Booster Shot: Caribana 2010 official event schedule released

As the weather begins to grow colder up here in Toronto, it's only natural that the West Indian community begins to start planning for some fun in the sun! Now, you can plan to. See below for the official event schedule of Caribana 2010, as released yesterday!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen



CARIBANA™ 2010 OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Calypso Tents Music Series
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from June 5 - July 4, 2010; 8:00 pm - Midnight
This is an exciting annual showcase of Canada's best Calypso and Soca original music for the Caribana Festival. The series runs three nights each week (Friday Sunday) at various venues in Toronto, each night featuring a different cast of singers and 'live' bands performing Calypso
in its best storytelling tradition: social and political commentary, humor and wit.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Official Launch
Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall
Tuesday July 13, 2010; Noon - 2:00 pm
This official ceremony launches the activities for the 2009 Caribana Festival Season. Patrons can meet and mingle with Federal, Provincial and Municipal officials, Caribana representatives and sponsors while sampling Caribbean and international cuisine. It is a snapshot of what's in store over the coming weeks.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Junior Carnival
Shoreham Drive | Yorkgate Mall
Saturday, July 17, 2010; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Junior Carnival provides festival-goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years.

Art Exhibition
Royal Ontario Museum
Thursday July 22 – Monday Aug 2, 2010; Noon - 9:00 pm
The Association of African Canadian Artists presents original paintings and sculptures that have been influenced by the diversity of our people.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Caribana Gala
Liberty Grand – Exhibition Place
Friday July 23, 2010; 6:30 pm – 1:00 am
An elegant evening of style and glamour, celebrating Caribana and paying tribute to its pioneers.

Kaiso 365 (Calypso Monarch Finals)
Venue TBA
Saturday July 24 - 7pm - Midnight
This is where the Calypso Monarch is crowned. Come and see the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonians battle for the crown. From the topical to the lyrical, the sweet soca rhythms will lift you out of your seat and get you moving.

King & Queen Show
Lamport Stadium
Thursday July 29, 2010; 7:00 pm - Midnight
On the Thursday evening before Caribana Day the Kings and Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience. It is an honour for any participant to be enthroned the King or Queen of Scotiabank Caribana 2009. The King and Queen symbolically have the keys to the city, freedom of the streets. Their movements are supposed to be uninhibited. Band members and onlookers alike are to give them the respect, even if mockingly, usually accorded to real-life royalty
(Admission: $27 in advance. $35 at the door)

Pan Alive
Lamport Stadium
Friday July 30, 2010; 7:00 pm - Midnight
A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. This Panorama of the North is the biggest opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. The evening is devoted entirely to the capturing rhythms of the steelpan.
(Admission: $20 in advance)

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Parade
Exhibition Place (Lake Shore Blvd)
Saturday July 31st, 2010; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
This showcase event features an incredible display of colour and pageantry, commencing at Exhibition Place and proceeding west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard will come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival!
(Admission: $18)

De CARIBANA™ Lime
Ontario Place
Sunday August 1, 2010;12:pm am – 8:00 pm
This event features a full day of performances from a variety of artistes, highlighting the diverse cultures of all the Caribbean people. Activities include a food competition, song, dance, theatrical drama and storytelling.
(Admission $14)

Read more...

Booster Shot: Dates announced for Caribana 2010

If you're a Canuck like me, the date of Caribana is far from a guessing game.  It always falls the Saturday before Simcoe day, a civic holiday celebrating some historical figure or the other that I failed to learn about in grade school.  For people in the Toronto area, that weekend means one of two things:  1.getting sloshed up north at the cottage, or 2. getting sloshed downtown on the Lakeshore. 

Perhaps that's not exactly what EVERYONE does for their August long weekend, but it's the most anticipated Saturday in the Summer none the less.  Just yesterday, the Caribana organizers made the dates known for 2010.

***Drum roll please***

Caribana 2010 will take place from July 13th, 2010 to August 1, 2010.  Mark your calendars from now!

No updates have made it to the official website as yet, but over time you can find them here:

www.CaribanaFestival.com

Don't say I didn't warn you....

Love and Carnival, 

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: a taste of J'ouvert in Toronto

Howdy partnas...

Yeah, I know Caribana is over...but the sad reality is sinking in that it maybe a few weeks before I personally get to experience carnival again. (Let's be honest - I'm tired. So you all fix up and let me know how it is!)

In the meantime, I dug up some footage from Caribana Saturday morning. This is KOS J'ouvert...as they say, "a tradition like no other". That means paint, powder, mud and water. Pretty icky, but the locals like it ;)

The original cast was to feature Benjai, Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous. Turns out the authorities weren't very gracious in regards to issuing Benjai a visa this time around. The crowd missed him, but they got additional performances from Zoelah, TC and Iwer George as well. Unfortunately, I missed the earlier performances since I was at Dr. Jay's Soca or Die show on the other side of the city.

Here are a few clips of Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child performing for the extremely sweaty, sold out crowd at J'ouvert inside and outside Embers Banquet Hall in Scarborough.

Simplest description: Hot Mess!

See for yourself....

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The Rounds: Edwin Yearwood shares winnings with Mikey!

Hey All,

Sorry for the delay in getting this to you! With Caribana...and all the resulting fireworks this year, I must admit I have been struggling to stick to my regular schedule. Don't forget to check 'DE LATEST NEWS' for more detail on these items...

