The First Lap: Keeping the Carnival Alive

 First Lap Won’t Be Canada’s Last Lap - It All Happens This Sunday 

Reveller's Mas Costume Model on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Catwalk 

By Stephen Weir / photographs courtesy of Toronto Carnival. What’s in a name these days?  For followers of the carnival arts, the moniker First Lap: Keeping the Carnival Alive presented by Carib Beer speaks long and loudly of the reemergence of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival traditions and all of its moving parts.

(Macomere Fifi right)

Coming to a cell phone, tablet and computer near you will be a taped gathering of the Mas Bands. You will see the launch of new Mas Band costumes, the sweet sounds of Soca star David Rudder (i.e. King David), a performance by Dance Caribe and the best in Canadian style Pan Music.

 

The 2021 First Lap is a professionally shot feature length programme that will soon be aired in Toronto and the Caribbean. It happens this Sunday evening (April 11).  For 90 minutes the Toronto’s top carnival models will be showing for the first time this carnival season costumes from six Toronto Mas Camps.

(Tribal Carnival model right)

“ We have been working on the First Lap online show for the past two weeks,” explained Digital Imaging Technology manager Anthony Berot. 

Using a seasoned crew and broadcast quality cameras, the show was filmed over two days on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage (Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto), explained Berot.  

That was before the latest round of Covid restrictions were dropped. The broadcast crew made sure that all the guidelines were followed and that everyone stayed safe.

(Mas K Camp Model at right)

The First Lap: Keeping the Carnival Alive will air free on April 11^th on the Festival’s website (www.torontocarnival.ca) and on the Festival’s FaceBook, YouTube and Twitch accounts.  As well Trinidad’s Wack Radio (a popular Caribbean online Radio/Television station dedicated to promoting the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago) will be streaming the show on Sunday at 7pm.

All-star Pan Orchestra on stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre

The actual nuts and bolts of putting this show together was handled by three veterans producers of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival Parade - Wendy Jones, Kwesi Thomas, and Adrian Charles.

David Rudder on stage left

The Toronto Carnival has already posted a 3-minute First Lap video tease on Facebook. Narrated by SKF the Champ, (DJ Sheldon K Francis); he introduces the models from Louis Saldenah’s Mas K Camp, Epic Carnival, Tribal Carnival, Venom Carnival,  Carnival Nationz and NBA great Jamaal Magloire and his Revellers.

Epic Model on Stage Wearing Carnival Mas Costume

 

Interspaced between the costume reveals, SKF introduces international Soca star David Rudder and his band. Performing as well are two top Calypsonian singers – Connecter (Joel Davis) and Macomere Fifi (Eulith Tara Banks) as well as a Pan all-star band drawing in musicians from the Ontario SteelPan Association 

(Carnival Nationz Mas Model left)

It is the First Lap programme -- the precursor to more carnival events online and live in 2021.  Mas Bandleader Louis Saldenah recently spoke to the media about carnival activities this summer.  He and his fellow leaders are hoping to do lots more this year but they are watching closely what the Province of Ontario is doing in terms of Covid restrictions on public events in 2021.

Calypso singer Connector performs on First Lap

“The festival is secondary to people’s health and controlling the coronavirus, he told the Toronto Star and other online news outlets. “Dead people can’t participate in a parade.”

“First Lap: Keeping the Carnival Alive Presented by Carib show is already to roll this Sunday,” said Anthony Berot. “There are many different platforms that will be airing the programme. If people miss the 7pm airing or want to see it again, check out the www.torontocarnival.ca website. We will have it up and running during the month of April.”

Mas K Club Says Saturday Night (and early Sunday Morning) is Celebration Time in Toronto

Picture from last year's Mas K Club Launch - photo sweirsweir

HUGE COSTUME LAUNCH DROPS ON THE SIX!

