Monday, June 27, 2011

RenaissanceKIDS "Just Imagine" 2K11

2011 Toronto Caribbean Carnival Band Directory

2011 Toronto Caribbean Carnival Band Directory
(in alphabetical order)

The official draw for positions on Parade Day will take place on
Saturday, July 9, 2011.


BITTER LEMON CARNIVAL
Band Leader: Clarence Forde
2011 Presentation: Monsoon Wedding, Before the Storm
Band Launch Date: Friday, May 21, 2011 @ Legion Hall 345 (81 Peard Road, Victoria Park & St. Clair)
Mas Camp Location: 60 Barbados Blvd., Unit 3, Scarborough
Phone: 647-859-6006
Mas Camp Hours:
  • Monday - Friday | 6:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday | Noon to Midnight


BLACK SAGE CARNIVAL
Band Leader: Corey Howard
2011 Presentation: From Rags to Riches
Band Launch Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011 @ Twilight (55 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough)
Mas Camp Location: 60 Barbados Boulevard, Units 4 & 5, Scarborough
Mas Camp Hours (until mid-June):
  • Monday - Friday | 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday | 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
*ONLINE Registration Available*



BLUES CARNIVAL FUSION
Band Leader: Narissa Ali
2011 Presentation: Time after Time
Band Launch Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011 @ Viva City (3820 Victoria Park Avenue)
Mas Camp Location: 116 Howden Road, Unit 10, Scarborough (Main Intersection: Birchmount Rd. and Lawrence Ave.)
*ONLINE Registration Available*



CALLALOO
Band Leaders: Marlon and Jason Singh
2011 Presentation: Native Americas
Band Launch Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011 @ Continental Soiree (1575 Kennedy Road)
Mas Camp Location: 2065 Midland Avenue, Scarborough
Phone: 647-702-6169
*ONLINE Registration Available*



CARNIVAL NATIONZ
Band Leaders: Marcus Eustace, Bryce Aguiton, Dwayne Pitt
2011 Presentation: Mythical Creatures
Band Launch Date: Saturday, May 7, 2011 @ Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto)
Mas Camp Location: 519 McNicoll Avenue, North York (Victoria Park and McNicoll)
Mas Camp Hours:
  • Monday - Friday | 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday | 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*ONLINE Registration Available*



CONNECTIONS
Band Leader: Mervyn Skeete
2011 Presentation: A Cultural Expose
Band Launch Date: Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. @ Connections Mas Camp (1710 Midland Avenue, Unit 8, Scarborough)
Mas Camp Location: 1710 Midland Avenue, Unit 8, Scarborough



FANTAZIA INTERNATIONAL
Band Leader: Will Morton
2011 Presentation: Come Dance with me
Band Launch Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011 @ Viva City (3820 Victoria Park Avenue)
Mas Camp Location: 3501 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #9, Scarborough (Major Intersection - Dynamic & McNicoll)
Mas Camp Hours:
  • Monday - Friday | 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday | 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
*ONLINE Registration Available*



LOUIS SALDENAH MAS-K CLUB
Band Leader: Louis Saldenah
2011 Presentation: The Secrets of the Outer Limits
Band Launch Date: Friday, May 13, 2011 @ the Metropolitan Centre (3840 Finch Avenue East)
Mas Camp Location: 460 Coronation Drive, Scarborough (Morningside and Lawrence.....3 lights of Lawrence)
Phone: 647-701-5603
Mas Camp Hours:
  • Monday - Sunday | 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
*ONLINE Registration Available*



MAS PLAYERS INTERNATIONAL
Band Leader: Whitney Doldron
2011 Presentation: Fairytale Fantasies
Band Launch Date: Friday, May 27, 2011 @Aura Lounge (4973 Yonge Street - North of Sheppard @ Hollywood)
Mas Camp Location: 1771 Albion Road, Unit 1,
*ONLINE Registration Available*



