The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes'
Calypso Tents Music Series kicked off Friday, June 15th
at the Lula Lounge to an enthusiastic audience.
The
small but appreciative cadre of around 60 calypso lovers
overcame the early 7:30pm start, road construction blocking
the popular Dundas W. venue, plus an event-filled weekend,
to attend the debut of the Calypso Vanguard Tent - a showcase
of calypso, pan and spoken word.
The
90-minute show featured King Smokey, Rajiman, Osaze Dolabaille,
Naki, Godess of Piece, and Victorio, backed by the top-rate
Kaiso Vanguard Orchestra, led by Jeremy Ledbetter. The
Calypso Vanguard Tent returns next Friday, June 22nd and
29th at 7:30pm to the Trane Studio on Bathurst St. and
is one of the exciting new developments for this Caribana
season.
The
series presents the best of Canadian calypso and continues
on Saturdays with another stellar cast of calypsonians
called the Professionals at the Cecil St. Steelworkers
Hall, featuring Macomere Fifi, Dick Lochan, The Crooner,
Jason, Panman Pat, Villaz, Drew Gonsalves, and special
guests.
On
Sundays the Kaiso Forum Tent presents the third of the
calypso showcases at the award-winning Scarlet Ibis Restaurant,
performing all original works for the 2007 Caribana Festival.
Kaiso Forum features Structure, Susan G., King Cosmos,
Connector, Precious, Trevor B, Delee, and others, all
backed by top Soca band Neu Jenerashun.
The
"tents" - a name fashioned after the actual
tents that were set up to house the pre-carnival music
in early 20th century Trinidad - run for five weeks and
end in a round of judging in mid-July that starts the
Calypso Monarch Competition. The grand final of this unique
and hard-fought contest will be held at the Toronto Centre
for the Arts in North York on Saturday, July 28th.
The
deadline for entering the 2007 Calypso Monarch Competition
has been extened to June 24th.
For
information on the Calypso Tents Music Series and the
Calypso Monarch Competition please call (416) 729-4383
or e-mail ocpa2007@gmail.com
