Costumes Thus Far...

I haven't been as on the ball this year.

I haven't been too too enthused by any of the costumes yet.

Tribal Knights has some I like (I know a whole argument ensued about who copying who). As a Caribana reveller...I like the Trini influence - for those of us who can't make it to Trinidad for the spectacular and elaborate costumes, this is our closest taste to it. 

Carnival Nationz had a few I liked, but their costumes are just too naked for me this year. I know you can get a tankini options and all that, but it never looks as nice because the tankini tops never get the same effort. And honestly this year I don't feel like running around looking for appliques and stuff to decorate a costume I paid for.

Callaloo...Callaloo...I don't know man. I saw the costumes from the launch on www.toronto-lime.com and it just looks like they weren't ready. The costumes just don't have that nice finished look. The headpieces are really nice but the costumes some of them the colours just don't all match up. It looks like they were behind and rushed the prototypes for the launch. actually VERY surprised that the costumes didn't look up to par because Callaloo usually produces very nice costumes that look of a good standard. So I was very disappointed. But I will wait until they launch the website and professional pictures are up maybe there will be some improvements then. On a positive note though, Callaloo is offering a $99 early bird special if you are apart of the Facebook group. Check it out for more info. $99 is great - we're in a recession and everybody can't afford that $150 for a costume this year.

Fantazia International - their website is up and running with pictures of the costume and the option to register. I must admit I REALLY like the costume entitled "Midnight in Rio". The combo of the black/white/yellow is just nice. The costume is simple, but the details are nice.  If it weren't for the fact that Fantazia is late in the line up I would actually play this costume. It is one of my top picks thus far.

Toronto Revellers - I wasn't wowed by most of the costumes. REALLY LOVED "Pink Pleasure" (pictured below). It was just a beautiful combo of fuchsia and purple. By far Revellers best costume this year. I heard from a reliable source that this section is already SOLD OUT. Again, if it weren't for them being further down in the line up. This is a costume I would actually play in.

PINK PLEASURE

Fantazia International - their website is up and running with pictures of the costume and the option to register. I must admit I REALLY like the costume entitled "Midnight in Rio" (pictured below). The combo of the black/white/yellow is just nice. The costume is simple, but the details are nice.  If it weren't for the fact that Fantazia is late in the line up I would actually play this costume. It is one of my top picks thus far.

MIDNIGHT IN RIO

Tribal Knights 2K9

This blue section is entitled "Humming Bird"

Tribal knights `Birds of Paradise` bandlaunch was this past Saturday. I wasn`t able to attend but I searched the internet for pictures. The pictures posted here are from their facebook page.

I must say from what I have scene I like alot of the costumes. They are reminiscent of Trinidad Carnival, and it gets you excited because you can get a piece of it in Toronto.

They haven't updated their website with pictures and prices yet. But for future reference it is www.tribalknights.com

When I am able to see the professional pictures and get section names I would be able to make a better assessment.

Fantazia International Bandlaunch

Fantazia International - Will Morton (formerly of Toronto Revellers) band launched last weekend. you can view pictures from the launch of the website www.fantaziainternational.net

The costumes are pretty decent. Some are better than others. My only issue is the lack of beads on the waistbands, you're really seeing alot of panty. And I suppose that's following with the Brazilian theme as most of the bottoms are simply bejeweled thongs. But I think for the Canadian public, there is a need for a little more beads.

Also in staying with the whole Brazilian feel we see some caged bras.

The backpacks on the front lines are nice and elaborate, but in the photos the models are positioned as if the backpacks are too heavy.

My favourite costume of the lot, would have to be the white.

My least favourite is the mishmash of colours - the blue, red, yellow etc. The colours just weren't put together in a way that was aesthetically pleasing for me personally.

More band launches to come people...stay tuned!

Apologies in Reference to Last Post entitled "Caribana Fever"

I would like to apologize for the misinformation that was posted earlier in regards to Will Morton designing Kemet. That was incorrect information as was due an upcoming post I was working on where Ian is now in regards to his costumes from lasty getting mixed in with this piece by accident (this is what happens when you try writing multiple posts late at night without more than 24hrs sleep - which is still no excuse for misinformation). I extend my apologies to Will Morton, and his new band as the information was severely incorrect as he has produced some of the top selling sections in all the bands he has been affiliated with in the past.

Again, I extend my apologies for any misinformation that was put out there, and have made all necessary corrections.

Caribana Fever 2009 - EDITED

Updated - I would like to apologize for the misinformation that was posted earlier in regards to Will Morton designing Kemet. That was incorrect information as was due an upcoming post I was working on getting mixed in with this piece by accident (this is what happens when you try writing multiple posts late at night without more than 24hrs sleep). I extend my apologies to Will Morton, and his new band as the information was severely incorrect as he has produced some of the top selling sections in all the bands he has been affiliated with in the past.

In 24hrs I've pretty much hit you with 3 new posts. lol...

Ahhhhhhhhhh...It's Caribana season again!

As winter finally truly ends...the days are longer, warmer and sunnier!

And Caribana fever starts to sink in!

The first bandlaunch of the season is 2wks away! "A Taste of Brazil" by Fantazia International.

I actually am looking forward to see this presentation, simply because Will Morton is the band leader. And he has had much success in previous years bringing out top selling sections in Saldenah when he was affiliated with them, and as well as at Carnival Nationz during his run.

Will Morton has been involved in Mas for some time now - since the late 80's so hopefully he can continue with run of success, and bring together a group of innovative designers that can as a collective create costumes people want to wear.

Can I also point out...that Will is essentially using the same theme as his former band of affiliation. Toronto Revellers theme is "Brazil; Bacchanal in Rio"....and Fantazia's theme is "A Taste of Brazil". Its really hard to separate yourself from a band and create your own if you are using a similar theme....just saying!

