Archive-name: music/reggae/part2
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[11.] CARIBANA FAQ

            CARIBANA '93 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
               Version 1.00 - Last updated July 14, 1993

Compiled by Steve Frampton <frampton@vicuna.ocunix.on.ca> with help from
several contributors (listed at the end of this document, section "Q-15").

This document is copyright 1993 by Steve Frampton (on behalf of himself and 
all the contributors) but is freely distributable to the benefit of
Caribana '93 and the West Indian communities in Toronto and surrounding
areas.

---===

Q-00. Do you have any legal disclaimers to get out of the way first?
Q-01. What the #&*$! took you so long to release this FAQ!?
Q-02. What the heck is "Caribana", anyway?
Q-03. When will Caribana '93 take place?
Q-04. What is the schedule of Caribana '93 events?
Q-05. Sounds great, now where can I purchase tickets?
Q-06. Can you recommend some nice and affordable accomodations?
Q-07. Which forms of transportation should I use to get around?
Q-08. What kind of musical styles (and who is playing!) will be featured?
Q-09. Where are some good places to get authentic West Indian food?
Q-10. Caribana aside, what are some good Caribbean clubs in the area?
Q-11. Which Caribbean radio stations can I listen to while I'm in Toronto?
Q-12. How can I get more information about this wonderful event?
Q-13. I'm too far away for Caribana -- do you know of any similar events?
Q-14. Any "Quotable Quotes" from past attendees you want to share?
Q-15. Who contributed to this FAQ document?
Q-16. In the perspicacious words of Janet Jackson, "Is that the end?"

---===

Q-00. Do you have any legal disclaimers to get out of the way first?

Neither myself (Steve Frampton) nor any of the contributors (listed at
the end of this document) shall be held liable for any damages caused by
the information (or mis-information, as the case may be) contained within
this document, including but not limited to, special, incidental,
consequential, or other damages.

Although every attempt has been made to ensure a reasonable degree of
accuracy is contained herein, this document has been prepared more as a
general guide and is not intended to be used as a definitive "bible" of
the events at large.  You are encouraged to contact any of the people 
listed under section "Q-12" for more information on Caribana '93 before 
making any plans.

In short, USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK.

---===

Q-01. What the #&*$! took you so long to release this FAQ!?

This is the first-ever release of the Caribana FAQ.  The information
gathering took a lot longer than I had expected, due not only to the
fact that Caribana planning seems to be delayed until the last minute,
but also due to my excessive procrastination.  :-)

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who kept in constant
contact with me to get this thing done, and also to apologize to the net
for the incessant delays in releasing this FAQ, as well as some of the 
information being unavailable for inclusion.

Much of the information herein will hold true for future Caribana
events, so I'll be able to release this FAQ in coming years much earlier
than this one.  In short, we'll get it right for Caribana '94!  :-)

Thanks for your patience, and on behalf of myself and all who
contributed, good luck and have a blast at this year's Caribana!

---===

Q-02. What the heck is "Caribana", anyway?

Caribana is an annual event, founded 26 years ago by Toronto's Trinidadian 
community as the Northern version of Trinidad's Carnival.  As Caribana 
increased in popularity, other West Indian communities contributed to the 
festivities, and recently the Latin and African communities joined in as 
well.  

During the last two and half decades, Caribana's popularity has been
increasing exponentially.  25 years ago it was a celebration of only a
few thousand.  Last year, Caribana celebrated it's 25th anniversity --
and over 2,000,000 people were in attendance to make it the most successful 
year for Caribana so far.

According to a past member of the Caribana Cultural Committee, the Mardi
Gras in New Orleans had approximately 4,000,000 people attend in 1991.
At Caribana's current rate of growth, Caribana will surpass this famous 
carnival within only a couple of years.

Caribana is the success it is because of the people who attend -- and they
come from all over the world, often to meet with family who are also in
attendance or living in the area.  A publication that was released for 
Caribana '92 indicated that many people plan family reunions.  During past
years, people made plans to meet at specific street corners on the parade
route.  In 1991, however, the route was changed to follow the lake shore,
where there were no specific buildings or corners.  Luckily, some bright
individual noticed that each lamp post had unique code numbers affixed,
and the word went out that this would be an ideal method used for meeting 
family and friends.

---===

Q-03. When will Caribana '93 take place?

Caribana is a two week period of events beginning in the latter part of
July, ending with a major blowout on the long weekend (Canadian Civic 
holiday) at the beginning of August.

Although many people believe that Caribana is only a single weekend
consisting of the parade on Saturday and the island picnics on Sunday,
it is actually two weeks in length!  There are many events that are
held during this period, including the Junior Carnival, and the King &
Queen's Pageant to name only a couple.

---===

Q-04. What is the schedule of Caribana '93 events?

There are all kinds of parties and activities at Caribana that will take
place all around Toronto.  Here is the schedule and pricing information:

MONDAY, JULY 19, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:  OFFICIAL FESTIVAL LAUNCH 
Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall / Cost = FREE
Entertainment will include "Massive Chandelier", "Lady Pearl", "Pan
Fantasy Steelband", as well as "The Scarborough Caribbean Youth Dance
Ensemble".

FRIDAY, JULY 23, 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM:  WARM-UP PARTY
Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall / Cost = FREE
Entertainment includes "Massive Chandelier", "Moss International", "Lady
Pearl", "Elsworth James", "The Caribbean Folk Performers", "Metrotones 
Steelband", "Brother Resistance", and the Rap and Step Dance winners
from a previous CCC event.

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM:  JUNIOR CARNIVAL
Lamport Stadium, 1155 King Street West
Cost = $12.00 adults, $5.00 seniors & children
(Competition of children's carnival costumes).
Entertainment includes "Tropical Youth Dancers", "Panatics Steel Band",
Rap-Off 1st runner-up, step dance, and D.J. Frankie, D.J. Lee.

MONDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 26-30, 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM:  SUNSET CRUISES
The Trillium / Cost = $25.00 adults (excluding bar & meals)
Cruise on Lake Ontario while you dance as the sun sets.  Board the ferry
at the foot of Bay Street.  Featuring Caribbean cuisine and a cash bar.
Entertainment varies depending on evening:  Monday is "Massive
Chandelier" and "D.J. Lee", Tuesday "Pelham Goddard & Charlies Roots"
and "D.J. Bad Lad", Wednesday "Atlantik" and "D.J. Bad Lad", Thursday
"Carribbean Traffic Jam" and "D.J. Frankie", and Friday is "Moss
International" and "D.J. Lee".

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 28-30, 12:00 PM - 4:00 AM:  CASINO CARIBANA
Regal Constellation Hotel, 900 Dixon Road / Cost = FREE
Casino gambling; $10.00 maximum bets (Rapid Blackjack up to $100), Las
Vegas style rules, professional dealers.

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 8:30 PM - 1:00 AM:  KING AND QUEEN OF THE BANDS
Lamport Stadium, 1155 King Street West
Cost = $15.00 adults, $5.00 seniors & children
A competition for the King, Queen & Individual of the bands.  Features
spectacular display of costumes, Caribbean cuisine.
Entertainment includes "Silhouettes Steelband", and "D.J. Bad Lad".

FRIDAY, JULY 30, 8:30 PM - 2:00 AM:  CARNIVAL DANCE
Toronto Airport Hilton, 5875 Airport Road / Cost = $25.00 adults only
Dance all night long to the music of "Pelham Goddard & Charles Roots",
"Brass Trazx", "D.J. Bad Lad".
Chance to win family accomodation for 4 nights at Caribana '94 at the
Toronto Airport Hilton (winner to be announced night of this event).

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM:  CARIBANA PARADE
Exhibition Stadium, Lakeshore Blvd. West
Cost = $10.00 adults, $5.00 seniors & children, $26.00 family of four
The most well-known event of Caribana.  Thousands of masqueraders in
colourful costumes parade before panel of judges.  Dance to the
Caribbean's pulsating music, as the bands play west along the Lakeshore
to Parkside Drive.

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 8:30 PM - 2:00 AM:  CARIBANA 'LAS' LAP' DANCE
Delta Toronto Airport, 801 Dixon Road / Cost = $15.00 adults only
After the parade dance to the rhythms of "Shandu", and "D.J. Lee".

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM:  KAISOFEST
Skyline Hotel, 655 Dixon Road / Cost = $15.00 adults only
Featuring local Calypsonians, cash bar.

SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 1-2, 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM:  
     OLYMPIC ISLAND CARIBBEAN MUSIC FESTIVAL 
Take the ferry at the foot of Bay Street to Olympic Island
Cost each day = $15.00 adults, $5.00 seniors & children
This is a 2 day festival featuring Caribbean music, dances, craft
exhibitions, and Caribbean cuisine, as well as a beer garden.
Entertainment varies depending on day; on Sunday: "Atlantik", "Pelham
Goddard & Charles Roots", "Sparrow", "David Rudder", "United Sisters",
"Iwer George", "Anslem Douglas", "Show-Do-Man", "Triveni Brass", "Hit
Squad", "Jayson", "Jones & Jones", "Jackie James", "Chester Miller",
"Los Karachis", "Tommy Joseph", "Ballet Creole", "Afro Pan", and
"Protector".  On Monday: "Atlantik", "Second Imij", "Sparrow", "David
Rudder", "United Sisters", "Rikki Jai", "Anslem Douglas", "Instant Jam",
"Elsworth James", "Tabaruk", "Devon Irie", "Inspector Lenny", "Dance
Caribe", "Pan Fantasy", "Ramabai Espinet & Sudharshan", "Tommy Joseph",
"Protector", "Jones & Jones", "Military Force", "Simply Majestic", as
well as the Rap-off winner from a previous CCC event.

---===

Q-05. Sounds great, now where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets for any of the events can be purchased in any of the following
outlets:

* Toronto Central *

Caribana Carnival Shop                 Pizzazz Unlimited
& Main Ticket Outlet                   1266 Danforth Ave. (near Greenwood)
College Park, 444 Yonge St.            Toronto, Ontario
(at College Subway)                    (416) 465-6738
(416) 977-8337

The Official Caribana Store #1         The Bay, Queen St.
College Park, 444 Yonge St.            401 Bay Street
(inside mall)                          Toronto, Ontario  M5H 2Y4
(416) 977-8337                         (416) 861-9111

The Official Caribana Store #2         Rock Wells
301 Yonge St. @ Dundas St.             301 Yonge St.
Toronto, Ontario                       Toronto, Ontario  M5B 1R2
(416) 974-9888                         (416) 974-9888

* North Central *

Loxx Hair Design & Esthetics
4844A Yonge Street
(1 block north of Sheppard)
North York, Ontario
(416) 222-0311

* West *

Climax Records Promotions              Mr. Jerk
8 & 10 MacDonnell Ave.                 1552 Eglington Ave. W. @ Dufferin
(Queen & Lansdowne)                    Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario                       (416) 783-1367
(416) 588-5372

Elma's Spice Corner                    Nappy's
255 Dundas St. West, Unit 4A           267 Queen St. East
(Parker Hill Centre)                   Brampton, Ontario
(416) 277-0557                         (416) 453-3037

Fade II Black                          Nappy's
Main Mall Level                        20 Dundas St. East
140 King St. East                      Mississauga, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario                      (416) 949-6787
(416) 527-3233

Northern Lights Records Tapes & Discs
3-1750 The Queensway, Suite 1329
Etobicoke, Ontario
(416) 674-3836

* East *

Mello Music                            Network Records
Liberty Square Plaza                   2918 Sheppard Ave. East
2388 Eglington Ave. East               (at Victoria Park Ave.)
Scarborough, Ontario                   North York, Ontario
(416) 757-7812                         (416) 489-0938

Mr. Jerk
3050 Don Mills Road
North York, Ontario
(416) 491-3593

---===

Q-06. Can you recommend some nice and affordable accomodations?

Accomodation can be tight, with most hotels usually being fully booked for
at least the final weekend.  Because of this, it is very important that you
make hotel reservations *well in advance*.

