Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Toronto Carnival 2014 Events

The pinnacle of the three week Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean festival is finally here! With so many  sights and sounds to experience, here is information on some great events taking place during the week and weekend. 

King & Queen Competition
Thu. Jul. 31, 2014 - from 7pm to 12am
Allan Lamport Stadium 


The Allan Lamport Stadium becomes an outdoor theatrical stage where the Kings and Queens of the bands along with individuals compete to be the best of the best. They give the audience the opportunity to appreciate the talent and artistic skill of the designers and costumer builders. The Ontario Science Center continues to award a special prize for the best environment use of material in a costume.


Jab Jab Jouvert
Carnival Friday August 1st, 2014 - 10:00 pm till 4:30 am
Outdoors @ Wilson Avenue Outdoor Arena - 1677 Wilson Avenue, Toronto (Jane & Wilson)

 

Jab Jab J’Ouvert is a night till morning event - full of fun and straight from the islands of Grenada and Trinidad. Live entertainment by: Talpree, Lava Man, Skinny Fabulous, Bunji Garlin, Fayann Lyonns, Problem Child, JW & Blaze, ASA Banton, Mr Leggs, Tommy G, G-Bolo, Plus a Special Female Guest.  

Experience a night of Jab Jab fun with mud, paint, oil; 3 Water Trucks; 3 All-Access Bars; more than 12 different food and vending areas; with a VIP Zone, Foam Zone, Dutty zone, Clean Zone and lots of good times to start your Carnival in Toronto!

Admission:
- $40 regular advance
- $50 Cool Zone / No wet or no dutty access!
- VIP - $60 - Includes - All access to cool zone & Food and limited two drink tickets per person , Carnival Swag bag & Can b nice  Swag bags!

Grand Parade
Sat. Aug. 02, 2014 - from 9:00am to 6:00pm
Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Blvd - Map


The marquee parade is the showcase of the Festival. After months of preparation, masqueraders in colourful and striking costumes and steel pan bands wine their way from Exhibition Place along a 3.5 kilometre stretch on Lakeshore Boulevard. This performance of bejewelled masqueraders continues to draw millions from all over the world to see the live performing street art year after year. With opportunities for VIP seating in designated, controlled areas, which will include upgraded seating, tents, and marketplace.

  Summer Slam

Carnival Saturday August 2nd, 2014 - Gate opens: 8:30 pm;   Showtime: 12:30 am to 4:00 am Sharp
Outdoors @ Wilson Avenue Outdoor Arena - 1677 Wilson Avenue, Toronto (Jane & Wilson)
 
Summer Slamm 2014 with entertainment by: Bunji Garlin, Fayann Lyonns and the Viking Band; Destra; Iwer George; Skinny Fabulous; Problem Child; JW & Blaze; KI; Drupatee; Salsa / Latino performers; Major Lazor DJ; Talpree; Lava Man; Plus Special Guest artist from Jamaica!
DJs : Marxman; DOC; Whitebwoy; G- Factory; plus special guest DJ Myles from Slam radio 100 in Trinidad

Hosts: American Superstars ; JW from Trinidad - Claudia Jordan From The USA

- $40 Early Birds
- $45 Regular Admission - more at the gate!
- Regular VIP $100: includes: Food; two Drinks and side Stage VIP access only!
- Ultra VIP Area - $150 includes: Unlimited food; limited drinks - 4 drink tickets per costumer; Ultra VIP view; All access / backstage access after the show! Meet & Greet with photo of your favorite artist; receive a Carnival Swag Bag & Can b nice swag bag; Posters and CDs for Ultra VIPs
- Presidential VIP Package: $500 for Family of 5 or more includes: Unlimited food; 7 drink tickets per person; All access / backstage access - Meet & Greet with artist; Photos; receive - Carnival Swag Bag; Presidential View from Stage side
Special section catered with tables and waiter service!

Carnival Island
Sun. Aug. 03, 2014 - 12:00 pm
Olympic Island

The Carnival Island event is the fusion of popular Caribbean musical styles, Calypso, Soca dance music and Indo Bhojpuri folk, Chutney. End your Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival weekend on a high note at this family-friendly event.
 

 An added bonus is tickets to many of the events can be purchased online at ticketgateway.com

TD Irie Music Festival 2014


Sunday, July 27, 2014

Kaiso 365: 2014 Calypso Monarch Competition

On Saturday, July 26th, the KAISO 365 Calypso Monarch Finals presented by the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes was held at the P.C. Ho Chinese Cultural Centre located at 5163 Sheppard Avenue East at Progress Avenue in Scarborough. 
 
Artistes competing for the 2014 Calypso Monarch title, were backed by Ossie Gurley and The Truth. During the evening there was also a special appearance by Sheldon Skeete, The reigning British Calypso Monarch.   Hosted by the iconic Itah Sadu, the evening showcased exceptional vocal talent, with performances illuminating humour and commentary.
Here are the unofficial results of the evening:
Results
1. Macomere Fifi (Tara Woods) 

2. Beginner (Michael Moore)
3. Susan G (Susan Grogan)
4. Guney (Guney Cedeno)
5. Webb (Hamilton Alexander)
6. King Cosmos (Henry Gomez)
7. De Carra (Leslie Carrabon) 
8. Yellows (David Morgan)
9. Panman Pat (Pat McNeilly) 
 
Best Lyrics: Macomere Fifi (Tara Woods)

Best Melody: Beginner (Michael Moore)


Best Presentation: Beginner (Michael Moore)


Most Original: Macomere Fifi (Tara Woods)


Best Rendition: Macomere Fifi (Tara Woods)


Best Composition on a local topic: Guney (Guney Cedeno)


Most Humourous: Macomere Fifi (Tara Woods)


Best Arrangement: Macomere Fifi (Tara Woods)


People's Choice: Macomere Fifi (Tara Woods)

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Toronto Junior Carnival 2014

It's that time of year again! It's carnival time in the city!


