23rd Year For Free Book Festival in Downtown Toronto

street magic at 2010 Word on the Street book Festival

 ALREADY BOOKED IT: TORONTO'S WORD ON THE STREET THIS SUNDAY

The Word On The Street Festival is taking place from Bloor to College and around Queen’s Park Circle East and West this Sunday, September 23^rd, from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. There are 15 event tents with fun for all ages, including KidStreet with children’s reading and children’s activity areas. All authors are Canadian and the festival and the festival events are all free. Our festival headliners this year are David Suzuki and Jeff Rubin, who will be kicking off their six-city cross Canada Eco tour at this Sunday’s The Word On The Street Toronto and making their presentation from the Scotiabank Giller Prize Bestsellers Stage at 3:00 p.m. Anticipated attendance: 215,000, 245 Canadian authors, fully free festival, and the kick-off to the fall literary season. This is the 23^rd festival to be presented in the last 22 years.

 

About The Word On The Street:

Each year in September, in the cities of Vancouver, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Kitchener, Toronto, and Halifax, The Word On The Street unites the country in a national celebration of literacy and the written word.  Annually attracting more than 200,000 visitors to its Queen’s Park Circle location, The Word On The Street Toronto is the largest book and magazine festival in Canada.  This year’s event takes place on Sunday, September 23^rd.

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival radio sponsorship news

Recent Facebook Posting about radio sponsorship news in Toronto attracting interest 
(and so I have posted on my blog about all things PR)

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Pictured is former Flow announcer and now G98.7 Sunday soca host Dr J (left) and comedian Jean Paul (right

G isn't moving its spot on the FM dial anytime soon. Yesterday the Federal Canadian Radio & Television Commission (CRTC) awarded the much sought-after 88.1 fm frequency to Rock 95 Barrie. They are committed to bringing a new indie music station with a "high level of emerging artists" to the Toronto airwave over the next year.
“G 98.7: The Way We Groove,” was one of 22 companies trying to gain ownership of the 88.1 fm spot on the broadcast dial. G 98.7, Toronto's newest urban station (who is the media partner of the Toronto Mas Band Association), had hoped to move its signal down the dial, to hopefully greatly improve reception in the GTA.

88.1 was formally the frequency used by CKLN-fm. That station, owned and operated by the Ryerson University Student Union, lost its licence for many many CRTC infractions over the years. CKLN broadcast at 88.1 from 1983 to 2011. (I actually assisted now and then at CKLN back in 1973 when it was a closed circuit radio station.)
In other radio news, CTV, the radio and television broadcast media partner for Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto, announced that if it is successful in purchasing Astral Media (owners of CFRB, Virgin Radio, Easy Rock etc) it will sell Toronto's only other urban station, FLOW-fm. For the past two years FLOW has been the Festival's radio sponsor. The CRTC will be deciding on that purchase agreement in the very near future.

Photograph by Stephen Weir at CHIN '11 Bikini Festival

THE FINAL FINAL RESULTS FROM SCOTIABANK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL TORONTO 2012

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REVISED AND UPDATED RESULTS FROM THE 2012 SCOTIABANK FESTIVAL

The Honourable Joe Oliver official starts the Caribbean Carnival Parade

PARADE OF BANDS - Category A

1.  Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), Band Theme: Empires

2.  Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club, Band Theme: Fantasy in Jewels

3.  Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood 

4.  Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai), Band Theme: Candy Land

5.  Fantazia International (Will and Annalisa Morton), Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

6.  Connections (Mervyn Skeete), Band Theme: Under the Sun (Fantasy Island)

7.  Callaloo (Marlin Singh), Band Theme: The Adventures of Sinbad

8.  Mas Toronto (Mark Deleon), Band Theme: All Things Beautiful

PARADE OF BANDS - Category B and C Bands

1. Narissaali's Blues Carnival Fusion, Band Theme: Apocalypse

2. Renaissance Mas Productions (Kathleen Noel and Nataki Christmas), Band Theme: Myths of Ancient Worlds

3. Tru Dynasty (Thea Jackson), Theme: The Best of Both Worlds

4. Concept Costumes Creator (Whitfield Belasco) Band Theme: Hope For Tomorrow

N/A Black Sage Carnival

N/A Carnival Revolution, Band Theme, Warriors Come Out and Play

N/A D'Regulars

KING AND QUEEN COMPETITION - Queen

1. Joella Crichton as the Divine Empress, Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), Band Theme: Empires

2. Simone Alie as the Eye Candy, the Sovereign, Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai), Band Theme: Candy Land