Louis Saldenah got it right, this long weekend is CELEBRATION TIME in Toronto. His Mas K Club and its hundreds and hundreds of supporters are going to be spending Saturday night and Sunday morning dancing, eating and watching a costume launch fashion show (and don't worry there is a bar).
"We have captured the Band of the Year 17-times," said Louis Saldenah. "We have brought the most spectacular parade presentations that Toronto has ever seen! This summer we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Carnival in Toronto and the 150th Anniversary of Canada."

Mas K is the largest carnival band in the country, bringing over 4,000 costumed revellers onto the parade route for the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This Saturday they will be holding a giant launch party to show people what costumes are available to order for the parade. There will be a lot of choice - 15 sections will take turns on stage, showing the new looks for 2017.
The doors open at 9am Saturday. The party and Costume Launch stage show will run until the wee hours of Sunday. The evening is hosted by well-known DJ Eman with music provided by Dr. Jay, the Soca Prince.
CELEBRATION TIME takes place at the huge (1,400+ capacity) Chandni Grand Ballroom in Scarborough. 3895 McNicoll Avenue.
Admin: $20 in advance and more at the door. Saldenah@hotmail.com
www.saldenahcarnival.com

The Award for Innovation in Mas

Goes to ‘The Hyper-Physical Being’

Toronto, ON (August 2, 3013) – With its ambiguous coils unraveling outwards and colourful wings reaching upwards, “The Hyper-Physical Being” is the winner of the Ontario Science Centre’s Award for Innovation in Mas presented last night at the King and Queen Competition at Lamport stadium. The spectacular creation was designed and built by Danzo Balroop and the team at Louis Saldenah’s Mas-K club.

The judging panel was made up of Walter Stoddard and Bernie Hillar of the Ontario Science Centre’s Science Content and Design Branch, and Dr. Marsha Haynes, Medical Liaison for Merck Canada, who participated in many carnivals in her native Trinidad.

“Tremendous research, problem-solving, experimentation and collaboration were clearly displayed at every camp we visited in the days leading up to the competition,” said Walter Stoddard. “’The Hyper–Physical Being’ incorporates structurally-challenging elements using twisted and coiled masts and rods, adding an element of complexity that made it stand apart.”

The annual Award goes to the Mas designer who best demonstrates the application of problem-solving, risk-taking and inspiration. The costume must show innovation in the use of materials, mechanics and engineering that permit movement, flexibility and durability. The award was created in 2010 to put a spotlight on the science of Mas, drawing attention to the processes involved in costume-making and recognizing the scientific merit of the engineers of these creative masterpieces.

About the Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people’s lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed over 45 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for Science Centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Please visit us at www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. 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, Hip Hop, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. For complete listing information, visit www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com.

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

Winners in today's Junior Carnival Parade - Scotiabank Caribana - Yorkgate Mall, Jane Finch

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS from the
2010 Scotiabank Caribana/Yorkgate Mall Junior Carnival Parade

Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Over 1,600 children performing in 13 masquerade (or mas) bands took part in this morning’s Scotiabank Caribana/Yorkgate Mall Junior Carnival Parade. An estimated crowd of 5,000 watched as the children danced their way from the Black Creek Pioneer Village down Jane Street to the Yorkgate Mall at Finch Avenue.
The Parade is designed to give children a taste of what the (adult) Scotiabank Caribana Parade is like on Saturday, July 31st, 2010. As well, it showcases the Jane/Finch neighbourhood in a positive light. Each band in the parade was judged for a number of titles and prizes. What follows are the results of the competition (only the top three are sited below). Competitors have only 48 hours to contest these results. If unchallenged, they become official on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010.

2010 Junior Band of the Year
RANK – 2010 THEME/NAME – MAS BAND (BAND LEADER)
1st EXPRESS YOURSELF – IT’S PORTRAIT TIME – Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)
2nd DISCO FEVER … AIN’T NO STOPPING US NOW – Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)
3rd SPARROW D’LEGEND – Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace)

