WE ENTERTAINMENT - Live on Stage Rockin’ Sydney’s Island

By Carol A. Allen



Nestled in a quiet strip plaza on Dixie Road in Mississauga, Ontario, the popular eatery, Sydney's Island Restaurant now serves up more than just Caribbean cuisine. With the recent launch of Live on Stage, a new bi-monthly showcase of local entertainers, the west side of the city is becoming a musical escape zone from the regular hustle of Toronto's downtown core.
On January 26th, the first event, "Roots. Rock. Reggae," delivered just that, blending an eclectic mix of musical styles. The talents of Juno-nominated Scottish Canadian roots-reggae artist, Jason Wilson, and soft rock band, In Altum, added a distinct flavour in an environment fully equipped for true stage performers.

Incorporated with the smooth reggae-soul vibe of Montreal-born, Singer, Songwriter, and Musician Tréson, backed by the highly accomplished band, Ibadan, one could easily reminisce back to the days when the old Bamboo on Queen Street West would fill that niche.

Tréson, born Trevor Alman, is a co-creator of the event. He has been generating international buzz since the release of his 2006 singles, 'Jen-Ee-Rocka' (Dubmatix Remix), 'Moments', and 'Dirt, Dust and Sand' all received global airplay. "Coming from the reggae aspect, my template is from Bob (Marley) days--real music dealing with social issues. I write music that can relate to more than one culture, so I want to promote quality music for all cultures.”

Teaming up with Toronto-based Spoken Word Artist Al St. Louis was something that just had to be done, because as Tréson notes, “he’s at the top of his game.” No stranger to producing live shows, St. Louis has been performing across the country at various events over the past eight years. His company, When Words Are Spoken, has provided a platform for himself and other artists to grow and establish themselves through live performances.

St. Louis, whose roots are from Grenada, hosted this event while strategically throwing in a few spoken word pieces throughout the show.

"We feel that there is a lot of great talent in the city. We want to exploit that and give exposure to the various talented individuals to help build Sydney's Island," notes St. Louis. "We're opening the stage to all forms of artistic expression, poetry and musicians."

Over the next year, Live on Stage will promote a different theme for each show with plans to incorporate latin soca, an international artist open mic as well as a continuous blend of various sounds. The shows will be recorded on video to be later edited and distributed for sale.
Tréson emphasizes, “Opportunities are here. Canada is relatively undiscovered. The modern artist has to be committed and independent at the same time."

The next Live on Stage showcase titled, "The Love of Music," takes place on Saturday, March 29 at 9:00pm. Artists performing will include: Noni, Christopher Charles, Toni Anderson, Tréson and Al St. Louis. Comedian Jay Martin will host the show.

Dinner is available and $15 Advance tickets will be on sale the first week of March by calling 416 629 4079 or pay $25 at the door.

For more information you can visit:
http://www.sydneysisland.com/; http://www.myspace.com/tresonmusic and http://www.whenwordsarespoken.com/.

WE ENTERTAINMENT - Jokes! Drama! Action!--Comedy Show Prepares Nubian Disciples For the Big Stage!

by Carol A. Allen

In the heart of downtown Toronto's Entertainment District, the last Sunday night of the month at Yuk Yuk's has been the home to the Nubian Disciples of Pryor All-Black Comedy Revue, a popular stomping ground for young, entertaining Black comedians.
The event, founded over 12 years ago by Host, Actor and Comedian, Kenny Robinson, continues to be one of the most popular outings in the city's entertainment scene. It has given many comedians a platform to hone their talents and create an outlet to express themselves in front of a diverse audience.

The Nubian Disciples of Pryor, a name given to the comedians who have performed at the revue, is a dedication to the late Richard Pryor, one of Robinson's major comedic influences. Pryor was well known for his take on racism, issues affecting the Black community and his use of colourful language. He is said to have influenced other internationally known comedians such as Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and Eddie Murphy. Pryor died of cardiac arrest in December, 2005 at the age of 65.

