Spring has Sprung

Hey readers,
I guess by now you all have seen all the posts and resulting comments and opinions from far and wide in regards to the TMBA and Tribe Toronto. I have nothing to add (LOL). I can't really comment on things that I know very little about. As a masquerader, I am just waiting for all this melee to be over with so we can get to the real bacchanal......BAND LAUNCH SEASON!!! Spring has sprung in Toronto and the band launches start next month.....check my previous post for all the confirmed dates so far.

In related news, XPATS will host their Section Launch on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the Meadowvale Community Centre, 6655 Glen Erin Dr., Mississauga. XPATS are a part of the Saldenah Crew and their section is called "Portraits of Autumn".
Website: http://www.xpats.ca/

Another section from Saldenah is looking for models for the band's launch on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The section is "Portraits of Paradise" If interested send an email to portraitsofparadise@gmail.com. Females should send a face, full body, and bikini pic and males a face, and full body pic.
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=334886757033

Tribe Toronto update

Check out Karabana's blog for an update on this whole Tribe Toronto situation.....Is it just me or don't you think it would have been good business practice to have received approval from the Toronto Mas Bands Association before advertising that Tribe Toronto was making their debut at Caribana and even going so far as to saying the band would be #8 in the parade??? Potential masqueraders probably thought those details had already been taken care of.....I guess not!! Anyway, Karabana's blog offers some great insight into the bandleaders' thoughts on the inclusion/exclusion of Tribe Toronto.

Woi......more Tribe Toronto Bacchanal!!!

This message was sent to all members of Tribe Toronto's Facebook group today:

Andre De Freitas sent a message to the members of TRIBE TORONTO.
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Subject: BIG BANDS TRYING TO BRING TRIBE TORONTO DOWN!

Good Day Members, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for joining our group. Day by Day our group continues to grow and you can imagine how we will be down the road for 2010. "Nothing but Madness"

However this note to inform you that many big bands are trying to bring downTRIBE TORONTO, and we will not have this. We just wanted you to be aware of what the behind scenes look like.

My Question is are they afraid of competition and a new generation? Are they afraid that they will not be able to meet TRIBE TORONTO standards?

They have called a meeting this Saturday to try and vote us out but according to the RULES & REGS this is not possible.

We will publish the names of the bands so you can see where your loyalty should stand!

Have your say on our Wall so we can convey your thoughts to these bandleaders.

Thank You,

TRIBE TORONTO

Well well well..........

TRIBE TORONTO TELLS IT ALL‏

To All,

First of all I would like to thank all of you who have supported me in the past and who continue to support me to this very day; whether it may be through my father Ken De Freitas, Evolution Carnival, or All Spice Carnival.

Sadly, as life changes-so do people. Therefore, it is with deep regret that I announce my separation from the All Spice Carnival family in order to pursue my own ventures in life. In doing this I would like to also thank the rest of the All Spice family (Godfrey Wickham & Curtis Eustace) - for their past support and enlightenment in all aspects of business and would like to wish them nothing but unparalleled success, not only now but also in the future wherever their paths lead them.

Most are wondering why is this change happening? Well the real reason is because I am pursuing a much bigger venture that is about to shake the streets of Toronto and will bring Caribana to a “higher level”. A much needed added “spice” that Toronto Masqueraders are missing. Again, I want to stress that I only want to be part of a team that has a vision and one that is there for its people! I have also chosen to leave where I could build a band that contains solid business principles, and one that serves YOU first, not themselves.

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce my phenomenal management team Aneil Persad and Michelle Persad together we equal TRIBE Toronto. We promise that Tribe is going to be a band with lots of energy, positive vibes, GURANTEED on time costumes, and something Toronto has been missing for many years! “The Ultimate Experience”.

We would also like to announce that our Band Launch will be held on Saturday April 24th, 2010 with the venue to be announced. This event will be guaranteed to sell out so get your limited VIP drinks inclusive tickets ASAP!! As usual check torontolime.com and join our facebook page (TRIBE TORONTO) for details.

We are also seeking Models for our Launch and will now be accepting applications. Please send 3 pictures, name, contact and age to models@tribeto.com and we will be in contact with the short listed candidates. Try outs will also be held on Sunday January 31st, 2010.

