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.

Kevin Williams, president of GM to kick off junior carnival parade at 11.02

President of General Motors to cut ribbon

Community Leaders Will Come Out To Launch Saturday’s: Junior Carnival & Family Day at the new Downsview Park

Toronto, ON, 19.07.2012:  An all-star line-up of politicians and corporate Canada leaders will be attending the launch of the free Scotibank Caribbean Carnival Toronto’s Junior Carnival Parade.  Confirmed to attend the 10.45 ribbon cutting ceremony is Kevin Williams the president of General Motors Canada. He is to be joined by Mark Adler, MP York Centre, Michael Coteau, MPP Don Valley East, Councillor Maria Augimeri, Ward 9, York Centre, members of the Festival Management Committee and Scotibank.

Where:  The brief ribbon cutting ceremony will be at a tent adjacent to 35 Carl Hall Road, past the Downsview Administration Building.  The parade itself will travel from Canuck Avenue, to John Drury Drive, across Sheppard Ave to Robert Woodhead Crescent and back into Downsview Park.

When: Saturday, July 21st.  The opening ceremony begins at 10:45 am and the parade starts at 11:00 following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Family Day begins at 2pm and runs to 8 pm.

General Motors Canada (GM) is the new corporate sponsor for the 2012 Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day.  The event, which will see thousands of children in Mas costume taking part in the annual kiddies parade, followed by a Family Day party.  There are two guest bands and 13 Masquerade Bands with 2,250 kids participating in the parade. 

Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day is an integral part of the 3-week Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade. “ The children of today are the people that will be running our festival in years to come, so it is vital that we get youngsters enthused about playing Mas,” explained Chris Alexander, the festival CAO. “ The generous support of Chevy / GM guarantees that the traditions of Carnival will continue to be passed onto the youth of Toronto.”

Children as young as 6-months old take part in the parade.  This year over 2,000 youngsters have registered with 15 Mas Camps to dance along the streets around Downsview Park. Parents and Spectators will swell the size of the event to over 5,000 people.  This year it will be the largest children’s carnival parade in North America. A Family Day Party follows the Parade.  The Parade will begin at 10.45 am and is expected to end by 2pm. Family Day ends at 7pm.

General Motors is the new corporate sponsor of the free Junior Carnival Parade.  The Canadian car company will also be sponsoring the King and Queen Competition and Show, Presented by Chevrolet Thu. Aug. 02, 2012 at Allan Lamport Stadium. GM joins Scotiabank, the Children’s Breakfast Club and the Toronto Police in supporting the junior parade and family day.

General Motors (Canada)

Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs over 10,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing.  GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada's largest automotive dealer network, which employs over 23,000 people dedicated to delivering a top customer experience. GMCL also plays a leadership role in automotive design and engineering, engaging in innovative research and development partnerships with leading Canadian universities and research institutes. In addition, through its Canadian Engineering Centres, GMCL conducts development activities ranging from cold weather testing to the advancement of key electric vehicle and green technologies. More information regarding GMCL models can be found at www.gm.ca, or by following @GMCanada on Twitter.  

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 45th 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, General Motors, The Toronto Star, Sway Magazine, CTV, CP-24, FLOW fm, WinTV, WinRadio, El Dorado Rum, 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, Liberty Grand, and Grace Kennedy Foods.

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.

For further information, contact:

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  

International Rugby Match on Saturday Night in Toronto - Scotibank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Jamaica Rugby team out for revenge in the second annual

Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Rugby Cup

New Field. More Seating. More Entertainment.

July 17, 2012  (Toronto) – The Reggae Warriors are out  for revenge. The Jamaica based team lost last year’s inaugural Scotibank Toronto Caribbean Rugby Cup to a Canadian National Team (The Wolverines) who had never won an international match before that game!   The two teams will have a rematch, July 21^st, in a much large venue during this year’s Caribbean Carnival festival.

The Reggae Warriors and the Wolverines will meet the evening of July 21^st at the Lamport Stadium in downtown Toronto. The Cup Match will include not just rugby but also live entertainment before, during and after the game.

“They are hungry for this rematch,” said Cory Tukeli, cup organizer and President of the Canada Rugby League.  “They think we got lucky. Well we will see. We have strengthened our team since last summer, adding players from the Ottawa Region and we have coach Richard Moore behind the bench.”

