Toronto Caribbean Carnival Corner: SKF the voice of the festival

By Curtis Eustace

 

Sheldon Kevin Francis, who is better known on the Caribbean circuit as “SKF” has been procured by the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival to be the “voice of the festival”.

SKF’s role is to ensure that the public is aware of upcoming events and any festival changes whilst he does his job as a host at most of the major fetes and events throughout the Summer.

On the Toronto Mas Bands Association front, a lot of questions have been raised as to the involvement of Brian Mac Farlane, with regards to Jamal Magloire as his Revellers, but after attending the launch on Saturday, it was quite obvious that Brian is not the only designer of Revellers’ 007, and has just been secured to assist with two of the sections within the band.

Again I will reiterate that the involvement of such high level designers as Brian Mac Farlane could only add as a positive to the festival and ensure that the competitive spirit remains alive within the realms of the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival.

The Organization for Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA) will be having their 10th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday May 25th and will have as their main act Dr. Leroy Calliste, popularly known as “The Black Stalin”.

It has been a while since Black Stalin has graced the shores of Toronto, and knowing Stalin as I do, I know that he will not disappoint and will put on a spectacular show. This event takes place at the North York Civic Centre, 5110 Yonge Street, and limited tickets are still available at all Drupati’s outlets, Nicey’s, and Lena’s in Brampton.

In my next column I will update my readers as to the status of Callaloo Mas Band and their involvement with the 2013 festival.

Vendors Booths: If you are interested in obtaining a vendor booth for the Grand Parade, King and Queen Show or Junior Carnival Parade, you may contact our Vendor Marketplace at 416-391-5608 or marketplace@torontocaribbeancarnival.com.

Tickets for Shows: Tickets for the King and Queen Show and Annual Gala are presently only available online at www.ticketgateway.com.  King and Queen tickets will be available at all regular outlets by May 22nd. Tickets for the Grand Parade are not yet available to the public but will be very soon.

IMPORTANT DATES: OFFICIAL LAUNCH  AT NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE – July 9TH 2013

JUNIOR CARNIVAL PARADE AT DOWNSVIEW PARK – July 20TH 2013

SUMMER BBQ AT EGLINTON SQUARE – July 25TH 2013

**NEW** 6TH ANNUAL GALA AT LIBERTY GRAND – July 26th 2013 (Tickets available online only)

KING AND QUEEN SHOW AT LAMPORT STADIUM –  August 1ST 2013 (Tickets available online only)

PAN ALIVE AT LAMPORT STADIUM – August 2ND 2013

GRAND PARADE AT LAKESHORE BLVD. TORONTO – August 3RD 2013.

**NEW**  BEYOND D’ LIME AT CNE GROUNDS– August 4th 2013

 

If you have any questions regarding to the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Pan or Calypso please send an email to media@torontocarnival.com and I will try my best to answer your questions.

 

If I find that your question is one pertaining to the general public I will print both the question and answer in my next column.