Stephen Weir Publicity Campaigns

How to beat the high cost of personal and public relations' photography

2012-01-27T12:56:00.003-05:00

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City of Toronto pitches in to reduce the cost of photography!
from a recent popular Stephen Weir Facebook posting

Valentine's Day is coming and you want to give the friends back in Renfrew a family portrait but you can't afford the high photographer's fee? Found a cheap(ish) solution. Load the family in the car and drive through a yellow light at Yonge and Lawrence. Printing is free and the post-office delivers! Thanks City Hall - the fine was worth it, I now have a great VD greeting card to show the folks back home how cheap it is to live in the Big Smoke.
I am now working on a series of photos for an upcoming PR campaign. Just having problems convincing my clients to stand on a flatbed truck as I roar through the intersection three times (I bracket my shots!).

Toronto inventor and pan player reaching for the Stars (and needs our vote)

2012-01-26T11:20:00.002-05:00

Salmon Cupid's invention - the E-Pan. Weir photo from 2010 Carnival launch
TROLLING FOR VOTES FOR TORONTO PAN ORCHESTRA AND E-PAN INVENTOR
Originally a FaceBook posting by Stephen Weir

Never knew about Pan till I started working with Bill Bobek on Caribana 1999 (now Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival). Since then, it has become a passion. I even know what it means "when steel talks".

One of my favourites is music teacher, e-pan inventor and pan master Salmon Cupid. He recently took the Toronto All Stars onto TV for CANADA'S GOT TALENT. Salmon helped with the verbage. So here this ... have you ever watched these TV PROGRAMS and thought that STEELPAN could be on a program like this? Well YES. It is happening and I must tell you that TORONTO ALL STARS from TORONTO Canada has been chosen in the LAST 20 SPOTS http://bit.ly/AgRasJ.

Check it out. He needs our votes!

Canada's largest outdoor event announces its 2012 calendar - July and August - Jump Up Time

2012-01-18T14:23:00.004-05:00

2012 List of Events – Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival – Our City’s best summer festival – July 16 to August 12, 2012
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The Festival Management Committee presents Toronto’s biggest summer Carnival and festival – from July 16 to August 2, 2012 with:

· Living Art through the presentation of stunning costumes known popularly as Mas’ at the Junior Carnival for kids age 2 to 16 years and Marquee Lakeshore Boulevard parades in a cosmopolitan Toronto.

· Performance Art capturing the original music in its diverse forms - soca, calypso, pan, and chutney music to animate the masqueraders and propel their dance steps as well as spectators.

· Ritualism motivating millions of visitors that have continued to make the city of Toronto the destination of choice for an absolute stunning Carnival event.

Our festival takes place at various locations in Toronto engaging many sectors of our city and citizens. This year we are offering improvements to the traditional events.

Junior Carnival Official launch – July 16. It’s all about the kids. This year, the event would be moved to a new location. Downsview Park.

Festival Official Launch – July 10: It’s the event that attracts wide media coverage especially by our media sponsors – television, radio, print media, and social media. It presents a snapshot of what’s on for the Festival.

GTAA Launch – July 20. It’s another year for the Greater Toronto Airport Authority partnership with the Festival Management Committee to promote the festival at the gateway to the City of Toronto with Caribbean entertainment and tastings.

Citizenship Ceremony – TBD Witness new Canadians being sworn in as citizens of Canada within a welcoming flavour of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and Festival.

Location: North York Civic Centre

Carnival Art – July 29 to August 12 – A unique display of Carnival costumes and the history of the festival featuring photography capturing Carnival around the city and also featuring the pioneers of the festival with the recollection of the festival over the years..

Media Conference at the Royal Ontario Museum - July 12

Junior Carnival – July 21. The kid’s version of the Marquee parade attracting over 30,000 spectator visitors comprising families and featuring 2,000 mini masquerades, some as young as two years taking place close to one the city’s priority neighbourhood with partners such as 31 & 32 Division of the Metropolitan Police. This year the festival would be at the Downsview Park.

Trudeau at the CTV 2011 BB-Que

CTV/CP24 BBQ – July TBD – It was so successful the last two years that they’ve decided to do it again – an outdoor BBQ from Queen Street to Richmond Street that celebrates the festival with costumes, music, and of course, delicious food.

Annual Gala– July 27. An elegant evening at the Liberty Grand that showcases masquerade models, music, dancing, exotic food, and signature drinks – sensational sights, sounds, and tastes. Attended by sponsors, donors, and partners, this event attracts the well-heeled clientele who bid on exciting prizes to support an identified cause.

Location: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex located on the waterfront - the epitome of luxury and elegance.

The Calypso Tent Music Series (CTMS) – The Calypso Tent Music Series (CTMS) will run for 5 weeks on weekends beginning
June 9th and ending July 8th.

Location: TBD

Kaiso 365 - Calypso Monarch Finals – July 23

After weeks of performances, calypsonians that have made the final cut will compete for the crown!!! Finalists compete for Canada's top Calypso prize. Humour, double entendre and wit, lyrics range from personal to political, social commentary to celebration.

Location: TBD

Calypso STARS Showcase – August 1

Gareth Burgess, Carnival Arts characters: Moko Jumbies (Swizzlestick Theatre), interactive Sailor Dancers (Hummingbird Dance Co.), and the Midnight Robber (Afro-Caribbean Dance Co.), Ossie Gurley & Calypso All Stars.

Location: Harbourfront Centre.

King and Queen Competition and Show – August 2. A spectacular display of the talent and artistic skill of the designers and costume builders of the King, Queen, male and female individual costumes paraded in front of a captivated audience. These masqueraders compete in costumes that weigh two to three times their body weight.

Location: Allan Lamport Stadium – capacity 6000 spectators.

Pan Alive – TBD. This event showcases the talent of steel pan performers ranging in age from early teens to adults as they perform their original renditions to the aficionados and judges at the Allan Lamport Stadium. We are planning to move the event to a full day event as opposed to an evening event.

Location: Allan Lamport Stadium

Grand Parade – August 4. This is the marquee parade that is the showcase of the Festival. After months of preparation, masqueraders in colourful and striking costumes and steel pan bands wind their way from the assembly area at 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.

Location: Exhibition Place, Ontario Place, Lakeshore Boulevard. .

Tropical Rhythm Food Festival – Islands Come to the Islands at Ontario Place – August 5 and August 6. Continuing the tropical Caribbean ambience of the festival, cool down on the south beach at Ontario Place or have fun in the park while enjoying ‘de lime’ with food, music, dance, and an array of fun activities for two days. Be up close and personal with the Bahamian Jankanoo band, ShortKnee performers from Grenada and the Rhyming chef who combines his unique talent of cooking and rhyming – the best way to end the long weekend. Enjoy the Tropical food festival and island hop to tasty, spicy morsels of Caribbean islands.

Location – Ontario Place, a cultural and entertainment park within easy reach of the city.

Canada Rugby League – TBD. A new event featuring fans of rugby league is adding the sporting dimension to the festival. “Governed by the Rugby League International Federation, the sport is officially played in 57 countries across the world. Most popular in England, Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific, the largest professional associations are the National Rugby League and the European Super League, with a combined fan base of over 100 million”. The event in Toronto will feature a matchup between the Jamaican international team and Canada for the first annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival Cup) and include a concert featuring artistes from Jamaica.

Location: TBD:

Issued By:

Stephen Weir
Festival Publicist| stephen@stephenweir.com
or sweir5492@rogers.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | Cell: 416-801-3101
www.stephenweir.com

The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction Announces 2012 Shortlist

2012-01-11T22:29:00.003-05:00

Noreen Taylor, chair of the Charles Taylor Foundation announced on Tuesday the five finalists for this year's book prize. The shortlist announcement was made in the Toronto headquarters of the Royal Bank of Canada. Above Noreen Taylor and Vijay Parmar, RBC vice-president, hold the nominated books. Photo by Tom Sandler

YouTube Video of event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV8srJKmkAQ

Five authors in the running for this year's non-fiction Prize

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - This morning, Noreen Taylor, chair of the Charles Taylor Foundation and founder of The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction, announced that the 2012 prize jury, composed of authors Allan M. Brandt and Stevie Cameron and non-fiction publishing consultant Susan Renouf, read 115 books, submitted by 35 publishers from around the world. Mrs. Taylor went on to introduce Ms Cameron and Ms Renouf, who announced the 2012 prize shortlist, as follows:

The Finalists for the 2012 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction Are:

Wade Davis for Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest, published by Alfred A. Knopf Canada

The jury notes: "In this monumental volume, Wade Davis narrates explorer George Mallory's heroic attempt to scale Everest following the Great War. With remarkable new research in previously unexplored British archives and in the Himalayas, Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest powerfully links the devastating carnage and demoralization of the War to the transcendent aspiration of Mallory and his compatriots to ascend Everest. With skill and insight, Davis explores the meaning of this valorous yet tragic climb for post-war Britain and the world."

Charlotte Gill for Eating Dirt: Deep Forests, Big Timber, and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe, published by Greystone Books

The jury notes: "Only a writer as skilled as Charlotte Gill could make the back-breaking work of planting more than a million seedlings sound like one of life's essential adventures. In a carefully balanced story of science, business and friendship, and one that is surprisingly unsentimental, Gill shares her love for Canada's boreal forests, the tragedy of their disappearances and the grueling work involved in replacing them. Reader, you might finish this book feeling relieved you don't plant trees - but you will be wishing you could."

JJ Lee for The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit, published by McClelland & Stewart

The jury notes: "As an experienced radio current affairs producer, JJ Lee knew what it took to make a good story though he never expected his own life to end up in a book. The Measure of a Man, Lee's account of trying to remake one of his late father's old suits into one for himself, began as a CBC Radio documentary. An editor suggested it would make a good book. She was right. Beautifully crafted, Lee's memoir is a heartbreaking page-turner about a family, an abusive father, and men's fashion. Who could have thought these themes could work together? In his first book, Lee has shown us how."

Madeline Sonik for Afflictions & Departures: Essays, published by Anvil Press

The jury notes: "Startlingly original, Madeline Sonik's moving story of her childhood defies all our expectations of memoir. She captures crystalline moments of childhood memory and links them in a daisy-chain with corresponding events of the tumultuous societal change taking place outside her home. It is North America in the 1960s and 70s and her letter-perfect, child's-eye view of the world brings back that time with such intensity that the reader can almost smell and taste it. Droll, tragic, and absolutely compelling, Afflictions and Departures is a visceral portrayal of a family imploding."

Andrew Westoll for The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A Canadian Story of Resilience and Recovery, published by HarperCollins Publishers

The jury notes: "Brilliantly blending science and storytelling, primatologist and author Andrew Westoll takes us deep into the world of the haunted and haunting rescued research chimps of Fauna Sanctuary. Pulled from decades of horrific lab conditions, rescued chimps live out the balance of their long lives in sanctuaries such as Fauna, cared for and loved by an extraordinary group of people. Westoll deftly draws the reader into the wild day-to-day ride of life with the Fauna chimps and soon their Otherness falls away. Through his lens, the chimps are revealed as the individuals they are, with all their foibles, damage, and possibility - and the reader's world view shifts on its axis. Heartrending and heart-warming, this is a stunning and important work of art and documentary and science."

The prestigious Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction recognizes excellence in Canadian non-fiction writing and emphasizes the development of the careers of the authors it celebrates. Since its inception, the prize has fostered a growing interest in non-fiction, engaged Canadians in the genre of literary non-fiction, and boosted sales of the winning authors' books. Awarded annually to the author whose book best combines a superb command of the English language, an elegance of style, and a subtlety of thought and perception, the prize consists of $25,000 for the winning author and $2,000 for the runners-up, in addition to extensive promotion and publicity to help all books stand out in the national media, bookstores, and libraries.

The trustees of the Charles Taylor Foundation are Michael Bradley (Toronto), Judith Mappin (Montreal), David Staines (Ottawa), and Noreen Taylor (Toronto). They established The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction to commemorate the life and work of the late Charles Taylor, one of Canada's foremost essayists and a prominent member of the Canadian literary community. Charles Taylor was a foreign correspondent with The Globe and Mail and the author of four books: Radical Tories; Reporter in Red China; Six Journeys: A Canadian Pattern; and Snow Job.

The jurors for The 2012 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction are Allan M. Brandt, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, award-winning author Stevie Cameron, and well-respected editor and consultant Susan Renouf. Full biographies of the jurors can be found here: http://www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca/2012/jury_12.asp

The 2012 prize finalists will speak at Ben McNally's Authors Brunch on Sunday, March 4, 2012. For tickets, please visit www.benmcnallybooks.com. The prize winner will be announced at a Gala Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 5 at Le Meridien King Edward Hotel. The winner will be featured at the International Festival of Authors in October, 2012.

The trustees of The Charles Taylor Foundation gratefully acknowledge the support of their partners. The Presenting Sponsor of The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction is RBC Wealth Management; the Major Sponsor is Windfields Farm; the Media Sponsors are CNW Group, CBC Books, The Globe and Mail, Maclean's magazine and Quill & Quire magazine; and the In-Kind Sponsors are Ben McNally Books, Event Source, Indigo Books and Music, Kobo Inc., The International Festival of Authors, Le Meridien King Edward Hotel, and the Toronto Review of Books.

To download high-resolution images of the jury, finalists, and shortlisted titles, please go to: http://www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca/2012/photogallery_12.asp

For information on the authors and their shortlisted titles, click on or key in the publishers' website addresses noted below each book.

Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest by Wade Davis, published by Knopf Canada
http://www.randomhouse.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307944108

Eating Dirt: Deep Forests, Big Timber, and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe by Charlotte Gill, published by Greystone Books
http://www.dmpibooks.com/book/eating-dirt

The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit by J. J. Lee, published by McClelland & Stewart
http://www.mcclelland.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780771046476

Afflictions and Departures: Essays by Madeline Sonik, published by Anvil Press
http://www.anvilpress.com/Books/afflictions-departures

The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A Canadian Story of Resilience and Recovery by Andrew Westoll, published by HarperCollins
http://www.harpercollins.ca/books/The-Chimps-of-Fauna-Sanctuary-Andrew-Westoll?isbn=9781554686490&HCHP+TB_The+Chimps+of+Fauna+Sanctuary

For more information please visit: www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca

Shortlist for Charles Taylor Prize For Literary Non-Fiction Announced

2012-01-11T22:04:00.004-05:00

11 Charles Taylor Prize Longlisted Books vie for 2012 Shortlist - Presser on Tuesday 10am

2012-01-04T09:40:00.002-05:00

11 Charles Taylor Prize Longlisted books vie for 2012 Shortlist

New location - 40th floor. RBC Front/Bay

Shortlist to be announced Tuesday, January 10
TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - A news conference to announce the 2012 Finalists of The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction will be held Tuesday, January 10^th at 10 a.m. at a new venue -- the RBC South Tower, 200 Bay Street, 40^th Floor Executive Lounge, Toronto. Jurors Stevie Cameron, Susan Renouf and Allen Brandt have been reviewing their longlist (below, which was released December 12^th), and will announce the 2012 Prize Shortlist from these semi-finalists:

Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter by Carmen Aguirre, published by Douglas & McIntyre
Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest by Wade Davis, published by Knopf Canada
The Patrol: Seven Days in the Life of a Canadian Soldier in Afghanistan by Ryan Flavelle, published by HarperCollins
Eating Dirt: Deep Forests, Big Timber, and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe by Charlotte Gill, published by Greystone Books
Nation Maker: Sir John A. MacDonald: His Life, Our Times Volume Two: 1867 - 1891 by Richard Gwyn, published by Random House Canada
The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit by J. J. Lee, published by McClelland & Stewart
Facing the Hunter: Reflections on a Misunderstood Way of Life by David Adams Richards, published by Doubleday Canada
Why Not? Fifteen Reasons to Live by Ray Robertson, published by Biblioasis
Afflictions and Departures: Essays by Madeline Sonik, published by Anvil Press
The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A Canadian Story of Resilience and Recovery by Andrew Westoll, published by HarperCollins
Bad Animals: A Father's Accidental Education in Autism by Joel Yanofsky, published by Viking Canada

This year, 115 submissions competed for the Charles Taylor Prize's first ever Longlist.
The $25,000 Charles Taylor Prize is awarded annually to a Canadian author whose book best demonstrates a superb command of the English language, an elegance of style and a subtlety of thought and perception. An award of $2,000 is provided for each finalist with promotional support for each shortlisted title. The winner of the 2012 Prize will be announced on Monday, March 5th.
The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction is presented by the Charles Taylor Foundation in association with presenting sponsor, RBC Wealth Management; with support from Windfields Farm. Media partners include CNW Group, CBC Books, The Globe and Mail, and Quill & Quire. The Prize also acknowledges the generosity and support of Ben McNally Books, Chapters/Indigo Books and Music, Event Source, International Festival of Authors, KOBO, Le Meridien King Edward Hotel and The Review of Books.
For more information: www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca

For further information:

Issued by/Media Contacts:

Stephen Weir & Associates:

Stephen Weir:	416-489-5868	cell: 416-801-3101	stephen@stephenweir.com
Linda Crane:	905-257-6033	cell: 416-727-0112	cranepr@cogeco.ca

Editors Note: Media are requested to RSVP to Stephen or Linda if planning to attend the Shortlist News Conference.