Robinson, who turned 50 in early January, has been active on the North American comedy circuit since moving from his native Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Toronto in 1983. He has spent half of his life in an industry where many entertainers struggle to survive and get noticed and continues to promote opportunities for new and established comedians of colour.
Aside from creating the highly successful Nubian Disciples night, his other major accomplishments include: After Hours with Kenny Robinson on the Comedy Network, which he created, wrote and hosted; Gemini-award nominated, Thick and Thin which he created and co-produced, plus he has done several series, television movies and a variety of comedy festivals
Yuk Yuk's is Canada's largest chain of comedy clubs. Howie Mandel, Jim Carrey and Russell Peters, who recently moved to Hollywood to develop a sit-com, are just a few successful Canadian-born comedians that have graced Yuk Yuk’s stages and continue to expose and influence Toronto’s talent.

Playwright, Producer and Actress, Trey Anthony, who often portrayed one of her Jamaican characters on stage at the revue, used that character as the lead role in her stage play, 'Da Kink in My Hair.' Launched at Toronto's Fringe Festival in 2001, it went on to sell out at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre and became the first Canadian play shown at the historic Princess of Wales Theatre. It’s been adapted for television as a weekly series now airing on Global Television.
Mark Trinidad, who was the first Canadian Comedian to perform on BET's Comic View in 2003 and Jean Paul, whose career began as a Nubian Disciple, have been featured on the Nubian stage on many occasions. Both draw on their Trinidadian culture in their routines. Ugandan-born Arthur Simeon is a regular performer who often jokes about his African roots.
The revue has attracted many American-based comedians and celebrities. And, with a line-up of some of the funniest people in the business, be prepared for an evening of guaranteed laughter.

For more information on the event, visit: http://www.yukyuks.com/.

WE ENTERTAINMENT – Aroni Awards Inspiring Youth

By Carol A. Allen


The Manifesto Organization received the Culture Award present by Divine Brown, Starting from Scratch and Tricky Moreira

An evening of inspiration filled Ontario Place's Atlantis Pavilion on Sunday, December 9th, as a diverse group of young people were recognized at the 2nd Annual Aroni Awards Gala.
The gala is named after the late Aron Y. Haile, a jazz-loving free-spirited Software Developer. He died tragically in a bus crash on December, 2003 while on vacation in his hometown Eritrea, East Africa, just days short of his 30th birthday.

Last year, Haile’s dream of having an awards ceremony inspiring Black youth to strive to achieve their goals, became reality. Brother Mesfun and sisters Helen and Lia, along with Harmony Movement, volunteers and sponsors, created a very successful inaugural awards ceremony.

Returning Host and Canadian Idol judge, Farley Flex, co-hosted with actress Elle Downs
A silent auction preceded the show which opened with a dynamic drum and dance performance by Ngoma. Vocalist Andrea Henry, Poet Boonaa Mohammed, Pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Comedian, Jay Martin and Canadian Idol finalist Matt Rapley also entertained the audience.
Spoken Word Artist, Dwayne Morgan, performed a piece dedicated to Keegan Allen, who was senselessly shot in the head at a dance competition on Thanksgiving Day. He died one day later in hospital from his injuries.

Allen, an outgoing 18-year old, who loved to dance, was posthumously recognized with an “Inspire" Award for his eight-year involvement as a youth volunteer with Tropicana Community Services.

Zaqiya Tafari accepted an Aroni Image Award for Entrepreneurship. The 25-year old graphic designer, started his own company despite being a former gang member and high-school dropout. He turned his life around by volunteering with various organizations.
On receiving his award, Tafari stated, "It's a wonderful achievement because young people don't always get recognized. A lot of them are misguided, don't have role models and easily get involved in the wrong activities. I was one of them, but when I got into trouble and realized the impact it had on my family, I decided that I had to make some changes in my life."
He added, "we are more than just athletes and entertainment--we need to see more people in health and sciences. We have the power to empower ourselves."