In this edition:
- Caribana Band of the Year Results
- Crop Over Pic of de Crop Calypso Monarch
- Crop Over Peoples' Monarch
- Antigua Soca Monarch

Good evening soca lovers I’m Nurse Karen , and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Happy
Caribana weekend 2009! Wow....this is the time of year when sweet soca music takes center stage, and our fair city of Toronto show off the incredible beauty and culture of the Caribbean to the rest of the world. If you’re visiting from out of town. Sure hope you’ve had a chance to experience the exhilarating vibrations that only soca can provide. If you’re not already feeling the vibe...keep listening. Marxman and Dr. Jay are making you wine from 6 to 9.

So first the results from the road. Congratulations to Carnival Nationz on their 2009 Band of the Year title. The presentation of In Full Bloom was absolutely stunning to see. Runner up was Lousi Saldenah Mas K Club with a Tribute to Harold Saldenah. Congrats Dr. Jay...2nd place ain’t so bad. Toronto Revellers took home the 3rd place spot with Brasil, Bacchanal in RIO.

If you didn’t know, Toronto isn’t the only place celebrating carnival right now. Down in beautiful Barbados...it’s all about Crop Over. Red Plastic Bag took hom, yet another Calypso Monarch Crown this weekend. Then this weekend De General Edwin was votes Peoples’ Monarch of Barbados. That is a competition sponsored by a group of radio stations. Listeners get to text in votes for their favourite song and artist of the festival. Edwin’s uptempo...Middle of the road was the clear winner. He beat out his opponent Mikey 82 percent to 18 percent.

None the less, I can vouch that Mikey’s song I in Dat is a very big tune. Edwin thought Mikey deserved to get something too...so get this. He actually offered to give him 10 thousand dollars out of his $25,000 top prize.

Before I head out to continue the carnival action, lemme tell you what happened in Antigua last night. Tian Winter dethroned long time crowd favourite Claudette "CP" Peters in both the Groovy Soca Monarch and Party Monarch categories. So get used to the songs "Baby I" and "Soca Rebel"...and the name Tian Winter. He's on top of his game for 2009, and he's here to stay.

I'm Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more info on anything mentioned here...check out your best source for reliable soca news, Nurse Karen Etc at www.nurse-karen.com or follow nurse karen on twitter.

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Booster Shot: Caribana King and Queen Results

Mas people!! Lamport stadium was sold out for King and Queen last night. You should have scene people all over Parkdale! Food and flags were selling. Music was pumping! It's here, Caribana is REALLY here.

Congrats to all the bands for putting on a great show last night. Gotta big up my bandleader, Dex Seusahai for taking the top spot as 2009 Caribana King! For all the rest of the results, check out the "unofficial" (just means, uncontested ...raw results as announced) release, courtesy ATC Heirs (official publicists for Caribana)

2009 Scotiabank Caribana ™ King of the Bands

RANK – MAS PORTRAYER – “COSTUME’S NAME” – BAND’s THEME/NAME – MAS BAND (BANDLEADER)

1^st Dexter Seusahai – “King Scarecrow” – BIRDS OF PARADISE – Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai)

2^nd Martin Scott-Pascall – Heat Explosion Over Rio De Janeiro” – BRAZIL – BACHANNAL IN RIO – Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)

3^rd Anton Saldenah – “The Power & The Glory From The Band” –

A TRIBUTE TO HAROLD SALDENAH: THE GOLDEN YEARS – Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)

2009 Scotiabank Caribana ™ Queen of the Bands

RANK – MAS PORTRAYER – “COSTUME’S NAME” – BAND’s THEME/NAME – MAS BAND (BAND LEADER)

1^st Joella Crichton – “The Source” – IN FULL BLOOM – Carnival Nationz (M. Eustace, B. Aguiton, D. Pitt)

2^nd Carol Cuffie – “The Beauty of Mercury Mist – The Gemstone” – GEM STONES – Connections – TCC (Mervyn Skeete)

3^rd Penne Sutherland – “The Intangible Heritage Goddess of Love” – BRAZIL – BACHANNAL IN RIO – Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)

2009 Scotiabank Caribana ™ Male Individual of the Year

RANK – MAS PORTRAYER – “COSTUME’S NAME” – BAND’s THEME/NAME – MAS BAND (BAND LEADER)

1^st Mista Meggy - “Bahia Native Dancer” – BRAZIL – BACHANNAL IN RIO – Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)

2^nd Shane Mungal – “Dance of the Indian Peacock” – BIRDS OF PARADISE – Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai)

3^rd (tie) Micah Akal – “Spirit of the Wild” – INTO D WILD – Mas Toronto (Errol & Alicia Achue)

3^rd (tie) Ron Belfon – “Biting Insects” – IN FULL BLOOM – Carnival Nationz (M. Eustace, B. Aguiton, D. Pitt)

2009 Scotiabank Caribana ™ Female Individual of the Year

RANK – MAS PORTRAYER – “COSTUME’S NAME” – BAND’s THEME/NAME – MAS BAND (BANDLEADER)

1^st Alicia Anderson – “Maria, The Samba Dancer” – BRAZIL – BACHANNAL IN RIO – Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)

2^nd Lisa Mahadeo – “Scarlet Macaw” – BIRDS OF PARADISE – Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai)

3^rd Trinelle Alleyne-Gittens – “Iris” – IN FULL BLOOM – Carnival Nationz (M. Eustace, B. Aguiton, D. Pitt)

Love and Mas!

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: My 'Glass Half Full' Caribana Thursday...