BOOK PRESSER 40 FLOORS UP - TUESDAY AM TORONTO RBC BUILDING WELLINGTON ST

2012-01-04T09:35:00.000-05:00

Press Conference - Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction Announcement 2012 Shortlist

National Post's photograph of last year's Prize winner, Charlie Foran

Tuesday, January 10th ● 10:00 a.m. sharp!
Royal Bank of Canada, Executive Lounge
South Tower, 200 Bay Street, 40th Floor
(corner of Bay & Front Street)
TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Please join the Trustees of The Charles Taylor Prize Foundation, and presenting sponsor, RBC Wealth Management for the announcement of the 2012 Finalists of The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction.
Who: Hosted by: Noreen Taylor, Founder and Chair, The Charles Taylor Prize Foundation
Also in attendance and available for comment:
Dr. David Staines, Prize Trustee
2012 Jurors Stevie Cameron & Susan Renouf (Allen M. Brandt absent)
Vijay Parmar, Vice President, RBC Wealth Management
Canadian publishers & book editors
What:
Unveiling of the authors and titles that have been shortlisted for the 11th awarding of The Charles Taylor Prize -- the country's most prestigious non-fiction award.
Where: Note that the Shortlist Announcement venue has changed for 2012
RBC Executive Lounge, 200 Bay Street, 40th Floor. Paid parking available underground.
Media will be met in lobby by CTP Representatives.
Why:
The Prize commemorates the late Charles Taylor, one of Canada's foremost essayists, a foreign correspondent and a prominent member of the Canadian literary community whose dream was to raise the public profile of non-fiction. Now in its 11^th year, The Prize is recognized as a driving force behind the growth of non-fiction in Canada; celebrating the exceptional authors who captivate us with their stories, insights and style.
The $25,000 Prize is awarded annually to a Canadian author whose book best demonstrates a superb command of the English language, an elegance of style and a subtlety of thought and perception. An award of $2,000 is provided for each finalist with promotional support for each shortlisted title.
The winner of the 2012 Prize will be announced on Monday, March 5th.
This year, 115 submissions competed for the Charles Taylor Prize's first ever Longlist which was announced December 12^th, 2011. For longlisted authors and books visit: thecharlestaylorprize.ca
The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction is presented by the Charles Taylor Foundation in association with presenting sponsor, RBC Wealth Management; with support from Windfields Farm. Media partners include CNW Group, CBC Books, The Globe and Mail, and Quill & Quire. The Prize also acknowledges the generosity and support of Ben McNally Books, Chapters/Indigo Books and Music, Event Source, International Festival of Authors, KOBO, Le Meridien King Edward Hotel and The Review of Books. For more information: www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca

For further information:
Media are requested to confirm their attendance with Stephen Weir & Associates:

Stephen Weir:	416-489-5868	cell: 416-801-3101	stephen@stephenweir.com
Linda Crane:	905-257-6033	cell: 416-727-0112	cranepr@cogeco.ca

Lowdown on highbrow discount card ...diningdatenight

2011-12-30T15:44:00.007-05:00

Female sticky note writer dispenses midnight prose about Splendido.
Pulitizer worthy review written on sticky notes and emails.

Ms. NA is the only person I know who writes sticky notes and email bursts that deserve a Pulitzer Prize. Succinct. Funny. Ironic. Dark. All in less than 200 words. Right brainers need not apply.
NA is a Toronto based over-night pharmacist to the stars ( well, Randy Macho Man Savage once stopped by her store after midnight - unsuccessfully looking for smokes). This self-taught writer produces such lyrical reviews that we classically trained journalists (Ryerson Pyrotechnical Institute ;-) ) want to weep and, of course, instantly plagiarize.
Be it cutting notes about over-the-counter pizzas, or scathing emails about nasty neighbours, her emails are worthy of public consumption. The following, with a bit of preamble by me is the latest missive that had me in awe and using my oft neglected dictionary!

So what about Splendido and Dining Date Night?

This email is in response to a question that was put to her about the value of a new discount programme for some of Toronto's most ritzy (i.e expensive) restaurants. The wag jag style programme is called diningdatenight.com. You pay the online company $10.00 and they say they will get you deep discounts at chi chi restaurants.
We are always interested in discounts but unwilling to part with a fin because of an internet come-on, so we asked NA about her recent experience with diningdatenight at Splendido ... a restaurant that once charged us $64.00 for a few rounds of bottled water (I won't tell you what the meal cost).
Below is NA's take on the Internet discount programme and the College Street eatery:

DINING DATE NIGHT AND SPLENDIDO

Yup .. a friend and I saved $72 off of our total bill! you do have to take a subprime table in the "retro-storage room" or " the hyperboreanesque cool of the meat locker" (;-p) .. the meal was the best I've had in North America this year (including a close 2nd by Popeye's. I have a diversely discerning palate - have you evah had creole onion rings, o' Lordy Darla Sue!) - PEI oysters came with such interesting toppings as a boozy apple calvados puree, champagne foam and horseradish vodka, the rosemary focaccia bread was my culinary carbohydrate holy communion - if transubstantiation was fo real yo - the spirit in the sky would def choose this as his hotrod.
... other apps we downloaded include soft pillowy agnolotti with pumpkin & ricotti - yielded to the bite so willingly.. the most nubile of a terrorist martyr's 72 virgins .. bedded on clouds of milk foam, amaretti and pumpkin seeds, & Fois gras parfait (need I say more..) with pear puree.
Mains were lamb & sweetbreads with date chutney ... which I didn't taste, as enthralled as I was with the veal tenderloin with smoked brisket and bone marrow jus with oyster mushrooms. Desserts were white chocolate cheesecake with apples, apple sorbet & cheddar cheese on the side, & chocolate/caramel verrine - a sort of parfait/sundae with peanut ice cream - had Nutcracker cafe p.c. - frangelico, malibu rum & amaretto.. def recommend the website (diningdatenight) - have a good selection of restos - I paid 10$ and we saved 72$ betwixt us both.

Cheerio!
Noi

Stephen Weir invites the media to attend the Short List Announcement high above the city for the Charles Taylor Prize

2011-12-22T23:20:00.003-05:00

Media E-vite/News Advisory

2012 CHARLES TAYLOR PRIZE

SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENT & PRESS CONFERENCE

The trustees of the Charles Taylor Foundation request the honour of your presence at a news conference to announce the finalists for The 2012 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction.

Shortlist Announcement is hosted by presenting sponsor RBC Wealth Management.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10th

Announcement at 10:00 a.m. sharp!

New location: Royal Bank of Canada South Tower

Executive Lounge ▪ 40^th Floor ▪ 200 Bay Street (Corner of Bay Street and Front Street)

Toronto, Ontario

*A prize representative will greet media at elevators to direct you to 40^th floor.

Media and Cameras welcome

-0-

Media are requested to RSVP to:

Stephen Weir and Associates:

Stephen Weir: (416) 489-5868/stephen@stephenweir.com

Linda Crane: (905) 257-6033/ cranepr@cogeco.ca

Toronto's Cultural Assessment Management Group brings great Canadian animal sculptor and utility together!

2011-12-15T13:38:00.001-05:00

Joe Fafard and his Winnipeg Bison

Sculptor Joe Fafard now has two large bronze bisons in Winnipeg

Two huge bronze bison now watch over the main lobby of Manitoba Hydro Place in downtown Winnipeg.

The fanciful sculptures, created by award-winning Canadian artist Joe Fafard, were revealed to the public at a special ceremony yesterday (Tuesday December 13). Each standing over 2.4 metres high and weighing over 450 kilograms, the double-sided sculptures were installed in alcoves on either side of the Graham Avenue entrance to the building, and gaze both inwards to the main floor gallery and outwards to the street.
Cultural Asset Management Group, a Toronto firm owned by Shelley Falconer and Shawna White, two well-known Canadian art experts are under contract to help the public utility establish this vibrant public art program. Culural Asset Management Group has worked with Mr. Fafard on previous occassions and facilitated this outstanding commission.

The statues installed in Winnipeg are the first of an eventual six that will grace Hydro's headquarters. Two more adult bison statues will be placed in similar alcoves at the building's Portage Avenue entrance, while one bronze bison calf will be placed outdoors near each entrance, under the watchful gaze of the adults.

"Being able to feature works from an artist of Mr. Fafard's stature is a tremendous opportunity, and to have him create something that is so unique yet at the same time so representative of Manitoba, is very exciting. It's only fitting that the award-winning Manitoba Hydro Place feature artwork from a similarly prominent and world-renowned artist" said Bob Brennan, President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro.

"At Manitoba Hydro, we are proud to be able to use the public spaces of our building to showcase and support Canadian artists."

Born and raised in Ste. Marthe, Saskatchewan, Fafard graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg in 1966, before going on to complete a Masters of Arts at Pennsylvania State University in 1968. While studying close to New York City, he spent much time at the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of Modern Art. He was inspired to explore ceramics while teaching sculpture and pottery at the University of Saskatchewan in Regina. In 1974 when he resigned from teaching, he devoted all his time to sculpture. He earned his first large commission, the Toronto Dominion Bank's new public art installation in 1984, then in 1985 he opened his own foundry, Julienne Atelier Inc.

Fafard said he often chooses prairie animals as his subjects, such as cows, bulls, and horses because they have the ability to remind us that we all share the same resources on this planet, and that in this way we can understand the relationship we have with nature, through agriculture. These prairie animals act as muse and also pay homage to the land and the community.

"I hope that having people see something that gives them some awe for a fellow creature can translate into some care for the environment," Fafard said.
Cultural Assets Management Group provides integrated art management services to private collectors, corporations, governments and the non-for-profit community. Here in Toronto CAM has provided art management services to the Toronto District School Board in support of their large and valuable art collection. The company, located in the GTA, stores valuable art and artefact collections in a secure, 30,000 sq ft environment, and provides consulting services across Canada.

For Further Information:

Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com
or sweir5492@rogers.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | Fax: 416-488-6518
www.stephenweir.com

London Olympics Diversity Expert coming to Toronto to speak at Diversity Conference

2011-12-12T15:46:00.002-05:00

Wirestory that I issued this morning. Will be of interest to Diversity and Business Editors

RBC Sponsorship of Upcoming Canadian Supplier Diversity Conference in March 2012 Announced

TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2011 /CNW/ - The Diversity Business Network, (DBN), is pleased to announce that RBC, Canada's largest bank, will be the presenting sponsor at the Canadian Supplier Diversity Conference 2012 - Diversity Our Economic Strength. "The Canada of today reflects diversity, and diversity for growth and innovation is one of RBC's key values," states Jennifer Tory, Regional President for Greater Toronto Region at RBC. "As presenting sponsor for the March conference, we hope to create opportunities to share ideas, collaborate and explore possibilities to help diverse-owned businesses develop, grow, and prosper across all our communities," Tory comments.

RBC annually issues a Diversity Progress Report highlighting its initiatives and achievements based on the theme that diversity makes us stronger. RBC has received international recognition for its commitment to diversity as one of four companies that received the 2010 Catalyst Award for Diversity. In 2011 Ms. Tory received special recognition from Catalyst Canada for her role in championing women and diversity in business. Catalyst is an organization founded on the principles of advancing culture-changing efforts within business through diversity and inclusion.

"We are thrilled to have RBC as presenting sponsor for the 2012 Canadian Supplier Diversity Conference," states Courtney Betty, President and Founder of DBN. "RBC has demonstrated what is possible when a Canadian business makes diversity a core value in its hiring and supply chain practices," he continues.

DBN was founded to create greater awareness among government, NGOs and corporations about the talent and capability of diverse-owned businesses in Canada and the cultural and economic contributions they can make to the country and the world. At the first conference held in the fall of 2010 in Toronto over 350 diverse-owned businesses and corporations participated. The focus of the 2012 conference, to be held at the Allstream Center at Exhibition Place on Friday, March 23, will be on the economic impact of diversity in the Canadian supply chain. Diverse-owned businesses along with Canadian companies seeking diverse suppliers will meet in a forum and breakout sessions to learn about each other and about practical ways to work together.

The keynote speaker will be Stephen Frost, Head of Diversity and Inclusion for London 2012, the organizing body for the upcoming Olympic Games. He will be joined by speakers from RBC and other leading executives from the public and private sector across North America who will talk about how they are addressing diversity in their procurement strategies. Breakout themed sessions will focus on how companies and organizations can transform their business practices through understanding, implementing and measuring supplier diversity.

About The Diversity Business Network

DBN provides tools, strategies and systems for corporations to become world-class leaders and benefactors of supplier diversity. Our mission is to make diversity in the supply chain a cornerstone of corporate Canada and to establish the standard by which supplier diversity effectiveness is measured within business and government.

For further information: Courtney Betty, B.A., LL.B. JD.
President and CEO
Diversity Business Network (DBN)
Website: www.diversitybusinessnetwork.com
Email: Courtney@diversitybusinessnetwork.com
Tel: O. 416-968-1181 | f. 416-968-7619

Where are the Charles Taylor Prize Longlist Authors From?

2011-12-12T14:29:00.002-05:00

ANSWER? FROM ALL ACROSS CANADA (but heavy from British Columbia)

1. Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter by Carmen Aguirre, published by Douglas & McIntyre

Carmen Aguirre is a Vancouver based author and playright. She is originally from Chile

2. Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest by Wade Davis, published by Knopf Canada

Wade Davis is a Vancouver based author and explorer. He is currently the Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society in Washington

3. The Patrol: Seven Days in the Life of a Canadian Soldier in Afghanistan by Ryan Flavelle, published by HarperCollins

Ryan Flavelle is a Canadian Vet and lives in Calgary

4. Eating Dirt: Deep Forests, Big Timber, and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe by Charlotte Gill, published by Greystone Books

Charlotte Gill lives on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia

5. Nation Maker: Sir John A. MacDonald: His Life, Our Times Volume Two: 1867 - 1891 by Richard Gwyn, published by Random House Canada

Author and Toronto Star columnist Richard Gwyn lives in Toronto’s Cabbagetown

6. The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit by J. J. Lee, published by McClelland & Stewart

JJ LEE is the menswear columnist for the Vancouver Sun and broadcasts a weekly fashion column for CBC Radio in Vancouver. He lives in New Westminister

7. Facing the Hunter: Reflections on a Misunderstood Way of Life by David Adams Richards, published by Doubleday Canada

David Adams Richards was born and raised New Brunswick. The Order of Canada author lives in Fredricton

8. Why Not? Fifteen Reasons to Live by Ray Robertson, published by Biblioasis

Ray Robertson is from Chatham Ontario and currently calls the town home

9. Afflictions and Departures: Essays by Madeline Sonik, published by Anvil Press

Canadian author Madleine Sonik was born in Detroit and lives in Victoria BC

10. The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A Canadian Story of Resilience and Recovery by Andrew Westoll, published by HarperCollins

The primatologist, and author lives in toronto

11. Bad Animals: A Father's Accidental Education in Autism by Joel Yanofsky, published by Viking Canada

Joel Yanofsky lives in Montreal

Just In Time For Christmas - 11 top non-fiction books on Prize Longlist

2011-12-12T11:09:00.002-05:00

CHARLES TAYLOR PRIZE FOR LITERARY NON-FICTION ANNOUNCES FIRST LONGLIST FOR THE 2012 ANNUAL PRIZE

In response to the large number of publishers' submissions that are received each year and the opportunity to promote the best of these books in the all-important Christmas bookselling season, the trustees of the Charles Taylor Foundation have decided to make public the books that are still under consideration by the 2012 prize jury. Thirty-five publishers from across North America and around the world have submitted 115 titles this year. Today, jurors Allan M. Brandt, Stevie Cameron, and Susan Renouf announced the first longlist ever issued for The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction.
The longlisted titles are:

Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter by Carmen Aguirre, published by Douglas & McIntyre
Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest by Wade Davis, published by Knopf Canada
The Patrol: Seven Days in the Life of a Canadian Soldier in Afghanistan by Ryan Flavelle, published by HarperCollins
Eating Dirt: Deep Forests, Big Timber, and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe by Charlotte Gill, published by Greystone Books
Nation Maker: Sir John A. MacDonald: His Life, Our Times Volume Two: 1867 - 1891 by Richard Gwyn, published by Random House Canada
The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit by J. J. Lee, published by McClelland & Stewart
Facing the Hunter: Reflections on a Misunderstood Way of Life by David Adams Richards, published by Doubleday Canada
Why Not? Fifteen Reasons to Live by Ray Robertson, published by Biblioasis
Afflictions and Departures: Essays by Madeline Sonik, published by Anvil Press
The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A Canadian Story of Resilience and Recovery by Andrew Westoll, published by HarperCollins
Bad Animals: A Father's Accidental Education in Autism by Joel Yanofsky, published by Viking Canada

Prize Founder Noreen Taylor commented: "Last year, at our 10th anniversary, the jury informed us that there were so many additional titles so close to being named to the shortlist that we realized it was time to issue a longlist. Now, as I look at the longlisted titles, it is clear that it was the right decision. Our jury has sorted through the 115 submissions and selected a longlist that is diverse in subject and treatment. Having already read a number of these books, I know that the jury has lived up to our mandate. They have Recognized Excellence."
The jurors for The 2012 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction are Allan M. Brandt, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, award-winning author Stevie Cameron, and well-respected editor and consultant Susan Renouf. Full biographies of the jurors can be found here: http://www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca/2012/jury_12.asp
The trustees of the Charles Taylor Foundation are Michael Bradley (Toronto), Judith Mappin (Montreal), David Staines (Ottawa), and Noreen Taylor (Toronto). They established The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction to commemorate the life and work of the late Charles Taylor, one of Canada's foremost essayists and a prominent member of the Canadian literary community. Charles Taylor was a foreign correspondent with The Globe and Mail and the author of four books: Radical Tories; Reporter in Red China; Six Journeys: A Canadian Pattern; and Snow Job.
The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction is awarded annually to the author whose book best combines an excellent command of the English language, an elegance of style, quality of thought, and subtlety of perception. The prize consists of $25,000 for the winning author and $2,000 for each of the remaining finalists. All of the shortlisted titles receive extensive national publicity and marketing support.
The Charles Taylor Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of its partners: RBC Wealth Management (Presenting Sponsor); Windfields Farm (Major Sponsor); CBC Books, CNW Group, Quill & Quire, and The Globe and Mail (Media Sponsors); and Ben McNally Books, Indigo Books and Music, the International Festival of Authors (IFOA), and Kobo Inc. (In-Kind Sponsors).
The 2012 prize shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 and the winner on Monday, March 5, 2012 at events to be held in downtown Toronto.
For more information please visit: www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca
and follow us at www.twitter.com/taylorprize
To download high resolution images of the jury, visit:
www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca/2012/photogallery_12.asp

LONGLIST, LONG TIME COMING - CHARLES TAYLOR PRIZE ON MONDAY

2011-12-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

The Charles Taylor Prize For Literary Non-Fiction To Announce Its First Longlist On Monday Morning

TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction jury will announce on Monday, December 12th, its longlist of book titles. This is the first time that the annual prize will be issuing the names of the authors now in contention for the 2012 Prize. The 2012 Prize Jury members are Allan M. Brandt, Stevie Cameron, and Susan Renouf.

