DC Caribbean Carnival Order of the Bands Announced

The DC Carnival Parade takes place on Saturday June 23rd, beginning at 11am from Georgia Ave & Missouri. Below is the order of appearance for the 2007 parade.

# - Band Name - Category - Presentation

1. BAHAMAS JUNKANOO ASSOC. (Small Band) - “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN”
2. JACKIE & ASSOCIATES (Large Band) - “FROM THE 1ST TO THE LAST QUARTER”
3. SUPER JOCKS (Small Band) - “GIFT OF LIGHT”
4. VIRGIN ISLANDS (Large Band) -“RAIN DON’T STOP CARNIVALTROUPE, INC. DEH CARNIVAL”
5. STEFMUS PRODUCTION (Small Band) - “FETE IN DE VALCANO”
6. ROOTS & CULTURE (Small Band) - “CONQUEST OF THE CARIBBEAN”
7. WASHINGTON RAMPAGE (Small Band) - “D’ MASK BALL”
8. CARIBE, INC. (Large Band) - “QUEST FOR GOLD”
9. PANISHA (Small Band) - “VICES & VIRTUES”
10. BASEMENT KNOKER’S ENTER. (Large Band) - “DAMAGE CONTROL”
11. DE ISLAND MASQUERADERS (Small Band) - “OUT OF AFRICA”
12. AFRI CARNIVAL (Large Band) - “AFRICA’S GREATEST LOVE AFFAIR”
13. FAMILY AND FRIENDS (Small Band) - “SAFARI, SOMETHING WILD“
14. ICE CARNIVAL (Large Band) -“A TRIBUTE TO DANCE”
15. TRINI NITE LITERS (Small Band) - “PARTY TIME”
16. RASCALZ (Large Band) - “ANGELS & JUMBIES”
17. GRENADA JAB JAB (Small Band) - “FREEDOM DAY”
18. HAITIAN SENSATION ASSCOC (Large Band) - “REFRECHI” LIVE HAITIAN BAND”
19. GARAGE BOYZ (Large Band) - “MUD JUMBIES”
20. PAN MASTERS (Steel Band) - “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN”
21. TRINI PAN AMERICA (Steel Band)
22. DC PAN JAMMERS (Steel Band) - “FANCY SAILOR”

DC Mas Band Links:
AFRI Carnival
Caribe
De Island Masqueraders
De Garage Boyz
I.C.E. Entertainment
Jackie & Assoc.
Rascalz
Shortmus Productions
Washington Rampage

Jamaal Magloire's Toronto Revellers registering record numbers for CARIBANA™ 2K7

Friday June 15th, 2007 - As the season draws near, Jamaal Magloire's CARIBANA™ presentation 'Viva Las Vegas' is seemly becoming a crowd favorite for 2007. Over the weekend, the Toronto Revellers Mas Band had reportedly over 600 registered masqueraders already signed up. That's almost double the numbers from last year, according to Jamaal.

Of the seven costume sections available, four are now sold out (Sin City, Casino Royale, Wedding Blitz & Showtime). The exceptional response is of no surprise to the CARIBANA™ sophomore's. The Revellers suprisingly placed a respectable 5th place at the CARIBANA™ competition in their inaugural year for 2006. In 2007, Jamaal Magloire has his eyes set on winning the big prize (Band of the Year).

Magloire credits much of this year's success to a new supporting cast which not only incorporates fresh young designers, but also includes key figures from the entertainment industry. The 2007 Toronto Revellers are joined by Caribbean Vibrations (OMNI TV program), Ian Andre Espinet (IAE Entertainment) and FLOW radio personality Dr JAY (SocaTherapy.com).

For more information about Jamaal Magoire's Toronto Revellers and to register with the band visit http://www.torontorevellers.com/.


Showtime (SOLD OUT)

Sin City (SOLD OUT)

Casino Royale (SOLD OUT)

Wedding Blitz (SOLD OUT)

Fan Dancer

Show Me The Money

Stardust

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_toronto_revellers_record_numbers.htm

Toronto-Lime.com latest Photos (Jun '07 - wk 2)

2007 Rogers DJ Stylus Awards (Jun 4 '07)
www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/fetes/2007/070604_stylus_dj_awards

Borokeete 2K7 Band Launch (Jun 8 '07)
www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/carnival/2007/070608_borokeete_launch

Tampa Bay Ultra Fete (Jun 9 '07)
www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/fetes/2007/070609_tampa_bay_ultra_fete