How did we get here already? Toronto's weather this Summer failed to warn me that Caribana was on its way. So, when I woke up yeserday to balmy sunshine and a skype call from the Caribbean alerting me of an artiste's travel itinerary, it occurred to me, the season is here.

When it comes to Caribana a few things make for a great carnival...for me anyway.

1. Excellent weather

2. A great costume

3. A lil spare time to lime with friends

4. Music ...like uh duh!

I officially pulled myself out of hiding, because those elements were beginning to compound quite nicely. Already told you about the sunshine. Finally, no rain..and a day I didn't need to sport a sweater. Element 1 = PASS!

I jumped in my car and headed WAY out to Mascampville to pick up my superhot Tribal Knights "Golden Pheasant" costume, only to find out...they had special pick up times that no one told me about. So, after sitting on the highway virtually parked for an hour, just to get their BEFORE the evening rush. The trip was in vain. OK...element 2 = FAIL

Or so I thought. Got a call from one of my best girls. She'll be playing in another section of the same band. Her costume was ready..and was headed that way to get her "Macaw" on. We decided to connect later. Element 3 = PASS

In the meantime, I found a local salon to contend with my unruly kinks. Toronto is a city of models and might-as-well-be models, so why not get my hottie-hottie on. There was NO way I was getting back onto the Don Valley Parkway ay 5 pm anyway. No way!

The rest of the evening consisted of meeting my sistrin to shop for accessories, jewellery, shoes, eyelashes and accents to compliment our costumes on the road. We are going to look sooo bashy! LOL. We decided to decorate our new canvas flats with feathers. I'm petrified mine will turn out to be a hot mess.

Just as I was cashing out, the celly rang. A certain soca monarch had landed...and was looking to lime. And so it began. Ran home to meet up at the Afropan panyard outside the King and Queen finals. Tonight Afropan will be competing in pan alive with their rendition of Len and Machel's "Magic Drum" with a dose of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" thrown in. They sounding good. All the other bands better watch out!

Next stop was Orange Room...the after party for The Dr. Jay and DJ Spice boatride. We reached late. Seems like security was on some hateration, so they closed down the fete early. Element 4 = FAIL!

Thx to de docta, the liming crew was able to head upstairs to theLady Luck Pre-Caribana Kick Off rooftop party at The Skybar. It was a scene out of a hip hop video....models, bottles and fake bodyparts EVERYWHERE. The soundtrack was Drake about 60 per cent of the time. I can't lie...de boy has talent. Not soca, but Element 4 could get a PASS now. Local celebs like Lil X and Chris Bosh were on the rooftop mixing with the common folk too.

Yeah so....starting now, my carnival is about carnival. That means...we on soca, and soca alone. Had a nice lil warm up with 2.5 of my 4 'great carnival' elements on lock. Today we work on actually getting the costume in hand...and tonight it's all about great music!

Who say Soca or Die!?!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Anslem Douglas performs at Manchester Carnival

In this edition:

- Caribana Launch, Kiddie Carnival and OCPA Calypso Monarch

- Bunji's Birthday Party

- Manchester Moss Side Carnival

- Grenada Soca Semi-Finals

- Caribbean Soca Monarch

Good evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. So, I’m back in Toronto after a 3 week tour of 4 soca hotspots in the Caribbean. It was great to take in some of the Carnival action in St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Barbados AND get a sense of what some of your favourite Trini acts are working on for the upcoming season. So, I’m back, with lots of stories just for you! But for now it’s all about Caribana people...

More than 1000 people gathered at Yonge-Dundas Square on Tuesday to officially open the Caribana season. In spite of the ongoing city worker strike, Caribana intends to roll out as usual, save a couple of venue changes. Be sure to check out CaribanaFestival dot com, for official news on whats going on.

If you’re one of those people who only thinks of the parade of the band when you hear the name Caribana, think again. The festival includes all sorts of events and competitions, with a couple of big ones having taken place YESTERDAY. Congrats to Callaloo who won band of the year at the Kiddies Carnival. Last night our local Calypsonians went head to head for the title of Caribana Calypso Monarch. Congrats to Redman, the 2009 Organization for Calypso Performing Artistes champ!

Soca artiste Bunji Garlin celebrated a big birthday in Trinidad on Tuesday night. He, Fay-Ann and a room full of their celebrity friends danced the night away together. Guests included people like Kes, Nadia Batson, Benjai, Saucy, Maximus Dan, Lil Bitts, Ms Alysha, TC, Mr. Vybe, and Dancehall artiste Cecile. But the real highlight of the night was a performance by Garlin’s father-in-law Austin "Superblue" Lyons.

Yesterday, the city of Manchester in England held their annual Moss Side Caribbean carnival. The weather was cool and overcast, but the rain held up to allow 20 floats, dancers, steelbands and revellers block traffic on Saturday afternoon. Anslem Douglas was among the performers bringing entertainment on the road. Moss Side Carnival began nearly 40 years ago and continues to grow every year.

This coming week, Grenada will get one step close be crowning a soca monarch. On Friday, the semi-finals for the GCC LIME Soca Monarch get underway. Four first-timers and only 2 females are among the artistes vying for a chance at the big money at the final showdown set for August 7th.

With Ricky T, Slimmy and Rochelle at Banker's and Lawyer Fete in St. Lucia (July 10)

Last but not least, tonight in St. Lucia the original Caribbean Soca Monarch takes place at Mindoo Philip Park. 9 competitors from across the region do battle against last year’s champ, Ricky T. (check Nurse Karen Archives for results)

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds, for more info on all the news mentioned tonight, stories from my summer carnival tour, and results from Caribbean Soca Monarch...check for me at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow Nurse Karen at twitter. Now, back to de docta!