Other interesting news has been the Carnival Nationz shake up. The band leader used Curtis Eustace, who announced yesterday via a letter sent out via "toronto-lime e-newsletter" that he was no longer involved with Carnival Nationz, the departure was described as amicable. However, he also mentioned that he is launching a new band for 2009 entitled "All Spice" with the theme Safari" on the All Spice website he has listed Andre Defreitas as a contact for the band...Andre is supposed to be the bandleader of Evolution Canada.

Either way...it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.

I haven't decided if I am playing mas this year. Canada is in a recession people! pockets looking dry dry dry this season! But I think I'll treat myself to the fun. If I play mas I am not joining any band beyond #4 on the parade route. So it's pretty much back to Saldenah (I played with them in 2007)...or to try out Callaloo....or maybe Mas Toronto....I guess it depends on what costumes those bands come up with.

I'm a little disappointed that Tribal Knights is so far down in the route. They have the theme "Birds of Paradise". We saw the whole bird theme play out in Trinidad Carnival...and all the feathers, and wings/collars made me excited to be a bird this year! lol But that excitement has quickly dwindled as I will NEVER join a band that is #7 on the route. It's so sad too, because Tribal Knights costumes are usually so beautifully designed and crafted...ah well another time!

We have an array of themes this year...Covering locales such as Brazil, and The Nile...Precious items like Gem Stones...Elements of nature such as Birds...Fruits & Flowers....an interesting year indeed! Lets hope they can wow us with innovation and creativity!!!

Caribana 2009 - Themes, Bandlaunches & Position # on Parade Route

The bands are listed in the order they are to appear on the road for Caribana 2009

1. Mas Toronto

    www.mastoronto.com (the link doesn't seem to be working)

2.  "A Tribute to Harold Saldenah; The Golden Years"

     Louis Saldenah Mas K Club

     www.saldenahcarnival.com

     Band Launch - Sat 30th May @ Embers Banquet Hall (781 Warden Ave, Scarborough)

3.  Nip Davis & Associates

     www.nipdavis.com

4.  "The Ganges Meets the Nile"

     Callaloo

     www.callaloo.net

     Band Launch - Sat 9th May @ Location TBA

5.  "In Full Bloom"

     Carnival Nationz

     www.carnivalnationz.com

     Band Launch - Sat 2nd May in the Solariam @ Polson Pier (formerly The Docks)

6.  "Brazil; Bacchanal in Rio"

     Toronto Revellers

     www.torontorevellers.com

     Band Launch - Sat 9th May @ Events & Catering on the Park (1095 Leslie St)

7.  "Birds of Paradise"

     Tribal Knights

     www.tribalknights.com

     Band Launch - Sat 25th April @ The Wyndam Garden Hotel (185 Yorkland Blvd)

8.  "All Aboard"

     Jessie Matthews & the Calabash Company

9.  Borokeete Canada

     www.borokeetecanada.com

10. Pleasure Players

11.  "Gemstone"

       Connections - TCC

       www.tocarnival.com

12.  "Mas Hysteria"

       Doldron, Doldron & Associates

       Band Launch - Sat 23rd May @ Latin Sensations

13.  Evolution Carnival 

 (I'm taking a wild guess that this spot will turn into "All Spice" as it seems that Curtis      Eustace and Andre Defreitas have teamed up to create the new band, and Andre is supposed to be the band leader of Evolution)

14.  Sherry & Friends

15.  "A Taste of Brazil"

       Fantazia International

       www.fantaziainternational.net

       Band Launch - Sat 18th April @ Embers Banquet Hall (781 Warden Ave, Scarborough)

(Interesting to note that the band leader is Will Morton formerly of Toronto Revellers who in 2008 designed one o the most popular sections last yr, the blue and gold one)

16.  "Safari"

       All Spice Carnival

       www.allspicecarnival.com

NB. Not actual position on parade route

New Band "All Spice" for Caribana 2009

Carnival Nationz bandleader Curtis Eustace is has left Carnival Nationz on supposedly amicable terms to release a new band for Caribana 2009 entitled "All Spice" with the theme Safari. Below is the letter that was distributed via Toronto-lime.com's email list.

To all, 

First of all I would like to thank all of you who have supported me in the past and who continue to support me to this very day. Whether it may be through Unite D’Nationz, Memoirs of Soca, Las Lap, All Ah We Boat Cruise, 4 Kings Fete, Carnival Nationz, Evolution in Trinidad and lets not forget all those great times in Fortress North (Those who were there know exactly what I’m talking about). 

Sadly, as life changes-so do people. Therefore, it is with deep regret that I announce my separation from the Carnival Nationz family in order to pursue my own ventures in life. In doing this I would like to also thank the rest of the the nationz family - for their continued support and enlightenment in all aspects of business and would like to wish them nothing but unparalleled success, not only now but also in the future wherever their paths lead them.

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that I am in the planning stages for the production of a new Mas Band for the 2009 Toronto Caribana Parade. It going to be a band with lots of energy, positive vibes, sexy ass costumes and crazy music!  When fused together it cannot be called anything but“All Spice”. I personally think that there is and always will be room for improvement with our CARIBANA Parade.

 

With the experience I believe I possess, I hope to take this new venture to the highest level and try my best please the public. With that said, I look forward to your continued support, now and in the near future. May God bless and once again thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
 
Curtis Eustace  
Band Leader

 

(416) 728 6504
www.AllSpiceCarnival.com

This should be interesting. Unfortunately new bands typically get stuck at the back of the parade in terms of what # they are on the route. But it should be interesting to see what costumes they come up with.