CALLALOO......Vicotry/Appreciation Party

Trini Revellers....Sweet T&T

The Trini Revellers website has been updated. Only 9 out of the 22 listed sections have images available but if you're interested in this band take a look: http://www.trinirevellersmas.com

The Ultimate Girl's Day Out......

The National Women's Show is coming to Toronto.....Friday, November 7, 2008 to Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Show times are as follows:

Friday November 7, 12 noon - 9pm

Saturday November 8, 10am - 6pm

Sunday November 9, 10am - 5pm

Tickets are $14.00 at the door or they can be purchased online for $12.00

I'll be checking out this event with my girlfriends. The show is divided into the following themes/zones: Fashion & Style District, Beauty & Wellness, Health & Fitness, World Of Taste, Business & Career Centre and the Home Style Pavilion. Something for everyone!!

Check out the website for more info....http://www.nationalwomenshow.com/toronto/index.html

1000 and counting

Woohoo, I've hit the 1000 mark!!

Thanks to all those who have taken the time to visit since I started this blog a few months ago. Its much appreciated. Hopefully, you were able to find something interesting enough to keep you coming back :-)

SteelBandits

The SteelBandits have finally finished our cd project and we are very excited to share it with everyone. We encountered many obstacles from start to finish....from recording to packaging.....but we learned quite a lot along the way. Iridescence was recorded for all our beloved family members and friends who have supported the band through the years.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the SteelBandits' Iridescence please send an email to info@steelbandits.com. Please also visit the band website at: www.steelbandits.com

Crick Crack.....Paul Keens-Douglas in Toronto

Saldenah Appreciation Party

Cell phone rash....

Are you allergic to your cell phone? Doctors in the UK have recently discovered a new condition called "mobile phone dermatitis".

Doctors are being warned to be alert to a new allergic skin disorder,
caused by mobile phones, according to the British Association of Dermatologists.

A new phenomenon called “mobile phone dermatitis” has been discovered,
in which people who spend long periods of time on their mobile phone develop an
allergic reaction to the phone’s nickel surface.

The problem was identified in several published case reports of
patients with unexplained rashes on their face and ear. Closer investigation
revealed that the reaction was caused by nickel in the mobile phone handsets,
where it is often found in the casing or buttons, particularly in the most
fashionable models.

Click here for more info: http://www.bad.org.uk/public/public_media_section/press_releases_sept_-_oct_08.asp

2008 International Soca Award winners

Monday October 20th, 2008 – Machel Montano HD again dominated yet another awards celebration. This time copping six (6) accolades at the pretigious International Soca Awards held in St Kitts on Saturday. Montano’s 2008 SAO awards included ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Male Soca Artist of the Year’, ‘Performer of the Year’, ‘Best Soca Collaboration’, ‘Soca Band of the Year’ & ‘Song Writer of the Year’ (w/ Kernal Roberts).

Lucian star Ricky T walked away with a whopping four (4) awards including ‘Favorite Up-Tempo Soca’, ‘Best Soca Re-Mix Collaboration of the Year’ (w/ Mr Vegas), ‘Soca Road Mix of the Year’ and ‘Soca Song of the Year’ (tied with Faye-Ann Lyons).

Also grabbing up four (4) awards was female sensation Faye-Ann Lyons (‘Female Soca Artist of the Year’, ‘Soca Song of the Year’, ‘Female Performer of the Year’, ‘Favorite Up Tempo Soca of the Year’). Songstress Patrice Roberts was given the nod for ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ and ‘Favorite Groove Soca’ for her song ‘Wukkin Up’.

DJ Spice from New York won ‘International DJ of the Year’ for the 2nd time in a row and TORONTO-LIME.com received honours for a 3rd consecutive year as ‘Favourite Soca Info Website’.