MAS TORONTO
Band Leader: Mark Deleon
2011 Presentation: Mas in Atlantis - A Carnival Mythology
Band Launch Date: Friday, May 6, 2011 @ The Pickering Recreation Center (1867 Valley Farm Drive, Pickering)
Mas Camp Location: Tam Heather Curling and Tennis Club, 730 Military Trail, Scarborough (401 & Morningside)
Phone: 416-282-7712
*ONLINE Registration Available*



PLEASURE PLAYERS
Band Leader: Whitfield Belasco
2011 Presentation: Caribbean Celebration
Mas Camp Location: 188 St. Helens Avenue, Toronto
Phone: 647-203-1701



RENAISSANCE MAS PRODUCTIONS
Band Leader: Kathleen Hughes & Nataki Christmas
2011 Presentation: Just Imagine
Band Launch Date: Sunday, May 8, 2011 @ Continental Soiree (
1575 Kennedy Road)
Mas Camp Location: 175 The Westway, Toronto
Phone: 416-742-8100
Mas Camp Hours:
  • Monday - Friday | 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday | Noon to 10:00 p.m.
  • Sunday | 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.


SPIRITS OF THE CARIBBEAN
Band Leader: Susan Grogan
2011 Presentation: Spirits of the Caribbean
Band Launch Date: Sunday, May 22, 2011 @ Continental Soiree (1575 Kennedy Road)
Mas Camp Location: 1720 Midland Avenue, Unit 15, Scarborough (S. of Ellesmere Road)
Mas Camp Hours:
  • Monday - Friday | 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday | Noon to 8:00 p.m.


TORONTO REVELLERS
Band Leader: Jamal Magloire
2011 Presentation: Welcome to Oz
Band Launch Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011 @ 2135 Sheppard Avenue East (Revellers Mas Camp)
Mas Camp Location: Lot 2135 Sheppard Ave East @ Consumers Road
Phone: 416-494-1711

Mas Camp Hours:

For the Months of May and June

  • Monday to Thursday | 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday | 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday | Noon to 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday | 2:00 pm to 6:00 p.m.

*ONLINE Registration Available*



TRIBAL KNIGHTS
Band Leader: Dexter Seusahai
2011 Presentation: Legends
Band Launch Date: Saturday, April 2, 2011 @ Grand Luxe Event Boutique (3125 Bayview Avenue)
Mas Camp Location: 83 Dynamic Drive, Units 11 & 12, Scarborough
Phone: 416-396-
Mas Camp Hours for May:
  • Monday - Thursday | 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Friday - Saturday | Noon to 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday | 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
*ONLINE Registration Available*



TruDYNASTY
Band Leader: Thea Jackson
2011 Presentation: Remember the Roaring 20s
Band Launch Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011 @ York University in The Underground located in the Student Centre
Mas Camp Location: 246 Rockport Drive, Unit 29, Etobicoke
Mas Camp Hours June 18 to June 24:
  • Monday - Friday | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday - Sunday | 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mas Camp Hours June 25 to July 31:
  • Monday - Friday | 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday - Sunday | 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
*ONLINE Registration Available*

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Caribbean Carnival Cup - Rugby Match



Date: Sunday, July 31

Place: Fletcher’s Field

Cost: $25 (Parade and Match); Match $15

Location: 2743 19th Ave, Markham

This new event adds the sporting dimension to the festival. Growing in popularity in Canada, it is the most high speed, high impact field sport in the world. Most popular in England, Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific, the largest professional associations are the National Rugby League and the European Super League, with a combined fan base of over 100 million”. Canada Rugby League will be developing the sport in the Caribbean and will expand the tournament to more islands each year.

Tickets available at:

ticketgateway.com

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Featured Section - Bahamas Jukanoo Legends (Toronto Connections)

Play Mas with Carnival Freaks for Montreal Carifiesta 2011

Ajax Caribbean Day

Hi readers, I only found out about this today.......Ajax is celebrating their first Caribbean day. So if you're out in the Durham region show some support for your Culture!!!!


Ajax, ON-Inaugural Ajax Caribbean Day celebrations will kick off on Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The first Annual Ajax Caribbean Day will be held in the beautiful Greenwood Conservation Area nestled in the heart of Ajax. The day's activities are geared towards the entire family. There will be rides for the children, musical entertainment and delicious Caribbean food.

