Thursday, March 26, 2009

Bazodee Connection & Dr. Roz's Healing Place


Saturday May 2nd 2009

Bazodee Connections & Dr. Roz's Healing Place presents..."BEAUTIES OF THE WILD" Section Band Launch and Fundraiser for Youth@ De Great Iron Pot - 5 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough



Featuring: Special performance by the Bazodee Koko Dancers
Music by: Jump Up Kings
Adm: $12 advance, $15 at the door
Info: 416-264-0823 ext 241
19+ EVENT

Bazodee Connections presents "Beauties of the Wild" Band Launch and fundraiser for youth, the only band with a cause... Help us fundraise to build a youth center for youth at risk!

This is a section launch in Errol Achue's Band "Into 'D' Wild" for Caribana 2009

Doors open at 9:30pm

Raffle prizes and give-a-ways all night long! Enter the raffle to win a trip to Trinidad or a free costume in this section for Caribana 2009!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

All Spice Carnival

Is Evolution Carnival now All Spice Carnival????.......I found this on Facebook......... http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?id=561365124#/group.php?gid=2370674696



ALL SPICE CARNIVAL....coming soon

**We comin down de road to mash up di place for caribana 2kwine! Come see what we will Unveil!!**

A message from Callaloo

CARIBANA IS AROUND THE CORNER AND CALLALOO IS COMING OUT WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND OF COSTUMES THAT YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN.

EVERY COSTUME IS UNIQUE IN ITS OWN WAY.WE HAVE INCORPORATED MAS PLAYERS,SPECTATORS AND VOLUNTEERS TO DESIGN AND ADD THAT EXTRA TOUCH FROM THEIR OWN EXPERIENCE.

WE URGE YOU TO WAIT UNTIL CALLALOO LAUNCHES TO MAKE YOUR DECISION WITH WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAY MAS WITH THIS YEAR.
WE KNOW THE ECONOMY IS NOT AT ITS BEST RIGHT NOW ,WE KNOW THE STRESS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE TRYING TIMES, BECAUSE WE LIVE IT TO.

WAIT UNTIL OUR BAND LAUNCH ON MAY 09 AND I GUARANTEE YOU THAT YOU WILL NOT ONLY SEE THE BEST COSTUMES FOR CARIBANA BUT THE PACKAGE INVOLVED WILL BE LIKE NO OTHER.

WE BROUGHT A SECTION IN TRINIDAD THIS YEAR AND IT WAS INCREDIBLE, WE ARE GOING CAYMAN ISLANDS FOR THE FIFTH TIME WITH 4 BAND OF THE YEAR TITLES BEHIND US THERE.
IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN PLAYING MAS THERE PLEASE CONTACT US.

REMEMBER CALLALOO IS INTERNATIONAL WITH NOT ONLY TORONTO (BARRIE, HAMILTON, VANCOUVER) BUT ATLANTA, MIAMI, CAYMAN ISLAND, TRINIDAD AND SOON TO BE ENGLAND AND ANTIGUA.

AGAIN YOUR INPUT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND REMEMBER CALLALOO IS A BAND FOR THE PEOPLE.

ON A NEXT NOTE CALLALOO WILL BE A PART OF A MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR A YOUNG BOY IN TRINIDAD WHO HAS A HOLE IN HIS HEART AND HIS MOTHER CANNOT AFFORD SURGERY.

I WILL BE GIVING DETAILS ON THE FUNDRAISER DETAILS IN A COUPLE OF DAYS.

JUST REMEMBER CALLALOO IS POSITION NUMBER 4 FOR CARIBANA 2K9,THATS PRIME TIME & OUR THEME IS GANGES MEETS THE NILE AND OUR LAUNCH WILL BE ON MAY 9TH 2009. INFO SOON TO BE ANNOUNCED.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

MARLON (BANDLEADER)

Monday, March 23, 2009

Mas news from Ian Andre Espinet

A girlfriend once told me that there's no allegiances in mas... Consequently, like the NBA or any other major sport, key players move from team to team - and in this case, camp to camp in an attempt maximize their chances of winning the coveted title...

My journey into mas comes from a family tradition and history of both building and playing mas, but my first personal foray into the latter came a couple years back when my Dad and I first brought a section with Marlon Singh's Callaloo. In our first year there, Callaloo won the coveted title of Band of the Year. 2 years later, we joined Jamaal Magloire's young promising band the Toronto Revellers. The band went on to win 2 years straight, and after an amazing run with a great band, we've decided to move on once again.

This year, my Dad and I have decided to go with Tribal Knights - run by Dexter who goes back with my Dad to Louis Saldenah days, and whom I met first at Callaloo. Together, with 8 other section leaders, we're out to take BAND OF THE YEAR...