It cannot be stressed enough:  MAKE RESERVATIONS WELL IN ADVANCE!  It is
recommended you make reservations as much as 2 months in advance of your
intended stay.  (You'll of course be able to do this for Caribana '94
when this FAQ is released a *lot* earlier).

Another thing to consider is that generally accomodation rates raise for
the event.  Accomodation rates right in the downtown area can go as high
as $140 CDN per night.

Some good ideas to help keep accomodation costs down are to make plans to
stay with friends or relatives if possible, or perhaps find others who may
with to join you in sharing the cost of a room.

Another way to keep costs down is to stay in a hotel near the airport, or
even stay in Mississauga, Brampton, Oshawa, or any other of the cities 
outside of Toronto.  This could save you plenty; and most of these areas 
have reasonably efficient public transportation to take you back and forth 
to Caribana.
  
If money isn't a big concern with you, then staying in downtown Toronto
is probably the best bet, as you would be within walking distance to many
of the events!

Below are a few places you may wish to consider for your accomodation
needs.  Prices should not be taken as absolute; they are more of a range
of prices you can expect.  You are recommended to contact any of the hotels
for actual prices.  Don't forget to inquire about weekend package deals.

Prices and phone numbers subject to change without notice.  If you find
an error in this FAQ document, please e-mail the correct information to
the FAQ maintainer.  In addition, if you can find it the e-mail address
of a particular hotel (if available) I would appreciate it if you can
pass the information on so it can be included here.

* Toronto Downtown *

BEST WESTERN PRIMROSE HOTEL - (416) 977-8000 or FAX (416) 977-6323
111 Carlton Street          - Single $ 99-$129
Toronto                     - Double $109-$159

BOND PLACE HOTEL            - (416) 360-6406
65 Dundas Street East       - Single $ 59-$ 89
Toronto                     - Double $ 69-$109

CARLTON INN                 - (416) 977-6655 or FAX (416) 977-0502
30 Carlton Street           - Double $ 69-$ 79
Toronto          

HOLIDAY INN ON KING         - (416) 599-4000
370 King Street West        - $ 70-$124
Toronto

HOTEL IBIS                  - (416) 593-9400 or FAX (416) 593-8426
240 Javis Street            - Single $ 94
Toronto                     - Double $109

HOTEL VICTORIA              - (416) 363-1666 or FAX (416) 363-7327
56 Yonge Street             - Single $ 99-$120
Toronto                     - Double $114-$135

STRATHCONA HOTEL            - (416) 363-3321 or FAX (416) 363-4679
60 York Street              - Single $ 59
Toronto                     - Double $ 69


* Toronto Airport *

Suggestions would be appreciated.


* Hotels Around Vicinity *

BROWNSTONE HOTEL            - (800) 263-8967, (416) 924-7381
15 Charles Street East      - Single $ 90-$110
Yorkville                   - Double $100-$120

HOTEL SELBY                 - (416) 921-3142 or FAX (416) 923-3177
592 Sherbourne Street       - Single $ 45-$ 55
Toronto                     - Double $ 55-$ 75

JOURNEY'S END               - (416) 968-0010 or FAX (416) 968-7765
280 Bloor Street West       - Single $ 94
Yorkville                   - Double $109

VENTURE INN                 - (416) 964-1220 or FAX (416) 964-8692
89 Avenue Road              - Single $ 89
Yorkville                   - Double $ 99


* Toronto North Vicinity *

ROEHAMPTON HOTEL            - (416) 487-5101 or FAX (416) 487-5390
808 Mount Pleasant Road     - Single $ 85-$ 95
Toronto                     - Double $ 85-$ 95


* East North Vicinity *

THE SHERATON TORONTO EAST   - (416) 299-1500 or FAX (416) 299-8959
2035 Kennedy Road           - Single $ 89-$135
Scarborough                 - Double $ 85-$160


* Pickering *

Suggestions would be appreciated.


* Mississauga *

Suggestions would be appreciated.


* Oshawa *

Suggestions would be appreciated.

---===

Q-07. Which forms of transportation should I use to get around?

Caribana events are held in locations all around Metro Toronto, and for
many of them, transportation is required.

During the day, you are strongly urged to take public transportation to
and from the various events.  Toronto is quite convenient as far as public
transportation is concerned, offering subway, bus, and streetcar to get
you where you want to go.  GO trains are also available to transport you
from some of the more distance areas (for example if you have arranged
accomodations in Oshawa).  All parking at GO stations is free, so a good
idea might be to drive to a GO station and take the train in.

In Metro Toronto, the subway system runs until ??:?? am, with the busses 
running until ??:?? am.  This is pretty convenient, but if you're planning
to wind your waist well into the night, a car will probably be required.
Phone the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) at (416) 393-INFO for special
information on the Caribana route.

A word to the wise:  Do NOT drive a car on the final weekend (Saturday,
the day of the parade).  There will be *lots* of people in Toronto for
this event, and it is pretty sure that driving will be a headache and
parking will be a nightmare.

---===

Q-08. What kind of musical styles (and what bands!) will be featured?

If it has any relevance to the Caribbean, it will be featured.  Calypso,
rap, reggae, soca, even some dancehall will all be offered, whether at
Caribana or at any other of the great Caribbean clubs in the area.

By far, the best deal is to go to Nathan Phillips Square.  Everybody shows 
up to perform, and it only costs about $15.  For more information on
this or any other musical event, see question "Q-04", schedule of events.

---===

Q-09. Where are some good places to get authentic West Indian food?

Good news!  West Indian food is in abundance at any time of the year in
Toronto, but even more so when Caribana comes to town.

You can find good West Indian restaurants with great food at reasonable
prices.  Toronto is an expensive city though, so the finer restaurants will
set you back a bit.  There are also many street vendors providing West
Indian delicacies at Caribana events.

Toronto is the city and Caribana is the event where you can act out all
your culinary fantasies!  Imagine if you will, curry goat with fried
dumplings.  How about some spicy beef roti, or perhaps some jerk chicken
to put fire in your eyes.  All the good restaurants and night clubs are
situated in a relatively small area, so they are all easy to get to.