The organizers of the first Ajax Caribbean Day have scheduled a program that will surely appeal to all members of the Caribbean Diaspora and community residents who are interested in taking a trip around the region without ever leaving their community.

The line-up for the day long action packed entertainment schedule includes Iley Dread,who is currently holding the #1 single on the Richie B charts for 2 weeks. Toronto's own female reggae icon and DJ Donna Makeda, emerging female artiste Daniella, Ziggy Zigtop the energetic duo, and you can expect special appearances by Barry Culture and many more.

Your MC's for the Ajax Caribbean Day will be DJ Cool from Soundfm.ca, Judy British fromrealreggaeradio.com, J-Nice of CHRY, and Wayne Passion from Canada's new webisode series Reggae Kitchen.

Admission to the event is $5.00 and children under age of 10 are free. Tickets are available at various outlets in Ajax and online for your convenience.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

This one's for the KIDDIES.....2011 Junior Carnival

Hi readers,

All the "big people" band launches are over and you've picked your band and your costume. Well now its time to think about the little ones.....

Here are the upcoming Kiddies Band Launch dates I could find (more dates to follow):


Blues Carnival Fusion presents "Mirage of Dreams"
Saturday, June 18, 2011
2:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: 116 Howden Road, Unit 10, Scarborough (Main Intersection: Birchmount Rd. and Lawrence Ave.)


LiL Nationz (Carnival Nationz)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: 6519 McNicoll Avenue (@ Victoria Park)


TruDYNASTY
Saturday, June 18, 2011
4:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: 246 Brockport Drive, Unit 29, Etobicoke
Website:
http://www.trudynasty.com


The following bands have already launched their Kiddies presentations for 2011. Check out their websites for pictures and prices:

Bitter Lemon Carnival
Mas Camp Location: 60 Barbados Blvd., Unit 3, Scarborough
Phone: 647-859-6006


Renaissance Mas Productions
Mas Camp Location: 175 The Westway, Toronto
Phone: 416-742-8100


Junior Revellers (Toronto Revellers)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: Emerald City 2135 Sheppard Avenue East @ Consumers Road, Scarborough


Saldenah Mas Band
Saturday, June 4, 2011
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: 460 Coronation Drive, Scarborough


Mas Toronto
Sunday, June 5, 2011
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: Tam Heather Curling and Tennis Club, 730 Military Trail, Scarborough (401 & Morningside)


Tribal Knights
Saturday, June 4, 2011
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: 83 Dynamic Drive, Unit 10-12, Scarborough


Black Sage Carnival
Saturday, June 11, 2011
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: 60 Barbados Boulevard, Units 4 and 5, Scarborough


Callaloo
Saturday, June 11, 2011
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mas Camp:2065 Midland Avenue, Scarborough


Connections
Sunday, June 12, 2011
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mas Camp:
1710 Midland Avenue, Unit 8, Scarborough


Fantazia International
Come Dance With Me....Tiny Feet Edition
4:00 p.m.
Mas Camp: 3501 McNicoll Avenue, Unit 9, Scarborough
Website: http://www.fantaziainternational.net


Note: 2011 Junior Carnival is scheduled for Saturday, July 16, 2011

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Beach party groove, Caribbean-style


On the most perfect summer day a festival organizer could ask for, th

ousands of Ottawans descended on Petrie Island in tube tops and beach shorts for a Caribbean beach party featuring spicy food and even spicier tunes.

Without a single cloud in the sky the temperature hit a high of 25C, but the steady breeze blowing anywhere from 10 to 20 kilometres per hour all day allowed people to get their groove on at Carivibe 2011 without breaking too much of a sweat.

And that came in handy for some of the afternoon's entertainment, especially the Carivibe Booty Camp Showcase, featuring booty shaker Dionne Sinclair and a host of other dancers.

People played beach volleyball, sipped on lemonade, danced on picnic tables in the beer section after a visit to Da Rum Shack and listened to DJs and steel drum bands through a massive PA system.