The complete list of winners are as follows:

Best New Female Soca Artist
Zoelah

Favorite Up-tempo Soca – Male
Pressure Boom by Ricky T

Female Soca Vocalist of the Year
Mo Wuk by Patrice Roberts

Favorite Soca Information Website
www.toronto-lime.com

Best Soca Compilation Rhythm
Lego Me Riddim

International Soca DJ of the Year
DJ Spice

Favorite Groove Soca – Female
Wukking Up by Patrice Roberts

Favorite Groove Soca – Male
Soka Junkie by Mr Dale

Soca Humor of the Year
Phone Card by Crazy

Soca Song Writer of the Year
Kernel Roberts & Machel Montano - (Unconditional Love, Blaze D Trail, Make Love)

Best Soca Re-Mix Collaboration of the Year
Pressure Boom (Remix) by Ricky T. ft. Mr. Vegas

Best Soca Collaboration Groove
Gyal Farm by Kerwin Du Bois & Shal Marshall

Best Soca Music Video
Desire by Skhi

Best DJ Soca Mix CD of the Year
Soca Twins Addicted 2 Soca Mix CD 08

Soca Artist Album/CD of the Year
Flame On by Machel Montano

Soca Road Mix of the Year
Leh Go Me Riddim - Ricky T - Pressure Boom (Road Mix)

Soca Producer of the Year
Kerwin Du Bois - (Breathless, 2 Days, Gyal Farm)

Soca Chutney Song of the Year
Bring It by Hunter

Overall Female Soca Artist of the Year
Faye-Ann Lyons-Alvarez

Overall Male Soca Artist of the Year
Machel Montano

Soca Song of the Year
Get On by Faye-Ann Lyons
Pressure Boom by Ricky T

Best New Male Soca Artist of the Year
Problem Child

Favorite Soca Online Radio
www.soca919.com

Male Soca Vocalist of the Year
Carnival Please Stay by Shurwayne Winchester

Female Soca Performer of the Year
Faye-Ann Lyons

Male Soca Performer of the Year
Machel Montano

Soca Duo or Group of the Year
3 Canal

Best Soca Collaboration up Tempo of the Year
Machel Montano & Mighty Sparrow - Congo Man

Best Soca Compilation Album/CD of the Year
Soca Gold - Various Artist 1 2008

Favorite up Tempo Soca of the Year – Female
Get On by Faye-Ann Lyons

Over All Soca Band of the Year
Machel Montano HD

Over All Soca Chutney Artist of the Year
Hunter

Over All Soca Chutney Band of the Year
JMC Triveni

Best Soca Chutney Collaboration of the year
Hunter & Bunji Garlin - I Want Meh Rum


Courtesy of Toronto-Lime.com

Legacy Band Launch

TnT Carnival 2009
"Kingdom of the Dragon"

Come be a part of the premier LEGACY Mas experience for Trinidad Carnival 2009. Consistently in the top three bands,
Legacy will feature a new and improved package for 2K9. This includes 45-foot rolling bars and food distribution facilities,
premium all-inclusive service, breakfast cocktails on Tuesday, the Digicel all-star celebrity music truck, mobile toilet facilities, medic service,
body paint options, costume adjustment facilities and new costume distribution centre.

Look out for:

Legacy Band Launch
October 18th 2008
The Anchorage

You are invited...

Costume designs and all registration information will be up on our website right after the band launch.
For more information, email us at info@legacycarnival.com or call 868-622-7466

2009 Panorama Schedule

Pan Trinbago has released their 2009 Carnival shedule:

Fri Jan 23 to Mon Jan 26
North/East/South/Central/Tobago - National Preliminaries - Single Pan Bands` In Bands Respective Panyards / Communities

Tues Jan 27 to Tues Feb 3
North/East/South/Central/Tobago - National Preliminaries - Conventional Bands
In Bands Respective Panyards / Communities

Sun Feb 8
9:00 a.m.
Small/Medium/Large - National Semi Finals - Conventional Bands
Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain

Mon Feb 9 to Thurs Feb 12
North/East/South/Central/Tobago - Junior Panorama National Preliminaries
In bands respective schools / panyards / communities

Sat Feb 14
6:00 p.m.
National Semi-Finals (Single Pan Bands)
In Front of Victoria Sq. Part St., Port of Spain

Sun Feb 15
11:00 a.m.
Junior Panorama Finals
Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain

Wed Feb 18
7:00 p.m.
National Small Bands Finals and National Single Pan Bands Finals
Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain

Sat Feb 21
7:00 p.m.
National Finals (Large & Medium Conventional Bands)

Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain

Boots for Carnival.....in today's Trinidad Guardian

A model shows off a pair of crackled bronze high heeled boots at Tribe’s band launch.

