Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

  FRONT PAGE Toronto Caribbean Newspaper SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE PARTY By Stephen Weir On Saturday night, the Harbourfront Centre and Theatre in Toronto was abuzz with excitement as it hosted the Battle of the Bands and a celebration of Jean Augustine’s 87th birthday. The event, held under the banner of the #CaribbeanTales Film Festival ( #ctff ), attracted a lively crowd eager to celebrate both music and a distinguished figure in Canadian history. The evening featured performances by two renowned musicians and the screenings of two Toronto Caribbean Carnival films. The highlight was the screening of “Iconography: Mungal Patasar,” a Trinidad documentary directed by Mikhail Gibbingsand Teneka Mohammed. The film delves into the life and career of Indo-Trinidadian musician Mungal Patasar, celebrated for his unique fusion of sitar and steelpan, blending Eastern and Western musical traditions. Patasar, who traveled from Trinidad for the event, performed a captivating set accompanied by panni

  Toronto’s Youngest DJ to Showcase Talents at Twilight Family Restaurant and Bar on Sunday, October 6th On Sunday, October 6th, Toronto’s youngest DJ - DJ Tyson -is set to showcase his remarkable skills and talent at Twilight Family Restaurant and Bar. The event is part of an ongoing effort by a dedicated team working to foster a sense of belonging, pride, and recognition for young talent in the community. "We're working diligently to show these young people that someone cares, that they are worthy of being recognized on a big stage," said the event organizer. "It takes courage to keep this going for six years without any backing from groups or organizations, but we're doing it for the future leaders of tomorrow." The event is entirely community-funded, and organizers are asking for public support to continue this mission. Whether attending in person or making a donation, all contributions will go directly to support the youth. "Even if you can't

  Open the Door and Where are all the People by stephen weir If it wasn’t for the model in a sexy Mas costume standing in the window of the Caribbean Tales Film Festival’s Dundas Street West storefront, you wouldn’t know that inside, new movies and short films were being shown in what looks like an old store then a movie theatre. Dubbed the CTFF Hub, the space was used last Thursday night for the Wednesday night launch of the 19th annual Caribbean Tales Film Festival. Judging from the size of the audience, Caribbean Camera wasn’t the only one that had trouble finding the Dundas Street location (near Bathurst). In years past, the opening night of the CTFF was something you wouldn’t miss if you were in the neighborhood of the designated movie theatre or Harbourfront. Loud music, models and TV crews, mainstream media, and even the odd TIFF refugee were present. Big names, from the Mighty Sparrow to Machel, made a point of being out on the street with the rest of us, waiting to get in and

  Festival stalwart has passed away Written by Stephen Weir for the September 5, 2024 Caribbean Camera newspaper. Amidst all the hubbub of the August carnival and its Grand Parade, the passing of Calvin Robert Taylor, one of the stalwarts of past parades, was missed by many within the carnival community. He died just days before the parade at the age of 70. Calvin was deeply committed to the carnival community, both in Toronto and his hometown of Burlington/Hamilton. “Calvin was a carnival stalwart,” reads his online obituary. He began his involvement in Caribana as a promoter, bringing music bands from Trinidad and managing their performances in North America, and ended his stint as a festival parade manager, responsible for parade logistics and the procession of bands along the parade route. He was particularly involved with the Caribana Parade Committee under the Festival Management Committee (FMC). Mr. Taylor was born and raised in Trinidad. As a young man, he came to Canada in 197

  The Curtain Rises, The Show is About to Start. Cue Marcus Garvey’ Ghost         Greeter in Mas costume welcomes people to the start of the CTRR opeing party By Stephen Weir Caribbean Camera Sept. 4 If all went well last night, after The Caribbean Camera was put to bed, the 19th annual Caribbean Tales Film Festival (CTFF) is now well underway. Get ready, Toronto— from now until late night on Sunday, September 25th, the city will be buzzing with virtual movies, short films, and several not-to-be-missed in-person events. This is not your typical film festival. Unlike previous years, most of the 50 or so movies, short films, and television shows will be screened online. However, there are still several in-person events that are expected to pack the Harbourfront Centre’s film theatre and the CTFF West Studio at their Dundas Street West headquarters. Last night’s opening was held at the CTFF Hub, featuring films from Canada, St. Lucia, and France, including the documentary Brave. This 25-m