3. Michelle Reyes as the Garden of Eden, Tru Dynasty (Thea Jackson), Theme: The Best of Both Worlds

4. Cristel Cuffy-Moulton as Jaa'lal The Apocalyptic Emissary of the Artic, Narissaali's Blues Carnival Fusion, and Band Theme: Apocalypse

5. Karen Seeberan as the Lotus Temple, Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), and Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood 

6. Annette Caroline Gabriel as Lady Blue Mist, Callaloo (Marlin Singh), and Band Theme: The Adventures of Sinbad

7. Patricia Horsham as Precious Jewels, Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club, Band Theme: Fantasy in Jewels

8. Penny Sutherland as the Enchanted Jewel of the Rainforest, Fantazia International (Will and Annalisa Morton), and Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

9. Alicia Anderson as Freedom's Fabled Jeweled Dancer, Mas Toronto (Mark Deleon), and Band Theme: All Things Beautiful

10. Tashia Antoine as Hera the Epyrean: Mother Goddess and Queen of the Gods, Renaissance Mas Productions (Kathleen Noel and Nataki Christmas), Band Theme: Myths of Ancient Worlds

11 Avril Smith as Dawn of a New Day, Concept Costumes Creator (Whitfield Belasco) Band Theme: Warriors Come Out To Play, 

12 Stacy Brumble as Xenna, Warrior Princess, Carnival Revolution (Osie Brand), and Band Theme: Warriors Come Out and Play

13. Michelle Kelly as Lady Godiva - Hard Knocks - episode 23, Connections (Mervyn Skeete), Band Theme: Under the Sun (Fantasy Island)

N/A Black Sage, Band Theme: D'Amazon, Welcome to Our Jungle

N/A D'Regulars

KING AND QUEEN COMPETITION - King

1. Shane Reid Mungal as Maxius - Protector of Rome, Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), and Band Theme: Empires

2. Ronny Des Vignes as Passage Through Purgatory, Fantazia International (Will and Annalisa Morton), and Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

3. Micah Anal as Carnival in Full Flight, Mas Toronto (Mark Deleon), and Band Theme: All Things Beautiful

4. Sean Ribeiro as Diamonds in the Rough, Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club, Band Theme: Fantasy in Jewels

5. Dexter Seusahai as Cannibal of Candy land, Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai), Band Theme: Candy Land

6. Darian Joseph as Hades: Greek God of the Underworld, Renaissance Mas Productions (Kathleen Noel and Nataki Christmas), Band Theme: Myths of Ancient Worlds

7. Keith Pascall as Lights, Camera, Action, Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), and Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood

8. Anthony Harry as Sinbad's Deadly Voyage, Callaloo (Marlin Singh), and Band Theme: The Adventures of Sinbad

9 Rah Ramkahlawan as Devastation - the End of Mankind, Narissaali’s Blues Carnival Fusion, and Band Theme: Apocalypse

10. Sherwin Modeste as the Demented Being, Concept Costumes Creator (Whitfield Belasco) Band Theme: Hope For Tomorrow

11 Russell Jerome as the Best of Both Worlds, Tru Dynasty (Thea Jackson), Theme: The Best of Both Worlds

12. Anthony Phillips as Amentuyk - the Bushman, Black Sage. Band Theme: D'Amazon, Welcome to our Jungle

13. Courtney Reid as the Quiz Master - Episode 3, Connections (Mervyn Skeete), and Band Theme: Under the Sun (Fantasy Island)