Karen L. Richardson
a.k.a "Nurse Karen"
http://www.nurse-karen.com
http://www.twitter.com/nursekaren

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Booster Shot: Caribana Kiddies Carnival Results

Competition time!!!

Here are your unofficial results from the Caribana Junior Carnival parade which took place on Saturday in the Jane-Finch neighbourhood of Toronto.

I passed through briefly, long enough for a few people to wrongly assume that somehow I became the mother of a seven year old boy!

I was very surprised to hear lots of new music from the summer Caribbean carnivals playing. The children gave me a nice little preview of what to expect at the big people parade!!!

Can't wait!!!!

2009 Junior Band of the Year

RANK – 2009 MAS BAND THEME/NAME – MAS BAND

1^st THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE – Callaloo

2^nd IN FULL BLOOM – Carnival Nationz

3^rd (tie) BIRDS OF PARADISE – Tribal Knights

3^rd (tie) DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL – Toronto Revellers

2009 Junior King of the Bands

RANK – MAS PORTRAYER, AGE – COSTUME’S NAME – 2009 MAS BAND THEME

1^st Demeko Minott, 13 – Aladdin and the Magic Carpet – DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL

2^nd Shane Vincent, 13 – Altamira Oriole – BIRDS OF PARADISE

3^rd Fabian Lee, 8 – Jewel of the Ganges – THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE

2009 Junior Queen of the Bands

RANK – MAS PORTRAYER, AGE – COSTUME’S NAME – 2009 MAS BAND THEME

1^st Paige Lewis, 13 – Botanica – IN FULL BLOOM

2^nd Destynee Charles, 10 – The Guardian of Luxor – THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE

3^rd (tie) Celena Seusahai, 10 – Lesser Birds of Paradise – BIRDS OF PARADISE

3^rd (tie) Akelah Willis, 14 – Cinderella & The Pumpkin Carriage – DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL

2009 Junior Male Individual of the Year

RANK – MAS PORTRAYER, AGE – COSTUME’S NAME – 2009 MAS BAND THEME/NAME

1^st Malik Adams, 9 – Cayman Parrot – BIRDS OF PARADISE

2^nd Marvin Lee, 7 – Snake Charmer – THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE

3^rd Jamal James, 14 – The Beast (Beauty & The Beast) – DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL

2009 Junior Female Individual of the Year

RANK – MAS PORTRAYER, AGE – COSTUME’S NAME – 2009 MAS BAND THEME/NAME

1^st Shania Cunningham, 10 – Yaruba – DIS IS AFRICA

2^nd Caneisha Edwards, 10 – The Superb Lovebird – BIRDS OF PARADISE

3^rd Anastasia Burton, 12 – Ariel, The Little Mermaid – DIS-NEE ON THE STREETS OF BRAZIL

NOTES:

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.

All junior King, Queen, Male Individual and Female Individual costumes traditionally participate in the (adult) Caribana Parade in their respective parent bands; to be held this year on Saturday, August 1^st, 2009.

Please note, the above unofficial results were provided courtesy of ATC Heir Publicity. Confirmed results will be made available by July 24th, 2009.

Love and Carnival!

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Redman is 2009 OCPA Calypso Monarch

Results from Caribana Calypso Monarch Final!

SCOTIABANK CARIBANA FESTIVAL 2009
Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA)
“KAISO 365” Calypso Monarch Finals


2009 CALYPSO COMPETITION RESULTS

Toronto, ON, Canada: The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) hosted its 2009 “KAISO 365” Calypso Monarch Finals at Toronto’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Exhibition Place on Saturday, July 18th, 2009. Attended by over 500 avid Calypso music lovers, nine singers/calypsonians competed for the title to become OCPA’s 2009 Calypso Monarch.



A panel of qualified, volunteer judges awarded points based on the following criteria: Lyrics (max. 35 marks); Melody (20); Rendition (25); Presentation (10); and Originality (10) for a total of 100 marks. The order of merit was determined by discarding the highest and the lowest score per contestant.



The above judging criteria was used at OCPA’s Preliminary, Semi and Final competition(s). At each competition level, (i) the judges’ decision was final, and (ii) their results were announced at the end of each competition level. OCPA’s 2009 Head Judge is Lennox Borel.





2009 OPCA Calypso Monarch

(top four finalists only)



RANK NAME (STAGE NAME-SOBRIQUET)

1st Michael Thomas (REDMAN)

2nd Bill Newman (The CALYPSO CROONER)

3rd Bryan Thornhill (STRUCTURE)

4th Tara Eulith Woods (MACOMERE FIFI) (2008 defending champ)



Nine other OCPA annual, special prizes were also handed out on Saturday, July 18th, 2009. They were:



BEST LYRICS

Michael Thomas for the song “Black Hen Chicken” sung by Redman

BEST MELODY

Winston Maingot for the song “I Eh Taking More” sung by Macomere Fifi

BEST PRESENTATION

Tara Eulith Woods (Macomere Fifi) for the song “I Eh Taking More”

MOST ORIGINAL CALYPSO

Bill Newman (The Calypso Crooner) for the song “Ah Living Backwards”

BEST RENDITION

Tara Eulith Woods (Macomere Fifi) for the song “I Eh Taking More”

BEST COMPOSITION ON A LOCAL TOPIC

Tie: (i) Bryan Thornhill (Structure) for the song “Ah Sticking To Commentary,” and

(ii) Michael Thomas (Redman) for the song “Ah Done With Picong”

MOST HUMOUROUS CALYPSO

Michael Thomas for the song “Black Hen Chicken”

BEST ARRANGEMENT

Winston Maingot for the song “I Eh Taking More” sung by Macomere Fifi

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Michael Thomas (Redman)

Love and Calypso!