Danavan Samuels, a Youth Advocate for more than 20 years, organizes the Toronto Urban Music Festival and the Irie Music Festival, which he co-founded. His award for ‘Community’ was presented by Cabinet Minister of Health Promotions, the Hon. Margarett R. Best.
The Manifesto Organization was awarded for promoting culture through their newly-launched four-day Urban Music and Arts Festival held in Toronto this past September.
Luwam Thomas, a bandleader, dancer and keyboard player received the Arts award and an award for ‘Sports’ was presented to Danny Fee, a member of several community sports initiatives.

Three $1500 Education Bursaries were given to Agapi Gessesse, Babakayode Fatoba and Fanieal Abraha pursuing studies in law, medicine and social work respectivelyConcerned that this event would be a "one hit wonder," Mesfun Haile was pleased with the turnout and anticipates that this will encourage people to continue to provide opportunities to acknowledge the youth.

WE ENTERTAINMENT - Upcoming Events in December

Saturday December 1st, 2007

WHEN WORDS ARE SPOKEN
@ Cervejaria Restaurant & Lounge - 842 College St W, Toronto, ON
Info: 416.629.4079 info@whenwordsarespoken.com

SOCA UNDER DE MISTLETOE
@ Embers Banquet Hall - 781 Warden Ave, Scarborough, ON
Info: 416.871.9650 Set.Ent@gmail.com

COLLIE BUDDZ LIVE
@ 77 Nightclub - 77 King William St, Hamilton, ON
Info: 416.723.0740 http://www.paradise2demax.com/

THE SAGITTARIUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
@ Island Mix Lounge - 1050 Brock Rd, Pickering, ON
Info: 416-245-6411 dmarxman@rogers.com

TARRUS RILEY LIVE
@ The Jamaican Canadian Assoc. - 995 Arrow Rd, Toronto, ON
Info: 416-841-8326 http://www.actionpromo.ca/

AFROFUNK
@ Libra Lounge - 391 King Street West, Toronto, ON
Info: 416.420.2627

West Indian Vibez
@ Zoom Nite Spot - 2829 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough, ON
Info: 416-884-8425 416-723-0740

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Friday December 7th, 2007

RETRO 1 Year Anniversary
@ Kool Haus - 132 Queens Quay E
Info: 416-994-9850

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December 7th-9th, 2007
THE TORONTO MOTORCYCLE SHOW
@ Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Hall) - 222 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
http://www.torontomotorcycleshow.com/

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Saturday December 8th, 2007

JINGLE JAM 3 - ft Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts & More
@ The Docks - 11 Polson St
Info: 416-833-5374 cvr_entertainment@yahoo.ca

OVERDOSE
@ Trilogy Nightclub - 83 Kennedy Rd (Brampton, ON)
Info: 647-205-3953

THE 4TH ANNUAL UNION CHRISTMAS PARTY
@ UNION NIGHTCLUB – 240 Richmond St. W
Info: http://www.jusblaize.com/ VIP@JusBlaize.com 416.451.6016

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Friday December 14th, 2007

SOUL KITCHEN 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY - ft. Glenn Lewis
Venue TBA
Info: 416-378-3278

IT'S MADDNESS
@ TRILOGY NIGHT CLUB - 83 Kennedy Rd S, Brampton, ON
Info: 416-828-6898

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Saturday December 15th, 2006

THE 4TH ANNUAL SOCA SUMMIT - D'ENFORCAS ANNIVERSARY PARTY
@ PALAZZO Entertainment Complex - 99 Peelar Rd. (Jane & 407)
Info: 416-220-4702

CARIBBEAN PARANG SOCA LIME
@ Embers Banquet Hall - 781 Warden Ave, Scarborough, ON
Info: 647-297-1744

THE 2ND ANNUAL REAL TRINI XMAS DINNER & DANCE
@ Northern Tropics - 880 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON
Info: 416-676-0074

TEMPTED TO TOUCH - FT RUPEE LIVE
@ Big Sexy Nightclub - 39 King St, Oshawa, ON
Info: 416.833.5374

MUSIC IS MY LIFE
@ The Great Iron Pot - 55 Nugget Ave, Toronto, ON
Info: http://www.startingfromscratch.com/ http://www.11thhourent.com/