Mas Toronto 2K7 Launch (Jun 9 '07)
www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/carnival/2007/070609_mas_toronto_launch

Tampa Carnival 2K7 (Jun 10 '07)
www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/carnival/2007/070610_tampa_bay_carnival

Carnivalissima (Jun 10 '07)
www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/fetes/2007/070610_carmivalissima/index.htm

CARIBANA™ adds Machel, Destra, Ne-Yo & Sean Paul to festival programming

Monday June 4th, 2007 -- In a press conference held at the Westin Harbor Castle Hotel earlier today, the CARIBANA™ festival management committee announced the expansion of the festivities from a two-week to a five-week celebration, in commemoration of the festival's 40th year. Several new initiatives have been added to the 2007 programming, including CARNIVALISSIMA, CARIBANA™ Village, CARIBANA™ After Parade Bash, CARIBANA™ Imagine Music Festival, a T-Shirt design contest and a singing contest (CARIBANA™ Star).

The newly added 'CARIBANA™ After Parade Bash' will feature Machel Montano HD in concert at Lamport Stadium (Sat Aug 4) and the 'CARIBANA™ Imagine Music Festival' (Sun Aug 5) will headline with Jamaican superstar 'Sean Paul', RnB star 'Ne-Yo' and Soca diva 'Destra Garcia'. (See below for the updated schedule of events for CARIBANA™ 2007)

For more
information on the festival, contests, press releases, etc, go to http://www.caribanafestival.com/.

CARIBANA™ 2007 OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday June 8 - Sunday June 10, 2007
Carnivalissima
Harbourfront Centre
Luminato month long event closing at Harbourfront.

Tuesday July 10, 2007
Official Launch
Nathan Phillips Square (noon-2pm)
The official ceremony launches the activities for the 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 next two weeks.

Saturday July 21, 2007
Junior Carnival
Yorkgate Mall
Junior Carnival provides festival goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the trills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their earlier festival years.

Sunday July 22, 2007
Arts & Cultural Community Festival
Albert Campbell Square, Scarborough (noon-7pm)
This event will highlight the various cultures of all of the caribbean people. It will include a food competition, Theatrical drama and story telling.

Tuesday July 24 - Sunday August 12, 2007
Art Exhibition
The Blue Dot Gallery
A visual Art Exhibition "COLOURblind! International" produced by 'The Association of African Canadian Artists' - over 60 orinigal paintings and sculptures that have been influenced by the diversity of a people.
Gallery Hours: Mon to Fri 11am-7pm Sat 10am-6pm Sun noon-5pm
Opening Reception - July 26 (5:30pm-9pm)

Saturday July 28, 2007
Calyspo Monarch Finals
Toronto Centre for the Arts (8pm-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 you seat and get you moving.

Wednesday August 1 - Sunday August 5, 2007
CARIBANA™ Village
Ontario Place (noon-7pm)
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of CARIBANA™ and 200 years of the bolition of the African Slave trade, CARIBANA™ Village will highlight our liberation through song, music, dance, drama, comedy, art, craft, clothing and food. The island vibe will generate delectable aroma, pulsating beats and vibrant colours to warm up Lake Ontario at the Vista Courtyard and Festival Square inside Ontario Place.
~ Wed Aug 1 - Opening Night - "From Then until now - LIBERATION"
~ Thu Aug 2 - Music Village
~ Fri Aug 3 - Dance Village
~ Sat Aug 4 - CARIBANA™ PARADE
~ Sun Aug 5 - Las Lap Comedy Village

Thursday August 2, 2007
King & Queen
Lamport Stadium (7pm-modnight)
On the Thursday night before Caribana Day all the kings and queens of the bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting oh and ahs from the audience. It is an honour for any reveller to be enthroned the king or queen of his or her band. The kings and queens 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."

Friday August 3, 2007
Pan Alive
Lamport Stadium (7pm-modnight)
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 best opportunity to hear this wonderfull instrument in all its glory.Devoted entirly to the capturing rythms of the steelpan.

Friday August 3, 2007
Caribana Ball
Fairmont Royal York (8pm-1am)
An evening of style, glamour and pomp, celebrating Caribana 40th anniversity.

Saturday August 4, 2007
Parade
Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Blvd (10am-6pm)
This showcase events features an incredible display of colours and pageantry along a 3.6 kilometre parade route on Lakeshore Blvd.