The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction is awarded annually to the author whose book best combines an excellent command of the English language, an elegance of style, quality of thought, and subtlety of perception. The prize consists of $25,000 for the winning author and $2,000 for each of the remaining finalists. All of the shortlisted titles receive extensive national publicity and marketing support.
The Charles Taylor Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of its partners: RBC Wealth Management (Presenting Sponsor); Windfields Farm (Major Sponsor); CBC Books, CNW Group, Quill & Quire, and The Globe and Mail (Media Sponsors); and Ben McNally Books, Indigo Books and Music, the International Festival of Authors (IFOA), and Kobo Inc. (In-Kind Sponsors). The 2012 longlist will be issued at 8am Monday, December 12th by CNW. The 2012 prize shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, January 10 and the winner on Tuesday, March 5, at events to be held in downtown Toronto. The prize website is: www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca

For further information: Stephen Weir
Charles Taylor Prize Publicist | stephen@stephenweir.com
or sweir5492@rogers.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | Fax: 416-488-6518
www.stephenweir.com www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca

Was it only a year ago that you never saw an I-Pad at a media event?

2011-12-02T11:00:00.001-05:00

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STEPHEN JOBS' DEVICES HAVE CHANGED HOW PROFESSIONALS STAGE PRESS CONFERENCES FOR THE ARTS IN TORONTO THESE DAYS

The day of cameramen staying off stage are over - OSC presser

Last month when the Ontario Science Centre (OSC) held a media launch for an exhibition of miniature working models of some of Leonardo da Vinci's greatest inventions, Massimiliano Lisa, curator of the traveling show, dedicated the day to the memory of Stephen Job. Lisa (no relation to Mona) compared the game changing genius of Da Vinci to the intellect of the recently departed head of Apple.
The room full of science geeks agreed with the visiting curator. Little did they know how much Stephen Jobs has changed how PR people like me stage media events – including the event they were at.
In the old days - a year ago - there was a certain never-stray-from blue print for the physical set-up of a press event. The appearance at pressers of the I-Pad, the I-Phone and vastly improved lightweight cameras, video recorders and audio recorders has forced publicists in the non-profit Arts sector to change how media events are set up and run.

BACK IN 2010: there is a raised well lit stage, a podium (large enough to hold radio tape machines - and at an angle not too acute so they won't slide off), seating for 20, a raised platform for video cameras, a sound board where cameras and audio recorders can plug in and a check-in table where the media can leave their contact numbers and pick up press kits, DVD photo/avi files and small capacity memory sticks loaded with releases and photos. The audio speakers are hidden from view and there are power bars on the floor for the cameras and their lights.

Blogger with baby at CBC Canada Reads launch in Toronto.

NOW IN 2011 as many bloggers and social media journalists are showing up at pressers with Jobs-generation equipment as there are traditional media journalists. And while regular media people tend to travel in packs with bulky power hungry video cameras, a whack of large format cameras, lap tops (for post event editing) and bulky sound recording devices the needs for the social media are completely different. Publicists need publicity, and social media delivers just that ... social media attending events are as important as regular media so changes to the set up of the room have had to be made.

WHERE ARE THE AUDIO SPEAKERS?

At the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, (where I help out) a decision was made several years ago to have the public address speakers in the Great Hall hidden in the ceiling, 10-metres above the stage. The reasoning back then was that media would not record off the speakers but instead would plug into a soundboard to get a direct distortion-free feed from the podium microphones. Audio speakers were seen as a visual distraction.

I-PHONE IS A PORTABLE AUDIO RECORDER FOR MANY REPORTERS

This was a "sound" philosophy back then, but, nowadays it doesn't work that way. Many attendees at press conferences now use I-phones and other smart phone units to record the spoken word. Trouble is, there isn't a universal plug-in size for smart phones and digital recorders to record off those old technology AV sounds boards. Most I-phone journalists now stand as close as they can to event loud speakers and hold their phones like pizzas to record the sound until their arm gives out!

reporter uses IPhone to collect sound bites

I saw this last month at the Art Gallery of Ontario opening of a Marc Chagall painting exhibition. A social media reporter (see photo) wanted audio of the European curators talking about the Marc Chagall exhibition so he stood near the speaker columns and held up his I-phone to get the bits that he needed for his on-line radio show!

PLATFORM FOR CAMERAS NOT AS CROWDED AS IT USED TO BE

The traditional press conference platform for cameras on tripods was important to give unobstructed TV newsroom footage of the speeches. The raised platform gives a clear shot at the stage. Trouble is in 2011, with people using lightweight cameras, the static camera shot is no longer important.
At the Sun traditional photographers are going the way of the reel-to-reel recorder. Reporters are expected shoot stills, video and take notes at pressers. Nowadays reporters, social media practioners and camera people are everywhere doing everything. Sitting on the floor in front. Standing in the wings. Getting shots from behind the stage. Sometimes they aren't even in the room depending instead on SKYPE and on-line coverage of the conference (provided by the host of the presser).

SOCIAL MEDIA JOURNALISTS DON'T KNOW THEIR PLACE

Cameraman from mainstream media have to compete with new reporters who have no sense of the old press conference decorum (stay in your seat till the speeches are over) and are prone to wandering on the stage with their cameras in hand. Take a look at the posted photo from the Da Vinci press conference where a CBC TV crew followed a social media camera person and came right up on stage, uninvited, to get a close-up of a musician playing (for the very first time) the Leonardo invention of the Harpsichord-Viola.
And, with more and more reporters using I-Pads to shoot video, there is no need for a tripod. Their shot sequences, because of arm fatigue, tend to be very short. And the best I-Pad video shots are as close as possible to the action. Compare the footprint of an I-Pad reporter and a TV crew at the same AGO presser (for the Marc Chagall exhibition) as pictured below.

In-gallery traditional TV interview

Reporter captures images of Chagall with I-Pad

NOT JUST VIDEO CAMERAS ANYMORE

This summer at the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto parade there were three media outlets using IPads on the parade route compared to none last year! As well, media at the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formally known as Caribana), gave up on bulky and expensive digital video cameras and used cheaper Cannon still-cameras to shoot high def video as well as traditional photographs (http://20minutesoffame.blogspot.com/2011/09/we-dont-need-no-stinking-video-cameras.html)

PRESS KITS GOING GOING GONE

Press kits are really just a collection of factoid documents and pictures that tell journalists what they just saw at a media event. They are meant to be used when the reporter returns to the newsroom to write a story. In 2011 some reporters come to events and tweet and blog while the conference is unfolding. By the time they get their press kit - be it in print or on a loaded memory stick – their story has already been filed. That press kit is passé before it has even been opened. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15648554@N05/6312275353/in/photostream)
To make sure media is better informed publicists are now more willing to embargo information so that journalists and their editors are better informed for their instant reportage. (Of course, that means media can decide not to attend press events if the information isn't newsworthy or interesting enough). And, with social media’s demand for live theatre, presser are becoming more male/female show-and-tell events rather than the male dominating talking head pressers of 2010.

REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHAIRS AND BRING IN THE BAR TABLES

To accommodate this new style instant journalism, press events now are providing several tables (round bar tables are the favoured flavour of the month) to allow social media to work on their I-Pads and I-Books as the presser unfolds. Good-bye chairs and coffee tables. Lighting takes into account that social media can be covering an event from a variety of spots in the room.

MAKE ROOM FOR THE HELMET CAM AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS

Make Room For The Helmet Cam

My son Andrew and I took in the Toronto premier of My Week With Marilyn last week at the Varsity Theatre. Big event. Too many invites sent out, so many people with tickets were turned away. We were two of the lucky ones - and paid for our luck by sitting in the neck craning front row. Our tickets were thanks to McMichael Canadian Art Collection Marilyn Monroe curator Chris Finn. He had assisted with the promotion of the movie by Alliance Films. Always interesting to watch other PR people work their events. At the end of the film the evening's publicist set up director Simon Curtis outside the theatre for a quick interview with a social media reporter. Have no idea who the fellow was, but, he didn't seem to feel silly (nor did Simon Curtis) conducting the interview with his camera/I-Pod mounted on his bike helmet! Photo by Andrew Weir.

NEWSTIME IS BOOZETIME

In the Stephen Jobs world, when you hold a presser depends on who you expect to come. Traditional media like to have news conferences in the late morning or early afternoon Monday to Friday. Rush hour is over and there is time to get the facts and return to the newsroom to file the story before quiting time. No liquor or food is served, but coffee is appreciated.
Now if you are playing to social media, you gotta realize that a lot of these people work during the day at real jobs and can't cover an 11am presser. 6pm is not a bad thing if you are pushing a message to You Tube, Twitter and Facebook auidences! Saturday and Sundays works too.
The Social Media makes for strange bedfellows. It is not unusual to have a blogger show up at event reporting on-line for foreign websites. There are active journalists reporting in Toronto daily, via their I-Pads to sites in the US, Russia, Iran, India, Pakistan, China, and the Philippines.
BTW: Bloggers, like me, are self-taught, self-employed and tend to not bother with the ethical and legal worries about accepting free food and liquor. With Twitter people news time is booze time (and bring on that free food).


Photographer from a Phillipine Website photographs former Globe critic (and now curator) Sarah Milroy at AGO opening of Jack Chambers exhbition

JOBS HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING!

This rush to accommodate I-pads and I-phones is not limited to reporters. People holding these media events are using them too!

Launch guests use an IPad to vote for the Grange Prize at the AGO

At the September launch for the Grange Prize (one of Canada’s larger prize award for photography) Art Gallery of Ontario staff members wandered amongst the public with I-pads. A ll four short listed artists were there, and a hundred or so attendees drank, noshed on snacks and listened to a music set by DJ Jaime Sin. While enjoying the launch you could check out the artists' work on the circulating I-Pad and vote as to which photographer would win the $50,000 prize.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it is a Heroic art exhibition at a new Cabbagetown gallery

2011-11-30T00:14:00.001-05:00

Introducing MJGGALLERY

NEW CABBAGETOWNART GALLERY HOSTS FIRST EXHIBITION:

Heroes:Real, Fictional, and Close To Home

Opens December8th through January 1st

The city's newest neighbourhoodart gallery, MJG Gallery officially secures its place among the city's hippestart studios on December 8th, with the launch of its first exhibition: Heroes: Real, Fictional &Close to Home. Opened only three months ago by artist Mark Gleberzon, the galleryis more than a new addition to Cabbagetown, it has the rare distinction ofbeing owned and operated by a working artist.

TheHeroes exhibition showcases the work of16 artists, including Gleberzon himself -- with portrayals ranging from thetame to the surreal. From leatherto weather, mythology to mothers, and Superman to Spiderman; artists such asLaura Culic, A1 Runt Currie, Stev'nn Hall, Bev Jenkins, Carol Westcott, G.Elliott Simpson, Marjolyn Van Der Hart and Carol Westcott are among thoseproviding their interpretation. The exhibitwill appeal to art lovers, new collectors and interior designers working withina limited budget.

Flightby Marjolyn Van Der Hart's portrays the cyclist as hero, withstanding the bullying vehicles and celebrating theconnection to the urban environment. Her End of the Day symbolizes the energy and timeit takes to nurture family connections. Van Der Hart's artwork has been seen on CTV's Marilyn DennisShow, the Bruce Willis movie RED; and HGTV's "Income Property" and"Pure Design".

The environment playshero in several of the exhibition's works. Laura Culic's encaustic Watershed is a tribute toLake Ontario and the heroic efforts of the Lake Ontario Waterkeeperorganization. Her painting depicts a map-like representation of the lake, with abstractedareas of colour and texture. In Family Farm by Carol Westcott, she payshomage to the farm where she grew up, a place that has provided food, shelter and a livelihood for nearly a century.

Artist Bev Jenkins reflects on past and current heroes, as seen in herneo-impressionist painting “Lest we forget”. In 2007, her "Bluebell Forest" was selected for the Royal Academy of Arts SummerExhibition in London, England.

Stev'nn Hall's portrait, Lee as Perseus attempts tocapture the vitality found within heroism, beginning with self doubt and fear,and morphing into courage and action. Hall has enjoyedone-person shows in a number of art galleries. His portrait of Blue Rodeo’s JimCuddy won Bravo's "Star Portraits.

Not for the faintof heart, G. Elliott Simpsonputs forth a dark, sexual, and Transformer/video game view of the heroarchetype in his two studies: Fahrenheitand Jimmie V6 & The Ibis. His photographshave appeared in "Fab" and "The Advocate", and wereselected for the "10x10: 100 Portraits Exhibition" at The White HouseStudio Project (June 2011).

The bold and the beautiful collidethroughout the exhibition. Monument, an abstract by Lex Buchanan, defiantly explore heroism within the realms of art, sculpture andarchitecture. Buchanan's images investigatedystopian visions of the city, where concretereality collides with the heroism of creativeworlds. In contrast, AndreaRinaldo presents: Totems inspired by thebeautiful (Japanese) Chiyogami papers she incorporates into her work. For this show,these three 'totems' stand testament to the story of little SadakoSisaki who survived the bombing of Hiroshima but succumbed years later toLeukemia.

MJG Gallery owner Mark Gleberzon anchorsthe heroes theme with powerful pop culture renditions of Superman and Batman,then softens his approach with understated canvases of his nephew Jared whosuccessfully fought and survived brain cancer. Comic-icons continue with Spiderman in action provided by Animation Connection, the only Toronto-based agent of authentic, studioanimation art and limited edition signed comic cells. Evin Collis' caricature-like watercolour NWMP celebratesthe heroism of Sam Steele oneof the North West Mounted Police's most valiant and celebrated officers. His second work, entitled ModernRobin Hood is a contemporary urban re-contextualizationof the popular folk hero.

MJG Gallery'sHeroes Exhibition also includes works by: Blair Chivers, Bryan Levy-Young,Sandy Middleton, A1 Runt and JamesStacey. Mediums range from oil on wood and oil on canvas; to acrylic andencaustic and mixed media.

"Heroes: Real, Fictional & Close to Home" opens at MJG Gallery, 555 Parliament Street, Torontoon Thursday, December 8th, and continues until January 1st. Hours are: Wednesday - Sunday 11am -6pm. Monday and Tuesday: By appointment only. For more information call 416-923-4031 / markaloo@yahoo.com/ Facebook: MJG Gallery

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Issued by/Media contacts:

Stephen Weir 416-489-5868cell: 416-801-3101 stephen@stephenweir.com

Linda Crane 905-257-6033 cell: 416-727-0112 cranepr@cogeco.ca

Editors Note: images, gallery & artist interviews and personal tours available to media via Stephen orLinda

It is all about Heroes. New Cabbagetown Gallery plans December 8th exhibition

2011-11-27T15:29:00.001-05:00

MJG Gallery presents "HEROES"

December 8, 2011 - January 1, 2012

555 Parliament St., Toronto

Toronto's new MJG Gallery, owned by artist Mark Gleberzon presents "Heroes", a compendium of themed works commissioned from 13 contemporary artists. Figurative in nature, the collection is inspired by heroes gleaned from mythology, real life and current events. The small Cabbagetown gallery offers affordable and original art, sized for small spaces. Mediums used in this exhibit include encaustic, acrylic, oil, mixed media and photography. For more information 416-923-4031 or www.markgleberzon.com

Cutline: Fahrenheit. 16"x12". Photograph by G. Elliott Simpson.

TOM THOMSON TOPS GIFT LIST THIS SEASON

2011-11-24T10:55:00.001-05:00

The Late Great Canadian Artist Is Inspiration For Christmas Gift List At The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Klienburg, Ontario.

The West Wind - Tom Thomson

Tom Thomson cup

Duringhis brief, but brilliant career, Tom Thomson was profoundly influencedby the Canadian landscape and his influence on Canadian art has becomeinvaluable; it is astonishing to know that Thomson’s patron, Dr. McCallum,would receive sketches from the artist with a request to try and sell themfor $10 or $15 each! Bargain gift hunting these days for Thomson originalsmay prove somewhat challenging, but don’t fret or frown—the McMichaelGallery Shop has plenty of Tom Thomson gifts for all your friends and familythis season!

A Treasury of Tom Thomson, $24.95,paperback, 160 pages with 62 colour illustrations. (Douglas & McIntyre,October 2011). Art historian Joan Murray has constructed a beautiful,intimate treasury of Thomson´s “best paintings,” as chosen by these artistfriends and later major collectors, and has written an insightful commentaryon each one. Knowing the story that lies behind Thomson´s great works helpsus to view these paintings with new insight and appreciation. We understandwhat makes these works special.

