Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Drake "Old Money" Juno Skit
CARIBANA COSTUME CONTRACTORS
We specialize in sample-prototype sewing, cut and sew production runs for section costumes as well as sourcing of materials. Depending on your needs we can rebuild your ideas producing them in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Quality, customer service and on time delivery has built our reputation.
We will work with you to ensure your product is just the way you want it regardless of the size of the job.
Based in Toronto servicing all of Ontario. We began working within the Carnival community and have been contracted to produce costumes for dance school recitals, corporate theme parties and private parties.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
New Band Alert - Renaissance Mas Productions
About UsRenaissance Mas Productions (RMP) was formed by joint band leaders, Kathleen Hughes and Nataki Christmas, and a team of enthusiastic mas makers and players in September 2010. This group was birth out of Arnold Hughes & Associates, a veteran mas maker and mas player. He started making mas in Trinidad in the '60s, and has expanded to Toronto, Calgary and Washington. Arnold and his dedicated team have produced many winning costumes over the years, and have achieved the coveted title of "Band Of The Year", twice. One of the meanings of the word "renaissance" is: "The activity, spirit, or time of the great revival of art, literature, and learning in Europe beginning in the 14th century and extending to the 17th century, marking the transition from the medieval to the modern world."
Renaissance Mas Productions will mark the revival of great mas; blending the traditional & modern worlds together. Both Kathleen and Nataki grew up surrounded by mas, first starting out as players, and then eventually developed the skill of making mas. They have been a part of the team that's helped to produce many of the winning costumes for Arnold Hughes & Associates. Some of the same members of this team are now a part of Renaissance Mas Productions.
‘Fearless’ black activist Dudley Laws dies at age 76
Dudley Laws was a controversial race activist, beloved by many in the community that he served.
A constant flow of well-wishers visited him in his hospital room where he’d been confined for the last month and a thousand supporters turned out for a ceremony to honour his activism just days before his death.
Laws died early Thursday morning at Humber River Regional Hospital after battling cancer and kidney disease. He was 76.
In 1988, after a number of black men were shot and killed in confrontations with Toronto-area police, Laws co-founded the Black Action Defence Committee along with Charles Roach, Sherona Hall and Lennox Farrell.
The group pushed for independent police oversight, and Laws became a tough and vocal critic of the force’s relationship with his community. And he accused police of targeting black youth.
“He did many things that we could not because he was untiring and completely fearless,” said former Toronto Star journalist Philip Mascoll, who has known Laws since 1981.
Laws had an admirable spirit, said Mascoll. “There are those of us who chose not to be activists because we have to raise families and do other mundane things. Dudley took all the risks for all of us. He fought city hall. And he didn’t care if he won. He made sure they knew there was a fight.”
In 1990, Laws called on then Premier Bob Rae to establish an independent body to investigate police shootings after Toronto Constable David Deviney was acquitted of the shooting death of Lester Donaldson during a confrontation. Donaldson was a mentally-ill black man. The Special Investigations Unit, which looks at all police shootings, was formed in the wake of the Donaldson killing.
“Clearly the man’s public life and a large part of his private life was dedicated to trying to ensure greater levels of justice,” said Toronto deputy police chief Peter Sloly. Although he says Laws’ approach was sometimes controversial and could be described as adversarial, “ultimately he . . . wanted to see more justice. I don’t think anybody could take away the intent behind it.”
“There were times when we had to agree to disagree,” says Sloly, “but in terms of the overall arch of his life and the arch of where we would like to go as a service, there was more alignment than there was less.” Sloly said that in his later years, Laws had been focused on helping troubled youth.
But he had his detractors. After Laws criticized police for the shooting and wounding of 16-year-old Marlon Neal in 1990, he was accused of promoting an “advocacy of violence” by Metro police chief William McCormack. And his motivation was questioned in 2003 by then Ontario public safety minster Bob Runciman, who said Toronto’s black community had to take some responsibility for gang violence.
Laws was born in Jamaica in 1934 and arrived in Canada in 1965 after living in England. He worked as a welder until the early ‘70s, and then ran a printing company before becoming an immigration consultant, a job he held until he was hospitalized.
His son, Robert Laws, says his father didn’t let his illness slow him down. Days before he was hospitalized, Laws was counselling inmates at Joyceville, a federal prison near Kingston, Ont. And Laws wrapped up a meeting with the Black Action Defence Committee in his hospital room just hours before he died.
“He was like my brother, my father. He was a mentor to me,” said Hewitt Loague, current president of the BADC. “I watched the way he dealt with people, just his overall handling of situations. Because of his work, changes (in policing) were made.”
