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As the months roll by and July 30th draws near, we all sit by and patiently await what this year holds at the annual CARIBANA Festival. With great anticipation bandleader, Marlon Singh, presents a magnificent spectacle ‘Of Persian Glory’. “I expect the results of this year’s presentation to be nothing short of glorious,” exclaims Marlon. This production designed by Hayden Joseph and Dexter Seusahai will consist of 8 sections portraying the delights of what Persia is best known for: wealth, beauty and rich culture. ‘Of Persian Glory’ will hit the stage as the fourth contestant of the sixteen participating bands. Marlon
Singh started his own band back in 1997 when he achieved the desirable ‘Band
of the Year’ title. Since then, Callaloo has maintained consistency each
and every year ranking high in the race for victory, not forgetting their 2004
performance where they left the Lakeshore as the inevitable champions. Marlon Singh’s Callaloo has also added to its profile a clean sweep at the Cayman Islands Batabano Carnival in 2004 and 2005. In addition to Cayman Carnival, Callaloo has participated in the New Year Celebration Parade held in Hong Kong, the Hamilton Carnival Parade and the Ottawa Parade. With all these locations under his wings, Marlon Singh has expanded drastically to create one of the largest memberships involved in the Carnival Festivities spanning hundreds of Callaloo supporters. Callaloo has devoted a large percentage of their advertising campaign to continuously attract not only the die hard Torontonians but also the many foreigners from all parts of the world such as different US States, the Caribbean and the UK. This winning band also participates annually in the Junior Caribana Parade held two weeks prior to the Caribana Parade for children up to 16yrs. This year’s parade will take place at York Gate on July 16th. In 2004, Callaloo achieved first place winner for their ‘Junior King of the band’, ‘Junior Female Individual’, in addition to ‘First Runner up' for the Junior Band of the Year title. This year, they once again bring to the stage Junior King, Junior Queen and Junior Individuals to head their Kiddies Caribana Band.
The early start in their production, in addition to the organization team being fine tuned, has opened the window for early completion and consistent perfection for each and every costume. With new faces joining the team, Callaloo brings costumes of its highest quality along with its exquisite beauty. All masqueraders will have the opportunity and will be encouraged to pick up their costumes as early as July 25th to avoid the crazy last minute rush for costumes. Callaloo will be joined by a wide spectrum of musical artists such as Imij & Co. featuring Ghetto Flex, Russell Cadogan and Michelle Xavier, Denise Belfon, D'Hitman, Dr. Jay (Soca Therapy), Mr. PlayHouse, Starting from Scratch (FLOW 93.5FM), DJ Chief (Worldwide 89.5FM), MarXman (KOS) and Soca Monarchs. With other participating bands ranging in cost from $120 - $130, ‘Of Persian Glory’ holds true to their supporters returning with their competitive 2004 price of $110 which without doubt is an all-inclusive price supplying each masquerader with lots of drinks, food and fun. This year, Callaloo has placed great emphasis on security investing twice as much as previous years to ensure and to maximize the safety and comfort of every Callaloo masquerader. Air-conditioned rest shuttles and portable washrooms will also be provided along the parade route for the revellers. Callaloo will be prepping all their supporters with their ANNUAL BOAT RIDE on July 27th featuring entertainment by Imij & co and will be hosting one of the biggest events of the festival weekend (FIRE FETE II) at the very popular KOOL HAUS on July 31st. Event coordinators also look forward to the familiar faces at the annual 'BIKER BOYZ BLOCKO' event in August which attracted over 4000 people last year. For
more information Callaloo can be contacted at their MAS CAMP located at: Hours
of Operation:
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Band
of the Year Champs Predict “GLORIOUS” Results !!
With
Marlon Singh’s presentation ‘Of Persian Glory’, Callaloo
anticipates a clean sweep of all participating categories in this Caribbean culture
fiesta. The presentation showcased by sections such as Desert Rose, Persian Pearls,
Sahara Gold and many more will use many vibrant colours and sparkling jewels to
attract the eyes of many coming to form one band… 'Of Persian Glory'.