Northern Light: The Enduring Mysteryof Tom Thomson and the Woman Who Loved Him, by author Roy MacGregor,$22.00, softcover, 356 pages. (Random House Canada, 2011). MacGregorbreaks new ground, re-examining the mysteries of Thomson's life, lovesand violent death in the definitive non-fiction account. As Roy MacGregor'srichly detailed Northern Light reveals, not much is as it seemswhen it comes to Tom Thomson, the most iconic of Canadian painters. Philanderingdeadbeat or visionary artist and gentleman, victim of accidental drowningor deliberate murder, the man's myth has grown to obscure the real view—andthe answers to the mysteries are finally revealed in these pages.

The West Wind, Giclee Reproduction,$200.00, 18.5 x 21.25 inches, unframed, or
The Jack Pine, large reproduction, $25.00, 16 x 20 inches, unframed.Two of Thomson's most popular paintings are currently on tour in thehighly acclaimed European exhibition Painting Canada: Tom Thomson andthe Group of Seven, organized by Dulwich Picture Gallery in London,England. Giclee reproductions are a unique method of fine art reproduction.Using archival dye based inks, and archival watercolour papers, they areproperly matched, and will last from 50-200 years. Image quality, sharpness,and colour saturation, place Giclee reproductions in a league of theirown.

Right in the first room you are facedby two of the most totemic and radical images...Tom Thomson's Jack Pineand The West Wind from 1916, are set against the water and hills of AlgonquinPark, the brash and windy wilderness he made his own.
-- The Independent, London, UK

Wildflowers Silk Scarf, $40.00
Tom Thomson painted Wildflowers asan oil on board in 1915 and it is now a part of the McMichael’s permanentcollection, gifted by Mr. R.A. Laidlaw. Designed with the Wildflowersimage, these beautiful 100% silk scarves come in two different styles,with a yellow or green border. The scarf is a magnificent article of Thomsonart, sized at 34 x 35 inches (88 x 85 cm). Dryclean only.

McMichael Membership with McIntosh® TomThomson Campfire Set of Mugs. Give the gift of a McMichael Membershipand receive 25% off a McIntosh® Tom Thomson Campfire Set of Mugs to topoff your gift...or treat yourself! With the purchase of an Individual Membership,receive a McIntosh® Tom Thomson Set of 2 Campfire Mugs for only $18 ($25retail value). With the purchase of a Family Membership, receive a McIntosh®Tom Thomson Set of 4 Campfire Mugs for only $30 ($40 retail value). Presentedin a keepsake box, each mug is four inches high and holds 360ml and ismicrowave and dishwasher safe. These special Gift Memberships may be purchasedin person at the Gallery Shop or by calling 905.893.1121 ext 2207. Fordetails, please email us at membership@mcmichael.com or visit www.mcmichael.com.

The McMichael Gallery Shop has a wonderfulselection of gifts for everyone on your list. To place your order, call905.893.1121 or toll free 1.888.213.1121, ext. 2237, or shop online anytime,day or night, for art reproductions, books, exhibition merchandise, placemats,calendars, and more at www.mcmichael.com.

About the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection isan agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support ofthe Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the countryshowcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition totouring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries,First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue,north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and$30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information aboutthe gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.

For further information or to receive HighRes images, contact:

Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com

Media Alert for upcoming Steel Pan Church Service in Mississauga

2011-11-21T22:41:00.001-05:00

Media Welcome to Cover/Attend:THE CHRISTMAS OFFERINGA religous celebration of ChristmasFeaturing: Choir, Steel Pan Orchestra, Dancers, and the KCM Praise TeamWHEN: Friday December 9, 2011. 6.30 pm. Pre-show beings.7.30- 9.00pm Christmas Offering Begins featuring Worship in Steel (steel pan orchestra)Sunday December 11, 2011 5.30 pm Pre-show beings.6.30- 8.30pm Christmas Offering Begins featuring Ron Kenoly, Worship in Steel (steel pan orchestra)

Where:Kingdom Covenant Centre#20-1224 Dundas Street EastMississauga, ONAdmission:Free. An offering will be collectedFor More Informationwww.patfrancis.orgISSUED FOR THE CHURCH BY:Stephen WeirStephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.comor sweir5492@rogers.com2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.CANADA. M4P 3E3Tel: 416-489-5868www.stephenweir.com

Post Script to Story About Stephen Job Devices That Have Changed How PR is done!

2011-11-17T21:47:00.001-05:00

.Cue the Bike Helmet Camera/I-Pod.

My son Andrew and I took in the Toronto premier of My Week With Marilyn this evening at the Varsity Theatre. Big event. Too many invites sent out, so many people with tickets were turned away.We were two of the lucky ones - and paid for our luck by sitting in the neck craning front row. Our tickets were thanks to McMichael Canadian Art Collection Marilyn Monroe curator Chris Finn. He had assisted with the promotion of the movie by Alliance Films.Always interesting to watch other PR people work their events. At the end of the film the evening's publicist set up director Simon Curtis outside the theatre for a quick interview with a social media reporter. Have no idea who the fellow was, but, he didn't seem to feel silly (nor did Simon Curtis) conducting the interview with his camera/I-Pod mounted on his bike helmet! Photo by Andrew Weir.

Pizza Gets Social With The Media At The Mad Italian

2011-11-04T09:40:00.017-04:00

TWEET WHILE YOU EAT

On Thursday evening (November 3rd) Social media practioners were invited to sample the new Zazzu Pizza Cone at the Mad Italian Gelato Bar on College Street in Toronto.
It was an all male turn-out for the event. Eight tweeters, bloggers and facebookers showed up to sample the new food.

Pictured:

Owner Eli Turkienicz,the man who has purchased the cone making technology and has brought the ZAZZU Hot Cone to Toronto (on left), stands with his cone chef and his business manager, as they deliver a meatball cone and a pepperoni cone to a reporter/blogger for Snap Magazine.

The cone has been available in Toronto for just a month. " The product was first launched in Europe. We purchased the special baking ovens from a manufacturer in Italy, where the products is already very popular," said Turkienicz. " What we have found a bit of a shock is that the cone is a huge hit in Brazil!"

The Mad Italian makes the crispy Zazzu dough in its Bayview cafe (1581 Bayview), and then bakes them on site in specially designed cone stands. The cooking process takes 5-10 minutes. At the Social Media Night bloggers got to try the eight different fillings that the cones come in (pepperoni, vegetarian, margherita, meatball, eggplant parmignana, spinach & ricotta, turkey & pesto and procuitto & mushroom).

OTM magazine writer Andrew Weir finishes off a pizza cone

The Zazzu Hot Cone is improving on a long standing style of casual pizza eating in Toronto's Italian restuarant and club district. For decades clubbers have purchsed pizza slices, and curled them into cone shapes and ate the food as they walked down College Street. Of course, more often than not there was a painful slide-off of the pizza pie slice into the palm of your hand. Problem Solved!

Tweet before you eat. Craigg Slowly (ThatTDotGuy) had 200 followers check out his tweeted pictures of a Cone before he actually took a bite!

Now with the Zazzu Pizza Cone, because it is cooked in the cone shape, there is no slippage at all. They are great on the go, for lunch or after pubbing or clubbing. The Mad Italian is a modern, clean restaurant, so you can eat the cone sitting down (while you tweet) or while you are strolling the College Street track!

Owner Eli Turkienicz - photo by Andrew Weir

The Zazzu Cone baking oven - photo by Andrew Weir

SPECIAL INVITATION TO: FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT BLOGGERS

2011-11-02T12:44:00.000-04:00

HAVE YOU TRIED TORONTO'S NEW PIZZA IN A CONE YET?
Find out why everyone is talking about the city's most innovative fresh taste sensation

the mad ITALIAN Gelato Bar
589 College Street

invites you to an

OPEN HOUSE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
5 pm to 7 pm

Food bloggers are invited to drop by The Mad Italian Gelato Bar, 589 College Street on your way home from work this Thursday evening to sample ZAZZU Hot Cones, Toronto's FIRST pizza in a cone. Similar products have hit the streets of Italy, Brazil and New York City and are finally here!

Meet The Mad Italian owner, Eli Turkienicz who will explain the inspiration and development behind ZAZZU Hot Cones. Watch how each hot cone is individually made using The Mad Italian's exclusive crispy pizza dough recipe, and then baked in specially designed cone stands. Try the original pizza sauce and your choice of toppings. Now available in 8 delicious varieties, ZAZZU Hot Cones are taking the slide off of pizza pie slices, and putting flavour and warmth in the palm of your hand. Great on the go, for lunch, after pubbing or clubbing, or anytime you want an easy to eat, hearty snack made from fresh ingredients.

The Mad Italian Gelato Bar, 589 College St. south side between Clinton and Manning. Parking 2 blocks West. News releases and images will be provided at the restaurant. For more information visit www.maditalian.ca
-0-
To register your attendance please contact:
Linda Crane 905-257-6033 cell 416-727-0112 cranepr@cogeco.ca
*Please bring this invitation with you

The Roots of Talk Radio Begin On The Trinity College Book Sale Media Table.

2011-10-31T13:39:00.004-04:00

.
Free Speech. Talk Radio and the BBC.
Broadcasting Book published in 1933 talks about talk radio

You don’t hear about it on radio or TV, but the University of Toronto’s four fall book sales make the city, at least in October the best place to purchase used books in the country. The annual fundraising sales staged by the supporters of Trinity, St Michaels, Victoria and New Colleges, are despite the line-ups, not to be missed events.
College Auditoriums are filled with books. Most are non-fiction. Most are hard-cover. Inexpensive. Collectable. Treasured. And, best yet, erudite (I hid some crime books from view until check out time just to escape the dunning glances of hundreds of better educated shoppers).
You don’t know what you are going to find. This year, at the Trinity Sale, I picked up a signed copy of the letters of Stephen Leacock, a First Edition 1930s Nero Wolf crime novel and the booklet, 100 Years Ottawa and the Valley, published by Renfrew historian Harry J. Walker and the Ottawa Journal. I bought a copy from Harry in 1967 for a $1 but lost it in a house fire. This copy, complete with a coffee cup stain on the cover was just four dollars.
Not all of my buy were studied purchases. I bought a $2 book on the history of Broadcasting written only 11-years after the BBC went on the air! It was a toonie I was glad I spent – it is fascinating to see how Talk Radio began and how the world’s view of radio has changed so much since 1933.
The first edition book, Broadcasting, was written by Hilda Matheson for the Home University Library of Modern Knowledge in London, England. Matheson (1888 to 1940) was the BBC’s first director of talks and helped shape talk radio. She is credited with founding radio journalism and the notion of quality radio and was responsible for bringing many key thinkers of the day to the microphone, including George Bernard Shaw and Vita Sackville-West (who, according to the BBC, later became her lover.)

“To some people, probably, this latest means of contact between man and man (public radio) still seems deplorable, mechanical and unreal. It is all part, they feel, of a modernization and vulgarization upon which they would fain turn their backs.”
Opposition to talk radio came from all quarters, including historian and novelist H.G. Wells who clashed on air with Matheson about censorship, free speech and the usefulness of radio. Although he would later embrace the medium, he saw the technology as providing the government with a raucous intolerable loudspeaker.
When the book was published, the BBC had already launched a fledging television service. TV sets were scarce, programming slight and broadcast quality sketchy at best, so radio was still king. In 1933 a live-radio interview in the evening would be listened to by over 12-million people in England alone.
Hilda Matheson called it Educational Radio … we know it today as Talk Radio. The concept that people talk about issues and ideas that are shaping the issues of the day got its start through the direction of Matheson.
It is fascinating to see how the “mother” of broadcast gab equated talk radio with free speech. Although Talk Radio has matured and evolved these days, 78 -years later her opinions still have merit!
“The future for adult education (talk radio) in broadcasting seems promising, given two conditions,” wrote Matheson in her book Broadcasting.
“Educational series (talk radio shows) need to use a new way of presentation as much as any other form of broadcast; one dull, dead, formal talk undoes the good of dozens of living talks; there is in fact no excuse for a bad talk, and every justification for a good one.
“In so far as educational talks can conform to the inescapable requirement of all programmes - that they shall be interesting - without lowering in any way their intrinsic quality and standard, their influence will reach its high-water mark. The other condition is the spirit in which broadcasting authorities face the problems of free speech. “
“New ideas will always appear revolutionary, and those who are responsible for them cranks or worse,” she continued. “An impression of left-wing bias is always liable to be created by any agency, which voices unfamiliar views; it does not follow that the ideas themselves are of the left.”
“In practice, they usually hail from every point of the compass. How is the inevitable fear they provoke to be reconciled with the spirit of open-minded enquiry, which is inseparable from all education, from any search after truth?
“The experience of England and America shows that by choosing responsible speakers (on-air hosts) accustomed to fair-minded discussion and free from reproach as narrow propagandists, an open forum can be maintained with success and without offence. Whatever may be the case with political broadcasting, education can afford to make no compromise with free thought. “

Defining love is a complicated thing - but three Charles Taylor finalists are up to the task

2011-10-19T17:20:00.006-04:00

This Saturday Night at IFOA - the Topic is Love!

James Chatto

Over the past six years I have escorted all of the shortlisted authors for the Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction to media interviews. History. Travel. Murder. Biography. Revolution. Time. Family. Art. Canada's top non-fiction authors have explored it all in their highly respected books.
Interviews are easy when the book topics are fact based. straight ahead questions lead to straight ahead answers. When it comes to love it is all a bit different. Love is not definable, at least not to most writers.
This weekend, three experts are going to give it their best. James Chatto. Elizabeth Abbott and John Terpestra.

James Chatto is an articulate writer who made a name for himself in the pages of Toronto Life where he wrote about wine and dining for years. I met him when his book Greek for Love, was nominated for the Charles Taylor Prize. It is a book about love, love between James and his wife as they escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto in the sixties and seventies, and move to rural Greece. It is also the story of love and sorrow as their young son slowly dies from illness in what should have been their home in Eden.
Elizabeth Abbott was nominated for her book Sugar, which has little to do with love beyond issues of greed and sugar corporation's love of money. However, Linda Crane and myself assisted her with the promotion of her next book A History of Marriage. In this GG nominated book Abbott takes a clinical view towards love, especially when it involves marriage. Her History of Marriage points out that in the not to distant past love had very little to do with marriage at all.
John Terpestra, a Hamilton based poet talks about many types of love - the love he has for his wife and the love that three dying brothers (his wife's nephews)as they come to grips with death in his nominated book The Boys, or, Waiting For the Electrician's Daughter.
I sent out a Canadian News Wire release about the evening, with CBC host Mary Ito. I have printed it below because it gives the nuts and bolts of the evening. If you are media please drop me a note if you wish to cover this unique Idea City type discussion about Love.

Charles Taylor Prize Celebrates Love at IFOA
TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2011 /CNW/ -

Words of Love
Featuring Prize finalists from the past ten years: Elizabeth Abbott, James Chatto & John Terpstra. Moderator: CBC Fresh Air host Mary Ito

WHAT:

Round Table discussion about "love" with past nominees for
The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction
at International Festival Of Authors (IFOA)
Regular: $18. Members: $15. Students/Youth: FREE. Purchase tickets at the door or at:
http://www.readings.org/?q=ifoa/charles_taylor_prize_words_of_love
WHEN:
Saturday, October 22, 2011
5pm to 6pm
WHERE:
Toronto's Harbourfront Centre
York Quay - Lakeside Terrace
WHO: * Elizabeth Abbott is a writer and historian. Dr. Abbott's latest book is A History of Marriage, nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award; and A History of Celibacy, which won a Governor General's Award for Translation in 2002. She received a nomination for the Charles Taylor Prize in 2009 for her book Sugar: A Bittersweet History
* James Chatto is an award-winning food, wine and travel writer whose work has appeared in leading magazines and newspapers throughout Canada, England and the United States. His book The Greek for Love was nominated for the 2006 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction.
* John Terpstra is a Hamilton based author and poet. His poetry book Disarmament, was shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for Poetry. His book The Boys, or, Waiting For the Electrician's Daughter, was shortlisted for the Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction in 2006.
The moderator is CBC Fresh Air host Mary Ito.
WHY: The Charles Taylor Prize is the country's most prestigious literary non-fiction award. Since 2000, the Prize has been a major driving force behind the recognition and growth of Canadian non-fiction.
At the annual International Festival Of Authors, The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction presents a conversation on writing about the elusive, fraught and romantic world of love with authors Elizabeth Abbott, James Chatto and John Terpstra. The CBC's Mary Ito moderates. This event is part of CBC Day, where Canada's national broadcaster, the CBC, lends members of its radio and television team to host, moderate or interview at Festival events.
The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction is presented by the Charles Taylor Foundation with the support of its partners: Ben McNally Books, CNW Group, Event Source, Indigo Books and Music, Le Meridien King Edward Hotel, Quill & Quire, The Globe and Mail, and Windfields Farm.
For more information: www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca

For further information:
Media are requested to confirm their attendance with Stephen Weir & Associates:

Stephen Weir: 416-489-5868 cell: 416-801-3101 stephen@stephenweir.com
Linda Crane: 905-257-6033 cell: 416-727-0112 cranepr@cogeco.ca

Media Invitation to Cocktail Party and Non-Fiction round-table

2011-10-13T23:34:00.002-04:00

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2012. Toronto. Fleck Theatre. 6.30 PM

I recently sent you an invitation to a cocktail party at the Fleck Dance Theatre at Harbourfront. If you had trouble reading the invite I sent, please find it below. The occassion? The 10th anniversary of the Prize. After the cocktail party there is a round table discussion with Charles Taylor Prize authors. Please join us for the cocktail party and stay for an evening of non-fiction in the Theatre.

TV Show That Chronicles Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival is back on the air!