Dudley Laws leaves behind his wife, Monica, and five children. A public funeral will be held, with arrangements still to be finalized.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Mark your calendars.....Caribana Band Launch Season is right around the corner
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tribal Knights - Breaking News
On Saturday April 2, 2011 at the Tribal Knights 2K11 Band Launch of LEGENDS, we are pleased to announce that we will be giving away an all-inclusive trip to Miami Carnival 2011.
All you need to have to qualify is a ticket to next week's Band Launch and YOU could be the lucky winner of this incredible prize package.
The Tribal Knights team has been hard at work preparing some of the most fabulous costumes you will ever see as we get ready for D' Toronto Carnival!!!
Tickets are moving FAST so don't get left behind.
Contact: Dexter -- (647) 886-1867, Sean - (416) 550-7156, or email Nicky at nicky@tribalknights.com for tickets.
What: TRIBAL KNIGHTS BAND LAUNCH
When: APRIL 2, 2011
Where: THE GRAND LUXE, 3125 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Time: DOORS OPEN AT 9 PM
Cover: $15 advanced tickets (more at the door)
TRIBAL KNIGHTS
The Spirit of Carnival
www.tribalknights.com
Carifiesta - Band Leaders Meeting
CCFA will be hosting a band leaders meeting on Thursday March 24 @ 8:00pm at 6767 Côte-des-Neiges.
For all individuals who wish to bring a band or have a float in Carifiesta this year this is your opportunity to get all the details on registration fees and other information.
Send us an email with your contact phone number at bands@carifiesta.com or just drop by the meeting on Thursday.
See you all there!
_____________________________________
Français:
CCFA tiendra une rencontre pour toutes les personnes désireuses de participer à la parade Carifiesta.
Vous recevrez toute l’information concernant les coûts d’inscription et autres détails concernant cette journée.
La rencontre aura lieu jeudi 24 mars @8 :00pm au 6767 Côte-des-Neiges.
Envoyez-nous un message incluant vos coordonnées au bands@carifiesta.com ou venez nous voir à la rencontre de jeudi soir.
À bientôt!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Socacize Spring Bootcamp
March 31st - May 8th
Toronto attracting over 100 revelers, masqueraders and party people!
Vitamin F-FUN, there can be gain without pain™
Rhythms to make you dance, exercises to build stamina, tone muscle, lose inches and boost confidence!
Scarborough
1957 Kennedy Road (Kennedy & 401 Scarborough)
March 31 – May 5, 2010
247 McMurchy Ave S.
April 2 – May 7, 2010
190 Richmond St. (Jarvis & Richmond)
Sundays 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
April 3 - May 8, 2011
- At any SOCACIZE location (visit http://www.socacize.com/classes.php for full schedule)
- Interac email money transfer to ayanna@socacize.com (state first and last name, boot camp location, contact number)
- online at www.socacize.com
info@socacize.com
1.888.552.SOCA (7622)
416.728.5545
www.socacize.com
Follow Socacize Fitness on Twitter for daily updates on classes, etc.
twitter.com/socacize
Tru Dynasty Model Search
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Nip Davis, Canada’s Caribana Innovator Dies
Selwyn ‘Nip’ Davis one of the earliest band leaders of Caribana and a founding member of the Toronto Mas Band Association (TMBA) passed away last Tuesday after succumbing to congestive heart failure. Nip who has been credited as been a catalyst in the success of Caribana is known for his stunning presentations which led him to win the Band of the Year title six times and the King and Queen of the Band crowns eight times each.
Nip immigrated to Canada in 1969 from Trinidad and Tobago and immediately began preparations for one of the first real organized street parades of Caribana that very year. He continuously participated for the following 40 years, nurturing the formation of mas band organizations, culminating in the TMBA.
His daughter, Sandra, said that he was cheerful and in good spirits until recently, cognizant of the well wishes from his legion of admirers, co-band leaders and general followers of the long standing festival. When asked what else he did besides work and Caribana, she said,
“Always Caribana, and more Caribana, he lived for it, promoted it, and did more than most to bring the festival to where it is today. Bear in mind that he was born into Carnival in Trinidad, and never stopped celebrating that too, having worked with major costume makers and band leaders, the likes of George Bailey and Peter Minshall, who in turn admired his resourcefulness and creativity.”
Before coming to Toronto the Trinidad & Tobago government chose a replica of Davis' second-place costume in the islands' King & Queen competition for its 15-cent stamp. "That was a very proud moment for him," his daughter remarked.