Caribbean Restaurants/Cafes:

   The Real Jerk Pit
   ????
   
   Roti Palace
   Bathurst Street, about a block south of "Honest Ed's"

   Supreme Restaurant & Tavern          Michidean's Take Out
   1559 Eglinton Avenue West            758 Dovercourt Road
   Toronto                              Toronto       
   Phone: (416) 782-1470                (416) 531-1474

   Ali's West Indian Roti Shop 
   1446 Queen Street
   Toronto
   (416) 532-7701
  

Caribbean Grocery/Specialty Stores:

   Mr. $aver - Signature Plaza          Wire's Variety
   1366 Weston Road                     753 Dovercourt Road
   Toronto                              Toronto
   (416) 241-9470                       (416) 531-2616

   Danforth Variety/Fruit Market        Tower Fresh Fruit Market
   2742 Danforth Avenue                 10-12 Tower Drive
   Toronto                              Scarborough
   (416) 690-5579                       (416) 750-8599

   Caribbean Corner Variety
   1032 Brock Street, Unit 2
   Whitby
   (416) 430-6275

---===

Q-10. Caribana aside, what are some good Caribbean clubs in the area?

I was able to get names of the nicer clubs but unfortunately not the
addresses for the majority of them.  Look them up in the phone book if 
you want to patronize them, hopefully I'll be able to include further
information next year.

- California Dreams, downtown Toronto, near Yonge & Bloor.

- Rockit, downtown Toronto, near Yonge & Bloor.

- Jaguar (Fridays & Sundays), downtown Toronto, near Yonge & Bloor.

- Vertigo, near Dufferin & Finch.

- Cutty's Hideaway in Scarborough, 538 Danforth Avenue, west of Carlaw.

- Crystal Palace, north-end of Toronto.

- Club Trinidad, downtown Toronto, around Church Avenue.  A favorite
hangout of many Torontonians, this 2-floor establishment seems to be 
always featuring well-known calypso artists.

---===

Q-11. Which Caribbean radio stations can I listen to while I'm in Toronto?

The Canadian Radio Television Commission (CRTC) has not yet allowed the
establishment of a dance/black radio station in Toronto, so the station
of choice is an American station (WBLK 93.7 FM) in Buffalo, New York.

Another good choice would be a station based in St. Catherines, Ontario,
at 107.9 on your FM dial.  They offer a reggae/calypso show on Saturday
afternoons.

There is a student-run radio station (CKNL 88.1 FM) based at Ryerson 
Polytechnical Institute.  They are mandated to follow an alternative 
format so they do cater to a variety of different cultures.

Finally, another station of unknown origin has been discovered (105.?? FM)
which also caters to a variety of musical tastes.  They offer a reggae/
calypso program, usually on Sunday evenings.  The signal is fairly weak in
Toronto, however.

---===

Q-12. How can I get more information about this wonderful event?

I suggest, when you get to Toronto, pick up a copy of "Share" to find out 
what is available.  Share is a West Indian community newspaper that is 
distributed free and is available many places throughout Metro.

Official Contacts:

   Caribbean Cultural Committee
   171 Carlton Street, Suite 200
   Toronto, Ontario M5A 2K3
   (416) 925-5435    FAX (416) 925-1108

Or feel free to contact any of:

   Toronto Tourist Bureau/Board of Trade
   <address unknown>
   (416) 366-6811

   Afro-Caribbean Students' Association
   44 St. George Street
   Toronto, Ontario
   M5S 2E4

   Indo-Caribbean Students' Association
   University of Toronto
   12 Hart House Circle
   Toronto, Ontario
   M5S 1A1

Caribbean Student Associations (e-mail contacts):

   SCA@biology.watstar.uwaterloo.ca
   Sandra M. <sosc1055@reader.yorku.ca>
   <more of these would be appreciated>

---===

Q-13. I'm too far away for Caribana -- do you know of any similar events?

The most famous event that is similar to Caribana (and in fact, Caribana
is *based* on this event) is called "Carnival" and is held annually in
Trinidad, around the time of Ash Wednesday.

Montreal has an event called "Carifete" which is similar to Caribana.  It
is held in the month of June(?), and ... [further information would be
appreciated].

This section could benefit from some further information.  :-)

---===

Q-14. Any "Quotable Quotes" from past attendees you want to share?

"For anyone stuck in Canada and unable to get any `regular' cultural
stuff, (as compared to New York City, for example), this is the *wildest*
time one can have." - Gerry George

"Must-see include the Brazillian float - Oh Gawd!!!!" - [ Unknown :-( ]

"Last year's Caribana was almost Trini style, of course there was the 
Canadian conservatism and no whining and GRINDING." - Ian Murray

"Between the various concerts, picnics, dances and parades there was music
everywhere." - <richards@sco.COM>

If you have something to say about Caribana send it to the FAQ maintainer
(currently <frampton@vicuna.ocunix.on.ca>) and it will be considered for 
inclusion herein.

---===

Q-15. Who contributed to this FAQ document?

This document would not have been possible without the generous and
informative contributions made by the following people:

     Calvin Henry-Cotnam <cal@ee.ryerson.ca>
     Tricia "Trish-E" Graham <TRISHE@vms.cis.pitt.edu>
     Evelyn Walker <ewalker@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>

     George Chow <george@ucs.ubc.ca>
     Ian Murray <murrayian@phibred.com>
     richards@sco.COM
     Gerry George <ggeorge@acs.bu.edu> 
     Patrice A. Simon <simon@acsu.buffalo.edu>

     ... apologies to anyone I forgot to mention ...

Mr. Henry-Cotnam stands out among the others, because not only did he 
provide an enormous amount of information for this document, he has also 
served on the Caribana Cultural Committee in past years and has volunteered 
much of his time, helping to make Caribana a reality.

Ms. Graham also holds an honoured place in the above list, because she
provided a great deal of first-hand experience about Caribana as well as
information about many notable West Indian establishments in the Toronto
area.

Finally, Ms. Walker must be thanked for doing the legwork of finding out
accomodation information in Toronto and surrounding areas.