 14. Osei Brand as Conan the Barbarian, Carnival Revolution (Osei Brand), Band Theme, Warriors Come Out and Play

KING AND QUEEN COMPETITION - Male Individual

1. Will Morton as Behemoth, Fantazia International (Will and Annalisa Morton), and Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

2.  Mr. Maggy (Andy Charles) as The Wrath of Genghis Khan, Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), and Band Theme: Empires

3. Curtis Dempster as D'Real Jack of Diamonds, Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club, Band Theme: Fantasy in Jewels

4. Roger Taylor Montano as An Elegant Wedding Feast, Concept Costumes Creator (Whitfield Belasco) Band Theme: Hope For Tomorrow

Dwayne Greaves (5), Erroll Dass (6), Justin Baird (7), Sean Williams (8) and Gerald Pierre (9). 

KING AND QUEEN COMPETITION - Female Individual

 1. Sharon Jackson as Madame Butterfly, Fantazia International (Will and Annalisa Morton), and Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

2. Mischka Crichton as The Jewels of the Nile, Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), Band Theme: Empires

3. Carol Tanis as Diamonds are Forever, Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club, Band Theme: Fantasy in Jewels

4. Chenique Thomas, as the Flaming Ruby,  Callaloo (Marlin Singh), Band Theme: The Adventures of SinbadCallaloo (Marlin Singh), Band Theme: The Adventures of Sinbad

5. Janay Simpson as Rhodes: Sea Nymph Goddess, Renaissance Mas Productions (Kathleen Noel and Nataki Christmas), Band Theme: Myths of Ancient Worlds

6. Nicole Brand as And Into His Arms I Run, Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood

7. Shana Porter as Deity of the Jungle, Black Sage, Band Theme: D'Amazon, Welcome to Our Jungle

8. Joy Trottman as The Seven Seas, Callaloo (Marlin Singh), Band Theme: The Adventures of Sinbad

9. Leigh Crichlow as Monarch Butterfly in All Her Splendor, Mas Toronto (Mark Deleon), Band Theme: All Things Beautiful

10 Aisha Grant as Char the Surrogate Mother, Connections (Mervyn Skeete), Band Theme: Under the Sun (Fantasy Island)

11 Wendy Edwards as Hot Lipz the Courtesan, Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai), Band Theme: Candy Land

Junior Carnival  - Parade of Bands (Band of the Year)

1. Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood

2. Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), Band Theme: Empires

3. Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai), Band Theme: Candy Land

4. Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club, Band Theme: Fantasy in Jewels

5. Callaloo (Marlin Singh), Band Theme: The Adventures of Sinbad

6. Connections (Mervyn Skeete), Band Theme: Under the Sun (Fantasy Island)

7. Renaissance Mas Productions (Kathleen Noel and Nataki Christmas), Band Theme: Myths of Ancient Worlds

8. Fantazia International (Will and Annalisa Morton), Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

9. Whitfield Belasco Pleasure Players, Band Theme: Hope for D'Future

10 Carnival Revolution (Osie Brand), Band Theme: Warriors Come Out and Play

11 Narissaali's Blues Carnival Fusion, Band Theme: Apocalypse

12. Mas Toronto (Mark Deleon), Band Theme: All Things Beautiful

13. Black Sage Carnival (Corey Howard), Band Theme: D'Amazon, Welcome To Our Jungle 

Junior Carnival  - King

1. Malik Adams as Willie Wonka, Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai), and Band Theme: Candy Land

2. Keishaun Ewing as Predator, Fantazia International (Will Morton), and Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

3. Demeko Minott as Tonatiuh, Aztec Warrior Sun God, Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), and Band Theme: Empires

4. Ty Williamson as Mowgli's Elephant Ride, Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), and Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood

Fabian Lee (5), Leshaun Bernett (6), Jonathan Eustace (7), Trevonte Dorsett (8), Anthony Barran (9), Kane Grant (10) and Jordan Bachan (11) 

Junior Carnival - Queen

1. Celena Seusahai as Skittles, Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai), and Band Theme: Candy Land

2. Kai Lewis as Queen Elizabeth 1, Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), and Band Theme: Empires

3. Chania Cunningham as at the Temple of Shiva, Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), and Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood

4.  Faith Mermelijn as the Crystal Broach, Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club, and Band Theme: Fantasy in Jewels

Dhana Gardener (5), Toshadaben Jamin (6), Shanisse Kaela Jackson (7), Avery Adore (8), Kai Walker (9), Destynee Charles (10), Alexis Page (11)

Junior Carnival - Male Individual

 1. Aaron Degraff as the Mystical Creature, Fantazia International (Will Morton), and Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

2.  Deon James as Trust Me, Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood

3. Isaiah Phillips as The Spartan, Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), and Band Theme: Empires

4. Maven Lee as Cyclops, Callaloo (Marlin Singh), and Band Theme: The Adventures of Sinbad

Jalen Magloire (5), Marlon Strong (6), Amari Lee Balroop (7), London Christmas-Espinet (8),  Darion Jackson (9) and Stephen Gibbs (10)

 Junior Carnival Female - Individual

1. Desiree Pennant as Peafowl in the Garden, Fantazia International (Will Morton), and Band Theme: Wonders of the Forest

2. Caneisa Edwards as the Cotton Candy Fairy, Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai), Band Theme: Candy Land, Band Theme: Candy Land

3. Reyna Sing as a Flamenco Dancer, Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace), and Band Theme: Empires

4A Rebecca Pooran as Ember Moon dancer, Connections (Mervyn Skeete), Band Theme: Under the Sun (Fantasy Island)

4. B Kyonna Brand as Shanti's Garden, Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire), and Band Theme: Jungle Book Meets Bollywood

Starr Hollingsworth (5), Madison Defreitas-Robinson (6), Gabriela Sealy (7), Kajian Shepherd (8), Janell Campbell-Bartholomew, (9), Jada Brand (10) and Shiloh Presod-Adams (11)

AMEN! LAST EVENT OF THE YEAR FOR SCOTIABANK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

Photograph from the Children's Parade

 CLOSING FESTIVAL CHURCH SERVICE

This could be my last Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival posting for this year! The Festival Management Committee invites everyone to the Closing Church Service, which is a new addition to this year's carnival. This Sunday's church service will take place at the St. James Cathedral and will be presided by The Very Reverend Douglas A. Stoute. The church is at Church and King near the St Lawrence Market. Lotsa Room. One of the biggest Anglican churches in Canada.



Church Service 4.30  -5.30 p.m followed by reception.

Carnival Nationz and Wendy Jones Win Big at Scotibank Caribbean Carnival

RESULTS FROM THE PARADE, KING and QUEEN, PAN ALIVE

The Unofficial Results  of the Scotibank Caribbean Carnival Toronto parade are as follows.

The head pieces for one Carnival Nationz section look like wild grass! Mas band prepares to head down the road at this year's Parade.

 Band of the Year:

Marcus Eustace - Carnival Nationz - 436 points

2nd Place

Louis Saldenah - Louis Saldenah - 421 points

3rd Place

Jamaal Magloire - Toronto Revellers - 419 ponts.

Results for the B and C bands is deferred.

The results for Band of the Year will become official  in one week's time, provided there are no challenges to the score results

Wendy Jones leads Pan Fantasy

RESULTS FROM THE PAN ALIVE COMPETITION

First Place - Wendy Jones, Pan Fantasy

RESULTS FROM THE KING AND QUEEN

Carnival Nationz  (both King and Queen)

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

Monarch Finals for Calypso Finals

MEDIA ALERT

KAISO 365: REIGNING CALYPSONIAN STRUCTURE TO DEFEND TITLE AT

2012 CALYPSO MONARCH FINALS

Saturday, July 28^th, 2012

Start time 7 p.m.

OCPA FINALS TO TAKE PLACE AT P.C. HO THEATRE

5183 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough

What:        The 8 finalists from the July 7^th and 8^th preliminaries along with the 2011 Calypso Monarch Winner Structure shall perform two original songs in hope of clinching the prestigious 2012 Calypso Monarch award and Canada’s top Calypso prize.

