CARIBANA™ 2010 OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Calypso Tents Music Series
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from June 5 - July 4, 2010; 8:00 pm - Midnight
This is an exciting annual showcase of Canada's best Calypso and Soca original music for the Caribana Festival. The series runs three nights each week (Friday Sunday) at various venues in Toronto, each night featuring a different cast of singers and 'live' bands performing Calypso in its best storytelling tradition: social and political commentary, humor and wit.
Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Official Launch
Yonge/Dundas Square
Thursday July 15, 2010; Noon - 2:00 pm
This official ceremony launches the activities for the 2009 Caribana Festival Season. Patrons can meet and mingle with Federal, Provincial and Municipal officials, Caribana representatives and sponsors while sampling Caribbean and international cuisine. It is a snapshot of what's in store over the coming weeks.
Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Junior Carnival
Shoreham Drive | Yorkgate Mall
Saturday, July 17, 2010; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Junior Carnival provides festival-goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years.
Art Exhibition
Royal Ontario Museum
Thursday July 22 – Monday Aug 2, 2010; Noon - 9:00 pm
The Association of African Canadian Artists presents original paintings and sculptures that have been influenced by the diversity of our people.
Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Caribana Gala
Liberty Grand – Exhibition Place
Friday July 23, 2010; 6:30 pm – 1:00 am
An elegant evening of style and glamour, celebrating Caribana and paying tribute to its pioneers.
Kaiso 365 (Calypso Monarch Finals)
Venue TBA
Saturday July 24 - 7pm - Midnight
This is where the Calypso Monarch is crowned. Come and see the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonians battle for the crown. From the topical to the lyrical, the sweet soca rhythms will lift you out of your seat and get you moving.
King & Queen Show
Lamport Stadium
Thursday July 29, 2010; 7:00 pm - Midnight
On the Thursday evening before Caribana Day the Kings and Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience. It is an honour for any participant to be enthroned the King or Queen of Scotiabank Caribana 2009. The King and Queen symbolically have the keys to the city, freedom of the streets. Their movements are supposed to be uninhibited. Band members and onlookers alike are to give them the respect, even if mockingly, usually accorded to real-life royalty
(Admission: $27 in advance. $35 at the door)
Pan Alive
Lamport Stadium
Friday July 30, 2010; 7:00 pm - Midnight
A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. This Panorama of the North is the biggest opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. The evening is devoted entirely to the capturing rhythms of the steelpan.
(Admission: $20 in advance)
Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Parade
Exhibition Place (Lake Shore Blvd)
Saturday July 31st, 2010; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
This showcase event features an incredible display of colour and pageantry, commencing at Exhibition Place and proceeding west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard will come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival!
(Admission: $18)
De CARIBANA™ Lime
Ontario Place
Sunday August 1, 2010;12:pm am – 8:00 pm
This event features a full day of performances from a variety of artistes, highlighting the diverse cultures of all the Caribbean people. Activities include a food competition, song, dance, theatrical drama and storytelling.
(Admission $14)
Nip Davis and Associates and Scarborough Caribbean SC is now Black Sage! Our new name represents our combined talents to present the best band on the road for Caribana 2010 and beyond and, as always, the best section costumes and mas.
Our presentation for 2010 is ‘Kopy Kat’ where we will give respect to all the greatest band themes that came before us...you could say, the best of the best!
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you all on the road with us next summer. As soon as we have the sections ready, we will post them for your viewing pleasure.
Remember, we are now called BLACK SAGE and we love to have you as part of our band and part of our mas family!
More to come!
What's Up All???
So those of you who have been keeping in touch know that we have been doing a lot of networking and traveling in order to become the best at what we do in order to give you the best of what we offer. Soooo, just to give you a couple updates.
So! To start things off, for those that don't know, we have a new name! True DYNASTY will be the name to look out for from now on. It's meaning is powerful and a DYNASTY is what we are here to create! (look it up if you don't get it) We have many things that we are already working on in order to serve you better and to give you more out of your experience.Second, we would like to announce that we will be having a BAND in the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival. Their carnival takes place during their Memorial Day weekend which is the weekend after our Victoria weekend. The reason we are letting you know this far in advance is because we would like to extend an invitation to ALL of you to come out and jump up with us!!!! YES YES you heard right!!! If you've ever wanted to take a trip to HOTLANTA now is your chance!! We will be organizing a bus trip at a very LOW COST which will include hotel accommodations right in the heart of Atlanta in a 5 star hotel and participating in the parade with us! You will have a choice of wearing a costume or t-shirt. If you played with us this past summer for Caribana you can wear your costume! We will also have costumes for sale so no worries!
