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We had an opportunity to interview Sandra Whiting, the co-Chair of the Gala and Performing Arts for the “Jamaica 50” celebration.

The Jamaica 50 organization itself is 2 years old and started with the goal of celebrating Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence (1962 to 2012).  Funds raised will help to pay tribute to Jamaica.

Sandra Whiting says that Jamaicans have been in Canada since the 1700s with the Maroons followed by waves in the 50s and 60s.  Jamaicans love Toronto for its diversity, and acceptance of people form many parts of the world allowing them to share their culture and who they are.  Sandra came to Toronto for adventure and wants to share what Jamaica has given to the world with others.

When we asked Whiting what Torontonians love about Jamaica she replied that Torontonians love that Jamaica has the warmest, welcoming people, the reggae music, rum, and cool vibe.  It’s an “irie” place where you feel like you’re part of the “sinting”.  We can’t disagree with that.

What’s next for Jamaica 50 after the series of festivities? Money raised will help charities in Jamaican and Canadian charities.

We look forward to the celebrations at the Jamaican Rhythms Gala at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on June 28th starting at 7:30pm!

The evening will feature Roots, Rock and Reggae:

‘60s: Iconic Fab 5 Band – paying tribute to SKA
‘70s: Classic John Holt
‘80s: Magnificent Marcia Griffiths
‘90s: Fantastic Yellow Man
2000: Grammy Winner Maxi Priest
2010: King of the Dancehall, Grammy Award Winner Beenie Man
CAN CON: 2012 JUNO NOMINEES: Jay DouglasSteeleExco Levi backed by Mountain Edge.

For more information and to get tickets click below or call 647-799-6546

http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004873F9E1A1E4?artistid=1710446&brand=sony&camefrom=cfc_sony_centre_sonyweb_Jamaican

To warm up for the MMVAs we were invited to the The Field’s MMVA Pre-Party at Tryst Nightclub, a star-studded event.  DJ Heather Van Viper, Diva Girl Fitness, Classified and These Kids Wear Crowns were among those  in attendance.  Also, Karl Wolf chatted with us about his new album, Finally Free, which will be released on July 10, 2012.

Bacardi cocktails were served, Corona was being handed out.  Hypnotiq had tasty drinks as well.  A little bit of rain didn’t deter us from having a great time on the Tryst patio. Inside the club, there was a ton of stuff to do as well including cupcakes, the Kiss FM 92.5 booth, jewellery from Madame NiNoN, and great swag bags.

Congrats on the Field for snatching 20 MMVA nominations including 3 awards!

www.thefield.ca

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Meet Kovak, voted Critic’s Choice at last year’s NXNE Festival by NOW Magazine:  “Brighton, UK-based electro pop outfit Kovak played a dynamite set of smokin’ dance rock that just kept gathering steam with every song.” says Susan Cole, Now Magazine.

We interviewed them today in the middle of a whirlwind 3-gig, 2-day NXNE tour, playing at 627 Studio and El Mocambo yesterday while getting ready for their performance tonight at The Mod Club opening for Platinum Blonde!

We hope this lovely and fun trio return soon!  Toronto loves you!  Perhaps 2013 NXNE if not sooner!

Check out the interview and also check out their new video, Killer Boots.

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To see more Kovak visit
http://www.kovak.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/kovakuk

The 2012 Memories of Versailles Gala, Mirage, was set in the uniquely beautiful Evergreen Brick Works hosted by Jeanne Beker.  The elegant evening began with a cocktail reception with hors d’oeurves, a high-end silent auction as well as a live auction and a stunning $22,000 raffle piece from Tiffany & Co.  Dinner was hosted by Chef Neal Noble of Noble Culinary fame featuring Moroccan seared beef tenderloin accompanied by a multitude of mouth-watering delights.

The dining experience was enhanced by performances from the stars of Armide, Colin Ainsworth and Peggy Kriha Dye.

About Evergreen Brick Works

Evergreen Brick Works was named by National Geographic as one of the world’s top 10 geotourism destinations in 2010.  This heritage destination, where nature meets cultural hot-spot, features long tunnel kilns that at one point produced over 25 million bricks per year during peak production.

About Opera Atelier

Opera Atelier is a theatre community producing opera, ballet and drama from the 17th and 18th centuries with attention to period-performance detail in drawing up the aesthetics and ideals of the periods, elaborate stage decor and exquisite costumes.

For more information visit www.operaatelier.com

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At the Toronto harbour, Epic Cruises had a launch party for their newly-renovated River Gambler ship with special guest Kelly Gruber, of former Toronto Blue Jays fame.  The lower level “Silver Lounge” seats up to 160 guests in one room, but the main feature is the Skyline Deck which Epic Cruises boasts is the largest open deck dance floor in the Toronto harbour.

Appetizers that night included tomato with cheese, beef and red pepper skewers, shrimp skewers, chicken breast curry skewers.  Dinner included the following choices:

  • Paella – Spanish rice with chicken, mussels, shrimp & calamari
  • Bouillabaisse – Salmon, shrimp, calamari, clams, and mussels simmered in a tomato broth.
  • Beet & Pineapple salad with raspberry vinaigrette
  • Roasted pork shoulder marinated with rosemary, thyme, garlic and paprika served over roasted potatoes.
  • Oven roasted Mediterranean chicken marinated with white wine, fresh rosemary and paprika served on roasted vegetables.

The River Gambler party boat is a great idea for those party-goers who literally want a change of scenery from the usual party venues.  The food is good, the upcoming themed-events are varied and interesting (watch for the Burlesque Cruise on August 10th!).

Check out the schedule for more information about Epic Cruises www.epiccruises.ca

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