Merry Christmas

Going to Trinidad Carnival... Fetes

The countdown is underway until Trinidad carnival 2K13 and my excited and anticipation builds. As it will be my first time going down, I definitely fall into the newbie category and as such I have been looking to other blogs and facebook fan sites for information and reviews. I definitely plan to share my experiences through upcoming blog posts, so stay tuned!

For those who are going to trinidad carnival, here is a fete calendar that was recently released by Whey all the fetes are for carnival. Check out their facebook page here.

What events or fetes are you planning on attending?

Jingle Jam and Tribal Knights Appreciation Party

Saturday, December 1st, 2012 
Inside: Hickory House 440 Mcnicoll Ave - Markham -
Come See - Orlando Octave & Yannick Hooper - Marlon Asher - Soca Sweetness, Marxman - Soca Warrior Crew - Loudmout Chiney - Soca Chefs - Dj Eclipse - A+ - Jef Jam - Plus a Special Guest / And Santa on his Slay coming with all the gifts.

ALL TRIBAL CARNIVAL MEMBERS ONLY $10 AT DOOR BEFORE 11:30PM. ARRIVE EARLY.

  

2013 Toronto Carnival Themes

Below are some of the themes so far that have been announced for Toronto Carnival 2K13. 

I will continue to update as more are announced!

TruDynasty- Exotic Species

Blues Carnival Fusion- Lost Civilizations

Tribal Knights- The Beauty of Nature

 

Saldenah Mas K Club- Heaven & Earth

Feel free to send me an email at the.collabo.inc@gmail.com if you have any more information on band launches!

Toronto Events: The Juice Cup of Comedy

 

 

Wesleigh Hype Promotion presents
THE JUICE CUP: Africa vs West Indies
"The World Cup of comedy"

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18th, 2012
The Danforth Music Hall - 147 Danforth Rd
Doors Open: 7:30pm • Showtime: 8:30pm Sharp

• TEAM AFRICA COMEDIANS
featuring "The African King of Comedy"
MICHAEL BLACKSON
along with TRIXX & EDDY KING

• TEAM WEST INDIES COMEDIANS
featuring "Jamaican's Very Own"
BLAKKA ELLIS
along with MARC TRINIDAD & JAY MARTIN

 

• TEAM AFRICA SUPPORTING CAST
JD Era • MC Ebone • Spotty So Handsome
Femi Lawson • Peewee Da Prince • Brenda K
Missgo2girl • Richard F • Shadow

 

• TEAM WEST INDIES SUPPORTING CAST
Jean Paul • Dr Jay • Fire Kid Steenie
Blaxz Dun Place • King the MC • Roache • Britsh
Keesha Brownie • Marli Superstar • Jinx of Infinity

For more information call 647.822.4973 or email juicecomedytoronto@gmail.com
Tickets starting at just $30.00 on ticketmaster.com

Toronto Events- When Brothers Speak

Here's information on another event taking place in Toronto this weekend...

 

 

When Brothers Speak

Jane Mallett Theatre

Nov 10, 2012 – 8 pm

$48, $38 - Early Bird discount until October 8 at midnight - $10 off the regular price

When Brothers Speak is North America's premiere showcase of Black male spoken word artists.  Curated by Toronto's Dwayne Morgan, the 2012 edition of the show will feature performances from 2011 Toronto International Poetry Slam Champion Prufrock (Ottawa), Florida's Marc Marcel, Toronto's Ritallin, Edmonton's Knowmadic and more. 

For more information click here

Toronto Events- Battle of the Sexes

Beginning with the month of November, I will be starting to post information on various interesting events taking place in Toronto.

This Sunday is Battle of the Sexes.

 

Event Description 

 

Is Monogamy A Myth?

On Sunday November 4th 2012 you are invited to engage in a bold and energetic battle of the sexes conversation on monogamy in the new millennium

Featuring:

Lincoln A Blades | Tosin Bello | Elle Seon | Bee Quammie

Hosted By:

Goddess Intellect

Music By:

Dynamic Vibe Entertainment

NEW! Shop in the BOTS Pop Up Shop with a variety of vendors before the show

Mix, mingle & laugh with friends new & old

Enjoy tasty asian fusion hor d’oeurves provided by House Of Moments

Each guests goes home with a gift bag containing hundreds of dollars worth of free merchandise & services.