This year's theme is BIRDS OF PARADISE. If you've never played mas, or are a seasoned veteran, I urge you to come out and check out the costumes on Saturday April 25th.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Carnival Nationz 2009 Caribana Band Launch


We look forward to seeing everyone in 2009 and doh be frighten recession cyah stop de MAS, jamming, wining, feting etc...

Just like last year we will be having pre-registration dates for returning CNz masqueraders (all people who played with CNz in 2008 will have first dibs at the costumes).

We anticipate that registration will begin the week after the band launch... registration venue to be announced soon.

So get allyuh stuff in order... make ah gym from now if yuh have to... or join an official CNz
SOCASIZE class with Ayanna to prepare for the big day (more info on that to come)... whatever yuh need to do jus do 'cause we name "Bacchanal" and is plenty of that in 2009!!!

CNz
Marcus @ 416.565.4079
Dwayne @ 416.930.9650
Bryce @ 416.985.8488

www.carnivalnationz.com ~ www.islandboyz.com ~ www.dbandit.com


Thursday, March 19, 2009

2009 CARIBANA - SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Time to mark your calendars folks.....

(JULY 14th to AUGUST 2nd, 2009)

Calypso Tent Music Series
Various locations
June 6 to July 5, 2009

The series runs 3 nights each week (Fri-Sun.) 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, humour and wit.

Official Launch
Nathan Phillips Square
Tuesday, July 14, 2009; 12:00 pm 02:00 pm

The official ceremony launches the activities for the Scotiabank Caribana Festival Season. It is a snapshot of what’s in store over the coming weeks.

Junior Carnival
Yorkgate Mall
Saturday, July 18, 2009; 10:00 pm 04:00 pm

Junior Carnival provides festival goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the trills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years.

Art Exhibition
Royal Ontario Museum
July 23 to August 3, 2009

The Association of African Canadian Artists presents original paintings and sculptures that have been influenced by the diversity of our people.

Scotiabank Caribana Gala
Liberty Grand – Exhibition Place
Friday, July 24, 2009; 6:30 pm
An evening of elegance celebrating Carnival Music and Arts.

Calypso Monarch Finals
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, CNE
Saturday, July 18, 2009; 7:00 pm - 12:00 am

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.

Scotiabank Caribana King & Queen Show
Lamport Stadium
Thursday, July 30, 2009; 7:00 pm - 12:00 am

On the Thursday night before the Scotiabank Caribana Parade, all 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 reveler to be enthroned the King or Queen of his or her band.

Pan Alive
Lamport Stadium
Friday, July 31, 2009; 7:00 pm - 12:00 am

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.

Scotiabank Caribana Parade
Exhibition Place (Lake Shore Blvd)
Saturday, August 1, 2009; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

This showcase event features an incredible display of colours and pageantry. Toronto will come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival.

De Scotiabank Caribana Lime
Olympic Island
Sunday, August 2, 2009; 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
This event will highlight the various cultures of all of the Caribbean people. It's a celebration of food, song, dance, theatrical drama and story telling.

Crave Mas


A big announcement was made at Dr. Jay's Return Fete on March 7th. Dr. Jay &
Experience The VIBE have teamed up and have created the brand CRAVE. We will
offer costumes, parties and much more!!!

This year CRAVE will be with the BIG band Louis Saldenah's Mas-K Club. We have designed 2 sections for you and they are GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!! We will have our OWN truck on the road with music provided by Dr. Jay de Soca Prince, Dj CHIEF and Dj BASS.

Stay tuned to this group for free CRAVE giveaways, CRAVE parties and other updates. Make sure you check out the band launch at the end of May. Costumes will go on sale THE NEXT DAY!!! Organize and save from now because they won't last long!!

Welcome all of you to CRAVE. It's time to experience how mas really
should be.

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54881983217

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Point Fortin Borough Day 2009

Point Fortin Borough Day Celebrations are steadily approaching. If you missed TnT Carnival this year, why not head south to Point Fortin for the jump up!! Borough Day Celebrations are being held from April 18, 2009 - May 2, 2009.



Big up to my Uncle Selo jumping up in Artikal Soldiers and to Zarin and the Chocolate City Crew!!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Fantazia International 2009 Caribana Band Launch

New Band for Caribana......FANTAZIA INTERNATIONAL

Today I stumbled upon a new band for Caribana......Fantazia International

Here's the write-up from the website:

Welcome to Fantazia

I would like to introduce you to Fantazia International. We are a Toronto based established company of dynamic “Costume designers”. Our work is displayed and portrayed internationally; especially during the Toronto’s Annual Caribana extravaganza where designers compete against each other. In recent years costumes are displayed as far as Japan. We are offering you an opportunity to be a sponsor in our 2009 Caribana extravaganza production.

