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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
In a heartwarming twist this year, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade received an unexpected boost from the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The iconic parade, now in its 118th year, as Santa found a delightful surprise in his gift bag. The Jolly fellow, known for his North Pole residency, made a special appearance in Toronto. The surprise […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
By Stephen Weir It’s a shocking Toronto sports story. Right now, the Toronto Argonauts are the top professional sports team in the Six, not the last year’s Raptors, not the pitiful TSN soccer club, and of course one is never sure about the Maple Leafs. As the Grey Cup game approaches, the Toronto Argonauts, who […]
Canada recently played host to a gathering of CARICOM leaders, as they convened for a summit focused on forging a “Strategic Partnership for a Resilient Future.” The summit, held in Ottawa, marked a significant milestone in strengthening ties between Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The primary objectives of this momentous gathering included the promotion […]