2010 Junior King of the Bands
RANK – MAS PORTRAYER, AGE – COSTUME’S NAME – 2010 MAS BAND THEME (BANK LEADER)
1st Fabian Lee, 9 – Portrait of Trinidad - A Tribute to the Mighty Sniper
– EXPRESS YOURSELF – IT’S PORTRAIT TIME – Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)
2nd Malik Adams, 10 – The Arabian King – HOLLYWOOD: GLITZ AND GLAMOUR (Dexter Seusahai)
3rd Demeko Minott, 13– Come Dance with Me – DISCO FEVER … AIN’T NO STOPPING US NOW
(Jamaal Magloire)

2010 Junior Queen of the Bands
RANK – MAS PORTRAYER, AGE – COSTUME’S NAME – 2010 MAS BAND THEME (BAND LEADER)
1st Destynee Charles, 11 – A Star is Born – EXPRESS YOURSELF – IT’S PORTRAIT TIME
– Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)
2nd Celena Seusahai, 12 – The Glamour Goddess – HOLLYWOOD: GLITZ AND GLAMOUR (Dexter Seusahai)
3rd (tie) Paige Lewis, 14 – Queen of the Band – SPARROW D’LEGEND (Marcus Eustace)
3rd (tie) Toshada Benjamin, 13 – Two Worlds, One Destiny – WONDERS OF THE WORLD (Whitney Doldron)

2010 Junior Male Individual of the Year
RANK – MAS PORTRAYER, AGE – COSTUME’S NAME – 2010 MAS BAND THEME/NAME (BAND LEADER)
1st Darion Jackson, 5 – The Suns for My Sunflower – EXPRESS YOURSELF – IT’S PORTRAIT TIME
– Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)
2nd Adam Ansil Ali, 15 – Boogie Night - Disco Night – DISCO FEVER … AIN’T NO STOPPING US NOW
(Jamaal Magloire)
3rd Maven Lee, 8 – Nyte Life T.O. – EXPRESS YOURSELF – IT’S PORTRAIT TIME
– Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)

2010 Junior Female Individual of the Year
RANK – MAS PORTRAYER, AGE – COSTUME’S NAME – 2010 MAS BAND THEME/NAME (BAND LEADER)
1st Haley Prescod, 15 – A New Day Dawning – WONDERS OF THE WORLD (Whitney Doldron)
2nd Caneisha Edwards, 8 – Sweet Cherry – HOLLYWOOD: GLITZ AND GLAMOUR (Dexter Seusahai)
3rd Anastasia La Rose, 12 – Disco Diva – DISCO FEVER … AIN’T NO STOPPING US NOW (Jamaal Magloire)
A panel of volunteer judges adjudicated all contestants/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.
“We would like to acknowledge that the unofficial results were announced incorrectly today at Yorkgate Mall,” says Sam Lewis, GM – Operations, FMC. “Please be assured that every effort will be made so that this occurrence does not happen in the future. Any confusion and/or inconvenience is sincerely regretted.”
The Scotiabank Caribana Festival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 43rd 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, Eye Weekly, CTV, CP24, The Federal Government of Canada, The Province of Ontario, The City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, Research In Motion (RIM)/BlackBerry, Mobilicity, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Ontario Place, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Library, Yorkgate Mall, Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex & Liberty Entertainment Group, Caribana™ Arts Group, The Caribbean Camera Newspaper, Toronto-Lime.Com, and GraceKennedy (Ontario) Inc.
The Scotiabank Caribana Festival 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: info@caribanafestival.com.
For more information, please visit the festival’s official website at www.caribanafestival.com.

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Media Contacts:

Stephen Weir Alicia Sealey
Stephen Weir & Associates A.T.C. Heirs Promotions
stephen@stephenweir.com atchp@the-wire.com
416-489-5868; 416-801-3101 416-599-0664

Cutlines: Winners name, age and title won
Top 2 Photos: Parade Begins. Stephen Weir.
Photos of winners by Alicia Sealey:
Third from top • Fabien Lee, 9 – 2010 Junior Carnival King
Fourth From Top • Destynee Charles, 11 – 2010 Junior Carnival Queen
Second From Bottom • Darion Jackson, 5 – 2010 Junior Carnival Male Individual
Bottom • Haley Prescod, 15 – 2010 Junior Carnival Female Individual