One of Nip’s earliest mas making colleagues, Whitfield Belasco, said, “I was introduced to Nip in 1971, and in the immediate years after, we collaborated, winning Band of the Year in 1985. Nip was a cool guy, very level headed, always there for you, extremely resourceful, lots of design ideas, everybody respected him, and I say unequivocally that he has brought Caribana to what it is today. I don’t think you can replace a guy like Nip.”
The former Chair of the TMBA, Louis Saldenah said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of the irreplaceable Nip; I have known him since 1970, he was a true gentleman, the best mentor you could have, always lending a helping hand to up and coming band members, because he wanted to see this festival grow, without a doubt he was one the best of the originals of Caribana.”
Nip was employed as a service manager by PepsiCo Canada for 17 years and the Children's Aid Society of Toronto for nearly 12 years. His rich and extensive cultural experience is included in the Multicultural History Society of Ontario's Oral History Collection which is one of the largest in North America. It contains nearly 9,000 hours of interviews from every ethnic group in Canada.
In a press release by the Caribana Arts Group Chair, Henry Gomez said, “Despite the sadness that this occasion brings, we are happy to know that Nip passed on his knowledge. He also helped a younger generation to develop the skills needed to carry on the carnival tradition. We will truly miss him.”
Nip is survived by his wife Colleen of 33 years, his daughters Sandra, Donna, Natasha, Marcia and Tonya, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
YAY MONTREAL - CARIFIESTA IS BACK FOR 2011
Hello all Carifiesta members,
We would like to first thank all the supporters of the CCFA organization for helping us and encouraging us in the journey that has lasted for now 3 years.
That being said, we are glad to announce that there will be Carnival again in Montreal this year and CCFA has been chosen as the promoter of the 36th edition of Carifiesta!!
We’ve been waiting for it and now it’s time to go to work to make this edition an unforgettable one!!
CCFA will be hosting an information meeting where we will be going over what will be needed from all of us in order to start the preparation for Carifiesta.
For all of you that have asked to be a part of the organization, to be a volunteer, to bring a band, make costumes and to help in any way you can, this is the time to put your words into actiosn. Our community has greatly suffered from the decline of Carifiesta and now is the time to show how important this event is to our culture.
Do not sleep on it, be a part of this great community event!!
The meeting will be held at 6767 Côte-des-Neiges on Thursday, March 17 @ 9pm.
For more information, do not hesitate to leave us a message and we will get back to you within the following 24 hours.
Tru Dynasty update
Many many of you have been asking about our 2011 costumes. Thea has been hard at work and you know the costumes are gonna be CRAZY! We are still looking for a few models for our upcoming photo shoot and fashion show so if you are interested please send a full body picture (preferably in a swimsuit) to info@TruDYNASTY.com and we will get back to you.
Get first dibs on our costumes as they go on sale AT THE BANDLAUNCH!! Yes!!! Our launch will take place on Saturday April 16th at the UNDERGROUND located at York University in the Student Centre-4700 Keele St. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 10pm. You will be in for a treat! TruDYNASTY presents The ROARING 20's. Think flapper girls, gangsters, showgirls and cigarette girls. We will also pay tribute to Bonnie & Clyde, Josephine Baker and COCO Chanel. You will be able to reserve a costume at the launch to avoid disappointment. Remember, because we came in 1st last year, we are now an A band and will be at the FRONT OF THE PARADE!
TruDYNASTY is making history! This year, we are taking things to another level. Jump Up And Give Back! $10 from every costume sale will be going to one of 9 different charities that we are supporting this year. So, if you know someone with sickle cell, HIV/AIDS, a mental or physical disability, in an abusive relationship etc. we will be supporting them and now you can too!
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR DVD??
If you played with us for 2010 you should have received your DVD. If you have not received it please respond to this msg asap with your name and address and we will get one out to you!
Have a great week.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
OH OH.......City denies Afrofest an event permit | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun
The popular Afrofest festival that has celebrated the sounds of the dark continent for 23 years at Queen’s Park has had the plug pulled on this year’s festivities.
Also refused a special event permit by City Hall is the Toronto Freedom Festival which was slated for May also on the north lawn of Queen’s Park.
Disappointed Afrofest organizers said the city’s park, forestry and recreations department refused to issue them a permit for the two-day event in July that is a highlight for the African community in Toronto.
“This is the most significant event every year,” said festival president Michael Stohr. “People are shocked and stunned by what is happening.”
Stohr said the refusal came as vendors, bands and musicians were being booked.
“I think Afrofest as we know it is gone,” he said on Monday. “I think the festival would be set back 20 years if we moved to another venue.”