Fantazia International is led by Will Morton, “Designer Extraordinaire” hailing from the Caribbean Island of Nevis. Will, who always had a passion for designing and creating art, started out on his journey volunteering his time at Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club before bringing out his first section in 1987. It did not take long for his work to be recognized, earning him the title of “Best Section Leader” for several years.

Will joined a new band Carnival Nationz in 2005. Here he flourished and once more his creativity enabled Carnival Nationz to win the “Band of the Year” title for 2 consecutive years. During 2005 he assisted the new band Toronto Revellers. Toronto Revellers placed 5th in the competition. Seeing the potential for greatness he joined Toronto Revellers in 2007, where he earned the position of General Manager and Head designer. Even though this was a brand new band, In just 1 year in 2007 Toronto Revellers came 1st. by taking the title “Band of the Year” and again in 2008.

With his many years of bringing this art to a higher level, Will made a conscious decision to branch off on his own. He gained a lot of experience by working with the best designers and mas builders. With his wife by his side he has all the moral support to work magic in 2009. Will sees nothing but success for the future.

Pretty cool......more mas for Caribana and more choice for the masquerader. Curious though that Toronto Revellers and this new branch-off band are both exploring the Brazilian theme!!!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Carnival Nationz Model Search 2009

A message from D'Bandit.......

Are you on facebook? If so you may already know that we at Carnival Nationz are conducting a model search. Basically we are looking for male and female models. Please send pics by email to (mailto:modelsearch@carnivalnationz.com,) or facebook (look for the Carnival Nationz Group under my profile) or info@dbandit.com. If you have already done so, we thank you for your interest and someone will contact you very soon. We need 1 face shot, and 1 full body shot (costume or bathing suit shot preferred, no nudity, must be 19 and over). Models will be asked to complete 3 Carnival Nationz events ie band launch and photoshoot. Chosen models will receive CNz, IBz and D' Bandit perks and benefits. For example play mas with Carnival Nationz for 2009 Caribana and/or admission to 3 fetes of either D' Bandit or IBz (fetes TBA). All pictures must be in by March 24th. Sooooo don't waste anymore time get on it ASAP!

Tribabl Knights 2009 Caribana Band Launch


Thursday, March 12, 2009

Callaloo 2009 Caribana Theme & Band Launch date

Callaloo is band #4 on the parade route. And according to their Facebook page you can get a free costume for Caribana 2009.......

Callaloo in Association with Foster Pontiac

This One is Special , & This one is New ..... To Commence the Launch of our 2009 Caribana Theme - Ganges Meets The Nile.. Callaloo & Foster Pontiac Bring you a Special SALE on NOW !!!
If You Come In to Foster Pontiac at 3445 Sheppard Ave. East and purchase a car from Jerome , You will get a FREE costume of your choice from Callaloo *****.

As I said , Jerome is the contact person at Pontiac for Callaloo.... So , just make sure and tell him you are from Callaloo & they will take it from there .
If there are any questions please feel free to contact Jerome at 416 291 7733.

***CALLALOO has pulled position number 4 for Caribana 2009. Once again that is a perfect spot.***

FOSTER PONTIAC

Scarborough, Ontario M1T 3K5
Phone: 416-291-7733
Fax: 416-291-4421
www.yourgmstore.com

WEBSITE: http://www.callaloo.net/

Carnival Nationz 2009 Caribana Update


An update from Carnival Nationz Facebook Group:

Just an update on CNz happenings...

PLEASE PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR CALENDARS...

SAT 2ND MAY... Official launch date for CNz 2009
@ the Solarium (formerly the DOCKs - same as last year)

IN FULL BLOOM: fruits & flowers...

We look forward to seeing everyone in 2009 and doh be frighten recession cyah stop de MAS, jamming, wining, feting etc...

More details to come SOON!!!!

CNz
Marcus @ 416.565.4079
Dwayne @ 416.930.9650
Bryce @ 416.985.8488

www.carnivalnationz.com ~ www.islandboyz.com ~ www.dbandit.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Canfire - Free show

Canefire is a really cool Latin Caribbean Latin Jazz band and here is your opportunity to see them at Hart House at the University of Toronto for FREE!!

March 12, 2009 - 9:00 PM - Arbor Room - CaneFire - CaneFire is a dynamic and energetic 7 piece group that mixes up the sounds of the Caribbean with the dulcet tones of the Trinidadian steel pan. Band leader Jeremy Ledbetter fuses Caribbean and Latin Amercian sounds into an infectious rhythm and groove. Catch a fire with this upbeat and high octane group!
http://www.harthousemusic.com/whatson.php

The line-up: Jeremy Ledbetter -- piano; Mark Mosca -- steelpan; Alex Brown -- trumpet; Braxton Hicks -- saxophones; Yoser Rodriguez -- bass; Mark Kelso -- drums; Alberto Suarez -- percussion.

