All posts on July 11th, 2016

Contact Staff Just as he did last year, Montreal funk and soul doctor gave the massive crowd of music lovers just what they needed at this year’s edition of the West Island Blues Festival, which was staged at the Dollard des Ormeaux Park on Saturday, June 18. Now in its 12th year, the festival is quickly growing into being one of the biggest and most exciting summertime events in the Montreal area and with an overflow crowd this year, seems to be out growing its usual venue. This year, James and his band, the Freddie James Project had a lot …

REUNITED Again in 2016 Former students of Royal Arthur School and past members of the Negro Community Centre (NCC) will reunite for the sixth consecutive year on Saturday July 23rd for a picnic in Angrignon Park from 10am to 7pm. The impact that these two institutions have had in the shaping of the lives of their alumni and members, most of whom resided in the South West area of Montreal, AKA Little Burgundy and St Henri, is immeasurable. The NCC and Royal Arthur Reunion Picnic was initiated in 2011 by Muriel Walton, and her sister Viola.  Other people in the …

The weekend of August 26, 27 and 28 the sound Reggae will again shake the foundations at the Old Port of Montreal, and echo across the mighty St. Lawrence, as the 15th edition of the Montreal International Reggae Festival takes over. Reggae lovers from points north, east, south and west will descend on the city for this annual summer event. Once again, throngs will be treated to another stellar, star-studded lineup of Reggae artists that represent the generations, treating the weekend audiences to vintage reggae spanning decades, to fresh 21st Century Reggae artists who are making their mark on the …

“From you wake up this morning you are a winner…” That’s the first line from International Soca Monarch King “Voice” hit song titled, “Cheer Of Life”, was heard all throughout Montreal Carifiesta weekend as partygoers and Masqueraders sang along. 2016 Carifiesta weekend was surely a weekend of energy, excitement and vibes as many jump up from Friday straight to Sunday. Everyone had a different take of how Montreal Carifiesta should’ve been, but looking through a positive lens let us all agree that we needed Carifiesta weekend. I always believe Carifiesta weekend including the parade is the time we enjoy our …

When last have you heard of someone in our community building wealth, real wealth, from winning the lottery? Almost every week I question the mentality of my people who somehow or the other do not know where it’s all at. I’m referring of course to habitual loto players, gamblers… My frustration level rises every time I happen to be behind one of my people and see them carelessly purchase at least $40 worth of lottery tickets. Say what! Lotto Quebec certainly has us convinced that it may be the avenue out of our existing financial morass. I oftentimes wonder yes, …

Wisdom & Life Apostolic takes city to another level with fourth Annual General Conference Submitted by Nicole Robertson Have you ever read the Bible and wondered why it seems that the life many Christians live doesn’t quite match what God says? In a day and age when nearly everyone has their own opinion about what is “right”, it can be pretty confusing trying to differentiate between religious tradition and what God is actually asking for. It is for this very reason that God has commissioned Pastor Andrew S. Henry of the Wisdom & Life Apostolic Church to set the record …

Barbados’ Celestial Voices Choir The Men’s Fellowship of St. Paul’s Anglican Church invites Montrealers  to spend an evening in concert with the Celestial Voices Choir of Barbados on their North American Tour. With a repertoire that will feature light classics, spirituals, and On Broadway specials, the  show will be a definite hit.  On Sunday, July 31,  at St-Paul’s Anglican Church, 3970 Cote-Ste-Catherine Rd. at 5pm. Info: (514) 733-2908 and (514) 865-1783. St. Joseph of Nazareth  Summer Camp St. Joseph of Nazareth Church is hosting its Summer Day Camp at #725 Provencher Boulevard, Brossard, Montreal, QC. Reverend Christopher Belle. For children …

 Coconut Bread Competition The ongoing discussion, as to who makes the best coconut bread can now be or at least contribute more to debate. With the creation of the “Coconut Bread Competition” the best baked Caribbean coconut bread can now be proclaimed for a period time. Consequently, with the potential success of the competition, bakers orparticipants will up their game for the next competition. Play Mas Montreal Cultural Association presents Coconut bread competition on Sunday 24th July 2016 at 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Le Centre, 6767 Cote Des Neiges. Admission: Adult $15 Children $5. Lots of entertainment and …

The barbershop was crowded, as it always is, but especially because it’s summertime and it’s still Miller Time—as in Marc Miller, MP in the Southwest district of Montreal. Everybody was talking and texting… when Just Chillin and Professor walked in. Professor quickly raised his hand and said, “We can all sing together, but we can’t all talk together.” Everybody said, “Amen!” Professor continued, “If you read the July 4, 2016, Montreal Gazette,” about P.K. Subban, the superstar with the Montreal Canadiens who got traded to the Nashville Predators. Columnist Jack Todd wrote, “There are profound cultural differences between players like …

Contact STAFF In a year that was marked by a lingering ownership dispute, A Taste of the Caribbean the four-day Caribbean food, music and art festival lagged in attendance and lustre. As one of the flagship events for the summer, the numbers didn’t seem to be there for this year’s festival, which was staged on June 16-19 at Île Bonsecours, in the Old Port of Montreal. And although one or two big acts such as calypsonian Rupee, Gabby and reggae icons Inna Circle crossed the staged, there are not many memorable moments from this year’s festival. Organizers say they are …