Patricia Joyce, 40, was out enjoying the day with her husband Jim McKee and fiveyear-old daughters Sarah and Sophie McKee. Joyce said the family was having fun, but she was surprised that it took so long to move through the gate -about 15 minutes -and that there was very little being offered for free after the $20 cover charge (the children got in free).

"For us it's OK, but it could be a very expensive day for a family," Joyce said. "It's a lot of fun and it's a great event, but maybe in the next year and the year after, they'll look for ways to organize it a little more tightly and maybe make it a better value for families."

Little Sarah, meanwhile, was all smiles.

"Yeah," she said when asked if she was having fun. "Because I like bouncing."

Sophie liked her rice and was excited for cotton candy.

Entry to Carivibe jumped from $10 last year to $20 because of increased costs across the board -such as security and entertainment -and because the festival got bigger, said organizer Trevor Mason. And he said the lines were long because security made sure to check bags for alcohol and other things.

"When you're dealing with that amount of people, it's all about security," Mason said. "We could easily let everybody in without checking them, but we want everyone to be secure and safe. You never know, anything could happen. It has to be safe, and I hope people understand that."

The multitude of vendors selling fragrant dishes included Bon Bon's Caribbean Home Cooking, Mugena Caribbean Cuisine, The Jerk Stop, Island Jerk and more.

The festival has been running for 10 years, but it's only the second year at Petrie Island with the parade.

"We're actually very, very impressed," Mason said. "I'm ecstatic. There's 8,000 to 10,000 people here already and it's a great success.

"Today is fantastic, 10 times better than last year, and next year we hope to be 20 times better than this year."

knease@ottawacitizen.com

twitter.com/kristynease



Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Beach+party+groove+Caribbean+style/4970910/story.html#ixzz1Plw5iba0

Blues Carnival Fusion Brings Carnival to the Government!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Machel Montano invited to perform for National Caribbean American Heritage Month

WRITTEN BY LEE FRIDAY, 17 JUNE 2011 00:05

MACHEL MONTANO TO PERFORM AT THE WHITE HOUSE ON JUNE 24TH ,2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President Barack Obama has declared June 2011 as National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

In the form of a Proclamation dated JUNE 2011, the Obama administration has recognized the integration of Caribbean nationals into the American society while still maintaining their cultural identity.

In an excerpt from the Proclamation, the Obama Administration states, “The fabric of our Nation has been woven together and enriched by the diversity of our people. Our legacy as a Nation of immigrants is part of what makes America strong, and during National Caribbean American Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture Caribbean Americans have brought to our shores.”

This has undoubtedly given Caribbean nationals worldwide a reason to proudly celebrate their heritage. As part of this celebration, King of Soca, Machel Montano, son of Trinidad and Tobago and renowned Caribbean Recording and Performing Artiste who is also well loved as an ambassador of Caribbean Culture in North America has been carded to perform at the White House on June 24th, 2011 from 11.00am-12.30pm.

Website: http://www.machelmontano.com

Socacize at Tribal Knights' Mas Camp

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Party goes on as courts asked to decide Caribana control dispute

TheStar Party goes on as courts asked to decide Caribana control dispute

Staff Reporter

The Caribana Arts Group says it’s putting the community first and won’t be going to court in an attempt to block this summer’s street festival.

However, the embattled Caribana group filed papers in court on Tuesday in an attempt to reach a licensing deal over the wildly popular celebration, which attracts more than a million people each summer.

The Caribana group had the power to file for an injunction to block the festival, but decided otherwise, Caribana Arts Group secretary/assistant treasurer Knia George Singh said Tuesday.

“An injunction would also leave the community with a sense of something missing, a sense of a great atrocity that has taken place,” Singh said. “It would leave the airlines, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets missing on that great weekend where downtown Toronto is a buzz with economic excitement, flavour and festivities.”

Amid allegations of financial mismanagement, the city appointed the Festival Management Committee to manage to festival in 2006.

Singh said the Caribana group retained intellectual property rights as the owners and creator of the festival.

A court ruled last month that the new directors of the summer party can’t use the Caribana name. It’s now known as the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto.

Singh said his group has met with three city councillors between January and March of this year in an attempt to end the dispute.