TWITTER @BATTLEOFTHESEXL

FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/BOTSSHOW

Fantazia International Appreciation Fete

This weekend... Soca is me

 

This event is free for all Saldenah Masqueraders before 12am!

Celebrated civil rights activist and co-founder of Caribana has passed away

 Photo credit: Aaron Vincent Elkaim/ CP Photo

According to Now magazine at nowtoronto.com, "The great civil rights lawyer and black pride activist Charles Roach has died. He was 78 years old.  

For years in Toronto, the omnipresent Roach graced meeting rooms where activists worked on causes like democratic control over police, and worker and protester rights.

A co-founder of Caribana and an organizer for Martinsday, Roach had a deep dedication to strengthening the bonds of Toronto's African-Canadian community and lent his name and prestige to a host of causes."

TheCollabo would like to express our condolences. For more information on the article click here

Manifesto 2013

 

About

Manifesto is a non-profit grassroots organization working to unite and energize Toronto's music and arts community and find innovative ways of working together towards common goals.

Description

In 2011, the critically acclaimed Manifesto Festival Of Community & Culture featured 11 days of incredible events across the city, culminating in a massive free outdoor concert at Yonge & Dundas Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. Growing to be arguably Canada’s largest hip hop festival in just five years, Manifesto brings together hundreds of artists & performers with thousands of attendees,to showcase our city’s talented arts community and strengthen its foundations, by building a collective sense of pride and possibility.

Through art exhibitions, dance competitions, workshops, free outdoor concerts, film screenings, networking opportunities, seminars, a pop-up arts market, and much more, Manifesto creates powerful and engaging experiences, and provides opportunities for young artists to grow.

Manifesto’s point of origin lies in hip hop culture – in its spirit of ingenuity, raw creativity, and people power, but we strive to stay out of boxes and create a platform with the potential to act as a catalyst for cross-pollination, collaboration, and the growth of new forms in this city of wildly talented people.

Bad-Perm.com presents Ladies First Cypher

Bad-Perm.com presents the MANIFESTO Festival Ladies First Cypher 

@ Yonge-Dundas Square 

Sunday September 23 2012.

Blues Carnival Fusion- Appreciation Party

Appreciation Party 

Saturday September 22nd
Hickory House 440 McNicoll at Victoria Park
Free before 10:30pm
 

To All Our Masqueraders!!!!
We hope you are all fully recovered and well rested after an action packed Toronto Carnival 2012. 

We want to keep the fire going at least until the end of September, we have another Event for you all our annual Appreciation Party!!!!
As we say Thank You to YOU our

Masqueraders and Supporters, without which none of this could be possible.
on 22nd September 2012 we invite you to our Appreciation Party.

We are now officially an 'A' Band #6 for Toronto Carnival 2013. 

We will be announcing our theme for 2013.

Please join us to celebrate on Saturday September 22nd at the Hickory House 440 Mc Nicoll at Victoria Park.

Music By: DJ Wisguy and Family Ties

Free Before 10:30pm
$10 After

Theme Alert- Saldenah

Saldenah announced their theme for Toronto Carnival 2K13

Sounds like they definitely have something nice in store!

TruDynasty's trip to Trinidad for Carnival 2013

 TruDynasty has organized a trip to Trinidad for Carnival 2013. Check out the description below and their facebook event page for more details.

 

 

 

You have asked and now you shall receive!! TruDYNASTY Carnival is finally organizing a trip to Trinidad for Carnival!

Date:

You will be staying on the tropical island of Trinidad for 8 days and 7 nights. You will depart on Thursday February 7th and return Thursday February 14th.

Hotel:

You will be staying in the top hotel on the island. The HYATT is a five star hotel located right by the water which always sells out by summer. Your stay will include FREE wi-fi in your room and complimentary breakfast buffet at the beachfront restaurant. Up to 4 people can stay in each room but please be advised that the beds are double beds not queens (the difference is only 6 inches in width not lengthy). Once you see the hotel you will fall in love!! Check it out! And a bonus: It's walking distance to everything!! No need to rent a car :)
www.trinidad.hyatt.com

Flight:

You will be flying with Caribbean Airlines out of Toronto to Port of Spain, Trinidad. In order to keep the cost lower the outbound flight does connect in Jamaica however it is only for an hour so once you get off the plane you can stretch your legs, use the bathroom and get ready to board and head out again. The flight returning home is a direct flight.
Here is the flight schedule:

Depart Toronto Feb 7 @ 2:10pm
Arrive in Kingston, Jamaica @ 6:20pm
Depart Kingston @ 7:40pm
Arrive in Port of Spain @ 11:10pm (please keep in mind that it will be 10:10pm our time which is why it looks like the flight is longer)

Depart Port of Spain, Trinidad Feb 14 @ 2:35pm
Arrive Toronto 7:40pm

Prices:

Prices are per person and are non-refundable. If you are unable to make it after you have started paying you can find a replacement up to 30 days prior to departure. Once the names have been submitted to the airline (30 days prior/Jan 6) they will not accept any changes.

4 ppl to a room $1570
3 ppl to a room $1745
2 ppl to a room $2090

Payment Schedule:
Your final payment is due December 19 by midnight. You can pay in full at that time or make payments as you need until then. A late balance payment will result in a $100 late fee.


Deposit amount- $200

The Ultimate Carnival Souvenir- CarnivalChaser Magazine

The Ultimate Carnival Souvenir is now available!

Over 60 FULL COLOR pages of Carnival action!

Carnival Articles, Artist Interviews & Photos Photos Photos!!!

Order your copy of the Toronto Carnival 2012 Edition of CarnivalChaser Magazine TODAY!

Check out their website at carnivalchaser.com

 

You may just stumble upon an article from yours truly ; )!

Last Lap

LAST LAP - FREE ADMISSION w/piece of costume

25 Aug 2012

22:00 - 03:00

Twilight Lounge

55 Nugget Ave

Calling Carnival Nationz, Saldenah, Tribal Knights, Toronto Revellers, Calalloo, Mas Toronto, Tru Dynasty, Connections, Fantazia International, Black Sage Carnival and all other Toronto Caribbean Carnival Masqueraders to the end of SUMMER FETE.  Come and share the memories of a GREAT SUMMER!  Bring your energy because we are gonna set Twilight on FIRE!  This might be our last wine and jam for the summer.  Did you head to Barbados for Crop Over?  Or Lucia or Vincy Mas or Spice Mas in Grenada.  Well we also have all de BIG tunes that will make you turn into a Monsta or turn into a Psyco or just simply Like YuhSelf!!
Music by some of the DJs from the bands on de road D Bandit, DOC,  G Dubbz and hosted by Dirty Dez.
You don't wanna miss this wear yuh costume event.  You have your headpiece on your dressing table so bring it!
DON'T HAVE A COSTUME?  No Worries...buy your $10 advance tickets here now:

Carnival Nationz Victory Cruise

 

 

 

CNz inaugural Victory Cruise Celebrating the 2012 "Band of the Year", King & Queen Victories of Carnival Nationz
We celebrating on the water and giving allyuh a cruise with the CNz Djs and family...

Aboard the Enterprise 2000
Boarding at 12pm, departing at 1pm SHARP!

Time: 1-5pm
Music: Carnival Nationz DJs featuring Soca Sweetness & WhiteBwoy!
Hosted by: EMAN & SKF
Tickets: $30 + service charge GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Available at the following outlets:
Play De Record - Downtown (south central) 416-586-0380
Drupati's - Scarborough (east) 647-835-5800
Charlie's - Mississauga (west) 905-896-3663
TicketGateway.com

For more information: Contact your CNz rep
Bryce @ 416.985.8488
Jenny @ 416.833.4640
Denise@ 416.820.3304
Hayden@ 416.220.4972
Ross @ 416.301.7761

Renissance Mas Productions Appreciation Event

Renaissance Mas Productions "APPRECIATION EVENT"
This SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH, 2012.
RMP Mascamp- 175 The Westway, 3:00PM
***Complimentary facials from 3-5PM*** 

(To make a private appointment , call/email using info listed on the voucher)

Check out their facebook page for more information on the event.

Toronto Revellers Picnic

Caribfest 2012

Carivaughan

Despite the rainy weather, I made my way to vaughan to support the Carivaughan parade and festivities.

 It was nice to know that proceeds of the Carivaugahn event would be going to benefit children and adults living with Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle cell is a red blood cell disorder, that has an ability to cause bone and joint swelling and vasoocclusive crisis. People of African, Indian, Middle Eastern, the Mediterranean and Latin American descent are more likely to inherit the gene that causes sickle cell disease. I myself, am a carrier of the sickle cell trait, and as such I am happy to support an event that seeks to build a comprehensive care centre for the sickle cell disease.

