http://www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com - Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean
Carnival – Entertaining 1.2 Million Plus People Each Year
The Scotiabank Toronto
Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean
music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts.
The festival takes place at various
locations in Toronto engaging many sectors of our city and citizens. Pre-festival activities include the Calypso
Tents Music Series featuring The Professionals, Kaiso Forum, De Masters Cove
from June 10 to July 10, at various venues across the GTA. This year`s festival
features a NEW event – a sporting
event in partnership with the Canada Rugby League.
Annual Gala– July 22. An elegant evening at the Liberty Grand that showcases
masquerade models, music, dancing, exotic food, signature drinks – sensational
sights, sounds, and tastes. Attended by sponsors, donors, and partners, this
event attracts the well-heeled clientele who bid on exciting prizes to support
an identified cause.
Location:
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex located on the waterfront - the epitome of
luxury and elegance.
Kaiso 365 - Calypso Monarch Finals – July 23. The storytelling tradition gets
the red carpet treatment when nine finalists compete for Canada's top Calypso
prize. Music lovers experience a unique expression that is delivered with
humour, double entendre and wit. Song topics range from personal to political,
social commentary to celebration - a reminder that Calypso heritage is a vital
link between us and the African griot, the keeper of our history. This year's
show also features special guest Alex D Great - the reigning Calypso monarch of
England.
Location: P.C. Ho Theatre, Chinese Cultural Centre,
Scarborough
Mixology –
July 25: Expert bartenders show their skills with Appleton Rums.
Location: ING LOUNGE CAFÉ
Calypso STARS Showcase – July 27. The showcase presents top Soca artists, Garth Burgess
(steel pannist), and iconic Carnival Arts characters – Moko Jumbies
(Swizzlestick Theatre), interactive Sailor Dancers (Hummingbird Dance Co.), and
the Midnight Robber (Afro-Caribbean Dance Co.). House band for the evening is
award-winning arranger/producer Ossie Gurley & Calypso All STARS.
Location:
Harbourfront Centre, WestJet Stage
Citizenship Ceremony – July 28 Witness new Canadians being sworn in as citizens of Canada within
a welcoming lavour of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and Festival.
Location: North York Civic Centre
King and Queen Competition and Show – July 28. A spectacular display of the talent and
artistic skill of the designers and costume builders of the King, Queen, male
and female individual costumes paraded in front of a captivated audience. These
masqueraders compete in costumes that weigh two to three times their body
weight.
Location:
Allan Lamport Stadium – capacity 5000 spectators.
Pan Alive – July 29. This event showcases the
talent of steel pan performers ranging in age from early teens to adults as
they perform their original renditions to the aficionados and judges at the
Allan Lamport Stadium. Hopefully this
year’s winner will be a band from Ontario instead of the triple winning threat
of Montreal’s Salah Steelpan Academy which walked away with the prize for three
consecutive years.
Location:
Allan Lamport Stadium
Grand Parade
– July 30. This is the marquee parade
that is the showcase of the Festival.
After months of preparation, masqueraders in colourful and striking
costumes and steelpan bands wind their way from the assembly area at Exhibition
Place along a 3.5 kilometre stretch on Lakeshore Boulevard. This performance of bejewelled masqueraders
continues to draw millions from all over the world to see the live performing
street art year after year. With opportunities for VIP seating in designated,
controlled areas which will include upgraded seating, tents, and marketplace.
Location:
Exhibition Place, Ontario Place, Lakeshore Boulevard. .
Grace Tropical Rhythm Food Festival – Islands Come to the Islands at
Ontario Place – July
31. Continuing the tropical Caribbean ambience of the festival, cool down
on the south beach at Ontario Place or have fun in the park while enjoying ‘de
lime’ with food, music, dance, and an array of fun activities. Be up close and
personal with the Bahamian Jankanoo band, ShortKnee performers from Grenada and
the Rhyming chef who combines his unique talent of cooking and rhyming – the
best way to end the long weekend. Enjoy the Tropical food festival and island
hop to tasty, spicy morsels of Caribbean islands.
Location –
Ontario Place.
Canada Rugby League International Test
Match - Team Canada Wolverines versus Jamaican National Team – July 31. This new
event adds the sporting dimension to the festival. Growing in popularity in
Canada, it is the most high speed, high impact field sport in the world. Most
popular in England, Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific, the largest
professional associations are the National Rugby League and the European Super
League, with a combined fan base of over 100 million”. Canada Rugby League will
be developing the sport in the Caribbean and will expand the tournament to more
islands each year.
Location:
Fletcher’s Field, 2743 19th Ave, Markham
Learn more about the
carnival at http://www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com
Join the
Facebook group at http://facebook.caribbeanmovement.com
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