---===

Q-16. In the perspicacious words of Janet Jackson, "Is that the end?"

Yes it is.  Thank you for reading.

-----------
[12.] Can anyone give me some info on the rasta culture?

     Rastafarians
     
     {rah-stuh-far'-ee-uhnz}
     
          Rastafarians are members of a Jamaican messianic movement dating back
     to the 1930s; in 1974 they were estimated to number 20,000 in Jamaica.
     According to Rastafarian belief the only true God is the late Ethiopian
     emperor HAILE SELASSIE (originally known as Ras Tafari), and Ethiopia is
     the true Zion. Rastafarians claim that white Christian preachers and
     missionaries have perverted the Scriptures to conceal the fact that Adam
     and Jesus were black. Their rituals include the use of marijuana and the
     chanting of revivalist hymns. REGGAE music is the popular music of the
     movement. The Rastafarians, who stress black separatism, have exercised
     some political influence in Jamaica.
     
     Bibliography:
     Barrett, Leonard E., The Rastafarians: Sounds of Cultural Dissonance
     (1977); Sparrow, Bill, and Nicholas, Tracy, Rastafari: A Way of Life
     (1979).


   "In the beginning Jah created heaven and earth". 

   This is what the the Bible says. Jah is the creator, Jah is God. Jah,
Jahova, Jehova, Jahve are just different spelling of the name of God. 
   In the beginning of this century, a man called Marcus Mosiah Garvey
from Jamaica said "Look to Africa, where a black king shall be crowned". A
little after that, Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned, and became the Emperor
of Ethiopa, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, King of Kings, Lord of
Lords, conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah, Elect of God. 
   Marcus Garvey started an organization with the aim to help black people
in Babylon (the West World) cross river Jordan (the Atlantic Ocean) and go
back to Zion (which is not Israel, but all of Africa, especially
Ethiopia). People in Jamaica followed Marcus the prophet. This was the
beginning of the Rasta movement. Rasta is of course short for Ras Tafari,
the name of Haile Selassie.
   There is more to say, and I'm sure many others will add to and correct
what I have written.

Jah Love

Bo


[13.] Could anyone out there suggest to me any albums which combine reggae 
      and jazz?

From: dudley@treefort.Corp.Sun.COM (dudley)

Just about every jazz/hip-hop fusion album has a couple of reggae
numbers.  Check out Us3, Arrested Development, or Dream Warriors.

Of course, if you aren't into get-down funky groovin' dance music,
you probably won't like the rest of the stuff on the albums.

dudley
.
From: mikey@monkfish.nosc.mil (Mikey I)

 I would suggest some Dean Fraser, in particular "Taking Chances".

 Along these lines, there is an interesting snippet in the current issue
of The Beat about a sax player named Arturo Tappin and an album called "Strictly

Roots Jazz".  Anybody heard it?

      EZ Noh,  mike


From: ckhan@bbn.com (Chico Khan)

I'd recommend Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander.  Check out his Chesky 
release "Caribbean Circle".

Chico.

From: Kofi Apeagyei-Wiredu <ka27+@andrew.cmu.edu>
John P. Stevenson@coral. 


    try rico rodriguez.

From: ibsenj@govonca.gov.on.ca (Jeff Ibsen)


 I'm a big fan of a hitherto neglected sub-genre of reggae that
 I call "instrumental reggae" This type of reggae generally is very
 horn-heavy and contains lots of solos. It is frequently also heavily
 dubbed, and often the 'straight' and dubbed versions of songs are
 both included on the same album. Some examples of albums which I
 consider to belong to this category are:

 Aggrovators Meet Revolutionaries: Side 1 is straight instrumental
 stuff, lots of horn solos, side 2 has dub versions of the songs
 on side 1

 Fatman Riddim Section Meets Downtown Horns: A great album with
 reggae versions of some well-known jazz standards.

 The Workers Speak To Their Slave Masters With STRIKE!: The best
 album title (and cover) in the known universe. I've never seen
 another copy of this one but it has great tunes, with titles
 like 'Better Working Conditions for Workers' and 'More Opportunity
 for Workers' Children'! A Studio 16/Winston Edwards production,
 all tracks played by the 'Well-Pack Band' Some tunes are dubbed
 versions.

 Count Ossie -:Tales of Mozambique: Not strictly instrumental,
 but lotsa horns and good soloing.

 Also, there is tons of early instrumental ska that contains
 extended soloing - anything by the Skatalites - Tommy McCook,
 Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso et. al. The jazz pianist George
 Shearing considered the late Don Drummond one of the best
 trombonists in the world.
 

 Jeff Ibsen 

----------
[14.] Caribbean Clubs FAQ

           CARIBBEAN CLUBS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
               Version 1.01 - Last updated March 25, 1994

Compiled by Steve Frampton <frampton@vicuna.ocunix.on.ca> with help from
several contributors (listed at the end of this document, section "S-06").

This document is copyright 1994 by Steve Frampton (on behalf of himself and 
all the contributors) but is freely distributable to the benefit of
lovers of Caribbean culture world-wide.

---===

S-00. Legal disclaimers and important information.
S-01. Caribbean restaurants in the United States and Canada.
S-02. Caribbean restaurants in other parts of the world.
S-03. Caribbean (music) clubs in the United States and Canada.
S-04. Caribbean (music) clubs in other parts of the world.
S-05. Notable future (next 6 months) live performances in clubs world-wide.
S-06. List of contributers to this FAQ document.
S-07. Where to send your club FAQ submissions to.
S-08. And so endeth this document.

---===

S-00. Legal disclaimers and important information.

Neither myself (Steve Frampton) nor any of the contributors (listed at
the end of this document) shall be held liable for any damages caused by
the information (or mis-information, as the case may be) contained within
this document, including but not limited to, special, incidental,
consequential, or other damages.

It would not be possible to guarantee a 100% degree of accuracy for the
establishments listed herein.  These clubs and restaurants are bound to
move, shut down, change prices or hours, etc. without notice.  A
telephone call made first before paying a visit may prevent considerable
inconvenience and aggravation.