The event was supposed to begin with a street parade from Maple Go Station to Vaughan City Hall from 10am until 3pm. However, when I reached the station around 1:30, due to the rain it seemed the parade was somewhat postponed.

That vibes cyah done though! From my car I could hear the sweet sound of soca music playing, and when I got out to take a closer look masqueraders and onlookers were dancing underneath a tent/shaded area.

Eventually the party in the Go parking lot moved to city hall. The parade got underway about an hour or so later...

It was great to see a few masqueraders wore their costume and were all smiles!

The dj had the crowd chippin down the parking lot pavement : )

After walking back to my car to get my jacket, I decided to go check out some of the vendors and and booths that were set up at the opposite end of the parking lot. 

This was definitely a family event, with fun activities that were set up for the kids

And vendors that were selling food and drinks.

 One vendor already had t-shirts with Usain Bolt's face on it to commemorate the Olympics

A stage was also being set up for performances later in the afternoon

After I put some cupcakes back into my car, I headed back to check out how the parade was going. When I left the crowd had went from this... 

To this...

Once the street parade had finished, it was time for the performances. I was able to catch the first two acts. 

Overall, I had a good time at Carivaughan today. 

My guess is the rain probably deterred some people from coming, but it is a definitely a nice event for the family to check out, and to take one last jump post Toronto Carnival. 

All the best Carivaughan in the years to come : )

Carivaughan Street Parade and Festival

SATURDAY AUGUST 11^TH, 2012

The City of Vaughan and the entire York region can now celebrate the tastes, sounds, rhythms and culture of the

Caribbean, through its very own Street Parade and Festival.

:::CARIVAUGHAN STREET PARADE 11AM – 3PM:::

Maple GO Station, 30 Station St (Keele & Major Mac), Vaughan, ON, Canada

Starting at 11AM with a FREE mas block party for all at Maple GO station, masqueraders and revelers alike will take to the streets

backed by top DJs, and Steel Pan and Tassa groups from around Canada – “jumping”, “wining” and “waving” to the rhythms of the Caribbean.

Join one of the Mas bands (call: 416-444-3333) or just come with your costume from any of the major carnivals – and the Road is Yours!!!

•Caribbean & Latin Floats & Costume Bands

• Bring your costume and Jump Up on the Road

• Free parking at Maple GO Station

:::CARIVAUGHAN FESTIVAL 12PM – 8PM :::

Vaughan City Hall Grounds, 2141 Major MacKenzie Drive, Vaughan, ON, Canada

The Street Parade ends in grand fashion with a Festival at Vaughan’s City Hall.

The Festival will showcase international, and local artistes, music, dancers, vendors, and authentic Caribbean food.

Admission to the Festival is FREE.

• Live Caribbean, Soca, and Latin Performances!

• Landscaped grounds with over 5,000 capacity!

• Spectacular stage and light show!

• Kidz Zone and face painting!

• Caribbean food on sale!

• Licensed event!

• Suprises, giveaways, and much, much more!

Please call 416-316-8772 for festival opportunities: vendor, volunteer, sponsorship or parade participation

For more info

416-316-8772 ::: 416-843-2507
www.carivaughan.com

:::THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! :::

CariVaughan is built on the principle of planning and executing world class events that celebrate the culture and music of the

Caribbean, while ensuring that we are using our platform to educate visitors about sickle cell disease.

All donations and profits from CariVaughan go towards funding Sickle cell awareness, research, programs and services.

Our goal is the creation of a research chair appointment at a local hospital and the building of infrastructure to treat patients.

SATURDAY AUGUST 11^TH, 2012 – The Road is Yours!

Crossing the Stage?

In reviewing some of the feedback and reviews on this year's Toronto carnival, I read there was an issue this year where several bands were unable to display their costumes and floats across the stage and judging area. This topic is currently being discussed on our facebook page, but I also wanted to post here if in case any readers wanted to comment or could provide additional information anonymously on what occurred..