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Caribana Calypso Monarch Tonight!

Toronto! Caribana is now on...

Tonight the Kaiso community faces off to crown Toronto's Monarch. Who will reign supreme?

MEDIA ALERT

CALYPSO MONARCH FINALS

Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Exhibition Place

Saturday, July18th, 2009

Show starts at 7.30pm sharp!

Calypso singers compete to win the coveted title of 2009 Calypso Monarch

What: After an exhaustive round of preliminary and semi final competitions, nine finalists sing two songs each competing for the title of the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) 2009 Calypso Monarch.

Why: Calypso music is an important part of the carnival experience. It is the job of the calypsonian to report (in song) on the issues of the day; be they social, political or comedic rants … using wit, irony and humour.

Who: In order/stage name: Structure, Calypso Crooner, Susan G, Spice, Beginner, Redman, Macomere Fifi, King Cosmos, Naki.

When: Doors open at 6.30pm. Seating at 7pm. Showtime at 7.30pm

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Boulevard, Exhibition Please, CNE

The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes’ Calypso Monarch Finals is

part of the annual Scotiabank Caribana Festival.

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Booster Shot: Caribana Kiddie's Carnival is coming!

Kiddie's carnival is an important element to Caribbean oriented Carnival celebrations. Caribana is no different. Ever since I was small, I used to look forward to seeing other childen and even my cousins dancing about in their pretty costumes. For 2009, Caribana Kiddie's Carnival is back.

Yesterday, there was a media launch thingy that I mighta checked out if I was in the city. But, I'm not. I'm in St. Lucia suckas!!!! None-the-less, it is carnival time in Toronto...and YOU deserve to know what's going on!


The Scotiabank Junior Carnival Yorkgate, is a vital part of the annual Caribana Festival. The Carnival, which includes a parade and an outdoor children’s party and awards ceremony, is how the traditions of Mas are passed from the adults to the children. Over 2,000 costumed children are expected to take part in the parade, which will be held July 18th along the Jane Finch corridor. Friday’s press conference will detail the parade as well as the Junior Carnival scholarship and the upcoming Yorkgate Idol contest.

Courtesy: ATC Heirs

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Booster Shot: Caribana Calypso Tents now open!

So, you think carnival in Canada is joke? We know how to fete, but the culture lives on in many forms. Calypso lovers gear up, time for the Toronto Calypso tents to entertain and elevate. Check it out when you can!
Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Source: ATC Heirs for Caribana

OCPA 2009 Calypso Tents Music Series

opened Saturday, June 6 in Toronto!

Toronto, Ontario, Canada: The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) presents its annual Calypso Tents Music Series in Toronto from Saturday, June 6 through to Sunday, July 5, 2009. The series features two casts or “tents” of singers - backed by ‘live’ bands - performing newly-composed, and arranged music for the 2009 Scotiabank Caribana™ Festival.

The two tents are Kaiso Forum and The Professionals, and together they present 25 of Canada’s top Calypso singers and several special guests.

OCPA 2009 “CALYPSO TENTS MUSIC SERIES” Schedule

The PROFESSIONALS Saturday, June 6 at 8 pm Steelworkers Union Hall 25 Cecil Street, Downtown Toronto	KAISO FORUM Sunday, June 7 at 4 pm CAW Union Hall 30 Tangiers Road, North York
Saturday June 13 at 8 pm Steelworkers Union Hall 25 Cecil Street, Downtown Toronto Saturday June 20 at 8 pm Steelworkers Union Hall 25 Cecil Street, Downtown Toronto Saturday, June 27 at 8 pm Steelworkers Union Hall 25 Cecil Street, Downtown Toronto Saturday, July 4 at 8 pm Steelworkers Union Hall 25 Cecil Street, Downtown Toronto - Preliminary Competition – Judges’ Night	Sunday, June 14 at 4 pm CAW Union Hall 30 Tangiers Road, North York Saturday, June 20 at 8 pm Masonic Temple 15 Chisholm Avenue, Toronto East Saturday, June 27 at 8 pm Masonic Temple 15 Chisholm Avenue, Toronto East Sunday, July 5 at 4 pm CAW Union Hall 30 Tangiers Road, North York - Preliminary Competition – Judges’ Night

The PROFESSIONALS Calypso Tent will feature: Macomere Fifi (2008 Calypso Monarch), Dick Lochan, The Calypso Crooner, Naki, Penshioner, Jayson, Lady Pearl, Beginner, Roger Gibbs, Panman Pat, and special guests. House band: Soca Bunch Brass Band led by Michael “Skel” Redhead.

- For more tent/ticket info and reservations, contact Tel: 416-769-7888; Email: thompsony@rogers.com

KAISO FORUM Calypso Tent will feature: Structure, De Carra, Redman, Guney, Susan G, Web, King Cosmos, Sailor, Connector, Black-I, Lady Scorpio, Delee, Spice, Yellows, Dynasty, and special guests. House band: Neu Jenarashun led by Jan Morgan.