In short, USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK.

---===

S-01. Caribbean restaurants in the United States and Canada.

This section includes full restaurants which MAY or MAY NOT have clubs.

UNITED STATES:

"Caribee Dance Center"  14th & Webster Streets, Oakland, CA
Phone: (510) 835-4006
Features:  Small cafe-type operation with all cooking done off-site is
open Wed-Sat nights with limited menu (curry goat, jerk chicken, escovitch
fish, and Veggie Curry, etc.)  Club open Wednesday to Saturday, and
sometimes on Sunday 9:00pm-1:00am, with reggae, dancehall, and one
salsa/latin night.  Live bands occasionally.  Alcohol available but club
is equally friendly towards non-drinkers with a wide variety of
non-alcoholic beverages.
Cover: $5 Wed, $5-$8 Thu-Sat.

"Caribbean Experience"   2897 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Phone: (716) 838-5131
Features: Great food, bar, dance floor, experience

"Dr Bird Inc"           842 Delevan Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Phone: (716) 892-7454
Features: Food, groceries (ie, not a club)

"Nagasaki's Restaurant & Nightclub"     276 Fulton Ave., Hempstead, NY
Phone: (516) 292-9200
Features: Restaurant daily, featuring West Indian and Asian dishes, 
reasonably priced, good eating atmosphere.  Weekends club featuring
mainly dancehall, reggae and soca, with some r&b, hip-hop, etc.,
Club Cover - Friday:   men free before 9pm, ladies free b/f 10pm
                       $5 until 12am, $10 after
           - Saturday: $5 b/f midnight, $15 after

---===

S-02. Caribbean restaurants in other parts of the world.

This section includes full restaurants which MAY or MAY NOT have clubs.

Submissions would be appreciated.

---===

S-03. Caribbean (music) clubs in the United States and Canada.

This section includes full dance clubs, which MAY or MAY NOT serve
limited food items.

UNITED STATES:

"Alberto's"             736 W. Dana Street, Mountain View, CA
Phone: (415) 968-3007
Features: Dance club specializing in live dance music of all types; styles 
include Reggae, Latin, Brazilian, Soca, Calypso, Tango, Cajun.  Many shows 
include free dance lessons.
Cover: from $4 to $10.


"Western Front"        Western Ave. & Putnam St., Cambridge, MA
Phone: n/a
Features: Styles include reggae, calypso, soca, etc.  Live performances
most nights - gets both local talent, regional bands, and sometimes bigger 
name musicians like Eeek-a-Mouse and Mutaburuka.  Friendly, laid back,
nice atmosphere.
Cover: from $10 to $20


"Club Eclipse"          247 Fabyan Place, Newark, NJ
Phone: (201) 923-5869
Features: reggae, dancehall, a small amount of soca, etc.
Cover: $10


"Club Illusion"         103 Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (718) 941-7220
Features: mostly Jamaican music, dancehall, reggae, etc.  Very popular.
Cover: n/a


"Tilden Hall"           Tilden Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Phone: n/a
Features: a variety of DJ's
Cover: n/a


"Callalloo II"          ** address unknown **, Brooklyn, NY
Phone: n/a
Features: lots of Trinidadians, food also available
Cover: n/a


"Starlight Ballroom"    4016 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Phone: n/a
Features: Nightclub weekends, featuring dancehall, reggae and soca, r&b, 
hip-hop, house, etc.  Performers & sound systems occasionally


"Club SOB's"            Varick & Houston, Manhattan, NY
Phone: n/a
Features: always have live music, sometimes Caribbean performers such as 
Mighty Sparrow or reggae music, etc.
Cover: depending on performance, $12 or more.


"China Club"            Broadway, between 74th & 75th, Manhattan, NY
Phone: (212) 877-1166
Features: Nightclub, Wednesday thru Sunday with dancehall, reggae and soca, 
r&b, hip-hop, house, etc.  Performers frequently; local radio stations
(either WRKS or WBLS) broadcast from the club weekly.
Sundays: Sheek Sundays - "for mature reggae crowds" (23 & over) - 
                       - $5 b/f midnight, $10 after


"The Arena"             24th Street between 5th & 6th Ave., Manhattan, NY
Phone: n/a
Features: Nightclub weekends, two floors of music:  1st floor - calypso & soca
2nd floor - dancehall & reggae, Fridays for the afterwork crowd


"Bentley's"             40th Street & Madison Avenue, Manhattan, NY
Phone: n/a
Features: Nightclub Friday & Saturday, two floors of music - 1st floor: r&b, 
hip-hop, house, etc.  2nd floor: reggae, soca, dancehall, etc.  Local radio 
station WBLS broadcasts from here every Saturday.  Performers occasionally.
Cover: from $10 to $15


"Club Harambe"          127 W. 43rd Street., Manhattan, NY
Phone: (212) 819-1123
Features: Nightclub weekends, featuring dancehall, reggae and soca, plus 
some r&b, hip-hop, house, etc.


"Club S.I.B.'s"         92-32 Union Hall St., Queens, NY
Phone: (718) 291-2969
Features: Nightclub weekends, featuring dancehall, reggae and soca, r&b, 
hip-hop, house, etc., 
Cover: from $5 to $15; After work Wednesdays - $5


"Krystal's"             Hillside & Merrick Avenues, Queens, NY
Phone: n/a
Features: Nightclub weekends, featuring dancehall, reggae and soca, plus 
some r&b, hip-hop, house, etc.  Performers frequently; Music (normally)
by Sting International
Cover: from $10 to $15 Friday & Saturday, $1 Sunday (yes, $1!!)


"Cue (Q?) Club"         93-37 150 Street, Queens, NY
Phone: n/a
Features: Nightclub weekends, featuring dancehall, reggae and soca, r&b, 
hip-hop, etc.  Performers frequently; sound systems occasionally
Cover: Ladies $1 b/f midnight, $10 - $15 otherwise


"Infinity"              3878 Bay Boulevard, Queens, NY
Phone: (718) 631-1500
Features: Nightclub Friday & Saturday, featuring dancehall, reggae and soca,
r&b, hip-hop, etc.  Local radio broadcasts from here occasionally.


