. Pleasure Players
12. Guycan
13. Tru Dynasty Carnival
14. Genesis Carnival


For more information regarding CARIBANA 2010, please visit www.caribanafestival.com

hmm.....noticeably absent is any mention of DeFreitas Carnival....

So are you happy with your band's position? if you haven't yet registered, does band position determine your band of choice? Are you like me, once I'm in my costume of choice I have a time on de road no matter what,.......first, last, smack dab in the middle.....I've experienced them all over the years :-)


Thursday, May 27, 2010

Canadian Caribbean Festival Dates

Hi readers,

Here's a look at upcoming Caribbean Festivals that will be taking place across Canada this summer. As previously mentioned, Montreal's Carifete has sadly been cancelled this year. I've been to Carifete and really enjoyed it so let's hope that this festival will be back for 2011. I couldn't find any up to date info about Edmonton's Cariwest and Winnipeg's Caripeg but I'll keep checking. In the past these festivals have taken place August.


So here we go, first up is Calgary's Carifest which takes place next month.


Calgary Carifest - June 5 - June 12, 2010



Ottawa CaribVibe: June 19, 2010



Montreal Carifete - July 3, 2010



Vancouver Caribbean Days - July 24 & 25, 2010



Brampton West Fete Carnival - August 6 & 7, 2010



Hamilton Carnival - August 6, 2010



Barrie Caribfest - August 13 - 15, 2010



Edmonton Cariwest - August


Winnipeg Caripgeg- August

Callaloo Mas Camp Pre-Opening

Saldenah 2010 Kiddies Band Launch

Kiddies Launch this Sunday
May 30th @ 1pm
Inside Louis Saldenah Mas Camp
12 Cranfield Rd. Toronto

Costumes are only $20.00
Don't miss out...REGISTER EARLY!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Band Launch Reminders.....Happy Victoria Day!!!

Callaloo - "Halloween" - May 23, 2010 @ Everest Banquet Hall

Guycan Group and Trini Massive - "Sparkle Guyana Sparkle" - May 23, 2010 @ Tropical Sunset

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Barbados On the Water

The Barbados Tourism Authority and the Consulate General of Barbados in partnership with Harbourfront Centre, are pleased to bring back one of the hottest summer festivals in Toronto – Barbados on the Water!

Barbados on the Water is Canada's largest and most authentic celebration of the stunning island nation and the unique beauty of Barbadian culture. The festival will feature tasty cuisine, steel pan drumming workshops, literary events, exciting dance performances and children’s activities such as storytelling, costume making and face-painting.

Coaches interested in bringing volleyball, basketball, soccer or track-and-field groups to Barbados, will find the sports seminar very informative!

New this year is an Iron Chef competition, where an award-winning Barbadian chef will compete against one of Toronto’s finest celebrity chefs! Guests will also be able to enjoy rum and beer tastings in the Tropical Relaxation Zone. A hilariously engaging theatrical production will leave audiences gasping for breath while the soulful sounds of jazz will thrill music lovers. Legendary Soca Monarchs will have the crowd dancing to the sweet, sweet sounds of calypso.

There is something for everyone during the weekend festival, so come on down and enjoy a taste of Barbados! All the events are free admission unless otherwise indicated.

Barbados Tourism Authority

Check out the weblink for information on both TICKETED and FREE events: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/worldroutes/festivals.cfm?festival_id=49

Monday, May 17, 2010

Hamilton Carnival Is Back


AUGUST 6TH TO 9TH
HAMILTON CARNIVAL
IT'S BACK... BIGGER AND BETTER!!!

* 9 BIG BANDS FROM TORONTO"S CARIBANA
* ENTERTAINERS AND DJS FROM TRINIDAD
* TASSA
* STEELBANDS
* SAILOR BANDS
* PLUS LOTS OF LOCAL ACTS

INFO: 1-289-389-1575

What does this mean for Brampton's WEST FETE which is scheduled for the very same weekend????
Which parade would you choose to attend????