- For more tent/ticket info and reservations, contact Tel: 905-209-0739; Email: thornhill6156@rogers.com

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Booster Shot: Caribana Mas Bands 2009 Order of Appearance

Revellers! Now is your time. As you await the launch of all the mas bands' 2009 presentations, take a sec to see just when they will be going down de road! Look for me in band #7 as a pretty gold pheasant!!!


Band #1 (Category A)

Mas Toronto (Errol & Alicia Achue)

2009 Theme: Into D Wild

Phone: 416-283-6161

Website: www.mastoronto.com



Band #2 (Category A)

Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)

2009 Theme: A Tribute to Harold Saldenah – The Golden Years

Phone: 416-560-4419

Website: www.saldenahcarnival.com



Band #3 (Category A)

Nip Davis & SCSC (Selwin “Nip” Davis)

2009 Theme: Dis Is Africa

Phone: 416-282-8809

Website: www.nipdavis.com | www.scsc.ca



Band #4 (Category A)

Callaloo (Marlon Singh)

2009 Theme: The Ganges Meets The Nile

Phone: 416-576-0694 | 416-845-3754

Website: www.callaloo.net



Band #5 (Category A)

Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace, Bryce Aguiton & Dwayne Pitt)

2009 Theme: In Full Bloom

Phone: 416-565-4079 | 416-985-8488 | 416-930-9650

Website: www.carnivalnationz.com



Band #6 (Category A)

Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)

2009 Theme: Brazil – Bachannel In Rio

Phone: 647-827-5745 | 289-232-0366 | 416-709-0632

Website: www.torontorevellers.com



Band #7 (Category A)

Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai)

2009 Theme: Birds Of Paradise

Phone: 416-893-1867 | 416-396-3780

Website: www.tribalknights.com



Bank #8 (Category A)

Jessie Matthews & All Ah We Toronto (Cy & Jessie Mathews)

2009 Theme: All Board

Phone: 416-283-2238 | 905-924-1716

Website: www.allahwetoronto.com



Band #9 (Category B)

Borokeete Nex Generation (Anthony Joseph)

2009 Theme: 20TEN – A Tribute to the Olympics

Phone: 416-452-9973

Website: www.borokeetecanada.com | www.bcmas.com



Band #10 (Category B)

Pleasure Players (Whitfield Balasco)

2009 Theme: Dragon Masters of the Shaolin Temple

Phone: 905-568-9136

Email: werfamily2@hotmail.com



Band #11 (Category B)

Connections – TCC (Mervyn Skeete)

2009 Theme: Gem Stones

Phone: 416-492-5584 | 647-295-5584

Website: www.tocarnival.com



Band #12 (Category B)

Doldron, Doldron & Associates (Courtney Doldron)

2009 Theme: Mas Hysteria

Phone: 416-986-7875 | 647-928-5609 | 416-779-4211

Email: csdoldron@rogers.com



NEW MAS BANDS for 2009

Band #13 (Category B)

All Spice Carnival (Curtis Eustace & Andre DeFreitas)

2009 THEME: Safari

Phone: 416-728-6504 | 416-660-9154

Website: www.allspicecarnival.com



Band #14 (Category C)

All d’Friendz (Sherry Lee Kam)

2009 Theme: Dance With Me

Phone: 416-287-6309 | 416-238-5323

Email: sherry.leekam@gmail.com



Band #15 (Category C)

Fantazia International (Will Morton)

2009 Theme: A Taste Of Brazil

Phone: 289-888-1247

Website: www.fantaziainternational.net

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The Rounds: Tragic crash claims the life of Trini songwriter

In this edition:
- RIM and Toronto-Lime.com to sponsor Caribana 2009
- Disgruntled artiste makes a scene at Sint Maarten soca competition
- Akim Ahjahmoo Farmer dies in tragic car trash
- Farmer Nappy confusion
- Mavado rides a soca riddim
- Destra's returns to NY


Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Lots of news this week around the soca world, so buckle up and get ready for the ride.

On Tuesday, I zipped over to the Scotia Bank Caribana press conference at the Royal Ontario Museum. Those of you out there who love your crackberry almost as much as you love soca, will be happy to hear that Research in Motion has signed on as an official sponsor of the festival...so has Toronto-Lime.com, so you can look forward to some great coverage online!

Before carnival heats up in Toronto, there are plenty of Caribbean festivals happening right now. Both St. Thomas carnival, and Cayman Batabano come to a climax next weekend. This week there was some pretty dramatic action in Sint Maarten, after the Senior Soca Competition. This year marks 40 years of carnival in the Dutch territory, but the first year that a sore loser decided to tell off the judges once the results were announced. First, lemme congratulate King T-Mo for winning the competition, since Ricky the Phox stole a little bit of the spotlight by grabbing a mic to sound off about his frustrations. Tisk tisk! Police rushed the stage to restrain him, but he removed himself after announcing that he won’t be participating in carnival in the years to come. It’s reported that he was disqualified for breaking the rules.

The music community in Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the loss of one of it’s bright young talents. Yesterday afternoon Karim Ahjahmoo Farmer died tragically in a car collision in La Romaine. The 28 year-old singer / songwriter has collaborated with the likes of Machel Montano (Won't Stop), Len Boogsie Sharpe and Collie Budz on various projects. His friends say that he never drank or smoked.

A rumour was circulating that Farmer Nappy was the victim of the crash, but let me set the record straight. I contacted Farmer’s manager this morning. She assured me that he’s fine. In fact, he’s currently in Barbados, hanging out for a while. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Akim Farmer, may he rest in peace.