2011-10-06T11:15:00.000-04:00

Toronto TV Show That Always Covers the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Is BAck on Air

Caribbean Connections is back on the airwaves. The popular half-hour Caribbean Canadian TV show had its first show of the season on October 1st on CITY TV in Toronto. The weekly programme airs every Saturday at 10.30 am.
According to the show's website (paradiseparadise2@hotmail.com, "each week Caribbean Connections explores new community events, from carnivals to concerts, artists, jazz festivals, forums to culinary happenings in Canada and around the World."
"CCtv is your direct connection to the Caribbean experience!" writes show host Paradise Nicole Hendrickson. " We are featuring the finest tourist destinations in the region and showcasing the best music videos out of the Caribbean.
Host Paradise Nicole Hendrickson has been appearing on screen since the age of three.
She has holds a number of beauty contest titles including: Miss Photogenic, Miss Caribbean, Miss St.Vincent & The Grenadines, Miss Ontario AB, Miss Hemisphere and
Miss Layou.

Nuit Blanche: Art Meets City Hall

2011-10-02T11:51:00.009-04:00

Saturday Night - Contemporary Art Replaces Cars in Downtown Toronto.
For one night Toronto is the city that doesn't sleep.

It was cold. It was dark. It was crowded. For one night only, the city of Toronto, became the city that doesn't sleep and it was all done in the name of art.
The fifth Annual Nuit Blanch ran from dusk on October 1st until dawn on Sunday October 2nd. There was too much to see for the city to go to sleep. In total, more than 130 projects – from smaller, more intimate experiences to large scale spectacle -- kept the interest of hundreds of thousands Canadians who came to the city core to experience magical moments with art and their City.
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is Toronto's annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto's arts community. Since 2006, the event has featured more than 600 official art installations created by nearly 2,500 artists and has generated more than $70 million in economic impact for the city.
The official kick-off for Nuit Blanche was held on the top floor of the Sheraton Hotel across the street from City Hall. It was 90-minute party where the arts community got to share drinks with provincial and civic officials.
Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37, the western half of Scarborough Centre) handles the art portfolio for Toronto council and as a result spoke at length at the launch. He presented a plaque to the organizers of Nuit Blanche on behalf of Mayor Rob Ford (who was well noticed no-show). Instead of reading the inscription by himself, he invited those members on council in attendance to come on stage and help him. A record number of councillors - ten - were on stage to open the 7th annual event.
What time did I leave? Well my wife and I, just back from South America, found it punishingly cold. We left just after 9pm after watching and listening to a musician play a drum solo inside a deconstructed GM vehicle. My son Andrew was hardier, he threw in the towel at 3.30 am Sunday morning.
This year Nuit Blanche asked attendees to give input into the event -
To view their/our feedback you can visit: http://scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/shareYourNight.shtml

Cutlines: Top: Scotiabank corporate art archivist meets councillor Michael Thompson.

Above – Dazed and Confused. Even though I work for art galleries and artists I don’t always “get it”. Never-the-less I stood for the camera in front of an art installation in the middle of Yonge Street at Queen. I am in front of a stack of plywood sheets that have been painted lime green.

Above: A record number of city councillors - ten in all - came up on stage at the formal kick-off to the Nuit=Blanche 2011. At last year's kick-off I counted five city councillors. Noticably absent was Mayor Rob Ford.

NEW FOOD GROUP FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART: MEATBALL IN A CONE!

2011-09-30T12:05:00.001-04:00

ZAZZU Hot Cones by The Mad Italian
make their debut at The Baking and Sweets Show, Sept. 30 - Oct. 2
Savoury new treat makes pizza as portable as an ice cream cone

TORONTO: Sept. 26, 2011 . . . What looks like an ice cream cone, tastes like pizza and delivers a nutritional wallop in a fun, edible package? Move over ice cream cones, ZAZZU Hot Cones by The Mad Italian will be heating up The Baking and Sweets Show, September 30th to October 2nd at the International Centre.
Why didn't I think of that?!
ZAZZU Hot Cones are the FIRST of its kind for Toronto. Visualize the product as pizza inside a cone. Initially available in Pepperoni, Meatball and Margherita flavours, the customer can customize their Hot Cone with a variety of toppings. Along with traditional pizza favourites, a wider range of gourmet ingredients including goat cheese and herbs are planned for coming months.
In a year that has seen a trend toward decadent food product introductions, this product has staying power. At $4.00 to $6.00 a cone, ZAZZU Hot Cones are competitively priced against other lunch, snack and short order meals. Not only are the prices easy to digest, there is an added bonus of great gourmet flavour in a funky new cone style package.
Hot Food Convenience in a Cone
The brainchild of Eli Turkienicz, President of PineMount Food Services, ZAZZU Hot Cones have been more than a year in development. While the company's Mad Italian restaurants have become recognized for their sensational gelato and cones; for the ZAZZU product, special dough and sauce recipes had to be approved, and new baking equipment to bake the cones upright were acquired. "Then it was test, test, test," explains Mr. Turkienicz. "Now at last we're ready to introduce this exceptional new product to Torontonians."
"ZAZZU Hot Cones have evolved and improved upon the single serving pizza -- no more toppings sliding down the pie, plus it's a handy snack for growing kids and young adults," explains Mr. Turkienicz. "With all the nutritional components provided by its traditional Italian ingredients, they are a good choice for families and those craving a filling snack any time of the day."
ZAZZU Hot Cones will be available, along with their already popular gelato cones at The Mad Italian restaurants located in Leaside and Little Italy by mid-October. The product will roll out through GTA franchises over the coming year.
Will ZAZZU Hot Cones become a new Toronto snack food staple? Be the first to try it or enquire about a Mad Italian franchise at the Baking and Sweets Show, Hall 5, International Centre Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. Booth #331. Or drop by The Mad Italian restaurants at 1581 Bayview Avenue and 589 College Street after Thanksgiving.

BE THE FIRST IN TORONTO TO SAMPLE PIZZA IN A CONE!
Toronto's Mad Italian previews ZAZZU Hot Cones
at Canada's Baking and Sweets Show
opening FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 (Hall 5) International Centre

What looks like an ice cream cone, tastes like pizza and delivers a tasty and convenient wallop of fun in an edible package? Move over ice cream cones, ZAZZU Hot Cones by The Mad Italian will be heating up The Baking and Sweets Show with its savoury and convenient new snack. The event runs Friday, September 30th to Sunday, October 2nd at the International Centre's Hall 5.

Why didn't I think of that?!
ZAZZU Hot Cones are the FIRST of its kind for Toronto. Inspired by similar products made popular in Italy, Brazil and in New York City, this pizza is inside a cone. After its preview at the Baking and Sweets Show, the locally developed and freshly made, original recipe hot cones will be available for mass consumption after Thanksgiving at The Mad Italian Gelato Bar locations in Leaside at 1581 Bayview Avenue and in Little Italy at 589 College Street College Street.

Available in Pepperoni, Meatball and Margherita flavours, you can customize your Hot Cone with a variety of toppings. Along with traditional pizza favourites, a wider range of gourmet ingredients including goat cheese and herbs are planned for coming months.

In a year that has seen a trend toward decadent food product introductions, this product has staying power. At $4.00 to $6.00 a cone, ZAZZU Hot Cones are competitively priced against other lunch, snack and short order meals. Not only are the prices easy to digest, there is an added bonus of great gourmet flavour in a funky new cone style package.

Hot Food Convenience in a Cone
Eli Turkienicz, President of PineMount Food Services, ZAZZU Hot Cones explains that while the company's Mad Italian restaurants have become recognized for their sensational gelato and gelato cones, "This new product needed special dough, an exceptional and authentic sauce recipe as well as new equipment to bake the unique cones upright."
"This is a big improvement upon the single serving pizza -- no more toppings sliding down the pie, plus it's a handy snack for growing kids and young adults," explains Mr. Turkienicz. "With all the fresh nutritional components of traditional Italian ingredients, ZAZZU Hot Cones are a good choice for families and those craving a filling snack any time of the day."
Will ZAZZU Hot Cones become a new Toronto snack food staple? Be the first to try it or enquire about a Mad Italian franchise at the Baking and Sweets Show, Hall 5, International Centre Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. Booth #331. (Show opens at 12 noon Friday, Sept. 30 and 9 am on the weekend. (For show info see www.canadasbakingandsweetshow.com)
And be sure to drop by The Mad Italian restaurants after Thanksgiving. For more information visit: www.themaditalian.ca

CUTLINES: Top: Three different tasting Zazzu Hot Cones. Bottom: Making Zazzu Hot Cones at the Baking and Sweets Show this afternoon (October 1) in Toronto. Photos by Linda Crane

We Don't Need No Stinking Video Cameras

2011-09-15T23:50:00.001-04:00

Have you seen the Cannon Camera ads that brag they were shot using just a Cannon still camera? Well it works. Three guys from Biz Media produced a piece on the Scotibank Caribbean Carnival using just two Cannon SLR cameras. You can see it at
http://mycitylives.com/#!/video/toronto/scotiabank-caribbean-carnival--mcl-original-content-/4e70cf1cf472ab490c0085b3
I took the above picture of them while they were shooting me - you can download the pix on my Flickr page.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15648554@N05/6026151642/in/photostream
Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival is a film documenting the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival 2011 that took place in Toronto. The film was created by My City Lives and BizMedia.

Hamilton's Telling Tales All Part of Westfield Village Life

2011-09-15T08:51:00.000-04:00

Media Alert:
Attention: Assignment Desks and Photo Desks -- Cameras welcome!

TELLING TALES RETURNS TO WESTFIELD HERITAGE VILLAGE THIS SUNDAY
What: Free Festival for Children and their families – Rain or Shine
When: Sunday, September 18 from 10:00 – 4:00
Who: 25+ Performers
Where: Westfield Heritage Village: Kirkwall Road off Hwy 8 –
Free Parking and Free Shuttle Service from Rockton Fairgrounds

Event Highlights:

· Award-winning Hamilton musician Paul Langille sings Gordon Lightfoot’s Canadian Railroad Trilogy at authentic TH&B Steam Engine
· 25 favourite children’s authors, illustrators, including three TD Children’s Literature Award nominees
· Workshops on getting your own book published
· Two activity centres – Face painting, storytime, etc.
· Food for purchase
· Westfield historic buildings open, interpreters onsite
· Fun for everyone!

Media Contact: Please confirm your attendance in advance:

June Dickenson
junedickenson@cogeco.ca
T: 647.477.6000
Full details at www.tellingtales.org – Follow us on Twitter – Find us on Facebook

CUTLINE: Pictures from previouw Westfield Village Telling Tale Festivals
Issued By:

Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com
or sweir5492@rogers.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3

My own 20-minutes of fame - soon to be viewed by millions and millions of people

2011-09-14T16:20:00.001-04:00

I HAVE APPEARED ON CAMERA TWICE, COUNTING TODAY (SEPT. 8)

It happened during the summer while I was standing with the police at a road closure baricade. It happened again today. I was in my car stopped on the road with my face hanging out the open window looking at the oncoming traffic. I know that I am soon to be seen by millions and millions and millions of people!
Google Map is in town and their green and white vehicle with its multi-directional cameras on the roof, is shooting street-by-street video images of the Greater Toronto Area to be used online on the popular Google Map web service.
For a number of years Google Maps has posted and shown video footage of most streets in downtown Toronto. This summer and fall they are expanding their coverage zone to include the burbs.
My Story
One warm Saturday morning in July I was standing near a police roadblock across the east end of Shoreham Drive near York University. The roadway was being used as a staging area for the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival / Yorkgate Mall Junior Carnival Parade. I was with the police helping them politely tell motorists that they had to turn around and go back the way they came.
My stardom took place when I was standing at the side of the road taking a break when the Google Map vehicle came by. I was front and centre when it made a U-Turn and I was also on the street when it drove by at the end of the parade. The cameras got me many times. I waved. I smiled. I danced on the spot. I am marked for on-line fame!
Today, while pulling into the driveway of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, I stopped to allow a group of school kids to cross. My window was rolled down. Just as I was looking out the window the Google truck came by cameras firing. I winked at the camera For the second time fame stared me in the face!
Andy Warhol says we all get 15-minutes of fame. This website gives insight into stretching your own personal fame an extra five minutes (or so). Want fame and fortune? Stalk the Google Map Truck. Never mind that they will pixilate yout face and car plates ... it is all about being famous isn't it? E-mail me for your free unpixilated publicity picture and autograph!

Cutline: Google Map Truck Photo From Flickr

Glenbow tours two historic photography exhibitions to the McMichael

2011-09-13T17:17:00.001-04:00

Listing Information/New Exhibition
Two Photography Exhibitions Open This Weekend at the McMichael

Kleinburg, ON, September 13, 2011 … Two historical photography exhibitions about the Arctic and the early days of Montana and Alberta will be opening at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection on September 17. Both exhibitions are organized and circulated by Calgary, Alberta’s Glenbow Museum and will be on display at the McMichael until January 8, 2012.

The two exhibitions are: Arctic Life: Lomen Brothers Photography and In Focus: Photographing the Alberta and Montana Frontier, 1870-1930.

Arctic Life: Lomen Brothers Photography

Drawn to the North by tales of the gold rush and the untouched riches of Alaska, the Lomen family moved from Minnesota to Nome, Alaska, in 1903. In 1908, the brothers—Carl, Harry, Alfred, and Ralph—purchased a photography studio, quickly learning how to keep cameras in working order at Arctic temperatures.

Through a vast number of historic photographs, the Lomens documented Arctic life of the first few decades of the twentieth century. Thirty-three photographs from the Glenbow Museum collection are featured in the exhibition that includes unique images of the Inuit people of Alaska, reindeer herding (another component of the Lomen family business), and the city of Nome.

In Focus: Photographing the Alberta and Montana Frontier 1870–1930

This exhibition contains historic views of the American and Canadian Western frontiers through the eyes of the camera lens. Although the West provided photographers with new subject matter of sweeping landscapes, impressive wildlife, and adventuresome lifestyles, it also presented challenges to the photographers who were fighting the elements of gusty winds and cold temperatures.

A variety of photographers, from military forces and government/private company personnel to survey teams and scientists, all with diverse interests, contributed to numerous documentary visual records of the “Wild West.” Through their efforts, photographers recorded historical details, promoted businesses, reported events, and helped create a romantic vision of the disappearing Western frontier. Difficult as it was, photography from this historical period was often informative and artistic.

In Focus: Photographing the Alberta and Montana Frontier, 1870–1930 is composed of thirty-two photographs from the Glenbow Museum collection that focus on images of Aboriginal portraits and lifestyles, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, cowboys, and ranching.

About the McMichael

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.

CUTLINE: Lomen Brothers, Inuit Woman, Nowadluk, from Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, 1903, Glenbow Archives

For further information or to receive images, contact:

Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com

Polish sculptor recycles wood from the Kleinburg Forest

2011-08-29T20:38:00.003-04:00

THE MCMICHAEL WELCOMES ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE RYSZARD LITWINIUK, INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED WOOD SCULPTOR

I approach wood with respect, conscious that my touch and each cut has a reason and consequence on the journey of uncovering inside secrets, riches and a beauty. Every tree has its own story to tell— and every little part of the trunk can give picture of the whole. — Ryszard Litwiniuk, Sculptor

For Immediate Release

August 29, 2011 Kleinburg, ON – The McMichael Canadian Art Collection proudly welcomes Ryszard Litwiniuk to the gallery as part of its Artists-in-Residence program. An internationally celebrated sculptor who works primarily in wood, Ryszard will be living and working on the grounds until September 16, 2011. During his month-long residency at the McMichael, Ryszard will create wood sculptures for outdoor display at the gallery, utilizing recycled ash and pine planks.
Born in Poland, Ryszard has resided in Ontario since 1998 and lives in Niagara Falls. His art is displayed in collections across Ontario, Canada, and the world in places such as the Cambridge Sculpture Garden, Ontario; The Tree Museum, Gravenhurst, Ontario; L’Office National des Forêts de la Meuse, Lorraine, France; City Hall, Asiago, Italy; and many others.
Ryszard received his Masters Degree of Fine Arts in 1992 from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, Poland, and has been involved in thirty-six international symposiums and projects throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia. His signature sculpting style, characterized by dynamic geometrical shapes, has been honoured by many Canadian art establishments, including eleven solo exhibitions across Ontario at the Art Gallery of Mississauga, Hart House’s Justine M. Barnicke Gallery, and most recently in 2008, the Art Gallery of Peel in Brampton, to name a few. Ryszard’s sculptures will be wonderful additions to the McMichael’s outdoor gallery spaces displaying a variety of art compositions in rock, bronze, and now wood.
Visitors to the gallery may catch the artist creating his sculptures outside the Woodchopper’s Shack.
Due to noise and safety levels with the tools his artwork requires, conversation with the artist-in-residence may be quite limited, but we invite all visitors to return on Sunday, October 2, when Ryszard will be offering a public talk about this project as part of the Culture Days and Doors Open Vaughan special event at the McMichael, with free admission and parking all weekend.

About the Work of Ryszard Litwiniuk

The sculptural work of Ryszard Litwiniuk is primarily created from wood, felled trees, occasionally utilizing steel as joinery, added not only as a method for its structural integrity, but facilitating in its aesthetic association. Litwiniuk's sculpture has been realized as site-specific installations, fabrications within the locale of the tree's origin with variable/minimal manipulation or reconstruction, utilizing power tools to facilitate a re-ordering of the tree's essence or structure. Ryszard Litwiniuk's signature works are the latter. It is within these works where he releases geometric forms from the inner core of the tree trunk, as ‘units within units’ where the indication of its very essence as revealed by the circular/rhythmic ‘evidence of life’ contrasts with the testimonial markings of the artist's tools. (Litwiniuk's main tool of choice is the chain saw.) —Ted Fullerton, Artist, Professor, Head of Fine Art, School of Design and Visual Art, Georgian College

About the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.

photograph: Metamorphosis
by Ryszard Litwiniuk

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For further information, contact:

Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com

Marilyn Monroe and the McMichael will be at the Ex. Popular show at Toronto's CNE

2011-08-16T22:13:00.004-04:00

Media Alert
THE McMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION IS PRESENTING A MARILYN MONROE EXHIBITION AT THE CNE THIS AUGUST 19th TO SEPTEMBER 5th.