“Last year we played in North Markham where the maximum seating is under 3,000. At Lamport we have triple the capacity – there is room for 9,600 spectators,” he continued. “ And this year the match will be televised. Sports Net will tape delay the match nationally!”

About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine and revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 45th 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, CTV, CP24, FLOW fm, WinTV, General Motors, El Dorado Rum, The Canadian Federal Government, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Library, Yorkgate Mall, Liberty Grand, and Grace Kennedy Foods.  

For more information about tickets for the Rugby Match and all other programmes and events, please visit the festival's official website at http://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                                                       

Tel: 416-489-5868 | Fax: 416-488-6518
www.stephenweir.com

UPDATED MEDIA ALERT FOR TUESDAY LAUNCH OF THE SCOTIBANK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL TORONTO

MEDIA ALERT

 

45th YEAR – THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE SCOTIABANK TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

Tuesday, July17th 2012

Noon (sharp) –  2pm

 

Official Launch for the Carnival at Nathan Phillips Square

85 Mas Dancers (a record), NFL /NBA stars, Calypso Performers, Soca Music, and More

What:        Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2012 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 over 80 men and women in this year's colourful Mas costumes. Calypso singers.  Soca music. Pan orchestra.

Why:         Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an important tourism event.  It annually brings hundreds of thousands of tourists into the city. New events.  Children's Parade is moving to Downsview Park.  Major Caribbean performers, including Popcaan to appear at  the Food Festival and Concert at the Docks Entertainment Complex the day after the parade.

                   

Who:         Scheduled to speak:  NFL star Orlando Franklin (Denver Broncos). NBA Star Jamaal Magloire (Raptors). MPP Dipika Damerla, Mayor Rob Ford. Police Chief Bill Blair. Jacquelin Ryan -- Scotiabank. General Motors. Festival Management Committee. 

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 Caribbean 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 fun event.  Food vendors on site.

 

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 Media Contact :

Stephen Weir, Publicist                                                                       Darling Nicky

stephen@stephenweir.com                                                                 darlingnicky999@gmail.com

Toronto Office: (416) 489-5868 Cell: (416) 801-3101                      

 

 

 

PROGRAMME FOR MONDAY'S MEDIA LAUNCH - KIDDIES PARADE AND FAMILY DAY

 

MEDIA LAUNCH – July 9, 2012

For Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day

Downsview Park (West of 35 Carl Hall Road)

Everybody takes pictures at our press conferences, even the models!!!

 

11:15am

Pan Fantasy Trio

Steelpan Music

11:30am	Junior Drummers from BEYOND SOUND	Lead the masqueraders from 40 Carl Hall Rd to the tent at 35 Carl Hall Rd
11:35am	MC, June Matthew-Lewis	Introduce Shamroy Parkinson to sing the Canada National Anthem
11:40am	Nativity Dance	Dance Performance, “All Together”
11:45am	Band Leaders Costume Presentation	§       Carnival Nationz, Empires – bandleader Marcus Eustace §       Blues Carnival Fusion, Apocalypse – bandleader Narissa Ali §       Carnival Revolution, Warriors come out and play bandleader Osei Brand §       Fantazia International, Wonders of the Enchanted Forest bandleader Will Morton §       Toronto Revellers, "The Jungle book meets Bollywood" – bandleader, Jamaal Magloire §       Callaloo, Adventures of Sinbad – bandleader Marlon Singh §       Renaissance Mas Productions, Gods and Goddesses bandleader Kathleen Noel
12:05pm	Pass the Torch	Calypso Presentation
12:10pm	MC, June Matthew-Lewis	Introduces in order of appearance: §       Hon. Judy A. Sgro, MP for York West §       Maria Augimeri, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 9, York Center §      Anthony Perruzza, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 8, York West §       Michael Lloyd, Scotiabank Branch Manager at Queen and Lansdowne §       P.A. B., Advertising Integration Manager, Of Parades New Corporate Sponsor!!!! §       Denise Herrera-Jackson, FMC CEO Acknowledges the presence of other Officials /Guests
12:25pm	DJ	Musical Finale