Sunday, May 16, 2010

Connections......Colours in Motion....2010 Band Launch


Band Launch Hosted By: Jean Paul
Date: June 5, 2010
Time : Sat. 9:00pm - Sun. 2:00am
Venue : VIVA CITY - 3820 Victoria Park Avenue
North York ON M2H 3H7
(Victoria Pk & Gordon Baker)
Costumes will be shown at 12.00 midnight
Admission : $10.00
Mas Camp Opening
Date and Time: Sunday June 6th at 1:00pm
Refreshments will be served. All welcome to join us.

1710 Midland Avenue, Unit 9
Scarborough ON (south of Ellesmere Road)

For More Info:
Mervyn - 416-492-5584 / 647-295-5584
Lyn - 416-473-9964
Garvin & Leigh - 416-556-6008
Sherry & Peter - 416-287-6309 / 416-271-4863
Melanie - 647-271-4863
Mas Camp - 647-321-5584

Caribana 2010....Band themes and launch dates

Tribal Knights - "HOLLYWOOD: Glitz and Glamour" - April 10th, 2010 @ the Grand Luxe

Mas Players International/SVG Revellers/Attitude Mas - "Wonders of the World" - April 25, 2010 @ Coconuts Restaurant and Lounge

Carnival Nationz -
"Sparrow.....D'Legend" - May 1, 2010 @ the Sound Academy

Black Sage (formerly Nip Davis & SCSC) - "Kopy Kat" - May 1, 2010 @ Northern Tropics

Genesis Mas - "What a Thing of Beauty" - May 1, 2010 @ G..C. Production Mas Camp

De Freitas Carnival - "Reign of Fire" - May 3, 2010 (ONLINE LAUNCH)

Saldenah Mas K Club - "Portraits" - May 8, 2010 @ Embers Banquet Hall

Toronto Revellers -
"Disco Fever......ain't no stopping us now" - May 8, 2010 @ Everest Banquet Hall

Mas Toronto - "Out of many ....One Toronto" May 14, 2010 @ Pickering Recreation Complex

Fantazia International - "Fashion Runway" - May 15, 2010 @ Tropical Sunset

TruDynasty - "Fever - What Makes You HOT" - May 15, 2010 @ Embers Banquet Hall

XPATS - Section Launch - "Portraits of Autumn" - May 15, 2010 @ Meadowvale Community Centre

Callaloo - "Halloween" - May 23, 2010 @ Everest Banquet Hall

Guycan Group and Trini Massive - "Sparkle Guyana Sparkle" - May 23, 2010 @ Tropical Sunset

Connections - "Colours in Motion" - June 5, 2010 @ VIVA City

Pleasure Players - D'Marriage


MORE THEMES, DATES AND LOCATIONS TO COME.......STAY TUNED!!!

Mas Camp Locations

Hi Readers,

We are smack dab in the middle of band launch season so its time to start making your way to the various mas camps to secure your costumes.

Here's a list of some of the mas camp locations.....I'll keep adding to the list as the info becomes available.

Black Sage
60 Barbados Blvd., Units 4 & 5
Scarborough, Ontario

Callaloo
http://www.callaloo.net
1920 Ellesmere Rd, Unit 2
Scarborough, Ontario

Carnival Nationz
529 McNicoll Avenue (McNicoll & Victoria Park)
Toronto, Ontario

Connections
1710 Midland Avenue, Unit 9 (south of Ellesmere Road)
Scarborough, Ontario

Fantazia International
120 Barbados Bvld, Unit 13 & 14
Scarborough, Ontario

Genesis Mas
1603 Eglinton Avenue West (at Oakwood)
Toronto, Ontario

Guycan Group
2141 Kipling Avenue, Unit #10
Etobicoke, Ontario


Mas Toronto
730 Military Trial
Tam Heather Curling and Tennis Club
Scarborough, Ontario