A McMichael Canadian Art Collection exhibition chronicling Marilyn Monroe's visits to Canada in the fifties will be on display throughout August at the Canadian National Exhibition. The show which includes photographs, film posters and historic magazine feature articles, will be on display in the Queen Elizabeth Building at the CNE.
The "Ex" runs August 19 to September 5, 2011 at Toronto's CNE grounds. The Marilyn exhibition is free with admission to the CNE.
The Marilyn Monroe in Canada exhibition was first curated by the McMichael's Chris Finnearlier this year to accompany a very successful international Marilyn Monroe art show. This current exhibition includes photographs by John Vachon and Jock Carroll taken during the making of the movies Niagara and River of No Return. There will also be a documentary about the McMichael exhibition (filmed by Rogers York Region) and a Beach Digital video about art goers reactions to Marilyn Monroe myth, continually showing in the Queen Elizabeth exhibition space.
River of No Return was a 1954 American Western film directed by Otto Preminger and starred Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe. Segments of the film were shot in Banff, Alberta. Niagara (1953) was a dramatic thriller, film noir directed by Henry Hathaway and starred Joseph Cotton and Marilyn Monroe. Segments of the movie were filmed in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

ABOUT THE McMICHAEL

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,700 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations, and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.
Cutline: Marilyn Monroe poses with Mountie Raymond Cooper Morris while in Banff, Alberta, shooting 'River of No Return' in 1953. PHOTO: The Estate of John Vachon & Dover Publications Inc.

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For further gallery information contact:

Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com

For further information or to receive images, contact:

Annette Borger
Media Director, CNE
aborger@theex.com / 416-263-3817

Canada wins the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Rugy Cup

2011-08-11T12:15:00.001-04:00
CANADA RUNS AWAY WITH THE WIN!

History was made in front of a bumper crowd at Fletcher's Fields in Markham Ontario on July 31ar, as the Team Canada Wolverines defeated the Jamaican national team 40-10. Both sides were champing at the bit to get at each other, and the match opened with both sides smashing and crashing into their respective lines, testing the waters. The first points came 6 minutes into the match as Jamaica was penalized for a high tackle. Stu McReynolds kicked through the opening points.

Canada then put through tries from Robin Legualt and Stu McReynolds, both touching down behind the posts. McReynolds added the extras on both. Jamaica were next to get on the scoreboard Sandino Hastings powering over the line, after some decent pressure from the visitors. Danny Tupou then scored 2 tries on both side of the half time break. At this point the Canadians were beginning to over power the Jamaicans who were looking overwhelmed by the 32 degree heat and the constant pressure Canada was able to put on. Louis Robinson then powered over for another try and the lead now 28-4 looked secure. Jamaica then answered with their last try of the afternoon Romaen "Gully" Campbell the scorer, and Marvin Thompson adding the extras. Tries from Chris Diamond and Trent Hansen both converted by McReynolds brought the final score to 40-10.

"This is a great win for Canada, for Rugby League in Canada, and for each and every player and coach that has put in so much time and effort to make this happen," said CRL Chairman Eric Perez. "the boys did the business today and we're all so proud of them." Captain Stephen Conlon had this to say when asked about the win. "We're very happy with the result, and to be able to avenge our loss in Jacksonville last year."

This win represented the first for Canada Rugby League and the Wolverines since being founded almost a year ago to the day, and signals Canada's intentions to be a force in international Rugby League.

Match Official: Paul Byrne
Canada Team Members

Robin Legault, Tony Felix, Stu McReynolds, Christian Miller, Danny Tupou, Jamie Lester, Matt Wyles, Steve London, Chris Diamond, Louis Robinson, Tim Mason, Henry Miers Trent Hansen, Subs: Tyler Allen, Dale Fitzgerald, Matt Gleed, Steve Lamb

Team Stats

Tries: Robin Legault (10), Stu McReynolds (18), Danny Tupou (2) (34, 42), Louis Robinson (54), Chris Diamond (62), Trent Hansen (71)
Goals: Stu McReynolds (6, 10, 18, 54, 62, 71)

Jamaica Team Members

Marvin Thompson, Claude Yen, Ryan Grant, Everton Richards, Jermaine Pinnock, Damen Gayle, Roy Calvert, Jade Harrison, Robert Rodney, Romaen Campbell, Nicholas Wright, Carlye Burger, Jahden Clarke Subs: Omar Jones Tyronie Rowe Adrian Myers, Sandino Hastings

Team Stats

Tries: Sandino Hastings (24), Romaen Campbell (58)
Goals: Marvin Thompson (60)
Penalty Count: Canada 7 Jamaica 11
Attendance: 1,213

Cutline - Top - happy Team Canada players after scoring .... again
Bottom - Over 1,200 people jammed the stands at Fletcher's Field in North Markham
Photographs by sweir

New Morrisseau Exhibition Set To Open At The McMichael Gallery

2011-08-10T21:46:00.001-04:00
30 Painting Exhibition from the Permanent Collection
Legends: Norval Morrisseau and Woodland Artists
Opens August 27, 2011 to January 2012

Kleinburg, On ... A new 30 painting exhibition, drawn from the McMichael Canadian Art Collections Permanent Collection, will open at the gallery on August 27th and will run until January 2012. The exhibition, which looks at how the works of the late Norval Morrisseau has influenced Canadian Woodland Artists, is curated by the McMichael's Chris Finn.
First Nations artist Norval Morrisseau is celebrated for establishing a style of art that became known as the Woodland School. The intuitive use of bright, pure colour shapes contained within black form lines is a deliberate attempt by the artist to communicate cultural beliefs and values to the viewer using colour. Other First Nations artists are similarly motivated through their creation of unique and significant art forms.

ABOUT THE McMICHAEL

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,700 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations, and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information about the gallery, visit www.mcmichael.com.

CUTLINE:
Spirit Fish
Carl Ray (1943-1978), Spirit Fish, c. 1975, acrylic on canvas, 61.4 x 76.7 cm, Purchase 1975, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1975.32.2

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For further information or to receive images, contact:

Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com

Biggest Enemy of the truth about Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival? Wikipedia

2011-08-04T10:27:00.005-04:00

FALSE INFORMATION ON WIKIPEDIA PICKED UP BY MEDIA RAINING ON OUR PARADE

Bad enough that the police killed someone at the festival, but a posting on Wikepedia is making it worse for the embattered organizers of the popular event!
Wikepedia had a page that lists all the criminal events that have occurred over the past 25-years. It is a shocking list. Shootings. Stabbings. Drugs. And the media have lapped it up. Without citing where they got the information, the Wall of Shame list has been quoted on CBC National News, in the Toronto Star, the Sun, CTV's website, John Oakley's show on AM640, John Tory and the Festival's biggest/loudest critic Chicago resident Jerry Agar on CFRB. (we have since edited the list)
The crime list, at least those for the past 15-years, is accurate. Many of them occurred when I was working for the parade. All of the victims and perps are black and all of the events happened during the summer. Problem is, none of the crimes took place at any official Caribana event!
Media should know better. While the Wikepedia Page looked incredible reliable, complete with footnotes, when you actually review the details of the news items, you see that the crimes had nothing to do with the festival. Sloppy posting or subtle racism?
Don't know. But I am finding that members of the media don't like to admit they have borrowed (with credit or research) from blind Wikepedia postings. Very slow going. Below is a letter that was sent to our former media partner, and my sometime story buyer, the Toronto Sun.

Dear Sun, your list of Caribana's past problems seems to have been lifted from an inaccurate Wikepedia posting. No worries, the Star did it too ... 24 hours before the Sun story came out.
Love or hate the festival, I feel you should deal from facts rather than from a website that is known for its errors. Let’s look at three of the items you took from Wikepedia. Since I was working for Caribana at the time of three of the incidents, I am writing out of direct knowledge.

July 31 2005- Dwayne Taylor. The murder victim, according to your competitor, The Toronto Star, was killed at 4.30 in the morning, at Dundas Square. He was, as reported in that paper as " a gun-toting drug dealer, who felt he needed a loaded firearm to protect himself against other gang members who might be armed". The Caribana Parade that year had ended at 6pm on July 30th. The shooting occurred 10-hours later and a long long way away from Lakeshore. I followed the court trial and there were no indications that that Mr. Taylor had attended the Caribana parade that year or any other year. He was in the middle of a flash street party (that was neither organized and/or sponsored by any known group in the city) that had sprung up in the downtown core.
There was violence in the Square and many other places including, as I remember, right in front of police headquarters. At the time I complained to the Sun because the Caribana name was being used not because of the location of the shooting or the festival participation of the killer but because the shooter was black and it was the weekend when the Parade ran.
As I pointed out then there were a number of other Caribbean events occurring in the city that weekend including free Soca programming at Harbourfront and the Jamaican music Irie Festival at Queen's Park and both festivals were actually closer to the Square then the Parade. Why wasn't it called the Harbourfront shooting? Or the Irie shooting or any other event shooting?
July 31,2003 A man is charged with criminal negligence after running a red light. He is found with drugs and a loaded weapon. Until the police stepped up street patrols in the Yonge / Dundas area, there has been a tradition of "hot cars" parading up and down Yonge Street on the Thursday and Friday evenings leading up to the Simcoe Day Weekend. Much like the Friday the 13th tradition of bikers going to the Simcoe region, the Thursday and Friday nights circling of Yonge/Dundas Street is a totally strange unorganized occurrence that has nothing to do with Caribana or any other group/event at all. Some of the participants are African Americans from the US.
Caribana had a footprint on the Square that year. 2003 was SARS and the festival had a grant to present A Taste of Caribana at the Square that summer - in a press release the event is described as: "A Taste of Caribana. There will be a ticket office, a Caribbean food court, arts, crafts, tourist information and entertainment". The entertainment (music and dance) ended in the late afternoon. The food tent was shut down at 11pm. I believe the car/gun incident occurred on the street many hours later. There was no indication that the man arrested had attended any Caribana events or was planning to. There was no evidence that he even actually got out of his car anywhere near Dundas Square. Beyond his ethnic background of the convicted man there was nothing to tie him in with our festival.
August 2, 1997 - Gary Newman is shot at point blank range and dies. I am not aware of this case, however, I did do some research. Mr. Newman was 22 and the police list his murder on their cold case list. http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/homicide/unsolvedcold.php. There was never a trial, so, I can't find out why you are calling this a pre-Caribana murder in that there was no Dundas Square and the parade that year was a long distance from the murder scene. How do you know he was a pre-Caribana reveler?
Finally, the Sun talks about the young man who was thrown off the Scarborough Bluff. That particular crime took place two days after the parade and in another city (you have the location wrong). Why that makes it a Caribana killing is beyond me.

Sometimes Public Relations Work Is Murder

2011-07-31T23:50:00.012-04:00
No lock on the nitty-gritty when it comes to covering shooting deaths.
Think Local But Some Act Global

Over the past 17-years I have worked on many PR assignments, most (but not all) have revolved around the non-profit culture sector. It is not particularly financially rewarding work, but, the cause is usually just and you don't have to push dubious projects that people don't want or need (like the Irish diaper cream project I crashed and burned on).

Aside from assisting after a terrorist attack, and some pro-bono work I did for the legal team helping the mother of a murdered Jane/Finch student, I have stayed away from the gritty, painful side of crisis communications.

Today (Sunday August 31st) was different. So was Saturday.

On Saturday I spent 10-hours in the searing heat of summer, rescuing news crews stuck inside parade barriers within Toronto's mammoth Caribbean Carnival. When I wasn't doing that I was on the street herding sex crazedphotographers who seemed determined to get their long lenses cameras right into the nether regions of the thousands of women who played Mas at the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival. A strange profession but it is typical assignment when dealing with the men and women who were cover the annual summer Long Weekend Parade.

The last hour of the day was stressful and dangerous, the attendance was over the top - one official told me 1.5 million. As the parade wound down, thousands of people breached the fences and drunkenly tried to get onto centre stage with the last of the performing Mas players in front of the judging stand on Lakeshore Drive. The police wanted to shut it down; I wanted to get the media out before they got to witness first hand, something really bad happening.

However, the show was allowed to continue - all bands made it onto the street and were judged at the review stand near the Ontario Place parking lot. Somehow we were able to keep the crowds back. The parade ended at 6.10 with only a few minor incidents. Heat. Dehydration. Alcohol.

I left just before 7pm, thinking that once again, the parade had "dodged a bullet". Might be true about the actual parade, but, the same can't be said for one man who was shot dead by the police an hour and a bit after the parade ended.

For a little while the police were quiet about the shooting and the media was unaware of what had happened on Lakeshore Drive. That didn't stop the social media. By the time I got to my home office I already had two cell phone pictures of the dead man lying in the street, sent to me. I also had a link to a cell phone video of the police and dead man.

While following people first hand comments on Twitter and from an associate who is better plugged into the Social Media scene, I was able to brief the festival executive and craft a response (posted on this blog) to the events of the evening before the first media had called.

This morning, the media was on the case. The Sun went big and bloody, the Star stuck to the facts. George Lagogianes at CP24 was tough, ahead of the pack, but respectful for the feelings of the victim’s families and for the devastated organizers of North America's largest Caribbean style event. The same can't be said about Global, who, pushed to try and get the head of the parade to meet her at the scene of the crime to talk on camera about the killing, presumably in front of where he died.

I normally don't push back at a reporter's interview request, but to suggest that we stand on the street in front of a chalked outline of body, seemed to me to be ghoulish. The deeply religious executive members of the parade were still in shock over what had occurred less than 24-hours ago. I refused the interview, telling the reporter that we were shocked at her request. She called to say I misunderstood her request. "I am not that kind of reporter,” said Jennifer Palisoc. " I thought you said that you and Chris (the parade's CAO) were on the Lakeshore!"

I hadn't said we were on the Lakeshore (you can read the exchange below) and told her that I didn't believe her when she said she wasn't "that kind of reporter". I declined the interview. But, after an apology I did set up a streeter in front of a floating restaurant on the Queens Quay. The reporter was curt, didn't talk to me nor shake hands with the man she was to interview. However, the taped exchange did sound fair and balanced.

Later in the day, a female CBC TV reporter managed to dig up a number of long-refuted Sun newspaper stories about murder events that had nothing to do with the parade and attempted to link them to yesterday's tragedy. With titles such as the pre-Caribana murder (a young black make is murdered at a church party in another city 2-weeks before the parade), the Caribana murder (a young black mail skips out of the parade with his friends and two days after the parade is beaten and drown by his companions in Pickering) and the Four Seasons Caribana Murders (two black men, suspected crime syndicate drug dealers, are gunned down in Yorkville over the Caribana weekend) this female reporter was trying to get the festival spokesman to link the event to last night's murder.

When it was pointed out to the reporter that she was simply reading out questions about events that she knew nothing about (she had a list of questions that someone else had penned for her) and that the stories had been labeled raciest by journalists including at least one CBC reporter, she told us that she knew all about racism first hand. " I am from Turkey. I am from Muslim. "

To her credit, the reporter agreed that she would read up on the incidents and advise the newsroom of my objections. She reshot the questions. Waiting to she if is thinking locally or acting Globally.

Global TV tries to get the head of the Caribbean Carnival to conduct an interview at last night's murder scene. E-mail exchange in reverse.

-----Original Message-----
From: "Stephen Weir"
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:27:12
To: Jennifer Palisoc

Here is our exchange: show me where I said I was on the lakeshore. You are the one suggesting we go the murder scene -- no alternatives given
------Original Message------

From: Jennifer Palisoc
To: Stephen
Subject: Re: Interview
Sent: Jul 31, 2011 10:10 AM

My apologies. That was not my intent. Where would you like to meet? We can definitely schedule another location.

Jennifer Palisoc
Reporter, Global News

----- Original Message -----
From: Stephen Weir [mailto:sweir5492@rogers.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 09:59 AM
To: Jennifer Palisoc
Subject: Re: Interview

No, to scene of crime (that is really sick-weird). Think maybe we will give this interview a pass -- we don't have the mind set that you obviously do.

------Original Message------
From: Jennifer Palisoc
To: Stephen
Subject: Re: Interview
Sent: Jul 31, 2011 9:39 AM

Okay, we will be there at noon. Shall we meet right on scene of the incident? Thank you.
Jennifer Palisoc
Reporter, Global News

----- Original Message -----
From: Stephen Weir [mailto:sweir5492@rogers.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 09:29 AM
To: Jennifer Palisoc
Subject: Re: Interview

Yes if you would like. Will be at Ontario Place at noon to the end of day. Chris, the head of the festival, is at Fletcher's Field for the carnival rugby match at 1pm. He will return to Ont. Place at 2.30

------Original Message------
From: Jennifer Palisoc
To: stephen weir
To: Chris Alexander
Subject: Interview
Sent: Jul 31, 2011 9:05 AM

Hello,

We arrange an on-camera interview today?

Thanks,
Jen
Jennifer Palisoc
Reporter, Global News

Cutline - crowd scene top
George Lagogianes (CP24) interviews Festival organizer's Chris Alexander and Denise Herrera Jackson about the shooting.

