Caribbean Magazine Launches At ROM Tuesday Night

MEDIA ALERT - MAGAZINE EVENT TOMORROW NIGHT AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM. 5th FLOOR.

Afrocaribe International Magazine will be hosting its official Toronto launch on Tuesday August 13, 2013 at The Royal Ontario Museum.  This diversity and lifestyle focused publication highlights the African and Caribbean diaspora filling a void within the Afro-Caribbean print publication selection.   The magazine was founded in Trinidad in 2009, and has grown to a circulation of over 500,000 in regions including NYC, the U.K. and Africa.

Entertainment for the evening will include award-winning singer Liberty Silver, Calypsonian sensation King Cosmos, and fashion from Fenix Couture.  All guests will receive a complimentary copy of the August 2013 issue.

The launch kick offs at 6:00 p.m. in the 5th floor restaurant  at The ROM located at 100 Queens Park.

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.

MEDIA ALERT ABOUT THE LAST EVENT OF THE YEAR FOR THE SCOTIABANK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL TORONTO

CLOSING CHURCH SERVICES TO OFFER PRAISE AND WORSHIP AS PART OF
2013 SCOTIABANK FESTIVAL

August 7, 2013 (Toronto) – For the second year, the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival will close with a Sunday Church Service. The Festival Management Committee welcomes the public to attend both a Closing Choral Evensong Service on Sunday August 11th (4.30 to 6.30pm).
 
The Closing Thanksgiving Service will take place Sunday August 11th at the Cathedral Church of St James.  The Anglican Church is located at 65 Church Street, Toronto, ON. The service will be led by The Right Reverend Dean Douglas Stoute.

The service is open to all. There is no charge.

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 46th 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, Chevrolet, The Toronto Star, CTV, CP-24, FLOW fm, Caribbean Connection, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, OLG. The Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Library, Eglinton Square Mall, and the Liberty Grand.

CNW NEWS RELEASE ABOUT DEATH AT FESTIVAL

FLOAT ACCIDENT ON LAKESHORE


Toronto, August 4, 2013 – On behalf of the organizers, volunteers and revellers involved in today’s Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival parade, we would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of a young man who died in a tragic accident earlier today.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss,” said Denise Herrerra-Jackson, CEO Festival Management Committee. “The Toronto police are conducting a full and thorough investigation and we will assist them in any way we can.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Stephen Weir
stephen@stephenweir.com

Destra and Michael Coteau at the King and Queen Competition

 

MEDIA ALERT

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival’s King and Queen Competition Kicks Off The Big Weekend, Thursday Evening Lamport Stadium

 

King and Queen Competition - Anthony Berot

The media is invited to join Soca singing superstar Destra and Provincial Minister Michael Coteau (Immigration) at the first big event for this year's Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The King and Queen competition will be held the evening of August 1^st at Lamport Stadium in downtown Toronto.

This nighttime event showcases the elaborate costumes, which will be worn by the Kings and Queens in the Grand Parade.  Kings and Queens from 12 different Mas Camps will wear picturesque and oversized costumes (some 10+ metres tall 12+ metres wide) will dance in front of a SRO stadium as they vie for top honours at this year’s festival.

Doors open at 6pm for the outdoor competition.  At 7pm MPP Michael Coteau will officially open the event. Trinidad Soca singing superstar Destra will be in the stadium at 11.30 for the crowning of the King and Queen and the presentation of the Ontario Science Centre Innovation Award.

 This year marks the third year of the Ontario Science Centre Innovation Award that will recognize innovation in costume design at the celebration, widely known for its vibrant and dazzling costumes. The Award will shine a light on the intricate art and scientific merit of costume design by honouring the creators of these innovative masterpieces shown at the King and Queen competition.

The King and Queen Competition is considered the first big event of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival weekend. On Friday evening Pan Alive, North America’s largest steel drum orchestra competition will be held at Lamport Stadium. On Saturday August 3^rd, the Grand Parade will be held along Lakeshore at Exhibition Place and on Sunday the Chutney Soca party will be held in Mississauga. 

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 46th 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, Chevrolet, The Toronto Star, CTV, CP-24, FLOW fm, Caribbean Connection, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, OLG. The Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Library, Eglinton Square Mall, and the Liberty Grand.

About Scotiabank 

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

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

For media inquires:

Stephen Weir
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Publicist
Phone 416-489-5868
Cell: 416-801-3101
Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com

Bahamian Junkanoo Legends perform at the airport

MEDIA ADVISORY - SCOTIABANK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL EVENTS
Tuesday & Wednesday
Airport Greeting and Underground Railroad Ride on the Red Rocket

Date: TUESDAY, July 30, 3pm -5pm
Caribbean Carnival is coming to Toronto Pearson! In celebration of the 46^th annual event, on Tuesday, July 30 ^th, airport guests will experience some of the city's biggest celebration of all things Caribbean right in terminal! Here they will see some of the very best Caribbean culture has to offer, including music, dance, art and a moving parade to kick-off Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto .

Media and airport guests are invited to attend the fun-filled kick-off event taking place in Terminals 1 and 3 at Toronto Pearson (pre-security). Canadian calypso pioneer and Juno winner, the legendary "Pan Man Pat ", and the world renowned Bahamian Junkanoo Legends will perform and parade their way in true Caribbean style through the airport surprising guests.