Saturday August 4, 2007
Machel Montano HD in Concert
Lamport Stadium (7pm-modnight)
Join Machel Montano and a host of
other artists for a CARIBANA™ after parade bash at lamport Stadium.

Sunday August 5, 2007
Imagine Music Festival
Molson Amphitheatre (6pm-11pm)
Sean Paul celebrates 40 years of CARIBANA™ in Toronto! Join Sean Paul, Destra Garcia, Ne-Yo and others at the Molson Amphitheatre, as they put on a CARIBANA™ celebration that is Bigger and Better than ever!.

Thursday August 9 - Sunday 12, 2007
And the "Beat" continues - JAZZ
Distillery District
Jazz extension to the traditional carnival type events. The event will be held the week after Caribana in conjunction with the Nu Jazz Society and featuring the vibes of Contemporary, Latin, Brazilian, Indo, African, Blues, Beebop and Hip Hop Jazz.

The 'BIG TOP' expected to be the 'main event' at the 2007 CARIBANA parade as CARNIVAL NATIONZ jumps ahead of the pack

Hundreds lined up outside the CARNIVAL NATIONZ Mas Camp on opening day

Monday June 4th, 2007 -- As expected, a swarm of patrons lined up outside the CARNIVAL NATIONZ Mas Camp on Saturday afternoon to get first dibs on costumes by the CARIBANA favorites. Within hours of opening their doors to the public, three sections were sold out ('Aerialists', 'Cotton Candy', and 'Lion Tamers'), plus two others ('Acrobats', 'Jugglers') are also expected to be at peak over the next few days. Anticipating an early rush, the CARNIVAL NATIONZ crew was well prepared and signed up over 700 masqueraders by the days end.

According to committee member (Bryce Aguiton), several steps have been taken to improve the level of customer service, including the implementation of a custom registration software program and a new state-of-art website. The 2007 website will incorporate full flash animation and creative digital photography, along with a virtual 360° view of each costume (a feature never before seen amongst Carnival websites). The new website (http://www.carnivalnationz.com/) developed by Dreamscape Interactive is scheduled to launch on June 13.

In addition to receiving an all-inclusive costume package, each CARNIVAL NATIONZ 2007 registrant is entered into a draw to win a 2007 Pontiac Solstice Roadster (www.pontiac.com/solstice) from presenting sponsor FOSTER Pontiac Buick GMC. Also available to members is the 2006 CARNIVAL NATIONZ ON THE ROAD DVD. The 2007 version (currently being recorded) will include clips from the opening day, mas building and out-takes leading up the parade. 2006 DVD's are available for sale at the Mas Camp (533 McNicoll Ave).

For more information on CARNIVAL NATIONZ 2007 presentation "THE BIG TOP", call 416-676-6504 or visit the Mas Camp at 533 McNicoll Ave (just West of Victoria Park). Registration is available daily and Camp hours are from 7pm-10pm on weekdays and 2pm-6pm on weekends.

About CARNIVAL NATIONZ
Bandleaders Bryce Aguiton, Dwayne Pitt, Curtis Eustace and Marcus Eustace first introduced their mas band 'CARNIVAL NATIONZ' in 2005 and produced a masquerade band of over 700 participants. The inaugural presentation of CNz Inc. “This is Paradise” created history by being the only band ever to capture the most coveted Caribana award “Band of the Year” in its very first year. The following year, 2006, Carnival Nationz repeated the feat by successfully defended its “Band of the Year” title with a presentation entitled “V… La Copa Mundial” (celebrating the exploits of the SocaWarriors in Germany 2006). By this time the band had swollen to over 1,200 masqueraders.

The founding members of CARNIVAL NATIONZ combined have over 25 years worth of experience in marketing, targeting and promoting events specifically to the diverse and expanding Caribbean community within the GTA. Previously, this group has demonstrated an extensive track record of success in both small scaled ventures such as club based promotions (at such venues as The Docks; and The Guvernment Entertainment Complex), to large scaled projects that attract thousands of patrons, e.g. Unite de Nations (6,000 people annually on Canada Day @ Markham Fair Grounds).