"Trafalgar Square"      91-12 144th Place Archer Ave., Queens, NY
Phone: (718) 291-1234
Features: Nightclub Wednesdays, featuring mostly dancehall, reggae, and 
soca, in the V.I.P. Louge, and on most weekends featuring dancehall, reggae
and soca, r&b, hip-hop, house, etc.  Performers frequently



CANADA:

"Rockit"                120 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Phone: (416) 947-9555
Featuring: Dancehall music, drinks


"Opera House"           735 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Phone: (416) 466-0313
Featuring: Dancehall music, drinks


"St. Lawrence Market"   92 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Phone: (416) 781-1695 or (416) 286-0207
Featuring: Dancehall music, drinks


"Twilight Zone"         491 College Street, Toronto, Ontario CANADA
Phone: n/a
Featuring: Dancehall music, drinks


"Phoenix"               Sherbourne & Carlton Ave., Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Phone: n/a
Featuring: Dancehall music, drinks


"Limelight"             250 Adelaide Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Phone: n/a
Featuring: Dancehall music, drinks

"Tropicana"             686 Princess Street, Kingston, Ontario, CANADA
Phone: (613) 542-0014
Featuring: Mostly soca, latin, some dancehall.  Sometimes live calypso bands,
usually from Toronto.  Some light, simple foods are available.

---===

S-04. Caribbean (music) clubs in other parts of the world.

This section includes full dance clubs, which MAY or MAY NOT serve
limited food items.

"Rastatoo"              La Gasca 120, Madrid, SPAIN
Phone: n/a
Features: Roots and some Dancehall style, reggae videos from live concerts 
and interviews.
Cover charge: Usually none.

---===

S-05. Notable future (next 6 months) live performances in clubs world-wide.

This section lists NOTABLE (ie. big-name) live performances in clubs
world-wide for the period from March 1, 1994 until August 31, 1994.

Submissions would be appreciated.

---===

S-06. List of contributers to this FAQ document.

This document would not have been possible if the following people
hadn't taken the time to submit club information:

     Calvin and Donnia Henry-Cotnam <cal@ee.ryerson.ca>
     Tricia "Trish-E" Graham <TRISHE@vms.cis.pitt.edu>
     Evelyn Walker <ewalker@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
     George Chow <george@ucs.ubc.ca>
     Ian Murray <murrayian@phibred.com>
     Albertos <albertos@sunpath.Stanford.EDU>
     <richards@sco.COM>
     Raun Kupiec  <rkupiec@athena.mit.edu>
     Barbara Caramba-Coker <Barbara.Carambacoker@Eng.Sun.COM>
     Gerry George <ggeorge@acs.bu.edu> 
     Patrice A. Simon <simon@acsu.buffalo.edu>
     Jeffrey R. Meade <meade@acsu.buffalo.edu>
     Borja Larrumbide Martinez <mart@cs.bu.edu>
     Dudley Gaman <Dudley.Gaman@Corp.Sun.COM>
     George Elkins <elkins@remus.rutgers.edu>

     ... apologies to anyone I forgot to mention ...

---===

S-07. Where to send your club FAQ submissions to.

If you have some club information you would like to see listed in the
FAQ, you may send your submission to:  <CLUB-FAQ@vicuna.ocunix.on.ca>.

Please try and stick to the format used in this FAQ, it makes for easier
editing.  Too much information, and you risk being severely edited, and
too little and you aren't helping us.  :-)

---===

S-08. And so endeth this document.

Please send in some club information!

------------------------------------------------------------

Steve Frampton        E-mail: <frampton@vicuna.ocunix.on.ca>
----------

[15.] What is the significance of the "Two Sevens"?

 here is what the liner notes for the album has to say:

"One day Joseph Hill had a vision, while riding a bus, of 1977 as a year of 
judgement -- when two sevens clash -- when past injustices would be avenged. 
Lyrics and melodies came into his head as he rode and thus was born the song
"Two Sevens Clash" which became a massive hit in reggae circles both in Jamaica

and abroad. The prophecies noted by the lyrics so profoundly captured the 
imagination of the people that on July 7, 1977 - the day when sevens fully 
clashed (seventh day, seventh month, seventy-seventh year) a hush descended on 
Kingston; many people did not go outdoors, shops closed, an air of foreboding 
and expectation filled the city."

From: redingtn@athena.mit.edu (Norman H Redington)
Subject: Re: Two Sevens Clash

"Mi know prophet Marcus Garvey prophecI say:
 St. Jago de la Vega and Kingston is gonna meet.
 And I can see with mine own eyes
 It's only a housing scheme that divides.
 What a liv on bamba yay when the Two Sevens clash!

 Marcus Garvey was inside at
 Spanish Town District Prison,
 And when they were about to take him out
 He prophecied and said:
 As I have passed through this gate,
 No other prisoner shall enter and get through.
 And so it is until now:
 The gate has been locked. So what,
 What a liv on bamba yay when the Two Sevens clash!"

                           --Culture

Excerpts from a very interesting article by Beverly Hamilton
in the June '91 _Jamaica Journal_:

"...One version of the prophecy claimed that Garvey said there
would be severe hardships, doom, and destruction 'when the two
sevens meet'. Another was that Garvey said that if black people
could pass through the seventies, they could pass through anything. 
A third claimed that Garvey said that the black man would rise up
when the two sevens met. This prophecy received official sanction
when Mr. Edward Seaga, the then-Leader of the Opposition and a
noted sociologist, referred to it in his New Year's message. The
idea gained further currency through the music of some reggae artists,
especially Culture...

"In 1977 I interviewed two Garvey elders about the prophecy. Z. Monroe
Scarlett said quite clearly he had never heard Garvey make any specific
statement about two sevens. What he remembered him saying was that if
black people could pass through the seventies they could overcome all
major difficulties. The other, Van Riel, a BITU veteran, explained: 
'Him (Garvey) say 1977 will be a hard year. Yu see already. The Prime
Minister say yu belt tight.' ... Two months later, Jamaica went to the
International Monetary Fund for assistance.