Suzanne Bhagan

After Carnival 2K8, did your feet hurt? Why did you cram your toes into those impossibly high heeled, strappy sandals? Despite warnings, you did not dare downplay your costume with a pair of dowdy sneakers, spray-painted or otherwise. So for Carnival 2K9, what can you do? Adrian Dick, company director of Suri Shopping Company, offers a solution.

His company, the authorised local distributor for Piccadilly shoes, offers a new line—the Piccadilly Carnival Collection. Dick explains that when women returned to his shoe store after Carnival, they complained that they lost toenails, even broken their toes after “jumping up.” Dick’s brain cogs went into overdrive. He realised that suitable yet fashionable footwear was absent from the total Carnival costume package. He said, “Something was missing from waist down.”

Piccadilly is well-known for producing uber-comfortable office and casual footwear. Dick worked closely with the Brazilian shoe manufacturers to design the Carnival Collection. The company was delighted that Dick suggested an alternative market for their products. He adds, “We are, so to say, the pilots who came up with a niche market. Piccadilly can also be fun and what represents fun in Trinidad more than Carnival?”

This is the not the first time that Dick’s company has ventured into the Carnival market. For Carnival 2K8, Suri Shopping supplied boots to Island People. Masqueraders from other bands also bought Piccadilly boots off the shelf at the company’s shoe stores.

For 2K9, Dick has already launched the collection at Tribe, Trini Revellers, Wee International and Spice band launches. His company is no longer taking pre orders for boots but Dick assures masqueraders that if they visit any Shoekeepers’ branch, they can choose from a variety of boots on display.

Piccadilly’s Carnival Collection offer a wide range of boots. Made from man-made materials, all boots are lined and padded, ensuring absolute comfort for the wearer. Flat, slouch boots that lace up at the back promise a snug fit for any wearer. These come in crackled gold, silver, bronze, even red finishes. There are also high heeled boots for the “divas” out there in the same colours.

Available at $400 a pop, these boots are surprisingly affordable, given the comfort they offer. If you are sold, pick up your boots at any Shoekeepers branch.

The high heeled boot- up,close and personal.

more info

Piccadilly Carnival Collection is available at:

* Shoekeepers, No 10, A&S Mall, No 96 High Street, San Fernando.

* Shoekeepers, No 26, Excellent City Centre, Frederick Street, Port-of- Spain.

* Also, check out their Facebook group—Shoekeepers.

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT!!!

Hey people, its election day!! So don't forget to exercise your right and get out there and vote. If you are unsure of where to vote or you are looking for more information about the process then visit Elections Canada at: http://www.elections.ca

Maxwell in Concert......

Last night Maxwell made a stop in Toronto on his pre-triple album release tour. All I can say is that he was absolutely AMAZING!!! Jazmine Sullivan was his opening act and she was also quite good. Great voice and a lot of positive energy on stage. I don't think I've enjoyed a concert as much as I did this one.......at least since the last time Maxwell was in Toronto. He certainly made me very thankful this Thanksgiving. His stage presence and musicality is truly to be appreciated. I can't wait for the release of BlackSummer's Night.

In the meantime enjoy enjoy some pics from the concert:

Toronto Revellers Theme for Caribana 2009

Toronto Revellers announces it's theme for the 2009 Caribana Festival.

TORONTO, ON, October 10, 2008 – Toronto Revellers is delighted to announce the theme for their presentation in the 2009 Caribana Festival. Brazil – Bacchanal in Rio will be a shimmering celebration of the colour and vibrance that is Rio Carnaval.

Brazil – Bacchanal in Rio will prove to be one of Toronto Revellers’ most ambitious presentations to date. Following in an unexpected trend of geographic themes; Brazil Carnaval is the next logical choice following their very successful portrayals of Viva Las Vegas (2007) and Alkebu’lan (2008) which earned them back to back Band of the Year titles.

Toronto Revellers is confident that it will be able to provide Toronto Revellers Masqueraders with yet another incredible experience, one that that upholds the richness of Brazil and delivers on the authentic detail of Rio Carnaval.

As the “Peoples Band”, Toronto Revellers caters to all masqueraders; the young and young at heart!