CARNIVAL NATIONZ 2007 PRESENTATION: "THE BIG TOP"
“Ladies and Gentlemen can I have your attention please… we are about to unleashed a feast for your eyes to see… feats so great it will tickle your every fantasy… so hurry take a seat and ‘WELOME TO THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH… THE BIG TOP” shouts the Carnival Nationz ringer master. The magic of the circus instantaneously brings a smile to all our faces. It is one of those events that no matter your age, the thought of acts like: Acrobats; Lion Tamers; Siberian Tigers; Jugglers; Snake Charmers; Sexy Clowns; Aerialists; and Fire Dancers, plus additional attractions such as Cotton Candy, Gypsies and Wild Indians, conjures up images of some far away mythical land or age. But in 2007… the Carnival Nationz circus is very much a reality that is closer and more accessible to all. The spectacle and fun that are integral components of the circus will come alive on the road this Caribana as the Carnival Nationz circus rolls into town.

CARNIVAL NATIONZ 2007 COSTUMES
[Click on thumbnails for larger images]
Photography by PicsByRich.com


1. ACROBAT: In the world of circus the acrobat is the master of agility, balance and coordination. Short bursts of controlled activity with highly impactful skill mesmerizes the crowd and keeps them longing for more. Watch the feats of mind numbing artistry in the Carnival Nationz Big Top.


2. COTTON CANDY: Truly part of the quintessential experience of a visit to the circus, this form of spun sugar is worth every last scintillating drop. Watching it spin to perfection… taste so undeniably sweet… pretty in pink… eat ‘til your heart’s content and your belly burst with confectionary pleasures in the Big Top.

3. SNAKE CHARMER: Danger… beware… step gently and move slowly… the snake is dancing to the hypnotic rhythm of the snake charmer’s musical repertoire. But don’t be fooled by his mellow appearance, the charmer is in full control of this environment. Watch the snake dance the macabre dance… under the Big Top.

4. FIRE DANCER: A trail of flames… heat pulsating through their veins… rhythm as graceful as a ballerina… the fire dancer’s movements are precise… unparalleled by any other performer… the weaver of temporary glowing tapestries of artistic splendor. In the Big Top, the fire dancer ignites the masses and has them begging for more…

5. JUGGLERS: Throw… flip… twist… juggle. The Juggler with hands of glue and nerves of steel can catch your attention as easily as catch any object thrown their way. Their uncanny ability to manipulate balls, bags, knives, fire sticks and more makes these absorbing characters a fan favourite at the Carnival Nationz circus.

6. LION TAMER: The roar of the King freezes all in their stance… every step in the slow canter of the master of all the animal kingdom is watched anticipatingly with captivated eyes. The Lion… the beast is in the house and pay full attention for at any minute he may attack… save for the skills and imposing nature of the bravest man in the Big Top circus… the Lion Tamer. He controls the beast… he is fearless… he is one of the acts that separates the Carnival Nationz circus from the rest.


7. SEXY CLOWNS: Run, trip and fall… jump through hoops… be chased by wild animals… spill drinks and food on unsuspecting patrons…blow balloons into all kinds of unimaginable shapes and figures… the clown’s job is simply to be the master of entertainment. In the Carnival Nationz circus, our sexy clowns will go to all lengths and extremes to ensure that you leave the Big Top in a climactic state of pure euphoria.

8. WILD INDIANS: One of the original circus acts in the early 1900s, the Wild Indian or Circus Indian was both feared and revered. Skits that included chases, bare-back horse riding tricks and simulations of historic showdowns between cowboys and Indians, became staples on every major circus. In the Carnival Nationz Big Top, we have revived the legend of the Wild Indian and restored them to their rightful place among the circus’ most hallowed acts.

9. SIBERIAN TIGER: Though predominantly brown in colour as a species… the rare and elusive white Siberian Tiger is a priceless jewel of the Carnival Nationz circus. Ordinary is discarded… beauty beyond compare… smooth as silk… a seamless montage of white and black that makes this cat one of the most treasured attractions in the Big Top.

10. GYPSY: Palm reading… tarot cards… gaze into my crystal ball and let me tell you your future… but always beware the gypsy!! Foreseer of life’s journey, mystical bender of time and space… the gypsy has long been associated with the circus. These wandering souls of nomadic ancestry, with secrets and powers passed down from generation to generation, have the skills to spellbind you with their prophetic ramblings. In the Big Top, we predict they will be a huge hit.

11. AERIALIST: Defying the laws of gravity… hanging high overhead, these brave individuals balance and ability to maneuver at such heights with spine-tingling precision is frighteningly engrossing. We watch in awe… we breathe heavily with every step and movement… and we gasp at their death defying mid-air dangling tricks centre stage in the Big Top.