All Spice and Tribe Toronto

If you were wondering about the fate of All Spice Carnival for Caribana 2010 then check out this blog entry from Trinidad Carnival Diary. In their press release All Spice reveals that they will not be bringing out their own band for 2010 but will instead be joining Saldenah Mas K Club to present two sections. This year Saldenah Mas K Club's presentation is entitled "Portraits" and All Spice's sections are: Portraits of Indonesia & Portraits of India. The press release also confirms that Andre De Freitas is no longer with the All Spice team, however, Daryl Cox (IslandPride out of Boston) remains as a designer.

Well after claiming victory in 2009 as Band of the year Category B &C, its a bit disappointing that All Spice is not returning to competition even bigger and better with their own presentation. However, all is not lost for those masqueraders who enjoyed their All Spice experience last year. Best of luck to the All Spice crew with their sections.....

And good news for all those interested in Tribe Toronto. According to entries on their FB page, Tribe Toronto is Band #8 on the road. I am not sure how that was determined since traditionally new bands are towards the end of the parade but perhaps the Caribana Festival Management Committee and the Toronto Mas Band Association have implemented new rules. The FB page also states that Tribe Toronto will feature new costumes and not those from this year's Trinidad Carnival......so we shall see what's in store.

Can you believe it....all this Caribana excitement and its only January!!!

Tribe Toronto in 2010

Well, well, well readers......It appears that Tribe (that infamous Trinidad Carnival Band) is set to make an appearance here in the Tdot!!!

Check the media release:

Toronto, ON – Monday January 11, 2009 - Every summer thousands gather to celebrate Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival (CARIBANA) festivities. To no surprise 2010 is shaping up to offer the most illustrious surprise yet. As if the multitude of upcoming festival events was not enough to stir excitement, a long awaited band will be making its first ever appearance down the Lakeshore. The Trinidad Mas band known as TRIBE has announced its grand entrance into the festivities for CARIBANA 2010.

Bringing their inimitable Carnival experience from the streets of Trinidad, TRIBE challenges Toronto to envision a Carnival which redefines the possibilities and offers the unexpected. From prestigious parties, flavorful concerts and luscious costumes, TRIBE has come to reshape the very essence of CARIBANA. Although launch dates have yet to be released, the anticipation is in the air.

Accepted worldwide as one of the most prominent Mas bands, the ‘TRIBE experience’ remains one to be rivaled. There is no question as to why TRIBE is such a hot commodity during the Trinidad Carnival season, selling out each year and leaving many hopefuls on extended wait-lists. The TRIBE family prides itself on offering nothing less than a "total experience". Placing the masquerader as their first priority, each costume is professionally tailored and made to custom fit the individual. Adding to the excitement, are the enticing and almost majestic themes envisioned year after year; 2008 ‘Myths and Magic’, 2009 ‘Birds of a Feather’, and arguably the most sensual thus far, 2010’s ‘The Secret of Silk’. It is difficult to truly comprehend all that is TRIBE without firsthand indulgence! Luckily, Toronto will have its chance during CARIBANA 2010.

The architects behind the Toronto launch are management team members Andre De Freitas, Aneil Persad and Michelle Persad. For more information and sponsorship opportunities regarding Toronto’s 2010 TRIBE experience, contact Aneil Persad at 647-295-5453. To join TRIBE contact Andre Defreitas 416-660-9154, Aneil Persad 647-295-5453 or fax 905 683 9034.

Recognizing that all things are made possible through the generous support of their sponsors, TRIBE graciously acknowledges Toronto-Lime.com, CCSI, Ventures Car Rentals, IAC Printing, Commercial Lift Truck Ltd., Speedy Pickering and King Precision Welding.

For more information visit http://www.carnivaltribe.com/

For Media Inquiries please contact media@toronto-lime.com

I notice that Andre Defreitas is a part of this venture....not sure what that means for All Spice Carnival though since he was a member of that team last year.

So what will the Tribe Toronto Ultimate Experience mean for Caribana 2010? Will registration in our other bands suffer as masqueraders flock to the Tribe brand? Will Tribe attract a whole new masquerader both local and foreign who has never played mas for Caribana? What kind of costumes are we going to see......Trinidad Carnival recyclables or a whole new presentation altogether? If its a new presentation will the designs be done locally or by Tribe's Trinidad designers? As a new band, Tribe Toronto may be in the dreaded "last position" on the parade road route.....will this deter potential masqueraders??? We shall see.....exciting times ahead for Caribana 2010!!!!

Tribe Toronto: http://www.tribeto.com