Pan Alive 2012 Results

1) Pan Fantasy

2) Afropan

3) Silhouettes

4) Golden Harps International

5) Salah Steelpan Academy

6) Panatics Steelband Network

7) New Dimension (tie)

7) JK Pan Vibrations (tie)

9) Hamilton Steel Youth Orchestra

10) Symphonyx

11) Pam Masters

12) CCAH

13) St. Jamestown Youth Centre

14) Metrotones

Pan Alive

 This is a thrilling evening displaying the musical and tonal qualities of the steel pan as members of the Ontario Steelpan Association compete before a panel of judges. This show is the best opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. This event highlights the talent of pannists ranging in age from early teens to adults as they perform their original renditions

 

Location:

Lamport Stadium 1151 King Street West, Toronto, ON

 

Cost: Advance $25.00

King and Queen Competition Unofficial Results

Here are the "unofficial" results of tonight's King and Queen Competition... 

King of the Band

1st place- Carnival Nationz

2nd place- Fantazia International

3rd place- Mas Toronto 

Queen of the Band

1st place- Carnival Nationz

2nd place- Tribal Knights

3rd place- TruDynasty

Male Individual

1st place- Fantazia International

2nd place- Carnival Nationz

3rd place- Louis Saldenah

Female Individual 

1st place- Fantazia International

2nd place- Carnival Nationz

3rd place- Louis Saldenah

Ontario Science Center Innovation and Design Award

Renaissance Mas Productions

Congratulations to all of tonight's winners and participants!

Carnival Makeup

One more day until the parade! 

I hope all of the final preparations before the big day is going well. 

Last year, I started a series of posts on the blog known as Makeup Mondays, which was intended to showcase MUAs in addition to give readers ideas for their carnival makeup look. 

This year, I am happy to share the work of Makeup Artist Shannon Cockburn. 

  A client showcasing a carnival makeup application by Shannon Cockburn

Shannon is a talented makeup artist from Trinidad and Tobago. She was trained at the London School of Beauty and specializes in makeup for fashion shows, T.V., film, bridal, photography, portfolios and special occasions. From looking at her facebook fan page, it was definitely cool to see that she has worked with artistes such as Kes the Band and has provided the looks on several of their music videos! 

Here are some pictures of some of her carnival and fantasy makeup applications...  

Shannon was also able to provide a few carnival makeup "Tips and Tricks": 

1.  Don’t underestimate the power of a good foundation. It adds another layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
2. If you’re using false lashes, don’t waste your time with the lash glue that comes in the pack. Invest in lash glue that will last through the heat and sweat. Try Duo Lash Glue available at MAC Makeup counters and stores. 
3.  Don’t waste money on expensive “fix it” sprays. An inexpensive way to get your make-up to last is to set it using a light misting of hairspray after you’ve finished your look.
4. Gems and rhinestones can be applied using Spirit Gum, which is stronger than any lash glue but note it must not be used near the eyes.

.

Thanks Shannon for the pictures and makeup tips.

 For more information on Shannon check out her facebook fan page here.

Stay tuned for more carnival looks and features on makeup artists in Toronto and abroad!

2012 “KAISO 365” CALYPSO MONARCH COMPETITION RESULTS

Calypso Monarch Competition 

1st Macomere Fifi – Eulith Tara Woods

2nd Structure – Bryan Thornhill

3rd Dennis James

4th Calypso Web – Hamilton Alexander

5th Beginner - Michael Moore

6th Connector – Joel Davis

7th Redman – Michael Thomas

8th Panman Pat - Pat Mc Neilly

9th The Crooner – Bill Newman

2012 “KAISO 365” CALYPSO MONARCH – SPECIAL AWARDS

BEST LYRICS: Structure – The Ship Wreck

BEST MELODY: Dennis James – Now I am Sixty-five

BEST PRESENTATION: Connector – Showcase We Culture

MOST ORIGINAL CALYPSO: Calypso Web – Grandpa I Can’t Understand

BEST RENDITION: Dennis James – Now I am Sixty-five

BEST COMPOSITION ON A LOCAL TOPIC: Macomere Fifi – Never Again

MOST HUMOUROUS CALYPSO: Dennis James – Now I am Sixty-five

BEST ARRANGEMENT: Carlyle Bailey – Tell Me Why

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Macomere Fifi

King and Queen Competition

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

Date: August 2nd, 2012

 Cost: Advance $30.00 / Gate $35.00 / Seniors $30.00 / V.I.P $100.00 VIP / Group (min 25-30) - $2400

Location:  Lamport Stadium-1151 King St W Toronto, ON

This is always a great event to go to! Here are some pictures from last year's event.