A couple of producers in St. Lucia are patting themselves on the back for being the first to get dancehall star Mavado to sing on a Soca Riddim. The tune is called My Life. It’s a collabo with a new artist called Baby Blue. But if you expect the gangsta for life to blow a whistle, jump up and wave tune, let’s be realistic. Mavado sounds just like... mavado. He brought his signature sing-songy dancehall vibe to Courtney Louis and Francis De Lima’s boom boom riddim, and compared to the other tracks on it, the sound is more hybrid that soca.

When it comes to people who been singing soca for a minute, people the world over know the name Destra. Ms. Garcia did her first show in New York city after about a 2 year absence. She launched the HOTT album at Manhattan’s SOBs, to a crowd that enjoyed every minute of it.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. Check out Nure Karen Etc, now at Nurse dash Karen dot com, for more information on all the stories you heard today, including an official statement from Farmer Nappy.(coming soon) Now, back to de docta!

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Eye Unit: Nurse Karen on the Caribana Press Conference

This morning, I attended the press launch for Caribana 2009. As usual, there is a lot in store at the festival that brings one million visitors to Toronto every year.

I promise to keep you abreast of more festival details as they become available. For now, you can enjoy this archived video clip from the Live Nurse Karen TV broadcast taht ensued.

We do this now and then. Lots of artists, djs, producers and music fans join the chat to hear the news, and link up. Don't miss the next one...

here are two ways to stay in the know...

1. follow me on twitter (how many times have you heard THAT lately?)



2. bookmark the Nurse Karen TV page

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Nurse's Lounge: (Video) The "Skinny" on Caribana

If you haven't realized it yet. Your girl has a passion for editing video. I LOVE IT! So, these clips have been sitting on the cutting room floor for the last two months. This morning I decided to put them to good use. See Mr. "Head Bad" like never before...as he welcomes you into his world for Caribana 2008. 

Music: Crazy Vybe - Scratchmaster Roadmix- Skinny Fabulous featuring Jamesy P

Cameos:
Maximus Dan
Bunji Garlin
Afterdark - Andrew Sutherland
Nurse Karen
Devon "The Split" Jones
Afropan


Places:
Nurse's Lounge - Intro
Palazzo - KOS J'ouvert
If Lounge - The Split's Birthday Bruch
Lakeshore Boulevard - Caribana Parade with Tribal Knights
Sound Academy - CVR Fire Fete

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Poll Results: Caribana is Best!

I asked you to select your favourite carnival in the Diaspora.

Out of New York, Toronto, London and Miami...you chose Toronto!!! I was raised on Caribana, so naturally it holds a special place in MY heart. But over the years, I've built some unbeatable memories in London and New York. Believe it or not, I have never experienced Miami for myself. By this time next week, that will have changed!

(Nurse) Karen (Etc) visitors come from all over the world. To give you an idea of who was doing the voting, here are the top ten countries that were surfing this blog during the polling period.

1. Canada
2. United States of America
3. United Kingdom
4. Trinidad and Tobago
5. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
6. St. Lucia
7. Antigua and Barbuda
8. Grenada
9. Martinique
10.Barbados



Finally, Here are YOUR results....

50% of you said Toronto Caribana

25% said New York, Labor Day
25% said Miami Carnival

...and NOBODY voted for London's Notting Hill Carnival

But I wanna know why!?!!?!

What's the deal? leave a comment, and let's talk about it.

Enjoying Caribana 2008!

While you're at it, check out the current poll question on the right hand side of your screen --->

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Booster Shot: Skinny Fabulous Leaves Heads Bad in Toronto

Skinny Fabulous Leaves Heads Bad in Toronto

Toronto, Canada – St. Vincent's own Gamal "Skinny Fabulous" Doyle took Vincy music to higher heights last weekend at North America's largest Caribbean Carnival - Caribana.

Nurse Karen and Skinny Fabulous in Toronto

The 3-day tour consisted of five separate performances at well known events such as K.O.S. J'ouvert, Fire Fete, Soca Rave and others. More than ten thousand fans paid top dollar to see Skinny Fabulous live in Toronto.

Skinny Fabulous shared the stage with top Caribbean artistes, such as Destra Garcia, Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons,

Iwer George,

Problem Child,

Shurwayne Winchester, Ricky T and the list goes on.

Just one month after "Head Bad" (On the Spot) earned Doyle the 2008 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca Monarch crown, the Green Hill native is enjoying a solid slate of international bookings throughout the month of August. The uptempo soca anthem was heard throughout Caribana season, both in fetes and on the road.

Toronto is just the beginning. Skinny made a brief stop in Barbados yesterday to entertain the revellers at the Grand Kadooment parade from the Baje International truck. Today he descends on Tortola carnival. The Fabulous 2 D World Tour continues in New York, Montreal, Florida.



At the end of August Skinny Fabulous will attend the Carifesta expo in Guyana as part of the official delegation from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

For more information on Skinny Fabulous visit:www.myspace.com/skinnyfabulous

Watch Skinny Fabulous' radio interview with 2-time ISO Best International Soca DJ award winner, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince(Toronto – August 3, 2008):

Watch clips of Skinny Fabulous' energetic performance at CVR Entertainment's Fire Fete (Toronto – August 3, 2008):

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Booster Shot: Macomere Fifi is Toronto's Calypso Monarch

For Immediate Release
Source: Alicia Sealey
Scotiabank Caribana(TM) Publicist


July 29th, 2008



OCPA’s 2008 Canadian Calypso Monarch Finals -A SOLD-OUT SHOW!


