Lady Mac takes St. Croix Calypso Monarch for the second time

Lady Mac takes St. Croix Calypso Monarch for the second time

Karen “Lady Mac” McIntosh-Bruce won her second St. Croix Calypso Monarch after the Calypso Monarch Finals on New Year’s night. The talented Lady Mac’s rendition of ‘Lend A Hand’ and ‘Puppet Man,’ earned her the title. “I’m elated because what I really focus on is putting on a good show for the people,” McIntosh-Bruce said […]

Christmas – Junkanoo, nuff fried dumplings and then some

Christmas – Junkanoo, nuff fried dumplings and then some

By Leo Gilling Twas a different kind of “breeze”. The cool December breeze was one that was welcoming, soft, gentle, and constant, yet mellow and almost “christmasy”  It conjured up a change in mood, and then all of a sudden garden rocks, plants, walls and coconut trees were suddenly whitewashed as though it happened overnight. […]

A Tale of Steelpan, Resilience, and Cultural Legacy- Panman Pat

A Tale of Steelpan, Resilience, and Cultural Legacy- Panman Pat

By Lincoln DePradine Patrick McNeilly, educator and cultural artiste, has a story to tell that encompasses steelpan music and his involvement in the artform, beginning in his homeland of Trinidad and continuing with his subsequent arrival in Canada. “No mind how talented you were with steel drums in colonial Trinidad then, you had to go […]

Smiles all round at third ‘Toy Drive and Children’s Holiday Party’

Smiles all round at third ‘Toy Drive and Children’s Holiday Party’

By Lincoln DePradine December is the month of Christmas gatherings and parties, for children and adults. And, one of the earliest kids’ parties – held just two days into December – was at Twilight Family Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Scarborough. The event, which included an appearance by Santa Claus to Caribbean parang music, also […]

Carnival Winter Market and Parang Extravaganza on Friday

Carnival Winter Market and Parang Extravaganza on Friday

by Stephen Weir “The Carnival Winter Market and Parang Extravaganza is the work of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival,” explained the newly reconfirmed President of the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) Henry Gomez (aka King Cosmos). “We are providing the evening’s entertainment.” Hosted by the charismatic King Cosmos, the Parang Extravaganza features performances by some […]

OCPA announces new Board of Directors

OCPA announces new Board of Directors

OCPA Unveils New Board of Directors for its 42nd Year The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA), a registered non-profit arts organization with a rich 42-year history, is pleased to announce the election of its new board of directors. As OCPA continues to evolve, we are actively seeking dedicated volunteers with expertise in marketing, fundraising, […]

Ontario Steelpan Association celebrates pan excellence

Ontario Steelpan Association celebrates pan excellence

By Lincoln DePradine The Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA) has been around for two decades. But, last Friday’s “Appreciation and Awards Night’’ was a first for the organization and an innovative move welcomed by Ian Jones, a founding-member and former president of OSA. “I think it’s an excellent idea. I’m really happy to see that OSA, […]

Toronto Caribbean Carnival seeks alternative funding as government comes up short

Toronto Caribbean Carnival seeks alternative funding as government comes up short

  The Festival Management Committee (FMC) behind the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival is grappling with financial hardships due to dwindling government support and soaring production costs. As they brace for an uncertain future, the FMC has announced a series of events aimed at securing funds and achieving self-sufficiency. In a heartfelt message addressed to the […]