Statement from the Caribbean Carnival with regards to a fatal shooting this evening

2011-07-30T23:07:00.002-04:00
A Statement from the Caribbean Carnival

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is aware that a fatal shooting took place this evening near the Festival parade along Lakeshore Blvd. CEO Denise Herrera Jackson and CAO Christopher Alexander are both shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the lose of life.
"We are saying prayers for the injured and the dead," said Ms. Jackson. " Our festival is about love and community, and to have this happen so close to our event is devastating. We work so hard to make our event safe and family friendly, it is unthinkable that such a thing could happen."
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival held its annual parade today. The parade, which involved over 17,000 performers and musicians, officially ended at 6.20 with the announcement of the prize winners from the parade.
" The shooting occured about an hour after we closed up our operation," said Mr. Alexander. " Most of our staff had left the grounds when were heard the sirens. I went immediately to the site, but, was unable to learn very much about what occurred this evening. We have a very good relationship with the Toronto Police and we trust that details of the what occured today will soon be made public.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival had over 250 security officers from 5-different firms (including Metro Toronto Police pay duty officers) working on the 4.5 km parade. The police cooporated very well with us to ensure that the parade was safe and successful.

For further information

Stephen Weir
4160489-5868

Band Leader Eustace Wins It All

2011-07-30T01:03:00.001-04:00
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS from 2011 KING & QUEEN COMPETITION

Queen of the band

Name: Joella Chichton

Band Theme: Mythical Creatures

Costume name: Metal Morpheus

King of the band

Name: Shane Reid-Mundal

Band Theme: Mythical Creatures

Costume name: King Haites

Female individual

Name: Mishka Crichton

Band Theme: Mythical Creatures

Costume name: Medusa

Male Individual

Name: “Mr.Meggy”

Band Thme: Mythical Creatures

Costume name: Draconia

Ontario Science Centre Innovation in Mas Award: Bitter Lemon Carnival (band leader Clarence Forde) for their King costume entitled "The Storm" portrayed by Keith Pascall, designed by Jackie Forde.

Female Individual of the Year:
1. Carnival Nationz
2. Saldenah Mas-K Club
3. Callaloo

Male Individual of the Year:
1. Carnival Nationz
2. Saldenah Mas K-Club
3. Mas Toronto

Queen of the Bands:
1. Carnival Nationz
2. Saldenah Mas-K Club
3. Callaloo
4. Renaissance Mas

King of the Bands:
1. Carnival Nationz
2. Callaloo
3. Tribal Knights
4. Saldenah Mas-K Club

BULLETIN - AFROPAN HAS WON THE 2011 PAN ALIVE PRIZE. JULY 29, 2011 LAMPORT STADIUM

THIS SUNDAY: Inaugural Caribbean Carnival Rugby Cup

2011-07-28T07:35:00.002-04:00
SCOTIABANK TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL - NEW EVENT, RUGBY THIS SUNDAY, THE CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL CUP - FLETCHER'S FIELD

"Canada Rugby League is introducing sporting culture to the already massive ScotiaBank Caribbean Carnival. Canada Rugby League is proud to be the first and only official sporting partner of this festival. “I believe that the addition of Rugby League to the Caribbean Festival means that more than ever, there is something for everyone at this diverse celebration of culture.” Said Cory Tukeli, President of the Canada Rugby League.

On Suday July 31st, CRL Presents the Inaugural Caribbean Carnival Cup. Kickoff between Team Canada Wolverines and the Jamaican National team begins at 3:30pm. Gates at Fletcher’s Field open at 2pm with food vendors, a Cool Zone, activities and a live DJ. The facility is located at 2743 16th Ave in Markham, close to Woodbine Ave., extending the Caribbean Festival to this part of the GTA for the first time.

This matchup promises to bring heated Rugby League action to the festival, due to the fierce rivalry developed between the Team Canada Wolverines and the Jamaican Nationals at the Atlantic Cup and other competitions. Find out more about this exciting, historic event atTorontoCaribbeanCarnival.com and CanadaRugbyLeague.com, home of Canada Rugby League and the Team Canada Wolverines."

Cutline: Cory Tukeli announces the new Rugby Cup at the offical launch of the Festival in Toronto.

Stephen Weir
Festival publicist | stephen@stephenweir.com
or sweir5492@rogers.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | CELL: 416-801-3101
www.stephenweir.com

MEDIA ALERT: BIG COSTUMES, KING AND QUEEN COMPETITION TONIGHT

2011-07-28T04:02:00.002-04:00
MEDIA ALERT

MINISTER OF TOURISM & CULTURE TO OPEN KING & QUEEN COMPETITION
Honourable Lisa Raitt and Tim Hudak
Thursday, July 28th 2011
7 pm – 12 Midnight
The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival
King & Queen Competition
At Lamport Stadium on Thursday, July 30th

Last year the event was sold out. Big, big crowd expected

What: Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture, Michael Chan, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, MP Joe Daniel, MPP Jim Karygiannis, MPP Tim Hudak, (Official Opposition Leader in the Provincial House), City Councillor Joe Mihevc and Councillor Michael Thompson will officially open Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival's King and Queen Competition, outdoors at Lamport Stadium.

At the King and Queen competition, costumes, sometimes 20-40 ft high will be paraded in front of a panel of judges so that the King and Queen of this year’s festival can be chosen. These grand costumes take hundreds of hours to design and build, and cost thousands of dollars to produce. Each band must portray a theme that is suitable of the carnival tradition, and each of the costumes competing at this show must convey this theme in a standout, grand way. Ticket info: www.torontocaribbeanfestival.com

Why: This signature show is a sit-down, family event affording its audience an unencumbered opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship of these elaborate costumes before they hit the streets for the 44th annual Parade on Saturday, July 30th. The evening includes Caribbean food, arts and crafts vendors, licensed bar

Who: All of the official 16 competing, 2011 masquerade (or mas) bands make presentations in the following categories hoping to win any of the following titles: King of the Bands, Queen of the Bands, Male Individual of the Year, and Female Individual of the Year. Ontario Science Centre to judge the costumes on the science used in their construction for a special OSC Award.

Other Confirmed Politicians:

· Federal Minister Lisa Raitt

· MP Joe Daniel, (PC)

· MP Jim Karygiannis, (Lib)

· MPP Tim Hudak, Official Opposition leader

· Councillor Joe Mihevc

Councillor Michael Thompson

When: Opening ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. sharp. Due to city bylaws, the competition MUST end before midnight. Event runs rain or shine.

Where: Lamport Stadium, 1155 King Street West,Toronto.

Photo Information: Me and Michael Chan.

Media Contact
Stephen Weir, Publicist
Email: stephen@stephenweir.com
Tel: (416) 489-5868 Cell: (416) 801-3101

Bleacher Seats Added, But Parade, As Always, Is FREE

2011-07-28T03:28:00.000-04:00
20,000 Ready to Keep on Jumpin’ this Saturday
Toronto July 28 … Fresh on the heels of a highly successful Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival (STCC) Yorkgate Mall Children’s Parade, organizers have announced improvements and a route change to the FREE Big July 30th parade. And, indications are that the will involve a record number of costumed dancers and a record number of people in the stands!
“The Mas Camps are now open, and, according to the Toronto Mas Bands Association, people are lining up to purchase costumes and commit to the big event,” said Festival CEO, Denise Herrera-Jackson. “The route is being expanded to allow more dancers on the road at one time. We expect close to 20,000 people on the route this summer and over 1.2 million people lining Lakeshore to watch them play Mas!”
In addition to changing the route of the parade, STCC is adding a market area, rides, and food, merchandise vendor and paid seating to accommodate up to 30,000 spectators. There is still no charge to observe the parade along the western end of the route. Most of the new seating is near the expanded parade route and does NOT infringe on traditional free viewing areas.
“ We worked with the Toronto Mas Band Association to improve the parade route,” said Chris Alexander, the festivals CFO. “We will start the parade heading east inside the CNE grounds and then head south at the Automotive Building before heading west onto Lakeshore Blvd near the entrance to Ontario Place. This will ensure that all bands will make it onto the parade route this year and there will be seating for anyone who wants to see the parade in comfort.”
The parade will start on the CNE grounds, south of the BMO field. From the BMO field the parade heads east towards the Princess Gates. At the Automotive Building (now called the All Stream Centre) the route turns south to Lakeshore Blvd.
At Lakeshore Blvd the parade route points west, towards its traditional route. Just after the Mas Bands enter Lakeshore they will pass the new Judges stand where they will perform their routines. After leaving the Review Stand the bands will head west in a Road March parade mode.
Near the Judges stand there will be a VIP section where spectators can purchase individual tents for companies and families and friends. They can also be part of the very large VIP tent. Price for the individual tents are $150 and VIPs paying $50 each can purchase that tent for a group.
The bleacher seats near the BMO field are $15 each and the rest of the parade route is free. Seating can be purchased at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com.

About the Festival:

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 44th year, 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 is responsible for the managing and staging of North America’s largest outdoor festival.
Corporate sponsors of this year's festival include: Scotiabank, The Toronto Star, Sway Magazine, The Grid, CTV, CP24, Urbanology, FLOW The Federal Government of Canada, The Province of Ontario, The City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, Mobilicity, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Ontario Place, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Libraries, Yorkgate Mall, Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex & Liberty Entertainment Group, The Caribbean Camera Newspaper, Toronto-Lime.Com, and GraceKennedy (Ontario) Inc.
For more information about the programs and events, please visit the festival’s official website at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Office is located at 263 Davenport Avenue, Lower Level; Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 1E9. Contact info: Tel: 416-391-5608; Fax: 416-391-5693; Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com
Cutline: Chief Bill Blair and Mas Models at the recently held official launch of the Parade.

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival helping to swear in new Canadians, media welcome to cover

2011-07-27T00:11:00.001-04:00

Media Advisory

Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival welcome 60 new Canadians at a special citizenship ceremony at North York Civic Centre

What: 60 new Canadians from 33 countries and their families will come together for a special citizenship ceremony hosted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival.

Presiding official: Judge Raminder Gill
When: Thursday, July 28, 2011
8:30 a.m.

Where: North York Civic Centre - Council Chambers
5100 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M2N 5V7

Special guests: Chungsen Leung, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and MP Willowdale
David Zimmer, MPP Willowdale
Delores Lawrence, Order of Ontario and Chair of Operation Vote Canada
Chris Alexander, Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival

Media are invited to attend. Photography and audio-visual equipment are permitted.

For more information on Canadian citizenship ceremonies held across the country, please visit the Celebrate Citizenship section of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website at www.cic.gc.ca.

The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine and arts. Now in its 44th year, it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. For more information, please visit the festival’s website at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com.

Media contacts:

Jen Burkholder
Media Relations, Ontario Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
416-954-2819
jen.burkholder@cic.gc.ca

Stephen Weir
Media Relations
Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival
416-489-5868
stephen@stephenweir.com

ScotCaribbean Carnival Kicks Off Celebration at Toronto Pearson

2011-07-26T00:53:00.001-04:00

SCOTIABANK TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
ATTENTION:

City, Assignment, Photo, News, and Lifestyle Editors
Media Advisory/Invitation July 21, 2011
Caribbean Carnival Kicks Off Celebration at Toronto Pearson

- Chef Roger Mooking, the Bahamian Junkanoo Legends and Steel Pan Players Welcome Guests -

Toronto, ON – Get ready to jump up Toronto! In celebration of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2011, Toronto Pearson is welcoming guests in style to the city’s world renowned celebration of Caribbean culture. On July 27, Toronto Pearson will transform into an island oasis, bringing the best of Caribbean music, food and culture to Canada’s premier airport.

As part of Toronto Pearson’s renewed focus on guest experience, media are invited to jump start the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival weekend while the airport surprises and delights guests arriving into Terminal 3 with Toronto chef Roger Mooking, and the world renowned Bahamian Junkanoo Legends from the Bahamas on hand to entertain Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival guests as they arrive in Toronto.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

1. Performance by world renowned Bahamian Junkanoo Legends from the Bahamas that starts at departures and will make its way to arrivals in Terminal 3. Band member John Zonicle will be onsite and available for interviews.

2. Sampling of Caribbean fare, including salt cod fritters prepared by one of Canada’s premier chefs, Roger Mooking, available for interviews by appointment after the demonstration

3. Steel Pan Players

4. Interviews with Toronto Pearson and the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival representatives

DATE: Wednesday, July 27
TIME: 3:45 p.m.

· 3:45pm – The Bahamian Junkanoo Legends start at Terminal 3 departures, performs en route to Terminal 3 arrivals

· 4:00-4:15pm – The Bahamian Junkanoo Legends arrive at stage area in Terminal 3 arrivals

· 4:15pm – Roger Mooking cooking/demo/sampling

WHERE: Toronto Pearson, Terminal 3, International Arrivals. For drivers, park in the Terminal 3 garage and you will be given a parking voucher at the event. Directions to Terminal 3 parking can be found here: http://www.torontopearson.com/en/toandfrom/directions/

WHO:

Roger Mooking has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s premier Chefs by developing a culinary philosophy built on perfect execution of globally inspired culinary traditions. As a third generation restaurateur and chef he began his formal training through the George Brown Culinary Management Program where he earned Top Student Honors diploma and is now the Chair of the Professional Advisory Committee.

Roger continued his training at Epic Dining Room in Toronto’s world renowned Royal York Hotel before co owning and consulting on many food and beverage operations.

He is the Host and Co-Creator of his own internationally broadcast television series Everyday Exotic. He is also the Co-host of the upcoming series Heat Seekers airing on Food Network Canada.

In addition he is the recording artist and creator of Soul Food; a unique food and music project released by Warner Music. For Roger, music and the epicurean world are seamless. One feeds the body, the other the soul; it is all food in all its various forms.

The Bahamian Junkanoo Legends: born from a group of Bahamians missing Junkanoo music - the sweet sound of their home. This group simply wanted to share the most recognizable culture and distinct music from the country of their birth to their new home. After a 20 year absence from the Festival's parade, the Association of Bahamians in Canada have resurrected the core group with a contingency of 50 "Legends" flying up from the Bahamas.

About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 44th year, 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, The Toronto Star, Sway Magazine, The Grid, CTV, CP-24, The Canadian Federal Government, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Ontario Place, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Library, Yorkgate Mall, Liberty Grand, FLOW FM, The Caribbean Camera Newspaper, Toronto-Lime.Com, Urbanology Magazine and Grace Kennedy Foods.

For complete listing information, visit www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com, the only official website for the Festival. Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival Office is located at 263 Davenport Avenue. Lower Level, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Tel., 416-391-5608; Fax, 416-391-5693; Email: info@torontocaribbeancarnival.com

About Toronto Pearson International Airport

The GTAA is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's biggest airport and one of the largest airports in North America in terms of passenger and air cargo traffic. In 2010, Toronto Pearson handled an estimated 31.9 million passengers and is ranked 4th largest in international passenger traffic in North America. The focus of the GTAA continues to be on competitiveness, growing the airport's status as an international gateway, meeting the needs of our guests and ensuring the long-term success of the organization, our airline customers and the regional economy.
CUTLINE:
Top: Celebrity cook Roger Mooking hit it out of the park while cooking on CP24 (and shamelessly promoting the GTAA taste of the carnival.
Bottom: Mas Dancers stand behind Mooking's spread for Breakfast TV.

For more information, contact:

For Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival:
Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir & Associates
stephen@stephenweir.com
416-489-5868; 416-801-3101

Craigg Slowly
Stephen Weir & Associates
CraiggSlowly@gmail.com
416.333.6781

For Toronto Pearson International Airport:

Noor Marzook
Edelman
noor.marzook@edelman.com
416-849-8914

Issued By:

Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com
or sweir5492@rogers.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | cell: 416-801-3101
www.stephenweir.com

The man in the Red Bra is our new Caylpso Monarch!

2011-07-24T02:28:00.007-04:00
Structure Wins It All

The 2011 Calypso Monarch competition was held this evening at the Chinese Cultural Centre’s P.C. Ho Theatre in Scarborough. Structure beat out 8 other competitors in a 4-hour showdown amongst Canada's best Caylpso singers.

Structure (Bryan Thornhill) won the crown, besting last year's Queen, Macomere FeFe (Eulith Tara Woods) and long-time performer Panman Pat (McNeil). Woods and McNeil tied for second place.

Structure won the contest in part because of a song that he wrote and performed about a series of murders that occurred around Canadian Air Force Base Trenton. Structure wore a woman's pair of red underwear underneath a Canadian Forces' green jump suit, much as Russell Williams, the convicted Trenton murderer and fetish burgler, is known to have worn.

THE RESULTS

Calypso prize goes to Structure

Canada’s top calypso music prize – Kaiso 365 – was captured by Bryan Structure Thornhill before a capacity crowd in the P.C. Ho Theatre of the Chinese Cultural Centre. In a hotly contested battle between nine singers performing two songs each, Barbadian-born Structure also won the coveted People’s Choice Award and several other Special Awards for Lyrics, Melody, Presentation, Originality, Rendition and Humour.

2011 “KAISO 365” CALYPSO MONARCH RESULTS

Winner Structure – Bryan Thornhill
2nd (tie) Macomere Fifi – Eulith Tara Woods
Pan Man Pat – Pat McNeilly
4th Beginner – Michael Moore
5th Spice – Denise Quammie Alexander
6th Mr. Wonderful – Steve Clarke
7th (tie) Newton P – Newton Phillips
Redman – Michael Thomas
8th King Smokey – Clieve Henry

2011 “KAISO 365” CALYPSO MONARCH – SPECIAL AWARDS

BEST LYRICS: Structure – Trenton Monster

BEST MELODY: Structure – Trenton Monster

BEST PRESENTATION:
(tie) Structure – Trenton Monster
Newton P – Old Age Pension

MOST ORIGINAL CALYPSO:
Structure – Trenton Monster

BEST RENDITION:
Structure – Trenton Monster

BEST COMPOSITION ON A LOCAL TOPIC:
Panman Pat – Stop The Gravy Train

MOST HUMOUROUS CALYPSO:
Structure – Trenton Monster

BEST ARRANGEMENT:
Michael “Skel” Redhead – Tackling The Issues(sung by Macomere Fifi)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Structure
Structure has won the Calypso Monarch title in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007.
Structure will take home a cash prize of over $6,000.00 and will be sent to represent Canada in London, U.K in next year’s Notting Hill Carnival, as part of an exchange programme with the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC) that saw their 2010 Calypso Monarch Alexander D Great perform here as a Special Guest.
For more information contact OCPA at (416) 795-2722 or visit our website at
www.ocpacalypsoca.com

Cutline: some of the 8 other contestants stand behind the throne as Structure is crowned the 2011 Calypso Monarch.
Middle: Singer King Cosmos (Henry Gomez) strips Structure on stage revealing a set of red women's underwear.
Bottom: Structure sings his winning song to the media.

