Posts in category Entertainment

I’m writing to you while enjoying a countryside view of the beautiful island of Barbados. After a long hiatus I returned this summer to witness the huge carnival event known as Crop Over. The festivities began in June and reached its climax the first Monday in August with The Grand Kadooment. Masqueraders from Canada, the USA, and UK and beyond descend on the little island known as the rock. A few days before I landed the winners were announced for two of the main singing competitions. Former Krosfyah front man and Triple Crown winner Edwin Yearwood took home the sweet …

Reggae Fest: August 14-16. Contact Staff Having taken its place among the major festivals in the city, the Montreal International Reggae Festival is a source of pride for our community. In its 12 years the event has grown into cultural force drawing tens of thousands over three days to the Old Port. This year, Reggae Fest brings a spectacular line up of stars from various generations for the weekend of August 14-16. Super star Beres Hammond headlines a power pack Friday night Roots Reggae line-up, which also includes Jah Cutta and Kaisha Lee. Dancehall and soca rules on Saturday, August …

The summer weather has finally settled in and, as usual, yet some people are complaining about the heat and humidity. I say deal with it cause we have only three months of summer, along with summer events and activities. I say enjoy them; they are quickly coming to an end. On Saturday, July 18, I had an amazing experience at the annual Vincy Unity Picnic at Brown’s Bay Provincial Park in the 1,000 Islands in eastern Ontario. This gathering continues to grow tremendously, as literally thousands of people descend on this beautiful region annually to enjoy this massive Vincy extravaganza. …

At the end of the day, on Saturday, July 4, the Carifiesta Parade delivered what was expected of it… lots of music, massive crowds and seemingly mindless indulgences. As usual, so many in the community try to put perspective or make sense of what has become, really, an exercise in hedonism for some and the search for a good time for others. The thing can only be defined by the scarcity of splendor and predominance of Jab Jab. And the big discussion to come will be about those who find fun in spraying kerosene in the air and how long …

When you see me in the place, Party Done! We heard many Masquerades singing the chorus of Machel Montano & Angela Hunte’s 2015 soca favorite, during Montreal Carifiesta parade. Well now Montreal 2015 Carifiesta is done But of course we are left with all kind of bacchanal going on. This year, members of the Grenadian Association band felt as if the CCFA was treating them unfairly Also the big Soca event with Destra this year was cancelled last minute leaving many party goes agitated. Celebrating its Montreal Carifiesta milestone of 40th anniversary this year, I believed it was imperative for …

On Saturday, July 4, the 40th annual Carifiesta Parade moves down St. Catherine Street from the corner of Fort Street to Phillip Square beginning around midday. For info call: 514-344-9742 *514-983-9742 *514-739-8484.

Contact Staff A stirring line up of some of  Montreal’s  best performers including Jah Cutta & Determination Band, Mikey Dangerous and Higher Heights Band. In addition Aureisa, Kaisha Lee, Robin & Uprising Band, Mello G, Skillman, Ms. Diva, Roen “Blu Riva” Higgins, Kym Dominique Ferguson, Mark Henry will be on stage for Jamaica Day 2015, on  Saturday July 4 at Parc Jean Drapeau. Then add to the lineup the irrepressible Lady G, who reigned for a while as one of the queens of dancehall with big hits such as  Man a Bad Man” from the film Third World Cop, Breeze …

Inskip, Evelyn and Seymour The “three musketeers” of Montreal’s most popular masquerade band committed to keep the color and splendor in the Carifiesta parade Contact Staff On Saturday, July 4, Roots Cultural Association will be on St. Catherine Street in downtown Montreal doing what they have done best for close to four decades, showcasing the art of masquerade and adding that little touch of splendor to the Carifiesta parade. This year’s presentation From North to South is what’s called in Trinidad, Indian Mas and traces the migration process of various native tribes from North to South America. As they have …

Contact Staff This year, Ledon Anthony known on the local entertainment circuit as Anthony G, pays tribute to his grandmother whom he lost three years ago and to other women who battled and are currently battling cancer. His band, Carnival Freaks will participate in the Carifesta parade this year on Saturday, July 4, behind the banner, Jump For A Cure under the auspices of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. Anthony G says because so many in our community have been touched by the disease he is inviting all to participate in the band and help raise awareness while having fun. …

For  those who grew up listening to his music, or  seen him perform over multiple generations, he will forever be known as the Mighty Sparrow. Over the years, he has earned a multitude of titles including  Dr. Slinger Francisco, now add another: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) to his name, From here on he will be known as Dr. Slinger Francisco OBE Awarded to nationals of Commonwealth nations, an OBE recognizes prominent national or regional figures making distinguished or notable contributions not just to Caribbean, but international culture, in their own specific areas of activity. Francisco’s …