Why:         Calypso is a unique part of the rich multicultural soundscape that is Canada’s World music scene.  It is an oral music tradition that has special meaning to the Caribbean people in Canada because it is a form of poetry of the people. Calypso is a powerful source of music and word play coupled together to tell us about ourselves as a people - where we came from and where we are going. Calypso is the heartbeat of life in the Caribbean and its sounds, rhythms and cadences evoke our past

and our sense of hope for the future. 
                  

Who:         In order of performance:

1. Pan Man Pat – Pat McNeilly

2. Beginner – Michael Moore

3. Connector - Joel Davis

4. Macomere Fifi – Eulith Tara Woods

5. The Crooner – Bill Newman

6. Dennis James – Dennis James

7. Calypso Web – Hamilton Alexander

8. Redman – Michael Thomas

9. Structure – Bryan Thornhill

 A tenth reserve singer, De Carra – Leslie Carrabon, will also be on hand.   Award-winning arranger Ossie Gurley will lead a 9-piece band.  Itah Sadu will host the evening’s  4-hour program and Special Guest is Britain’s 2011 Calypso Monarch Alexander D Great.

When:         Show starts at 7 p.m.  Tickets for this exciting annual event are $38. adv. / $42. door. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketgateway.com or at select outlets.

Where:     Chinese Cultural Centre’s P.C. Ho Theatre, 5183 Sheppard Avenue East. (Markham and Progress), Toronto.

How:          All registered Media with a Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Media Pass are welcome to cover the event.  www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com.

About The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA)

The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) was founded in 1981 by community-oriented individuals who saw the need for an umbrella group to guide the growth and development of the Calypso art form in Toronto and Canada. The founding members recognized the power of Calypso to educate and entertain, to help people learn about their history, their present, their country and the world.

Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes

Email: ocpacalypsoca@gmail.com

www.ocpacalypsoca.com

215 Spadina Ave. Suite 120, Toronto ON M5T 2C7

PH: 416-795-2722

For more information about the programmes and events, please visit the festival’s official website at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com. The Festival Office is NOW located at 19 Waterman Avenue. Contact info: Tel: 416-391-5608; Fax: 416-391-5693; Email: info@ torontocaribbeancarnival.com.

Stephen Weir, Festival Publicist | Phone 416-489-5868 | Cell: 416-801-3101 | Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com

Darling Nicky, Cultural Liaison | Cell: 905-399-5322 | Email: darlingnicky.ca@gmail.com          

LGBT EVENTS IN TORONTO DURING CARNIVAL

LGBT EVENTS IN TORONTO DURING THE CARIBANA FESTIVAL


*Wednesday Aug 1 - DJ Blackcat upstairs at The Barn on Church St, unofficial Caribana weekend kickoff, 10pm

*Friday Aug 3 - HEAT at Pacha Lounge, hosted by Anopenmind group. Party for LGBT women and friends, featuring two female erotic dancers and DJs Unruly Twin and Lissa Monet 10pm (http://www.facebook.com/events/261580807274872/)

*Saturday Aug 4 - All Girls Caribana Long Weekend Extravaganza hosted by Pleasure Her Entertainment at Harlem Lounge, featuring DJ Blackcat, DJ Tri-Shy, and DJ Pleasure. 10:30pm (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002461431035)

*Sunday Aug 5 - Summer Breeze Street Party patio with DJ Blackcat and DJ Pleasure 3pm-10pm (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151917291620624&set=a.10151062944965624.782809.603455623&type=1&theater)

*Sunday Aug 5 - House of Monroe Summer Sizzle Ball at Zipperz/Cellblock patio, 6pm (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151917291620624&set=a.10151062944965624.782809.603455623&type=1&theater)

*Sunday Aug 5 - THE BIG EVENT - Go Hard "The Urban Jungle" at FLY nightclub, DJ Blackcat co-hosting with Big Primpin', also including DJs Unruly Twin, JJ Rock and the Yes Yes Y'all DJs, as well as a military mini-ball with House of Monroe expect hundreds upon hundreds of people! 10pm.