Read charities into this Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

2011-07-21T01:27:00.002-04:00
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival announces programmes that benefit from Friday Night's Gala Fundraiser at the Liberty Grande (CNE Grounds)

(Toronto) – In partnership with the Toronto Public Library Foundation, STCC presents an evening to celebrate the Culture of Carnival, recognize 5 key contributors and to raise funds for the Dr. Rita Cox Endowment Fund. The Rita Cox Endowment Fund for Black and Caribbean Heritage supports The Rita Cox Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection at the Toronto Public Library. The Collection features more than 16,000 print and audiovisual materials for adults, children and teens about the black and Caribbean experience with special emphasis on Canadian material. The collection is available at convenient library locations across the city: Parkdale, Yorkwoods, Malvern and Maria A. Shchuka branches.

This year 4 STCC Tribute Awards will be presented to Glenda Bostic for her dedication and commitment to furthering calypso through the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes, John Kam – a veteran involved in production of the festival for over 25 years, Pat “Panman” McNeilly – a dynamic contributor to both calypso and steelband in Canada and the late Elton “Smokey” John who will remembered by all from inception of the festival in 1967 to the formation of the Toronto Symphony Steel Orchestra and the making of pans in Toronto. The Kathy Searles Volunteer award will be presented to Frances Lochan, Event Manager of the King & Queen event which takes at Lamport Stadium each year.

Host for this year’s gala dinner program is Itah Sadu – owner of A Different Booklist. Itah is an author and storyteller who shares the rich oral traditions of the Caribbean, Africa and Canada with her audiences and is well known to Toronto Public Library and the Dr. Rita Cox Endowment Fund. Entertainment include the reigning Calypso Monarch “Macomere FiFi”, D Juiceman, Hummingbird Tassa Group, Pan Fantasy Steel band. The jum-up starts at 9:30 pm featuring DJ Desmond Peters from Wack Radio in T&T and a live band “The Vibes”.

On Friday, July 22nd, the Liberty Grand Complex (Toronto’s CNE grounds) will be transformed into an island of sensational colour, rhythmic vibrations and exotic extravagance. It will be dinner for over 500 guests featuring the melodious sounds and culinary splendor of the Carnival through music, costumes, magnificent dinner program and fundraising activities such as silent auction, swag bags and CRA approved donations box.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased at the Festival Management Committee’s downtown offices 263 Davenport Avenue. Lower Level) or on-line at http://www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com . Doors open at 5.30 pm for cocktails and the sit-down dinner begins at 7.30 pm. Tickets - $160 / Table -$1,600.

About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Produced by the Festival Management Committee, Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. A major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America – Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean 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.

Corporate sponsors of this year's festival include: Scotiabank, The Toronto Star, CTV, CP24, Flow 93.5, Eye Weekly, The Federal Government of Canada, The Province of Ontario, The City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Ontario Place, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Libraries, Yorkgate Mall, Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex & Liberty Entertainment Group, The Caribbean Camera Newspaper, Toronto-Lime.Com, and Grace Kennedy (Ontario) Inc.

Photo - Two CBC guests at the 2008 Gala.

MEDIA: You are welcome to cover BUT you are not guaranteed a meal. PLEASE confirm with Stephen Weir. 416-489-5868 . Ontario Minister Best and Federal Minister Kent will be speaking at the Gala.

For Further Information, contact

Stephen Weir Stephen Weir & Associates
stephen@stephenweir.com 416-489-5868; 416-801-3101

Singing Competition this Saturday evening in Scarborough - Calypso Monarch

2011-07-20T03:54:00.001-04:00

2011 Calypso Monarch Competition
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) will hold the KAISO365 Calypso Monarch Competition, Saturday, July 23, 2011 to choose the top Calypso singer at the Chinese Cultural Centre, (P.C. Ho. Theatre) 5183 Sheppard Avenue, East, (Parking entrance on Progress Avenue).
Finalists this year are: Spice, King Smokey, Beginner, Newton P, Mr. Wonderful, Panman Pat, Structure, and Redman.
The nine finalists – eight plus last year's winner Macomere Fifi - will perform two newly composed calypsos before a panel of judges. Each song will be awarded points out of a maximum of 100 points divided into five (5) categories as follows:
Lyrics 30
Melody 30
Vocal Rendition 25
Originality 10
Presentation 5
In addition, there will be the following special awards categories: Most Original, Best Competition on a Local Topic, Most Humorous, Best Arrangement, Best New Artiste.
The Calypso Monarch Competition attracts singers from across the GTA and beyond and has been held annually in Toronto for the past 30 years. The 2010 first prizewinner was Macomere Fifi singing, “ Haiti will Rise Again” and “Your Turn To Die”. Macomere Fifi will be defending her crown.
The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes is a non-profit organization whose offices are located at Suite 120 – 215 Spadina Ave., Toronto ON. M5T 2C7.

Invite to Gladstone Hotel opening of Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival art exhibition

2011-07-19T02:03:00.000-04:00

Junior Carnival Parade Down Jane Street - Results

2011-07-18T09:41:00.007-04:00

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE SCOTIABANK TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL JUNIOR PARADE

Parade of the Bands

Rank Band Leader Band Theme Points
1. Jamaal Magloire, Toronto Revellers, Welcome to Oz, 261
2. Dexter Seusahai, Tribal Knights, Legends, 260
3. Marcus Eustace, Carnival Nationz, Mythical Creatures, 259

Male Individual

1. Jalen Gause, The Timid King, Jamaal Magloire/Toronto Revellers, Welcome to Oz
2. Maven Lee, Symphony of D’ Sea, Mark Deleon / Mas Toronto, Mas in Atlantis- A Carnival Mythology
3. Courtney St. Louis, Guardian of the Rainforest, Dexter Seusahai / Tribal Knights, Legends

Female Individual

1. Anastasia La Rose, Good Witch of the North Jamaal Magloire/Toronto Revellers, Welcome to Oz
2. Canisha Edwards, Lost Treasures, Dexter Seusahai/Tribal Knights, Legends
3. Sariah, Seon Jelly Jamboree – Shake and Wine, Mark Deleon / Mas Toronto, Mas In Atlantis A Carnival Mythology

Queen

1 Calena Seusahai, Cleopatra, Dexter Seusahai/Tribl Knights, Legends
2 Rebecca Martinez, Hope and Tranquility, Narisa Ali/Blues Carnival Fusion, Mirage of Drums
3. Shanisse Kaola Jackson, Arabian Dancer, Will Morton / Fantazia International, Come Dance With Me

King

1. Demeko Minott, The Gryphon, Marcus Eustace / Carnival Nationz, Mythical Creatures
2 Fabion Lee, Young King Neptune, Mark Deleon / Mas Toronto, Mas in Atlantis A Carnival Mythology
3 Ty Williamson, Tim Man, Jamaal Magloire / Toronto Revellers, Welcome to Oz

Kiddies Parade, Jane/Finch, 2,000 kids in mas costume, Saturday 11am, Yorkgate Idol too!

2011-07-15T21:43:00.003-04:00

MEDIA ALERT

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival
2011 Yorkgate Junior Carnival Parade
11am Set to roll down Jane St. Saturday, July 16th

WHAT: 2011 Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival/Yorkgate Mall Junior Carnival Parade
Close to 2,000 children in Mas costumes.
WHERE: Parade starts at Shoreham Rd (Black Creek Pioneer Village). Travels south on Jane Street. Review stand at Driftwood/Jane. Ends at Yorkgate Mall Parking Lot for Party, Entertainment and Awards.
WHEN: 11am start at Shoreham Rd Ribbon cutting ceremony with
Judy Sgro MP York West and Mario Sergio MPP York West
1pm Yorkgate Idol ContestYorkgate NW parking lot
2pm expected end parade, Yorkgate NW parking lot
2.30pm – 4pm Kid’s party and awards.
Yorkgate NW parking lot

WHY: Bringing the traditions of carnival to Jane/Finch. Also referred to as Kiddies Carnival, it comprises masqueraders (or mas) players/dancers who range in age from toddlers to teens; many of who go on to play in the main Carnival parade when they become adults. And just with adult bands, each junior band must portray a theme suitable of the Carnival masquerade tradition. Competition titles up for grabs include: Junior Band of the Year; Jr. King of the Bands; Jr. Queen of the Bands; Jr. Male Individual of the Year; and Jr. Female Individual of the Year.
NOTE: The TTC will be operating a special bus service during the Saturday Parade which will drops passengers off on Jane St. within site of the review stand. The 108 Downsview Bus will be short-turning at Jane throughout the parade.

Yorkgate Idol is an exciting grade 9 to 12 youth talent singing competition with a mix of Rhythm and Blues (R n B), Reggae, gospel and other forms of music. The live show will be held in the parking lot at 1 pm. Yorkgate Idol is a spectacular event that brings together youth, businesses, professionals, organizations and community residents together through arts and culture for community development.
For further information, contact: Stephen Weir, Stephen Weir & Associates stephen@stephenweir.com416-489-5868; 416-801-3101
PICTURE: Parade mask for Kiddies Parade

MEDIA PREVIEW OF SCOTIABANK TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL ART SHOW AT THE ROM (Media Only)

2011-07-13T14:02:00.001-04:00
You are cordially invited to the MEDIA PREVIEW for:
Toronto's Carnival: Festival Photographs from 1967 to Today

MEDIA PREVIEW

Thursday, July 14, 2011, 10:00 am
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON

RSVP required - best to email me asap
416.586.5529 or mediarsvp@rom.on.ca
Enter via the Bloor St. W. entrance of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal
Doors open at 10:00 am.
Public Opening: Saturday, July 16

Big Route Change for the Big Parade. Tuesday July 12 presser with entertainment and costumes. City Hall Noon

2011-07-08T13:09:00.006-04:00
MEDIA ALERT

STILL JUMPIN’ – THE LAUNCH OF THE SCOTIABANK TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL, NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE
Tuesday, July12th 2011
Noon – 2pm

Official Launch for the Carnival at Nathan Phillips Square
Provincial Minister of Tourism and Culture – Michael Chan
Big Changes To The Big Parade to be Announced
Mas Dancers, Calypso Performers, Soca Music and More

LATE BREAKING BULLETIN - I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT RUNNER LERONE CLARKE WILL BE AT THE KICK-OFF TODAY Lerone Clarke AT NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE

What: 2011 is kicking off the 3-week summer festival at Nathan Phillips Square. The NOON HOUR launch showcases the many events that will entertain and energize Toronto. Speeches. Musical performances. Dance troupes and dancers in Mas costumes. Calypso singers. Soca music. Pan orchestra.

Location Note: The launch is at City Hall NOT the David Pecaut Sq as previously announced

Why: Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an important tourism event. It annually brings hundreds of thousands of tourists into the city. This year, the parade route is being changed!!
Announcement on Tuesday. New Media Partner to be announced. New events to be announced.
Who: Scheduled to speak – The Honourable Michael Chan, Councillor Joe Mihevc and festival CFO Chris Alexander. Other dignitaries will be announced soon
When: Media tent opens at 11.30am. Last chance for media to register for the big parade.
Speeches 11.59 am to 12.30 pm. A cavalcade of entertainment until 2pm.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square. Queen Street -- Toronto City Hall.
How: All media are welcome to cover the event. www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com. The public is encouraged to attend this FREE EVENT

PICTURED: 2010 Parade - by Layton Wang-Wu

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Media Contact

Stephen Weir, Publicist Craigg Slowly, Publicist
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Stephen Weir Publicity Campaigns: Installation of Ivan Eyre’s Monumental Bronze Sculptures

2011-07-08T10:21:00.000-04:00
Stephen Weir Publicity Campaigns: Installation of Ivan Eyre’s Monumental Bronze Sculptures

Junior Carnival Parade kicked-off at Yorkgate Mall - Jane Fnch.

2011-07-06T01:04:00.004-04:00
Major change for the location of the review stand
The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival
2011 Junior Carnival Parade
Set to roll down Jane St. Saturday, July 16th

Toronto, ON: 05.07.2011: The volunteer organizers of the 2011 Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival/Yorkgate Mall Junior Carnival Parade are expecting a large auidence at this year’s parade, so much so that a major change has been made in the set-up of the annual event. This year, the judges’ review stand will be midpoint in the route, along Jane Street, allowing more spectators and parents to see the children perform before the judges.
For the past 10-years the bands have been judged at the start of the parade along Shoreham Drive (Black Creek Pioneer Village). The parade will still start on Shoreham Drive but the review stand will be about half way along the route which travels from Shoreham to Jane, ending in the parking lot of the Yorkgate Mall (Jane & Finch).
”We are expecting close to 2,000 children this year,” explained organizer Greta Best. On Shoreham Road there isn’t the room to accommodate all the spectators. By moving the reviewing stand to Jane Street literally thousands and thousand of people can see the kiddies performing their routines in front of the judges.”
The TTC will be operating a special bus service during the Saturday Parade which will drops passengers off on Jane St. within site of the review stand. The 108 Downsview Bus will be short-turning at Jane throughout the parade.
Traditionally held two Saturdays before the main Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival parade, the Junior Carnival Parade sponsored by Yorkgate Mall is highly anticipated by young Carnival masqueraders.
Also referred to as Kiddies Carnival, it comprises masqueraders (or mas) players/dancers who range in age from toddlers to teens; many of whom go on to play in the main Caribana parade when they become adults. And just with adult bands, each junior band must portray a theme suitable of the Carnival masquerade tradition. Competition titles up for grabs include: Junior Band of the Year; Jr. King of the Bands; Jr. Queen of the Bands; Jr. Male Individual of the Year; and Jr. Female Individual of the Year. The afore-mentioned costumes are more elaborate than those of the average band members, and most often, are built through volunteer efforts with the involvement of its actual young portrayer.
“The TTC will be oncea again offering bus service up to the middle of the parade route on Jane St. ,” says Greta Best, Event Manager of the Junior Carnival Committee, “to help spectators get up to see the parade and cheer the children on. But other than that, it will be the same wonderful parade it is every year. It really is a great opportunity for the younger set to enjoy their Carnival. The opening ceremony is at 10.45am, with the parade starting at 11am sharp. So we encourage everyone to come early so as to get a good spot along Jane Street see the mas.”
Children are asked to join their respective band at 9am in the assembly area located on Shoreham Drive off Jane, just south of Black Creek Pioneer Village. The parade will travel west on Shoreham Drive, past the judging point at 31 Shoreham Drive (in front of Shoreham Public School). The parade then turns south onto Jane Street where it will travel until Yorkgate Blvd. It will turn west on Yorkgate Blvd and travel south ending at Hullmar Drive. Once the parade is over, there will be entertainment, DJ music, food vendors, steelpan music and a market place in Yorkgate Mall’s car park.

Each band has three (3) marshals per twenty (20) masqueraders to ensure an orderly progress and good conduct along the parade route. A panel of five volunteer judges will adjudicate all bands using the following criteria: Visual impact (max. 20 marks); Authenticity (10); Creativity (20); Mas on the Move (10); Clarity of Theme (10); Presentation (20); and Craftsmanship (10) for a total of 100 marks. The order of merit is determined by discarding the highest and lowest score per participant. The judges’ decision is final, and is announced at the end of the parade.
Organizers of the event predict that there will be close to 2,000 children on the parade route. Parents wanting to get their children involved in the party should visit the festival website to find the address and phone number of a mas camp. Children register with the band and purchase a costume for the parade. Children don’t have to belong to any special club or culture to join in the fun. All are welcome.
The parade ends at the Yorkgate Mall (at the intersection of Jane St and Finch Avenue). Here the children will enjoy lunch, take in live entertainment and await the results from the parade. As well, the finalists of the Yorkgate Idol contest will be performing and the winner will be announced at the Junior Carnival post parade party.
The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 44th year, 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 the outdoor festival.
Corporate sponsors of this year’s festival include: Scotiabank, The Toronto Star, Sway Magazine, CTV, CP-24, The Canadian Federal Government, The Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto,, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Ontario Place, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, The Toronto Libraries, Yorkgate Mall, Liberty Grand, FLOW fm, Urbanology Magazine, The Caribbean Camera Newspaper, Toronto-Lime.Com, and Grace Kennedy Foods.
This year, the Official Launch for the Festival will take place at Noon on Tuesday July 12 at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. The main parade will be staged on Saturday, July 30, 2011; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
For complete listing information, visit www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com, the only official website for the Festival. Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival Office is located at 263 Davenport Avenue. Lower Level, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Tel., 416-391-5608; Fax, 416-391-5693; Email: info@caribanafestival.com
For further information, contact: Stephen Weir, Stephen Weir & Associates stephen@stephenweir.com416-489-5868; 416-801-3101

PICTURE INFORMATION): TOP Two types of head gear at the launch of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Three children from the Tru DYNASTY Mas Camp are wearing feathers while in back, PC Jen Francis wears a regulation Metro Toronto Police bike helmet. She works out of Division 31. Photo by George Socka.
MIDDLE: Scotiabank VP Christine Williams spoke at the Tuesday press conference. Photo George Socka

BOTTOM: Denise Herrera-Jackson, Festival CEO, also spoke at the press conference. Photograph by George Socka

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