Mas Players International
http://www.masplayers.com
1790 Albion Road, Unit 2
Toronto, Ontario

Pleasure Players
1475 Dupont Street
Toronto, Ontario

Saldenah Mas-K- Club
12 Cranfield Road
Toronto, Ontario

Toronto Revellers
1530 Birchmount Road, Unit 21
Scarborough, Ontario

Tribal Knights
http://www.tribalknights.com
83 Dynamic Drive, Units 11 & 12 (Markham & McNicoll)
Scarborough, Ontario

TruDynasty
289 Bridgeland Ave, Unit 107
North York, Ontario

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Friday, May 14, 2010

Band Launch Reminders......

Mas Toronto - "Out of many ....One Toronto" May 14, 2010 @ Pickering Recreation Complex

Fantazia International - "Fashion Runway" - May 15, 2010 @ Tropical Sunset

TruDynasty - "Fever - What Makes You HOT" - May 15, 2010 @ Embers Banquet Hall

XPATS - Section Launch - "Portraits of Autumn" - May 15, 2010 @ Meadowvale Community Centre

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

FLAUNT......On De Water



Socacize FLAUNTing its first appearance on the Water!
Socacize Entertainment encourages you to start getting yourself ready to FLAUNT at Socacize Boatcruise. Sailing in style on the

Stella Borealis
Tuesday July 27
1 Queens Quay East Pier 27
Boarding time 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Jay & DOC
M.C Eman

Tickets
$40 | adv. $35
Includes complimentary food and one drink

Tickets available from Saturday, May 15th
Chic Nightlounge (at the FLAUNT
party)
For information & tickets :
Ayanna 416-728-5545 | info@socacize.com

West
Sachy
416-937-3641 | djdoc@me.com

East
Cut Creator II
810 Midland Avenue
416-266-1962
Cut Creator (Malvern Mall)
31 Tapscott Road
416- 754-2030

Sheldon
647-836-7901

Downtown
Cheryl 416-560-2783


Tickets are also available at all SOCACIZE locations in Toronto (visit http://www.socacize.com/classes.php for full schedule)

Socacize Caribana Bootcamp 2010


"Playing Mas for Caribana?"

For extra energy and fun company don’t hesitate to come palance & sweat at SOCACIZE Caribana Bootcamp - the only Bootcamp in Canada offering 2 hrs of cardio, toning and strengthening workout with Ontario’s top DJs – Dr. Jay (Flo 93.5), DOC (Island explosion 105.5),Jaydunaway, Gdub & Sureshot. DJs invigorate you with their Soca, Zouke, Reggae and Latin current & oldies selections. It’s the ultimate dance combined with aerobics workout experience that people can’t stop talking about!

Due to popular demand, SOCACIZE Caribana Bootcamp is now being offered at 3 locations:
Brampton- Terry Miller Recreation Centre
1295 Williams Parkway (Bramalea & Williams Pkwy)
Saturdays June 19 – July 24
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Scarborough-Continental Soriee (formally Tropical Sunset)
1957 Kennedy Road (401 & Kennedy)
Thursdays June 10 – July 22 (no class July 1st)
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Toronto **NEW LOCATION**
OIP Dance Centre 190 Richmond (Jarvis & Richmond)
Fridays July 23 & 30th (only)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
(2 sessions - $25.00 total)

6 sessions - $75.00

12 sessions - $150.00

drop - in - $15.00

EARLY BIRD BOOTCAMP SAVINGS

Register for 12 sessions and SAVE $5 (offer extended to May 21st)

Registration Options (space is limited):
  • Interac email money transfer (ayanna@socacize.com)
(state first and last name, boot camp location, contact number)

Terri Lyons Tribal Knights Moulin Rouge Caribana Promo

Alicia Keys - Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)

The Louis Saldenah 2010 Band Launch

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2019 Toronto Carnival Band Directory

Hi readers, The mas bands have done their part… Band leaders have chosen their themes,  designers have worked tirelessly on thei...