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Friday December 21st, 2007

AMNESIA CHRISTMAS EDITION
Venue TBA
Info: 416-378-3278

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Saturday December 22nd 2007

THE 3RD ANNUAL CELL CHECK
@ Palazzo Entertainment Complex - 99 Peelar Rd @ Jane
Info: www.myspace.com/djsocasweetness 416-806-3383

TRIBAL KNIGHTS XMAS PARTY
@ The Great Iron Pot - 55 Nugget Ave
Info: 416-893-1867

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Tuesday December 25th, 2007

DR JAY DE SOCA SANTA
@ Island Mix Lounge - 1050 Brock Rd, Pickering, ON
Info: http://www.kos.com/

BLACK CAKE AND RUM
@ Metro Lounge - 296 Richmond St W
Info: 416-500-7464 647-341-7990

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Wednesday December 26th, 2007 (Boxing Day)

WINTERFEST ft Tre Songz, Mario and Omarion
@ Massey Hall - Downtown Toronto.
Info: 416-994-9850

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Monday December 31st, 2007 (New Year's Eve)

FANTASY
@ Palazzo Nightclub - 99 Peelar Rd
Info: 416-854-1306 416-999-3999

DREAM Glamour & Glitz
@ Double Tree Int'l Plaza Hotel - 655 Dixon Road , Etobicoke , ON
Info: http://www.soulshock.com/

LUSCIOUS - New Year Eve
@ Afterlife Nightclub - 250 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON
Info: http://www.soulshock.com/

TH 7TH ANNUAL 'STROKE OF MIDNIGHT'
@ Fortress North - 90 Nolan Court, Markham, ON
Info: 416-806-3383 www.myspace.com/djsocasweetness

THE BARON NEW YEARS EVE BALL
@ Lion Gate Lounge - 1957 Kennedy Rd @ Progress, Scarborough, ON
Info: 416-833-5374 cvr_entertainment@yahoo.ca

NEW YEARS EVE CLASS AFFIAR
@ Atlantis - 955 Lakeshore Blvd WInfo: 416-378-3278

WE ENTERTAINMENT - Inaugural Caribbean Tourism Pageant Gives Industry a Beauty Boost!

by Carol A. Allen



On Saturday, November 17, eleven beautiful young ladies representing various tropical destinations competed in the First Annual Miss Caribbean Tourism Pageant.

Presented by Niagara, Ontario based Kool Katts Caribbean Restaurant, the show was held at the Toronto Botanical Garden located at the popular Edwards Gardens site. Opening ceremonies began with a performance by Gospel Pannist, Winston Dayal and a colourful parade of flags.

The contestants represented the following hotspots: Antigua & Barbuda; Barbados; Cayman Islands; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; and Trinidad & Tobago.

Ranging in ages from 18-26, the contestants practiced for several months leading up to pageant night. For many of them, it was their first pageant experience.

A lifelong dream come true for Founder, CEO and Executive Director, Heather Christian-Simmonds, this pageant focuses on offering young women scholarships to further their professional and educational goals, while giving them an opportunity to act as ambassadors and promote the beauty of the Caribbean.

The contestants first introduced themselves to the audience wearing black tank tops and white shorts. Next, they appeared in cultural costumes reflective of their heritage. They spoke about the person who they considered to be their own cultural icon and their favourite places to visit in their homeland.

Most of the young ladies expressed that participating in the Miss Caribbean Tourism Pageant gave them a chance to learn about other islands, while expanding their knowledge of their own culture. They also felt that it would allow them to gain experience, improve their self-confidence and communication skills, allow them to become role models to other young women and give them opportunities to network within the community.

The beachwear segment gave the contestants a chance to display their well-maintained physiques, while the evening gown competition showed their elegance, grace and personal style.

The top five finalists where then chosen with Charity Lyons (St. Lucia); Semica Pascal (Grenada); Kimi Iola Holloway (Antigua & Barbuda); Simone Skinner (Barbados) and Falesha Raquel (Jamaica) vying for the Miss Caribbean Tourism title with just one final question to answer.

As the judges deliberated, Toronto-based recording artist, Glen Ricketts, serenaded the ladies.

