Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

 Fantazia already dreaming about  making their Caribana costumes! costume launch 2013 by Parris Visuals You know that spring is right around the corner when Wiarton Willie doesn’t see his shadow, the kid’s snowman is now a puddle and Fantazia has posted posters for their Spring 2024 costume launch! The mas band is marking its 15th annual launch on April 14th this year at the Peter N Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough (Milner Ave). And, while band leader Will Morton says it is a little early yet to let all the details of the coming fete, in a recent talk with the Caribbean Camera he let a few things slip out including the theme of the party. “We are coming a month earlier than last year,” said band co-leader Will Morton. “We hope to be bigger than in 2023. But don’t want to say too much right now about but as the picture on our website show, it is Uncut Gemz!” “We will be announcing our sections and the gemstones that they are (using for inspiration).” And yes, diamonds in the ...

Toronto can toot their horns with Etienne Charles this August 3rd By Stephen Weir World travelling Trinidadian jazzman Etienne Charles is going to put the dingolay into this year’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Earlier this week the trumpeter called the paper from Spain to say that he was going to lead a guest Mas Band in the Carnival’s grand parade and hopes that revellers will jump up and join his band. “ No big surprise, I am calling the band Etienne Charles Brass Band!” he told Stephen Weir. “The band is about reviving the tradition of live brass bands on the road for Carnival. A tradition we have revived in Trinidad with our past three bands, We The People, Street Party and D’Longtime Band” Etienne Charles has an uncle and aunt living in the GTA and last fall played to a nearly sold-out concert at the North Toronto Sony Centre.   He has a strong fan base in the province and is looking forward to those fans jumping up with him at the parade. He will be com...

Forget Kodachrome Colour, Photographer Jenny Baboolal will be Green all over at City Hall and at this summer’s Grand Parade By Stephen Weir Jenny Baboolal Photographer and long-time film maker Jenny Baboolal is not only showing her photography in Toronto’s City Hall, she will also be talking about her environmental concern around carnival celebrations at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival official launch at city hall and at the Grand Parade.  The traditional Nathan Phillips Square launch for the annual carnival and parade usually attracts 5,000 to 10,000 fans who are interested in the Carnival Arts.   As well the annual parade can attract up to a million spectators gaga for all things Caribbean, takes place on August 3 rd this year along Lakeshore Blvd and at Exhibition Place.   “ Everyone is aware of the climate change crisis and wants to make a difference,” Jenny Baboolal told the Caribbean Camera. She is going Green during Carnival and has already forme...