Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

  Roger Gibbs is Alive and Singing By Stephen Weir For Calypso scholar and singer Roger Gibbs, every day is Calypso Day. On Oct 15, however, he will be moderating a symposium titled Calypso in Canada: Past, Present, and Future, as part of the official Calypso History Month. The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA), in collaboration with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and Kaiso Street Society, is presenting a series of talks and discussions exploring the rich history and evolution of Canadian Calypso. The first event will take place on October 15, 2024, from 7:00–9:30 PM at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, 777 Bathurst Street, Toronto, next to Another Booklist store. Prominent Calypso artists and experts—including Jesse Ryan, Rhoma Spencer, Henry Gomez, Lindy Burgess, and Macomere Fifi—will share stories and insights into the Canadian Calypso scene. Roger Gibbs, who will moderate the discussion, told Caribbean Camera that “this discussion will be the first of several pla...

Toronto Carnival Is Losing One Of Its Originals. Roger Gibbs Sings Goodbye. By Stephen Weir When September rolls around the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Festival Management Committee (FMC) will lose one of its original members. Bajan-Canadian Calypsonian Roger Gibbs has reached the end of his formal board term.  After years of giving sage advice to Carnival, Gibbs will no longer be part of the management team and will not be involved with the 2020 Festival in an official capacity. “ It's been 14 years!” Gibbs told reporter Stephen Weir. “I was invited to join in 2005 by (the late) Charles Roach.” Gibbs grew up in a musical family and began his career in Barbados singing with Caribbean dance bands in the 1970’s. He joined as lead singer of the Sandpebbles and toured extensively throughout the Caribbean, Canada and the USA. He came to Canada in 1986, and since then Gibbs has worked non-stop within the arts industry. From 1993 until 2013 he was a performing member of COB...