This very tight race had a climatic and surprise ending with Antigua & Barbuda's representative, Holloway, taking the second runner-up title, and an unexpected tie for first runner-up between Pascal (Grenada) and Lyons (St. Lucia).

In the end, Falecia Raquel (Jamaica), whose presence and articulation stood out through the competition, was crowned the First Miss Caribbean Tourism. The 20 year-old Dance Instructor, will receive a $1000 scholarship sponsored by Lasco Foods Jamaica, a trip to the Caribbean courtesy of Air Jamaica, plus other special gifts.

Semica Pascal, an 18 year-old college student and Charity Lyons, a 21 year-old Personal Support Worker, will share the $500 Clorice Burrel-Christian Scholarship in honour of the pageant founder's mother who was in attendance. Second-runner up, Kimi Iola Holloway, will receive the $500 Alwyn Barry Scholarship.

Heather Christian-Simmonds is an active Jamaican-born volunteer and has spent many years working in the modelling, beauty and entertainment industry. Her passion for assisting in the development of the Caribbean community paid off with the tremendous positive feedback and outpouring of support for this show which she was able to pull off with a limited budget and the generous support of sponsors. She indicated that she is "grateful to all of the participants, judges, volunteers and everyone who contributed to making this first year a tremendous success."

For more information regarding the Miss Caribbean Tourism Pageant, visit the site at: http://www.misscaribbeantourism.com.

WE ENTERTAINMENT - Soul Sessions: Grooving Deep Down in Your Soul

by Carol Allen

For the past year, every other month on a Friday evening, a trendy Queen Street West hotspot in Toronto known as the Drake Hotel becomes a haven for an uplifting and positive event called Soul Sessions. The event unites some of Toronto's best vocalists who perform classic soul tracks of the 1960's, 70's, 80's and 90's.

A sampling of the artists who have been covered at the event includes: Prince, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, The Jacksons, Diana Ross, The Supremes, Al Green, Lenny Williams Tina Turner, Stephanie Mills, etc.

Founder, promoter, and host, Andrae Ennis (also known as “D.C”), is a 2002 Graduate of Centennial College's Business and Marketing program and former member of the 1990's Toronto-based R&B group 95C. He created Soul Sessions on the premise that "music used to be a certain way...it used to move you, the lyrics were deep and even today if you hear an old song it still moves us."

Ennis, who was born in Toronto to Jamaican parents and sang in the church from the age of seven, says that Soul Sessions came to him in a dream. He chose the name because "everyone has a soul and there is no colour, no race, no creed...all you think about is the music when you are there at my show and how it moves your soul." After a number of shows he found that only one or two performances would stand out and not everyone was into it, so he decided to create an event that would "encompass people who are from all eras, so when they get into the music, they really get into it. They don't think of anything or anyone else around, or any other problems they may have."

Soul Sessions format begins with a one and a half hour warm-up called Soul Case--one band, one mic, one performer and the audience in the upstairs lounge of the Drake Hotel. Then, the event moves to the lower part of the Drake called, The Underground, featuring artists performing a showcase of older songs. Ennis says that 50 percent of the music for the show comes from audience and email requests, while the other half are his suggestions and those of other performers.

It takes about two to three weeks with a couple of rehearsals utilizing rotating bands Music for Life or 88 Keys, to format the showcase. Event Co-ordinator, Keisha Whylie, plays a big role in keeping everything together, before and during the shows.
If number and variety of those who attend are any measure, Soul Sessions is undoubtedly one of Toronto’s leading outlets for artists. On any evening you are likely to meet entertainment industry managers, musicians, to those just looking for something different from the regular party scene.

The most recent showcase on October 12th featured an all-female line-up of Canadian performers like Amoy Levy, Toya Alexis, Kim Davis, Lorraine Reid and Patricia Shirley, who is currently signed to an Atlanta-based label, DJ Melboogie, host of "Droppin' Dimez," Canada's only all-female hip hop radio show on community radio station CKLN 88.1.