Please remember that in order to cross the border you MUST have a passport so get on it from now!!!!In the meantime...stay tuned for MORE big announcements and enjoy the holidays! Live life to its fullest and smile EVERYDAY!*Thea* & Dario
In case you hadn't heard... CNz launched our 2010 theme at the recently held "VICTORY" fete in Toronto.
So for 2010 CNz will be playing... "SPARROW... D'LEGEND"
A tribute to a living legend in soca, the "Calypso King of the World", in the form of costumes as only CNz can do it based off of the music catalogue of the Mighty Sparrow.
OUUUUU DEYYY OUUUU DEYYYOOO!!!
Pure madness in 2010 to the music of Slinger Francisco!!!!
See you in 2010... Saturday 1st May, 2010... CNz band launch!!!!
The National Women's Show offers a fantastic day out with girlfriends that you can't find anywhere else! With everything from food and wine sampling to fashion and beauty; there will be celebrity guest speakers, fashion shows, free makeovers, tips for staying healthy, entertaining ideas, travel options plus career advice and shopping at over 425 exhibitors!
The 2009 ISA will be held at Downtown Ballpark in Providences, Turks & Caicos on October 30th, 2009.
The winners of the 2009 iSA are chosen by the people, based on votes.
Visit the website to vote today: http://www.socaawards.com
The film examines Minshall’s life and art, a tapestry woven from multiple threads that include his “masography” coursing through 26 years; his design and stage acumen (documented in the 2006 presentation “The Sacred Heart”); his Olympic Games contribution; the Carnival stage (the Mas) in Trinidad preparing him for the world stage (the Olympics); and his set pieces of political protest and entertainment provoking parallel emotions in major North American, European and Asian cities.
Well you're supposed to know this by now...but if not...CARNIVAL NATIONZ IS HEADING TO MIAMI!!!!! I know quite a few have been asking how will this work exactly. Well here are the details.
If you are a Carnival Nationz masquerader for 2009 and you kept you costume from the Caribana Parade, you can join us to fete in the streets of downtown Miami for Miami ONE carnival. So to answer the popular question from all of our masqueraders...yes you can play mas in your Bouganvillea frontline with all your friends, we welcome you and everyone from Aphrodisiacs, Poison Ivy, Secret Garden, Dragon Fruit, Scabiosa and all other Toronto Caribana sections to join us in Miami... as ONE CNz.
The cost of playing with us in Miami is $75US which includes your band fee or registration cost, as well as your ALL INCLUSIVE experience. This ALL INCLUSIVE experience includes food, soft drink and alcoholic drinks (I feel funny typing that because I'm so accustomed to not being able to advertise that here in Toronto).
To register simply click the icon or send an email to Dwayne@carnivalnationz.com or call 416-985-8488 or 416-565-4079 or 416-930-9650. Please contact us in Toronto before Oct 4th to make arrangements to pay band fee etc...
For all new comers we are offering 6 specific sections to the CNzMiami
masqueraders log on to http://www.carnivalnationzmiami.com/ to check everything out.
Your DJs on de road are D Bandit, Dorenzo and Hypa Hoppa so look out for plenty action!
Laptop fire blamed for death
An overheated laptop computer left on a couch caused a fire that killed a 56-year-old Vancouver man, the Coroners Service of British Columbia has concluded. The fire took place six months ago, but the victim's name has not been released.
The fire started after the computer was left on a couch, plugged in and turned on. Because of the lack of ventilation under the laptop, less than an hour later the lithium-ion battery overheated and burst into flames, sparking the fire that eventually killed the man.
The coroner did not release the make of computer involved in the death, but did say several makes of laptops have been recalled in recent years due to problems with lithium-ion batteries overheating and bursting into flames.
Since 2004 in B.C., four other laptops have either overheated or short-circuited when left plugged in, causing fires. The death earlier this year, however, was the first in B.C. blamed on a laptop fire, the coroner said in statement issued Wednesday morning.
And there have been 15 other fires caused by short-circuiting or overheating in such equipment as personal computers, DVD players, and cellphone chargers.
Safety recommendations
The coroner's office recommended anyone using a laptop take the following precautions:
- Always operate on a hard surface that allows ventilation. Soft materials can block the airflow vents and cause it to overheat.
- If it is not possible to avoid using a soft surface, an optional heat-sink base should be used to maintain cooling.
- Always shut down your laptop, even for short periods of time, especially when placed in a carry bag.
- Inspect and clean the air vents on a weekly basis. Forced-air dusters can be used to keep the vents clean and free from debris.
- Replace any equipment or parts that do not work.