If you would like to join our mailing list, or would like more information regarding membership, please email, info@torontorevellers.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Toronto Revellers:
Toronto Revellers Inc. is a cultural non-profit organization developed to embody the distinctive qualities of the Caribbean by showcasing its rich traditions. We endeavour to achieve a standard of excellence, focusing on innovation while servicing the community with astounding customer service that exceeds expectations.

Visit Toronto Revellers on the web at www.torontorevellers.com.

###

For more information, contact:

Marion Magloire
Managing Director
Toronto Revellers Cultural Association

Fax: 416-352-1738
Email: mmagloire@torontorevellers.com

Happy Thanksgiving

A very Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!!

Psalm 107:1
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Dance Caribe in November

Dance Caribe Performing Company (DCPC) will be staging their second exciting Caribbean dance dinner-theatre production, “VINI TAY-LAY-LAY” a special 2 night only presentation with The Frontline Drumming Company of Trinidad & Tobago on November 22nd & 23rd 2008. This award-winning dance company prides itself on consistently fulfilling its motto of “preserving through dance, the cultural diversity of the Caribbean.”

DCPC’s “Vini Tay-lay-lay” (meaning “Come in Style”) will showcase the mélange of dance styles unique to the Caribbean, with a repertoire of pieces entirely different than the last dinner-theatre event!

La Pastora Suite, African Swazi, Calypso/Limbo, Afro-Caribbean & East Indian performed in contemporary and traditional styles. The show is directed and choreographed by DCPC’s founder, and Artistic Director Martin Scott-Pascall.

Dance Caribe Performing Company makes several special guest appearances here at home and abroad. They were Canadian Ambassadors at the Dominica Festival of Arts (DOMFESTA) and Cultural Ambassadors in Trinidad & Tobago in May 2007. They donate their talents to worthwhile charitable fund-raisers and Community events, including CANFAR’s (Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research).

Please join us on Saturday November 22nd for an evening starting promptly at 7:30pm with dinner, followed by the production and wrapping up the night with the after party!

Sunday November 23rd will be an earlier start at 5:30pm with dinner then finishing the evening with the show. All happening at the De Great Iron Pot 55 Nugget Ave @ McCowan, Scarborough. For this showcase of talent, DCPC will be joined by special guest performers: The Frontline Drumming Company of Trinidad & Tobago led by Roger Pascall, M.C Earl La Pierre, Singer Nikeisha Toussaint, Female Pannist Joy Lapps, Calypsonian King Cosmos, Music by DJ T&T Sound and many more.

DCPC has always enjoyed the support of local audiences for all of their major productions. "Vini Tay-lay-lay” promises to deliver the vivid and energetic dance performances that local audiences have come to know, love and expect from Dance Caribe Performing Company. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Advance tickets will cost $25.00 per person and $30.00 at the door, and $20 each for Seniors & Children 12 & under.

++ There are no group rates for this event. These shows WILL SELL OUT so please buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!++

For more information, and/or to book tickets, please contact 416-292-8706, 416-575-8646 or check Dance Caribe’s website at www.dancecaribe.com

Dove Beauty Campaign

Dove is looking for AFRICAN-CANADIAN WOMEN IN THEIR LATE 20’S TO MID 30’S

Sunday, 05 October 2008

In partnership with Dove, Jigsaw Casting Ltd. is looking for AFRICAN-CANADIAN WOMEN IN THEIR LATE 20’S TO MID 30’S to be featured in an upcoming Print Advertisement for Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty!!!

Celebrating Dove’s belief in the diversity in beauty and that all women are attractive in their own unique way, we are seeking real women who are confident with healthy, beautiful skin. (Please no large tattoos or scars)
As a spirited woman with a positive attitude, you’re proud of your body and would be comfortable in a bikini. It’s time to come on out and show off your beautiful self! THOSE WHO SECURE A ROLE IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY FINANCIALLY COMPENSATED **


DOVE BODY WASH
You are an African-Canadian (of African/Caribbean descent etc.) female, 25-35 yrs of age, and are fit and comfortable in your own skin!
For this particular commercial, you need to be comfortable in your bikini or undergarments. You will also need to be comfortable traveling to Argentina for the shoot dates if selected.