In 2008, you can look forward to Rock Sessions, Jazz Sessions, and Millenium Sessions, celebrating Canadian talent. They promise bring the same good vibes as Soul Sessions, and will also honour amazing artists who currently shape our music.

The next Soul Sessions, will be a Christmas Special in December at the Drake Hotel, located at 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto.

For more information about Soul Sessions, visit the site and join the mailing list at http://www.soulsessionsent.ca/.

WE Entertainment - Virgo's "Poor Boy's Game" enriches TIFF

by Carol A. Allen


Torrential downpours usually tend to play havoc on scheduled events, but on the evening of Tuesday, September 18th, Jamaican-born Director, Writer and Producer, Clément Virgo, wasn’t going to let anything rain on his parade.

With his newest Canadian feature film, Poor Boy’s Game, making its North American Debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) earlier that day, the after party was just the icing on the cake.

The guest-list only event was held inside the Manyata Courtyard Café, one of Yorkville’s hidden gems, located in Toronto’s luxurious Hazelton Lanes district.

With a lavish set-up equipped to entertain hundreds of guests, this world-class establishment attracted many industry personnel including film critics, directors, producers, photographers and, of course, the stars and contributors to the film. For certain, amongst all of the other receptions, dinners and parties during TIFF’s 10-day run, this party stood out as the premiere party celebrating the achievements of people of Canadian and Caribbean heritage.

Poor Boy’s Game is a racially-charged boxing drama that was filmed and set in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Virgo co-wrote the film with up-and-coming Nova Scotian Writer/Director, Chaz Thorne.

The All-Star line-up of Actors includes: Danny Glover, known for his roles in Lethal Weapon and The Color Purple; The Young and the Restless star Tonya Lee Williams who plays Dr. Olivia B. Winters on the daytime soap drama; Flex Alexander who stars in the series One on One; Rossif Sutherland who had a re-occurring role on the hit TV drama ER; Laura Regan, a Halifax native, who played Jessica Lynch in the 2003 film Saving Jessica Lynch; Greg Bryk, who has made appearances in television shows Relic Hunter and 1-800-missing and rising star K.C. Collins whose previous work includes Soul Food and Blue Murder.

The story reveals the struggles and tension after Sutherland’s character, “Donnie Rose” goes to jail at the age of 17 and is released nine years later after committing a violent crime against K.C. Collins’ character, “Charles Carvery.”

With most of the cast members in attendance, guests had the opportunity to meet, mingle and take photographs with the film’s stars. Danny Glover and Tonya Lee Williams, who play husband and wife “George and Ruth Carvery,” were seen posing for pictures, speaking to guests and nibbling on scrumptious hors d’oeuvres. Glover, an avid Activist, has been in Toronto filming Blindness and also stars in the film, Honeydripper, which premiered at TIFF the previous night.

Actor and Hip-Hop Pioneer, Wesley “Maestro” Williams treated the guests to an energetic performance of his classic hip-hop anthem, “Let Your Backbone Slide.” Released in 1989, the single still remains the best-selling Canadian hip hop track to date. The Guyanese-born, Scarborough, Ontario-raised artist got married this summer, and now resides in Vancouver, B.C. with his wife. He is also featured in Poor Boy’s Game and is currently in Toronto filming scenes for the CTV show, Instant Star.

Emmy-award winning Canadian Actor Donald Sutherland, was there to celebrate his son, Rossif’s accomplishments. Donald’s stars in a television family drama titled Dirty Sexy Money, debuting this fall on ABC.

Actor, Stunt Co-ordinator and Stuntman, Roy T. Anderson, flew in from the U.S. just for the day for the film’s premiere and party. In addition to co-ordinating the boxing scenes for this film, he also acted as the Second Unit Director. Anderson has worked on previous Clément Virgo films including the Genie-nominated and 2001 Urbanworld Film Festival Special Jury Prize winning film, Love Come Down, and Rude which won a Best Canadian Feature Film - Special Jury Citation in 1995’s Toronto International Film Festival.