1. Performance by world-renowned Bahamian Junkanoo Legends starts at Terminal 3 International Arrivals and will parade its way to Departures in Terminal 3 before heading over to Terminal 1.
2. Steel pan performance by legendary "Pan Man Pat " and his musical crew.
3. Parade of masqueraders will tour through both terminals to entertain departing and arriving guests as well as airport staff.
4. Caribbean-themed art exhibit on display in Terminal 1.
5. Interviews with Toronto Pearson, Caribbean Carnival representatives and performers.

“THE UNDERGROUND FREEDOM TRAIN”
Tuesday 11.15 pm to Wednesday midnight.

On Wednesday Itah Sadu (host of the Caribbean Carnival Gala and the Calyspo Monarch Competition) is leading a memorial subway ride to note the anniversary of the abolishment of slavery in the British Empire and the 100th anniversary of the death of  Harriet Tubman.

People wanting to take the ride should be at Union Station 11.15pm this Wednesday NIGHT. They will board a special car to DOWNSVIEW. Arriving just before midnight. At midnight they will mark the August 1st anniversary of the Emancipation of the Slaves of the Caribbean. The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 ended slavery in the British Empire on August 1, 1834. Emancipation Day is widely observed in the Caribbean during the first week of August. In many countries the Emancipation Day celebration is a part of Carnival, as the Caribbean Carnival takes place at this time

Tubman was one of the driving forces of the Underground Railroad - bringing freed slaves to Canada. She lived for a number of years in St Catharines. She died  March 10, 1913.

This is how Itah Sadu describes the event:

 “THE UNDERGROUND FREEDOM TRAIN” WEDNESDAY JULY 31st, UNION STATION @ 11:15PM SHARP!

Journey with members of the Caribbean Canadian community on the underground from Union Station to Downsview Station as we usher in Emancipation Day! Get on board the FREEDOM TRAIN for a train ride with special performances, special guests and YOU! Assemble at the TICKET BOOTH @ UNION STATION for 11:15pm SHARP!

SOCA MONARCH RESULTS - FIFI FIRST WOMAN TO WIN CROWN FIVE TIMES!

Macomere Fifi makes a clean sweep at the 'Kaiso 365'with a song about Rob Ford!

2013 Monarch - Macomere Fifi

Britain's 2012 Calypso Monarch Sheldon Skeete

Redman performs Tell Dem Rasta

The Kaiso 365, the finals of the annual Calypso Monarch competition, was won convincingly last night by the reigning monarch, Macomere Fifi. Defending her crown at the packed Chinese Cultural Centre's P.C. Ho Theatre, she not only won the coveted title for the sixth time, but also won in every category - Best Lyrics, Best Melody, Best Presentation, Best Vocal Rendition, Most Original, Best Composition on a Local Topic, Most Humorous, and Best Arrangement.  To complete the clean sweep, Fifi also won the People's Choice Award, where patrons got to choose their favourite performer by ballots distributed in the Kaiso 365 program booklet. 

Eight finalists joined Macomere Fifi, each performing two original songs in hope of winning Canada's top Calypso prize of $5,000. plus a trip to the U.K. to perform at the Notting Hill Carnival.  Kaiso 365 official placings and song titles are:

1. Macome Fifi      'Too Much Guns' and 'Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Hyde'
2. Structure            ' Lyrics Better Than Bullets' and 'Monkeyia'
3. King Cosmos      'Ikea Monkey' and ' Tell Them No'
4. Pan Man Pat      'Mayor of Dodge' and 'Get Off The Fence'
5. Dennis James    'She Mother Know Dat' and 'Gloria (When They Ole like Dat'
6. Connector          'If We' and 'Respect'
7. Dynasty              'Ducking' and 'Obeah'
8. Spivey                'Ah Begging' and 'Cry for the Missing Children'
9. Redman              'We Carnival' and 'Tell Dem Rasta'

Kaiso 385 host Itah Sadu did an excellent job in keeping the evening moving along and the house band, under Ossie Gurley's direction, provided fine accompaniment for the cast of nine singers and special guests.  Britain's 2012 Calypso Monarch Sheldon Skeete was featured while judges were tallying scores and the young singer gave strong renditions of two songs that won him the U.K. top calypso prize in London in 2012.

While Fifi's win and clean sweep of all the categories met with full audience approval, there was controversy over the judges' choices for the other positions. The crowd's favourite song for the evening was Macomere Fifi's 'Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Hyde', a Carlyle Bailey composition that cleverly pleaded for Toronto Mayor Rob Ford to show his true identity.

The Kaiso 365 is held each year to give exposure to new Canadian calypso songs written for the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Calypsonians will gather this week on Wednesday, August 1st in the back patio of A Different Booklist, 746 Bathurst St., to celebrate with an 'After Work
Bottle & Spoon Lime' acoustic jam session. It's a free event and a good chance to hear calypsonians in an informal Caribbean setting.

On Monday, August 5th Macomere Fifi and a cast of top performers will be on the large open-air WestJet Stage at Harbourfront Centre at 4:00 pm for a final free concert to wrap the Island Soul festival. 

For more information on OCPA's upcoming events please visit our website at www.ocpacalypsoca.com or email ocpacalypsoca@gmail.com