Celebrations began back in 1967 as part of Canada's centennial celebrations.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Kaiso Kaiso......2011 Calypso Tents Music Series

2011 Calypso Tents Music Series

What will our Canadian calypso artists be singing about this year?

Find out when the 2011 Calypso Tents Music Series gets started

on Saturday, June 11th at the Steelworkers Hall (Calypso Central!!),

25 Cecil St. in downtown Toronto.

Celebrating thirty years of calypso in Toronto, the series has

expanded and added a new tent led by calypso maestro and

JUNO winner Jayson Perez. The production is named

De Masters Cove and features seasoned performers and

new faces. The Kaiso Forum and the Professionals round out the

5-weekend run of concerts that show off many of Canada's

best and most accomplished calypso singers backed by bands

Neu Jenerashun and Shak-Shak.


Calypso of all varieties expose the heartbeat of life in the Caribbean

community, the sounds rhythms and cadences that evoke our community’s

past and sense of hope for the future. This is North America's only

music series of its kind.

Come and enjoy a special night of music and entertainment...!




WEBSITE: http://www.ocpacalypsoca.com

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Calgary Carifest 2011.....celebrating 30 years

Happy Carifest to all our Calgarian readers.......have a great Parade Day!!!!

FLAUNT On De Water Boat Cruise



TheStar.....Black is back on Toronto radio


Ashante Infantry
Entertainment Reporter

Toronto is getting a new radio station geared to the black and Caribbean communities.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission gave approval Thursday to the decade-long licence quest of Fitzroy Gordon’s Intercity Broadcasting Network (previously known as CARN).

“The commission is convinced that the proposed service will add cultural and racial diversity and will benefit the Caribbean and African communities of Toronto with its spoken word programming and musical format,” read the decision.

“It’s a very happy day,” said Intercity president and majority shareholder Gordon, who hopes to have the yet-unnamed 98.7 FM on the air this fall. “I feel blessed.”

Jamaican native Gordon, a former medical technologist who covered sports for FAN 590 and the Toronto Sun, and helmed the nightly Dr. Love show on CHIN-FM 100.7 FM for seven years, said he never lost hope during the arduous process, which included opposition from national media giants.

“I was determined to get it, because for me, it was not just about getting a radio station for a business,” he said. “I want to leave a legacy for the black and Caribbean population of Canada. I want to make sure that never again will this large population we have be out of a radio station. If the people are going to be successful then they must have a voice.”

The New Flow 93.5 FM, which debuted in 2001 as Toronto’s first commercial black radio station, was sold to CTV for $27 million earlier this year. But the station’s hits-oriented devolution had long disenchanted the supporters of the politically charged campaign which garnered its licence.

Unlike with Flow, the CRTC has imposed conditions of licence on 98.7 to ensure its cultural mandate, such as a minimum 50 per cent world beat and international music, nearly six hours of news weekly and 10 per cent spoken-word programming.

But Gordon says the community must also do its part to maintain the wide range of music, issue-oriented talk shows, local and international news, and sports coverage he has pledged.

“We heard that Flow, for example, had to change (format) because they weren’t getting the business from the black population,” said Gordon. “

We need the black population to put their money where their mouths are. We lost one before, let’s not lose another one.”

Calling it “premature,” the CRTC denied CBC’s request to restrict Gordon’s ability to sell the station. Citing concerns about interference, CBC first objected to the broadcast licence Gordon was awarded in 2006 (on his second try) because it was four notches away from CBC’s 99.1. CBC did not withdraw its complaint when Industry Canada testing found no impact on its signal.

Rogers, Astral and CTV submitted a joint intervention to the CRTC in April over concerns about a “lack of transparency” in licencing 98.7 FM.

“I always believe in the David and Goliath story, and as big as Goliath was with all his army, David had one stone for him and I had one stone for all of those guys,” said Gordon of the interventions of the media behemoths.

He doesn’t believe his lobbying of the federal government, including a private one-on-one chat with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, yielded special treatment.

“Industry Canada and the CRTC saw my determination and they realized that there is a need,” he said.

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