Poor Boy’s Game is scheduled to be released in theatres on October 5, 2007

WE Entertainment - It’s Reigning Men! – The Sizzling Showdown Promoting Positive Images of Caribbean Canadian Males

By Carol A. Allen



What do you get when you put a few hundred screaming women in a room with 10 of the hottest men representing the Caribbean? Pandemonium! And, it all resulted from one of the year’s most anticipated male-focused events, Mr. Caribbean Canada 2007.

The 11th annual event took place on Sunday, August 19th at the Shrine Banquet Hall located in Toronto’s west end. The contest aims “to promote positive images of men from different Caribbean backgrounds.” The contestants represented some of the most exotic vacation spots including: Jamaica; Trinidad and Tobago; Costa Rica; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Antigua and Barbuda; Puerto Rico and Barbados.

Their charm, distinctive personalities and eye-catching physiques, kept the ladies in a frenzy throughout the evening as the men competed in African wear, swimwear and formal wear categories.

But, this competition wasn’t just about good looks and great bodies. The contestants were cut from 10 to five after the formal wear segment. Thus, leaving the finalists Ryan Goddard, Lee Bascombe, David McFarlane, Marlon Daley and Fitzroy Feare, vying to become the new Mr. Caribbean Canada with just one thought-provoking question left to for them to answer.

Each contestant was asked what he felt is one of the greatest challenges facing the Caribbean Canadian community and what he would do to offer suggestions to its resolution.

In order to prevent the contestants from hearing each others responses, they were ushered off the stage and taken to a private area as they responded one by one.

Goddard, a Mechanic representing Barbados, answered that a lack of respect was a challenge and said that “as a community we have to teach these children respect.”

Bascombe, a Financial Credit Manager, of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, took a different approach and felt that educating the people about proper nutrition and eating habits was important.

McFarlane, a Telecommunications Analyst, felt that there is a lack of unity and many challenges to unify our people. He commented that “increasing positive energy, supporting and participating in events such as Mr. Caribbean Canada and volunteering” is the key.

Daley, a Mortgage Specialist, responded that the youth are a great challenge and as a community we need to “focus and spend more time on them.”

Feare, who aspires to become a Research Scientist, was very passionate in his response. He believed that “a lack of communication within families is a huge challenge facing the Caribbean Canadian community today--especially those who are growing up without dads. I am one of those youths.” Adding, “I would be proud to represent the Caribbean Canadian men and set a good example.”

McFarlane, Daley and Feare all represented the Island of Jamaica.

Although Feare didn’t win this year’s title, he captured the Second Runner-up prize.
First Runner-up honours went to David McFarlane, while Ryan Goddard emerged as not only the new Mr. Caribbean Canada, but also shared an award for Most Reliable with fellow contestant, Morlon Joseph of Antigua and Barbuda. Lee Bascombe’s defined frame earned him the “Best Physique” award. These awards were presented by the CEO/ Producer of the competition, Dave Smith.

Judges included: Karen Richardson; Rachael-Lea Rickards; Sandra Witter; Scott Mullin and Kasey Best.

Siblings, Nicole and Dwayne Morgan, hosted the show which featured performances by Comedian Jay Martin and urban dance group, Next Level.

First-place prizes include a one-year fitness membership, suits from Andrew’s Formals and massage treatments courtesy of the Chakra Spa. Ryan Goddard will also compete in the Mr. Caribbean International event being held from October 1st to 8th at the new Hedonism III resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica.

For information on how you can join the group for a getaway or to find out how to compete in next year’s event, call (416) 568-5365 or visit the site http://www.mrcaribbeaninternational.com

WE Entertainment - Multi-Cultural Festivals in Full Swing in T.O.

by Carol A. Allen


(Photo by Mariamma Kambon)

The summer has barely begun, but right across the city the Toronto Festival season is in full swing.

This year marked the launch of the inaugural 10-day Luminato Festival of Arts and Creativity. The opening ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum on June 2, included the unveiling of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, dedicated to the 56-year old Jamaican-born billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist who in 2003 donated $30 million dollars to the Museum. The new wing of the museum showcases seven collection galleries on four floors, two exhibition spaces, new retail and dining facilities as well as a new main entrance.

