Caribana Best Bets

Scotiabank
Caribana Parade
AUG 1, STARTS AT EXHIBITION PLACE, 100 PRINCES’ BLVD.

The Caribana Parade is always the can’t-miss event of the festival, or at least the most colourful. Starting at Exhibition Place and then moving west along Lakeshore Boulevard, the Parade is billed as “Carnival in the city,” featuring over 15,000 dancers and musicians, including you if you feel like showing off some moves. While it costs $18 to get into Exhibition Place, where the parade begins, watching along Lakeshore Boulevard is free. 10am-6pm.

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Scotiabank Caribana King And Queen Show
JULY 30, LAMPORT STADIUM, 1151 KING W.

Royalty isn’t just about politics and birthrights, oh no. First and foremost, it’s about primpin’ and preenin’, walking tall and feeling the roar of the crowd. The Caribana King and Queen Show may not exactly have diplomatic consequences, but it will gather the Kings and Queens of bands to do pretty much everything else you’d want in royalty. A battle of the bands of monarchical proportions. $27-$35. 7pm-midnight.

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De Caribana Lime
AUG 2, ONTARIO PLACE, 955 LAKESHORE W.

Dance, drama, music, food and storytelling will all be present at this all-day arts performance festival. Now located at Ontario Place, the event promises to showcase facets of all of the Caribbean cultures. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself without having to buy a plane ticket. $14. Noon-8pm.

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Pan Alive
JULY 31, LAMPORT STADIUM, 1151 KING W.

The unmistakable sound of the Caribbean emanates from the steel pan, Trinidad’s national instrument. Originally made out of steel oil drums, cut and hammered to deliver a range of notes, the music of the steel pan is synonymous with Island culture. Pan Alive promises to showcase the musical and tonal qualities of the instrument as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. $15-25. www.caribanafestival.com.

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Beyond the Rhythm
TO AUG 3, ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

If you need a shade break from Caribana’s many outdoor events, this touring exhibition (see our feature on this, “The big picture,” on page 35) celebrates African-Canadian heritage in more than 50 works by 25 artists. Paintings by Joy Andre, Donnet Maria, Izzy Ohiro and others explore themes such as survival, accomplishment and triumph in the journey of African-Canadian history. Renowned artist-activist Joan Butterfield curates the exhibit. Daily 10am-5:30pm, Fri 10am-9:30pm. 100 Queen’s Park. 416-586-8000.

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Jadakiss
JULY 31. GUVERNMENT, 132 QUEENS QUAY E.

It looked like gritty NYC rapper Jadakiss’ legendary rasp might not be coming out of radios any time soon when his album was being endlessly pushed back, but on the strength of “Letter to B.I.G.,” The Last Kiss bowed at #3 on Billboard and finally got him some money to go with the power and respect. With DJ Clymaxxx, more. $22 from Play De Record, www.clubzone.com.

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Island Soul

JULY 31-AUG 3. HARBOURFRONT CENTRE, 235 QUEENS QUAY W.
Harbourfront know how to keep it real — you won’t find a more authentic lineup than theirs. Friday night they’ve got calypso veteran The Mighty Shadow’s bass croon; Saturday will see Heptones singer Leroy Sibbles laying down a righteous roots groove; and on Sunday, the godfather of the sing-jay style, Tony Rebel, will keep it hype post-parade. Free. See www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

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Fire Fete
AUG 2. SOUND ACADEMY, 11 POLSON

If you’re wondering where the hardcore soca crowd will be after the parade, wonder no more. Headlined by Trinidadian hot shot Bunji Garlin and featuring his wife Fay-Ann Lyons as well, you’ll be looking at a sea of people waving every flag in the Caribbean. Save some energy for this one, because you’re gonna need it. 10pm. $30-$40 advance. www.soulvibezent.com.