"...One must remember that this period followed the 1976 elections, the
most violent in Jamaica up to that time. As 1977 progressed, different 
versions were added to the prophecy...finally it was a special day, July
7, 1977, when the 'four sevens' met. One even heard that blood was going
to flow and that Manley's head would roll. A report in the _Daily Gleaner_
of July 7, 1977 [says]:'...The Combined Security Forces have been put on
full alert so as to be prepared [for] possible trouble when the four 7s
meet today (the 7th of the 7th month of '77), Minister of National Security
Munn told the _Gleaner_ yesterday...'

"There was a further official response. That day was used to launch a
constitutional reform programme...with the Prime Minister scheduled to
speak at 7 p.m. -- when the 'five sevens' met...

"...Other Garvey prophecies are about Jamaica...Garvey is credited with
predicting the twinning of Spanish Town, the capital of St. Catherine, 
with Kingston, the present capital of Jamaica. In the late sixties and
early seventies, a massive housing development scheme known as Portmore
was carried out in southern St. Catherine. A causeway was built across
Kingston Harbour to link this development with Kingston, thus fulfilling
Garvey's prophecy...

"...Another prophecy relating to Garvey's stay in Spanish Town prison
is that he is supposed to have put a seal on the prison door through
which he left. Many claim that this door has been fastened to this day.
Prisoners in the Spanish Town Penitentiary still tell of being shown
the gate on which Garvey was supposed to have put this curse..."

[from "The Legendary Marcus Garvey", by Beverly Hamilton, _Jamaica Journal_
24(1)54, June 1991.]

_________________________________________________________________________

COMMENT: I used to think that the Two Sevens was a classic example of
failed prophecy. However several explanations have been offered.

1) Who knows what happened that day which didn't get noticed by the
world? Maybe someone was born, for instance.

2) The mid Seventies were the high water mark of the Soviet Empire,
which engulfed Ethiopia a little earlier and was on the move in the
Caribbean along with its CIA mirror-image. In late 1976, an Orthodox
monk named Seraphim Rose (who was almost certainly unaware of the Garvey
prophecy) had a vision on the Day of the Seven Sleepers in which he
saw a vast multitude singing the Easter Psalm ("Let God arise, let his
enemies be scattered, as smoke vanishes so let them vanish, as wax which
melts before the fire!"). It was explained in the vision that for one
particular enemy - the Soviet Empire - this would "now" be fulfilled:
it would vanish. In 1977, people doubted this prophecy, to say the least!

3) As Bop pointed out in his post, two sevens clash in Pharaoh's dream in
Genesis. The clash reflects conflict and opportunity, as do the various
versions of Garvey's prophecy. The clashing sevens saved Israel, because
Joseph by correctly interpreting the dream went from being a slave (and on 
top of that, in jail and presumed dead by his relatives!) to Prime Minister
of Egypt, able to save his people. But the Israelite migration into Egypt
was a mixed blessing; they would end up as slaves and it would take Moses
to get them back to Zion. All this is connected to the Garvey prophecy,
which seen in this light is very much deeper than it appears.   

[16.] What's all this about Sound Systems, Clashes and Dubplates? 

>Dumb question...but here goes,
>What is a sound system?
>Hope this does not destroy my credability has a true reggae
>music lover :-)

A sound system, well consider it to be a glorified stereo system.  Basically 
it is usually lots of base boxes lots of mid-range boxes and lots of high end 
boxes ( what I mean by boxes is large speaker cabinets).  All this is driven 
by lots of amps to make it so loud that the base makes the hair on your neck 
move to the beat.  You really haven't experienced true dancehall until you've 
been to a true yard dance like Stone Love at House of Leo (Kingston JA)


In article <2qp6iv$s1k@bruce.uncg.edu> pennyr@hamlet.uncg.edu (Reginald Penny)
writes:
>Subject: sound systems
>From: pennyr@hamlet.uncg.edu (Reginald Penny)
>Date: 10 May 1994 23:49:51 GMT

>Does anyone have a list (brief or massive) of what people are in what 
>sound system?  Also what are the top 5 largest sound sytems in the world 
>or JA?  

>BTW - what exactly is meant by a clash?  Is it when more than one SS battle?

>R-

Wow thats a tough question as to the top five.  It would fall under personal 
pref. " Stone Love" is one of the best; the selectors are Rorey , Weepow and 
Cancer.  "Bodygaurd" is another top sound, their main selector is Johnny and 
they are bringing in a few more. " Metromedia" is a more classic sound, 
selector is Skyjuice who is a performer in his own right -- you really haven't 
seen metro until you've seen Skyjuice take his shirt off. "Jamrock" is 
another big sound, I don't remember who the seletor is.  There is straight 
outta NYC "Addis" with selector Baby Face; they were up in the top at the 
world cup.  Innercity, with selectors  Mark, Danny and Wally -- they rank 
right up there.  There are tons of sound systems and I could go on for ever 
listing them.
As far as a "clash"  there can be at least two sounds clashing.  It is best 
with two, a clash is like a strategic chess game.  When sounds clash they try 
to out do each other, who can play the best "Garnett Silk" dubplate and who 
can get the crowd to respond more.   You try to play what the people want to 
hear and the trick is to do it better than who you are clashing.  Maybe I 
should explain what a dub plate is.   A dub plate, aka "a special", is created 
when you take a tune and ask the artist to customize it for you,  such as 
getting Buju Banton to do a version of Boom Bye Bye, but, change the lyrics to 
Boom Bye Bye in a sound boy's head.  In other words they customize the lyrics 
of there songs to put either the sound systems name in it or the sound system 
that the are clashing's name in it.  None of this is free -- it costs dollars 
unless you have connections but it still costs dollars. 
I hope this all makes some sense and that I havn't totally confused you if you 
have any quetions post them and I will try ro answer them.
Robin

----------
[17.] Is there a World Wide Web Server for Reggae?

Yes, the Home Page is: http://nyx10.cs.du.edu:8001/~damjohns/reggae.html