The final weekend of Luminato ran in mid-June and featured performances with Carnival themes from Latin America, the Caribbean, Rio, Asia, New Orleans and Canada. Carnivalissima, a component of Luminato, featured dance, art, music, and international cuisine and took place at Harbourfront Centre.

International calypso sensation, Machel Montano, closed out the festival as part of the Afro-Caribbean day festivities with an incredible one and a half hour free showcase. Trinidadian-born Montano, sang tracks from his new album titled Machel Montano HD and returns to Toronto for a performance during the upcoming Caribana weekend.

The annual Barbados on the Water Festival at Harbourfront Centre, which took place in mid-June, heated up the waterfront. The festival featured many different events including rum tasting, comedy and dance performances and showcased several artists who performed earlier this year at the Barbados Jazz festival. These artists included Barbados' own vocalist Marisa Lindsay, Steelpan Artist, David "Ziggy" Walcott, Arturo Tappin and Toronto-based Juno-Award winning producer, songwriter, and pianist, Eddie Bullen. Reggae soca sensation, Biggie Irie, and soca artist Rupee and Nu Jenarashun also performed.

Afrofest, was held at Queen's Park in mid-July and explored two days of African music and events showcasing the diverse African communities and culture in Toronto with an African marketplace.

The 40th anniversary of Caribana is in full gear, and this year the annual jump-up is extended from three weeks to five. Caribana, labelled as North America's largest street festival, combines the arts, culture and food of the Caribbean. The official launch was held at Nathan Phillips Square on July 10th and attended by Mayor David Miller, members of the Caribana festival committee and local politicians. The five weeks will include performances in various locations of the city incorporating steel pan to calypso to even a jazz component after the August 4th parade. A new addition to Caribana this year is the Imagine Music Festival, taking place on August 5th featuring Reggae Dancehall Artist Sean Paul, Calypso Artist Destra and R&B Soul Singer, Ne-Yo.

The 6th Annual Irie Music Festival takes place from August 3 to August 6 with events spread out between Ontario Place, Nathan Phillips Square and Queen's Park. Opening night at Ontario Place will feature the rich sounds of Reggae Artists Freddie MacGregor, Richie Stephens and Comfort. Saturday night’s free showcase brings three rising Canadian Artists together--Humble, Errol Blackwood and Jah Beng. On Sunday, Nathan Phillips Square explodes with Gospel, courtesy of Rohan "Cowboy" Grant, award-winning singer Jimmy Lee Howard, Freedom to Worship, and acapella group REECH.

Later in the day on Sunday, the Irie Queens showcase takes over Queen's Park, featuring Divine Brown, Donna Makeda and Lizzy Mahashe.

The weekend continues with a "Taste of the Tropics," where local vendors will offer sample sizes of American, African, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Southern foods.

Also on from August 3rd to 6th is the Island Soul Festival at Harbourfront with a performance on the history of Jamaican and Caribbean Dance featuring Baby Boys. Performers will include Calypso Dreams Vintage with Black Stalin, Lord Superior, Singing Sandra, Valentino and Jamaican singer Barrington Levy.

The last weekend in July gets busy with Global Hip Hop: The 4 elements takes place at the Harbourfront Centre and features a mix of soul, jazz, R&B, electronica, rock and funk.

Masala! Mehndi! Masti!, North America's largest South Asian festival, is in it's seventh year and will be held at the Queen Elizabeth building on the CNE grounds. It combines contemporary and traditional South Asian culture with local and international artists.

In late September of this year, the Caribbean Tourism Organization will be launching its first ever Caribbean Week in Toronto. The celebration, which will run from September 26 to 30 at various locations, will open up with a Caribbean Fair at Yonge-Dundas Square on Wednesday, September 26 and include a media marketplace, lifestyle cooking classes and conclude with the First Annual Governments of the Caribbean Gala and Awards Presentations at the very prestigious Liberty Grand building at Exhibition Place.

For more information on Caribbean Week, you can visit: http://www.caribbeanweek.ca
For a full listing of all the Toronto festivals, visit: http://www.toronto.com