Toronto, Ontario, Canada: The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA) month-long 2008 “Calypso Tent Music Series” ended on Sunday, July 13th, 2008. This year, there were two official OCPA calypso tents: Kaiso Forum, and The Professionals. The 2008 OCPA Canadian Calypso Monarch Finals titled “KAISO 365” took place on Saturday, July 26th, 2008 at the Leah Posluns Theatre where the show sold out at 8pm; 15 minutes after the show began. About 20 patrons who were accustomed to buying their tickets at the door were turned away.



The overwhelming quality of calypsos and their unique theatrical presentations was so high that there was no clear winner at the competition’s intermission when all nine contestants had performed their first song. After the second half of the competition where the sold-out, calypso-seasoned audience had heard all competitors singing their second song, there was still must discussion as to who would win the “2008 OCPA Canadian Calypso Monarch” crown.



While waiting for the judges to tabulate their scores, the audience was entertained by various artistes including Guney who recently did a cover version of Winford Devines’ seminal calypso “Progress” – voted in an online internet poll as the “Best Calypso” for the 20th century.



Calypso music originated in Trinidad & Tobago. It is the traditional music that accompanies most, if not all, afro-centric carnivals worldwide. When traditional calypso shows first started in Trinidad & Tobago, they used to travel from village to village putting on their shows in a temporary structure, or a tent. Though most calypso shows now take place in permanent buildings, they are still referred to as “calypso tents.” It was/is the job of the calypsonian to compose songs about politics, current events, philosophy, and comedic rants … really anything that catches his/her fancy. FYI: Similar to the traveling European minstrels of yesteryear, the African griot – the forerunner to the Caribbean Calypsonian – would pass down orally the news, history and culture from generation to generation.




In 2008, The Professionals’ calypso tent played at a fixed venue, while Kaiso Forum’s roamed the GTA.




This exciting, annual music series showcased the best Calypso and Soca performers in Canada. It started on June 14th, 2008, and ran for one month on Saturdays and Sundays at various venues in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Each weekend featured an alternate calypso tent performing original Calypso/Soca music in its best storytelling tradition of social and political commentary, humour, and wit.



A panel of volunteer judges awards points based on the following criteria: Lyrics (max. 35 marks); Melody (20); Rendition (25); Presentation (10); and Originality (10) for a total of 100 marks. The order of merit is determined by discarding the highest and lowest score per participant. This judging criterion is used at OCPA’s preliminary and final competition(s). At each show, the judges’ decision is final, and their results are announced at the end of each competition.



On Saturday, July 26th 2008, OCPA adjudicated the following winners at their 2008 Canadian Calypso Monarch Finals’ Competition: BEST LYRICS-De Carra for the song "No Black School"


BEST MELODY- Winston Maingot for the song "Take Back We Country” sung by Macomere Fifi


BEST PRESENTATION- Macomere Fifi for the song "Barrack Obama" (spelling of official song name as registered by the artist with OCPA)



BEST VOCAL RENDITION- Macomere Fifi for the song "Barrack Obama" (spelling of official song name as registered by the artist with OCPA)


MOST ORIGINAL CALYPSO- De Carra for the song "No Black School"



BEST COMPOSITION ON A LOCAL TOPIC- De Carra for the song "No Black School"



MOST HUMOUROUS CALYPSO- De Carra for the song "No Black School"



BEST ARRANGEMENT- Oswald James for the song "Take Back We Country" sung by Macomere Fifi



MOST PROMISING NEW ARTISTE - PRESTON SHEPHERD AWARD



- Naki (Nzunaki Tuitt)




PEOPLES’ CHOICE 2008 OCPA Canadian Calypso Monarch – RESULTS


RANK STAGE NAME/SOBRIQUET (NAME) 2008 CALYPSO TENT



1 Macomere Fifi (Tara Eulith Woods) The Professionals



2 De Carra (Leslie Carabon) Kaiso Forum



3 Structure (Bryan Thornhill) Kaiso Forum (2007 defending champion)



4 Susan G (Susan Grogan) Kaiso Forum



5 (tie) Naki (Nzunaki Tuitt) The Professionals Redman (Michael Thomas) Kaiso Forum



7 Lady Pearl (Pearl Breteron-Robinson) The Professionals



8 Connector (Joel Davis) Kaiso Forum



9 Beginner (Michael Moore) The Professionals



The 2008 OCPA Canadian Calypso Monarch Finals was carried LIVE-to-AIR on Saturday, July 26th, 2008 on radio locally and worldwide via CHRY 105.5FM (http://www.chry.fm/).



The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) is a registered non-profit arts organization founded in 1981 by a group of individuals who saw the need for an umbrella group to guide the growth and development of the calypso in Toronto and Canada. Its mandate – as set out in its Constitution and Bylaws – is to promote the calypso art form in all its diversity: storytelling, social and political commentary, and comedy in song; to create opportunities to compose, perform and record calypso; and to facilitate calypso music’s growth and development in general. Contact OCPA directly at ocpa2007@gmail.com. OCPA is a stakeholder of the Scotiabank Caribana™ Festival which is managed by The Festival Management Committee (FMC).



Scotiabank Caribana™ is a cultural explosion of Caribbean music, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Launched in 1967 as a Centennial Project, this world famous festival has become a major international event and an expression of Toronto’s multi-cultural and multi-racial society. The Festival is now celebrating its 41st anniversary. For more information, please visit http://www.caribanafestival.com/.



Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2007, Scotiabank provided more than $43 million worldwide in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com/.



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