REFLECTION & REASON

Living in Toronto, you become accustomed to having your favourite artists perform frequently, close to home. In the summer in particular, every weekend plays host to reggae and soca artists, stage shows, special events, boat rides, and other celebrations featuring the singers and DJs we have grown to appreciate over the years. In Canada, we are blessed because our city is a definitely must on any island entertainer's tour itinerary. Over the years we've also, unfortunately, had to witness the closing down of venues in Toronto, the logistical difficulties for even the most experienced of promoters and event teams "due to circumstances beyond their control," and an overall decline in the availability of space and the decline in faith of some of the systems that used to be reliable. We've witnessed the closing, demolition, and gentrification of some of our favourite concert locations of the past (Guvernment and Kool Haus, for example). We've seen Richmond Str...

It's Caribana season in Toronto, and each year around this time the cultural conversation in the Caribbean-Canadian community is heightened. It is the season of extreme visibility, performance, entertainment options, and tourism. Politicians and other dignitaries circulate, dance, and celebrate, and calypso music is played during television commercials and on news bits. Of course, some members of the community could care less about Caribana and haven't attended the actual festivities since the 90s. Just as there is celebration, there is also criticism and disdain--to ignore this would be unrealistic. It's a festival of great anticipation, and can also be a time of deep resentment. But it's ours, and love it or hate it, it is a time when Caribbean Canadian culture is on full display, and those of us who care often say quick prayers that everything goes smoothly on the surface because the negative repercussions tend to affect us all. Early last Saturday morning in Mal...

Yes, Jamaica is a real place. That's a question that commonly pops up on social media because some of the things you see about Jamaica...you can only see in Jamaica. And only understand it in a Jamaican context. I am biased by birth, but I truly feel that the island of Jamaica is magnificent for so many reasons. A place with beautiful weather, delicious food, the most charismatic people you'll ever meet, gorgeous landscapes, a tourism industry like no other, a unique style of music that has transcended borders and inspired a multitude of sub-genres within the genre, and an abundance of talent performing, managing, and maintaining the industry that makes this island experience one that millions continue to return to. Reggae Sumfest is one night of the year where Jamaica has the opportunity to put this talent on full display and remind the world just how powerful and influential reggae music is. Downsound Entertainment, in association with sponsors including Grace Foods, ...

Toronto is known for providing an excellent assortment of Caribbean-based artists during the summer concert season. From soca fetes, to reggae showcases, they are always live artists making appearances on boat rides, at event venues, and special music festivals while the Caribbean audience embraces the summer weather. On Saturday, July 27 On the Grand presents the first  Kitchener Reggae Festival , taking place in Kitchener, Ontario (approximately 100km from Toronto) at the Bingemans Centre (425 Bingemans Centre Drive), as a part of their mini-festival series featuring artists from all genres. At the ReggaeFest, attendees will be entertained by some of Jamaica's favourite recording artists: Konshens, Gyptian, Kranium, Luciano, and Stylo G. In addition to the live artists, the grounds of On The Grand will also feature vendors for a festival environment. The event will begin at 6:00pm, concluding at 11:00pm; this is a licensed all ages show. KONSHENS Originating from Kingsto...

Every summer, in the weeks leading up to the traditional Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade Day, the mayor, local dignitaries, festival organizers, costumed masqueraders, and community members gather at Nathan Phillips Square to officially welcome in the upcoming weeks of festivities that Toronto's Caribbean community and allies anticipate as a highlight of the season. The Festival Management Committee, presented with an official proclamation from Toronto Mayor John Tory, launched this year's Toronto Carnival on Tuesday, July 9, providing context, praise, rules, and plenty of entertainment and Caribbean vibes for the hundreds gathered outside Toronto City Hall. With news media lined up as early as 10:00am, and steel pans positioned on stage, it was a familiar sight. We do this every year, and still look forward to the moment when the festivities ramp up. This is the time of year when summer weather has settled in to stay, when folks are on summer vacation, when touri...