With the countdown to the grand parade fast approaching, an event that is highly anticipated within the Toronto Carnival three week celebration is the Junior Carnival. Despite the ongoing drizzle of rain throughout the day, little masqueraders hit the streets for a fun day of jumping, waving and wining.





This year the parade took place within the Malvern community and commenced at approximately 11:00am. Subsequent to crossing the stage and judging area, bands made their way up to Neilson Park for a Family Day Celebration, where the fun continued with music, vendors and activities for the children to enjoy. 







Unofficial Results:
Junior King
1st place – Malik Adams, Dragon Rider, Dexter Seusahai’s Tribal Carnival. Band theme: Secret of Wingz. Final Point Total 254
2nd place – Fabian Lee, Aztec Water God, Louis Saldenah – Mas K Club. Band theme: River of Mirrors. Final Point Total 250
3rd place – Aaron Degraff, Guardian of the Flames, Will Morton – Fantazia International, Band theme: Fantasy Wonderland. Final Point Total 234.
 
Junior Queen
1st place – Kia Castle, Radiant Havana, Marcus Eustace’s Carnival Nationz, Band Theme: Havana. Final Point Total 277
2nd place – Faith Hermelijn, Safari Monarch, Louis Saldenah – Mas K Club, Band Theme: River of Mirrors. Final Point Total 273
3rd place – Caneisha Edwards, Guardian Angel, Dexter Seusahai’s Tribal Carnival. Band theme: Secret of Wingz. Final Point Total 253
 
Female Individual
1st place – Reeyana Singh, A La Habana (Welcome to Havana), Marcus Eustace’s Carnival Nationz, Band Theme: Havana. Final Point Total 264
2nd place – Elise Roopchan, A Reflection of the River, Louis Saldenah – Mas K Club, Band Theme: River of Mirrors. Final Point Total 236
3rd place – Jasmine Murray, Tinkerbell, Seusahai’s Tribal Carnival. Band Theme: Secret of Wingz. Final Point Total 224

Male Individual
1st place – Courtney Saint Louis, Phoenix, Seusahai’s Tribal Carnival. Band theme: Secret of Wingz. Final Point Total 249
2nd place – Maven Lee, The Battle for Aqua, Louis Saldenah – Mas K Club, Band Theme: River of Mirrors. Final Point Total 229
3rd pace – Amari Balroop, The Ganges Meet The Nile, Louis Saldenah – Mas K Club, Band Theme: River of Mirrors. Final Point Total 227

Overall we had a wonderful time attending the Toronto Junior Carnival. Congratulations to all the participants, bands and winners. 
Check out our album for 350+ pictures from the parade.
Share, Tag and Like! 


How did you enjoy the Junior Carnival? What were your thoughts on the parade route or location? 

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Pan Am Games and Machel Concert


We hope everyone's weekend is off to a great start. 
Tonight we are heading to Nathan Phillips Square for the 1 year to go celebration till the 2015 Pan Am games in Toronto. 
The headliner for the celebration is Machel who will be performing a free concert at 9pm. 
See you there!



Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Junior Carnival Media Launch

Earlier today, the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Junior Carnival Media Launch was held at the new Malvern Family Resource Centre.


In case you missed the launch, check out album for pictures as well as the official press release provided below. 

Big News: on July 19th, the Junior Carnival and Family Day returns home to the Malvern Community
 
02-Jul-2014
July 2, 2014 (Toronto) – The 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day is coming home this summer to its new location.  The popular event for children will be held this year in the Malvern Community (Scarborough) – an area of Scarborough where the parade used to be held over a decade ago.
For the past two years the Parade and Family Day has been staged in Downsview Park.  However, this summer, the roads and bridge that the children danced along are slated to be closed for major reconstruction, and, as a result the parade has to be moved.  So, on Saturday July 19th, over 1,500 children in Mas costume will be taking to the streets between Malvern and Neilson Parks south of Finch and Neilson Road for the annual parade.
The parade will begin at the Malvern Park, travelling east along McLevin Avenue to Sewells Road and southwest to Neilson Road.  The children will continue north on Neilson until it reaches Neilson Park south of Finch Avenue.  The parade ends in the park and that is where the Family Day will begin complete with  a junior pan concert (presented by the Ontario Steelpan Association) and  the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes sponsored junior calypso concerts. The free family day ends at 8 pm.
Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day is an integral part of the 3-week Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade. “The children of today are the people that will be running our festival in years to come, so it is vital that we get youngsters enthused about playing Mas,” explained Chris Alexander, the festival CAO.
Children as young as 6-months old will take part in the parade.  This year the 1,500 participants are registered with 9 Mas Camps to  to take part in this colourful fun parade. 
About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and revelry as well as visual and performing arts. It has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Carnival is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America's largest outdoor festival.

Corporate sponsors of this year's festival include: Scotiabank, OLG, The Toronto Star, CTV, CP-24, Virgin Radio, The Canadian Federal Government, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Liberty Grand.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

For more information about the programmes and events, please visit the festival's official website at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com. The Festival Office is located at 19 Waterman Avenue.
Contact info: Tel: 416-391-5608;  Email: info@torontocaribbeancarnival.com.