- Using a laptop desk or cooler to allow air circulation between the laptop and the desk.
- Visit the Health Canada recall listings website to see if a laptop has been recalled.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/child-enfant/recalling-guide-2005-04-rappel-fra.php
- Review the manufacturers' website for additional safety tips and recommended maintenance.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/08/26/bc-overheating-laptop-fire-death-vancouver.html
The second annual Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day celebrations, hosted under the aegis of the distinguished Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Michael Lashley, will take place on Sunday August 30th, 2009 at Queen’s Park, Toronto commencing at 2:00 p.m.
This year’s event is entitled “traditions and nostalgia” and has been chosen to provide an opportunity for the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora to celebrate and reminisce about Trinidad and Tobago traditions that are in danger of becoming extinct. The planned activities will therefore allow the first generation of the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora to remember a way of life that formed the basis of their strong values. They will allow the second and third generations the opportunity to learn more about these traditions and provide the occasion for them to enjoy the gifts of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural diversity, art, music and traditions.
The celebrations will commence with an interfaith service and will include performances that will showcase the unique culture of Trinidad and Tobago representing the diversity of its population. The performances will include calypso, drumming, tassa, dances, steelpan and traditional mas and will feature artistes and groups such as: Anslem Douglas, Macomere Fifi, Afropan, Kalabash, PanFantasy, Caribbean Folk Performers, the Muhtadi Drummers, Annemarie Woods and much more.
As you will expect any Trinidad and Tobago event will allow the opportunity to sample the culinary variety of Trinidad and Tobago and there will be a wide array of tasty Trinidad and Tobago dishes available. The Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago wishes to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to ALL Trinidad and Tobago nationals and persons of any other nationality who wish to experience the food, music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago to attend celebrations held in commemoration of the 47th anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago which will be held at Queen’s Park, Toronto on Sunday, August 30, 2009.
There will also be lots of prizes for the winners of games, including “the best dressed red, white and black” individual who epitomises the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago. For further information please direct your inquires to congen@ttconsulatetoronto.com
Destra pregnant; due Jan '10
Deborah John - Features Editor
Thursday, August 20th 2009Soca star Destra Garcia is pregnant and expecting to deliver her
baby sometime in January 2010.
It will be the first child for her and the second for her boyfriend/manager/producer of the past nine years, Brian Morris. He is the father of a 13-year-old daughter who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.Garcia, known for hits like "Tremble It", "Sassiness", "Bonnie and Clyde",
"I Dare You", "Obsessive Winers" and "Carnival", told the Express she had some "mixed emotions at first"."I've always had a bit of an irregular cycle, so I was not sure it was that, but my gynaecologist recently confirmed for me that yes, I am very pregnant. I hope my fans are very happy for me."
The soca star, who is the face of Digicel in Trinidad and Tobago, said the news took her by surprise because there had been no morning sickness. Her stomach has only "just" started to show, she said. Contacted for a comment, Sponsorship and PR manager for Digicel Marita Laurent extended congratulations to Garcia and Morris on the pregnancy.
"We fully support her as she embarks on the wonderful
journey of motherhood."Garcia said she did notice she had gone up two bra cup sizes, an increase that was remarked upon by some fans who saw her at the recent Tribe launch at Pier 1, Chaguaramas.
But she sees it as the "hand of God" intervening in her plans, as "we both said we would do this some day".
Showering praises on Morris, who is also the band's sound engineer, she
said, "Marriage and kids is something we always planned to do, but each year
we've said 'next year'. Brian is very quiet, he always stays in the background,
but he is a wonderful person and he is going to be a great father."Morris described himself as "excited" and sees their marriage plans as coming forward in the "not too distant future".
Asked who she will be getting her pregnancy tips from, Garcia said she expects a lot of support from her mom and her sisters in soca, Denyse Belfon and Alison Hinds.
Garcia and band have toured constantly since Carnival-Jamaica, Antigua, St Vincent, Grenada, Tortola, St John, St Thomas, New York, Manhattan and Barbados. She returned last weekend from the Hookstratten Festival in Belguim, Germany.
Now she agrees the pace will have to be slower, but not before she fulfills her commitment to Miami Carnival in October. A lot of it will depend on her doctor's orders, but she is already working on material for Carnival 2010.
Also look out for her tomorrow evening at the Digicel "Outta Control" free concert at Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook. But how much less she takes on in the immediate future is not only her decision but Morris's and their business partner, Robert Nurse.
"We have to do what is best for the band, because the guys support me 100 per cent, " she said.
Hi readers, The mas bands have done their part… Band leaders have chosen their themes, designers have worked tirelessly on thei...