WEBSITE: http://www.canefire.ca/

While in Trinidad for Carnival, Ayanna Lee-Rivears
made a stop at Synergy TV to showcase
SOCACIZE
Check out the link.....its quite entertaining!!!
http://www.synergytv.net/video/SNL_Wed_18th_Feb_2009_Segment_3


SOCACIZE was also featured on MSN.ca in the Health & Fitness Trend Watch section....
http://healthandfitness.sympatico.msn.ca/March+2009+Socacize/trend_watch/articles/socacize_march_2009.htm?isfa=1


And last but not least, SOCACIZE was featured in the February 10, 2009 episode of Living Toronto......if you don't want to watch the entire episode you can skip ahead about 5 minutes and 40 seconds to see the SOCACIZE segment......
http://www.cbc.ca/livingintoronto/stories.page?


HAVE YOU DISCOVERED SOCACIZE YET??

Earth Hour 2009

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Spring Forward


Don't forget to move your clocks ahead 1 hour before you go to bed.
Sunday, March 8 at 2am is the official start of Daylight Saving Time!

SOCACIZE 2009 Spring Schedule

The 2009 SOCACIZE Spring Schedule is out......



With Ayanna Lee-Rivears,
Certified Fitness Instructor & Dancer

Beat the economy without breaking your wallet
Join
SOCACIZE™
- An exhilarating Caribbean Work-out!

Spring Schedule

Brampton
The Studio
12 Rutherford Rd. S.
(Rutherford and Queen 2min off hwy 410)

Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm

April 1 April 8 April 15
April 22 April 29 Mary 6
May 13 May 20 May 27

Sundays 2-3pm
March 29 April 5 April 19
April 26 May 3 May 10
May 17 May24 May 31
(No class April 12th)

18 sessions $238.00 | 9 sessions $126.00 | Drop-in $16.00 per class

________________________________

Brampton
SOCACIZE ™ KIDS (8-12yrs) **NEW**
The Studio
12 Rutherford Rd. S.
(Rutherford and Queen 2min off hwy 410)
Sundays 1-2pm
March 29 April 5 April 19
April 26 May 3 May 10
May 17 May24 May 31
(No class April 12th)

9 sessions $90.00 | Drop-in $12.00 per class
________________________________

Scarborough
Birkdale Community Centre
**NEW LOCATION**
1299 Ellesmere Rd
(Brimley and Ellesmere)

Tuesdays 5:30-6:60pm
March 31 April 7 April 14
April 21 April 28 May 5
May 12 May 19 May 26

Scarborough
Tropicana Community Services
670 Progress Avenue, Unit 14 (Progress & Consillium Place Dr.)

Saturdays 1:30-2:30pm

March 28 April 4 April 11
April 18 April 25 May 2
May 9 May 16 May 23

18 sessions $238.00 | 9 sessions $126.00 | Drop-in $16.00 per class
____________________________

Maple
Dance Passion Studio
3175 Rutherford Rd, (Unit #65)
Concord, ON
(Vaughan Mills Plaza)
Fridays 6-7pm **NEW DAY AND TIME**
April 3 April 17 April 24
May 1 May 8 May 15
May 22 May 29 June 5
(No class April 10th)

Sundays 11:00am-12:00 noon
March 29 April 5 April 19
April 26 May 3 May 10
May 17 May24 May 31
(No class April 12th)

18 sessions $238.00 | 9 sessions $126.00 | Drop-in $16.00 per class

__________________________________

Downtown

Aurora Live Inc.
**NEW LOCATION**
392 Queen St.
(N. Side of Queen St.- 1 Block East of Parliament St.)

Mondays 5:30-6:30 pm
March 30 April 6 April 13
April 20 April 27 May 4
May 11 May 18 May 25

Thursdays 5:30-6:30 pm
April 2 April 9 April 16
April 23 April 30 May 7
May 14 May 21 May 28


18 sessions $238.00 | 9 sessions $126.00 | Drop-in $16.00 per class




**Special Promotions**

Punch Card Special
Buy a 9 – class punch card for $126
And receive a FREE drop in class (value of $16)

Buy an 18 – class punch card for $238
And receive two FREE drop in classes (value of $32)

Valued Member 9 sessions -Free!
Register 2 or more friends or family members
(Maple & Downtown locations only)

Maple and Downtown location
New Price

Returning Member Appreciation - 10% discount
Socacize™ sessions
________________

Gift Certificates Available
________________


Registration:
Ayanna
416-728-5545
ayanna@socacize.com
www.socacize.com

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Its a GIRL!!!

T&T local newspapers are reporting today that Fay-Ann and Bunji have welcomed the arrival of a baby girl.....awww......CONGRATULATIONS!!

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO GUARDIAN
http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/03/01/fay-ann-has-girl

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO EXPRESS:
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161445634

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO'S NEWSDAY:
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,95903.html

UPDATE: The baby's name is SYRI LYONS ALVAREZ

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...