Please note that we’re looking for REAL WOMEN. Not professional models or actors. Applicants MUST NOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPEARED in advertising (i.e. TV or Print), reality shows, etc.

Must be available for these key dates:
Audition Dates: Thursday October 9th and Friday October 10th
Recall Date: Thursday October 16th
Shoot and travel dates in Argentina: Wednesday October 29th – Friday October 31st


YOU MUST BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN AUDITION IF INTERESTED,
PLEASE EMAIL THE FOLLOWING TO dove@jigsawcasting.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

i) PHOTOS OF YOURSELF, HEAD SHOT AND FULL BODY SHOT- no need for professional photos (CANDID SNAPSHOTS ARE SUFFICIENT (100 KB MAX PER PHOTO)

ii) YOUR WARDROBE INFO: HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AND CLOTHING SIZES

iii) ALL YOUR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION

iiii) PLEASE INDICATE YOUR ETHNICITY

***Please note: YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT.
**Please note: YOU WILL NOT BE COMPENSATED FOR THE AUDITION

60 Sumach Street, 2nd floor / Toronto, ON M5A 3J7 / T: 416 360 0336 EXT. 235 / F: 416 360 0465 / W: www.jigsawcasting.com

www.campaignforrealbeauty.ca

Courtesy of AfroToronto.com

Wee International......website update

The Candy Shop is now open.........check out Wee International's 2009 presentation of the Candy Shop. The website has been updated with photos of their costumes.

Website: http://www.weeint.com/wee_costumes.htm

Fireball on the Billboard Charts

Fireball fires up the charts

…Trini artiste reaches Top 10 on Billboard

Rohan “Fireball” Richards

Cherisse Moe

Popular local soca artiste Rohan Richards, known in the music world as Fireball, is now at number ten on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart with his hit single, What I Want.

Just about one year ago, the catchy upbeat tune, took Europe by storm making Fireball a household name.

The single, released in the USA on the Record Plant Records label (a division of world famous Record Plant Studio), entered the Billboard chart at number 45, and seven weeks later, it quickly climbed to number 10, after being number 14 last week.

The first winner of Synergy TV’s Soca Star Competition, the 28-year-old Laventille resident spoke yesterday in an exclusive interview about his latest accomplishment.

“I felt very good about it,” he said, while taking a haircut at New City Mall in Port-of-Spain.

“But I’m not yet contented...I’m looking forward to having many more songs on the Billboard charts.”

Richards, who is signed to Universal Records, said he heard the good news last week, while at a music studio with his producers.

“When I first heard it, I was very happy...I am a very calm person, so I took it with a smile,” he said.

“This one is on the charts, so time to get some more up there now.”

Asked why he thought the song was such a hit in the US, Richards, said, “The song has a lot of melody...I think that makes people listen to it.”

“I’m definitely aiming for the number one spot...When I reach number one, I want to stay there for a couple of weeks,” he said.

Richards, who has been in the music industry for three years, has already toured several Caribbean Islands, as well as Canada and the United States.

He is now preparing to perform in Boston, Washington and New York.

More avenues for youth

Richards also spoke of the country’s escalating crime situation, which, he said, was a serious problem for the nation’s youth.

“Being from the ghetto, I had to pass through want I went through to become what I am now and reach my potential,” he said.

“For gold to be gold, it has to first pass through the oven to come out shiny and new.

“That’s what the ghetto is for me...I had to pass through it to become what God wants me to be and what I am today.”

Richards also had some words of advice for those in authority.

“I will like to tell the Government to open more avenues to help the youth...The youth cannot see what is not there for them to see,” he said.

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news6.html

Scotia Bank Nuit Blanche

a free all-night contemporary art thing

October 4, 2008
6:52 pm to sunrise

For one sleepless night, experience Toronto transformed by artists.

Discover art in galleries, museums and unexpected places. From bridges and tunnels to warehouses and stadiums, choose from more than 155 destinations and chart your own path.

It’s impossible to see everything in 12 short hours! Check out the 2008 Programme details and make note of your favourites, then visit the Plan Ahead section of the website for useful tools to create your own art-after-dark adventure.

Check the link for the 2008 Programme

http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/home.shtml