He said there were complaints regarding noise, traffic and other issues over the years.
But, city officials said in an e-mail the complaints included issues related to noise, parking, damage to turf, excessive garbage and failure to clean up.
Manager Sandy Straw said Afrofest’s request for a permit won’t be considered because of violations in 2010 and previous years.
“I encourage you to develop a plan that is in compliance with parks, forestry and recreation special event guidelines,’’ Straw told event organizers.
Afrofest board member Alistair Wentworth said planning is underway as organizers try to find another location.
“The event has made a big contribution to the culture of the city,” Wentworth said. “We are going ahead with our plans and will be looking at venues.”
He said the event, which has dozens of vendors booths, attracts about 30,000 fans daily who are entertained on three stages by dozens of performers.
The festival pumps about $1 million yearly into the local economy, organizers said.
Freedom Festival spokesman Crystal Reinhard said her event was about to celebrate its fifth event this year.
“We are very disappointed,” Reinhard said on Monday. “We are still hoping to have an event at Queen’s Park but we are also looking for another venue.”
The event, which boasts a marijuana march through downtown, attracts about 30,000 people yearly, she said.
Blogging Vacation is over.....(Carnival 2011 Results)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
2011 Panorama Order of Appearance
Order of appearance
Medium Bands
Band/Selection/Arranger
1. Pan Elders - "A Raging Storm" (Alvin Gittens)
2. Power Stars - "It's Showtime (Arddin Herbert)
3. Katzenjammers - "Wake Up" (Edwin Pouchet)
4. NLCB Buccooneers - "Calling Meh" (Seion Gomez)
5. Steel Xplosion - "Wake Up" (Carlton Alexander)
6. Pamberi - "TKO" (Brian Villafana)
7. Sangre Grande Cordettes - "Calling Meh" (Andes Kappel)
8. Valley Harps - "Do Something For Pan" (Michelle Huggins-Watts)
9. Courts Sound Specialists - "Calling Meh" (Ken "Professor" Philmore)
10. Arima Angel Harps - "TKO" (Shelton Besson)
Large Bands
Band/Selection/Arranger
1. Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars - "It's Showtime" (Leon "Smooth" Edwards)
2. Sagicor Exodus - "Calling Meh" (Pelham Goddard)
3. NLCB Fonclaire - "A Raging Storm" (Ken "Professor" Philmore)
4. Petrotrin Phase 11 Pan Groove - "Do Something For Pan" (Len "Boogsie" Sharpe)
5. WITCO Desperadoes - "Trini" (Beverly Griffith/A. Robles/Eddie Quarless)
6. Starlift - "In She Rainorama" (Liam Teague)
7. Caribbean Airlines Invaders - "Doh Be On Dat" (Arddin Herbert)
8. PCS Silver Stars - "It's Showtime" (Edwin Pouchet)
9. Petrotrin Siparia Deltones - "Trini" (Carlton Alexander)
10. RBC/RBTT Redemption Sound Setters - "It's Showtime" (Winston Gordon)
2011 Soca Monarch - Order of Appearance
Order of appearance
Groovy Soca
1 Ras Star
2 Jahmoun
3 Yankee Boy and Patch
4 Kes The Band
5 Blaxx
6 All Rounder
7 Shurwayne Winchester
8 Destra Garcia
9 Chucky
10 Benjai
11 Denise Belfon
12 Patrice Roberts
13 Kerwyn DuBois
14 Megan Waldron
15 Cassie
Power Soca
1 JW and Blaze
2 Andy “Blood” Armstrong
3 Skinny Fabulous
4 Michelle Xavier
5 Shal Marshall
6 Tallpree
7 Iwer George
8 Nadia Batson and Patrice Roberts
9 Machel Montano
10 Destra Garcia
11 Ravi B
12 Bunji Garlin
13 Tian Winter
14 Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
2011 Calypso Monarch Finalists
Here are the eleven (11) finalists competing against reigning Calypso Monarch, Kurt Allen for the 2011 title at Dimanche Gras on Sunday, March 6, 2011.......
Brian London – “We Fed Up”
Devon Seale – “Ah Need Meh carnival”
Dexter “Stinger” Parsons – “Mystic Revelation”
Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool – ‘Wounded Pride”
Joanne “Tigress” Rowley – “Woman to Woman”
Karene Ashe – “Uncle Jack”
Kizzy Ruiz – “De Engine Stall”
Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna – “Not One Word”
Rodney “Benjai” L Blanc – “Trini”
Tameika Darius – “Ungrateful”
Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins – “ Compare and Contrast”
Featured Post
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...