WEBSITE: http:\\www.harbourfrontcentre.com/luminato/carnivalissima/

Celebrate all the world�s great Carnivals all in one place, with an entire weekend of nonstop Harbourfront Centre events!

TORONTO -- May 18, 2007 -- Carnivalissima � Produced by Luminato and Harbourfront Centre, from June 8 to 10 � A bold celebration of the world's most lavish carnivals, all in one place. Harbourfront Centre site and the entire waterfront area will
 transform into several celebratory squares filled with dance, music, art, film, fashion, family and kids�
 events, international crafts, cuisine and all things to amaze and amuse you.  From the gala opening Masquerade Ball, to this wildly popular southern Caribbean dance music featuring Rikki Jai, the number one rated chutney artist worldwide and Guyana's most recorded artist Terry Gajraj.  
Closing concert by soca king Machel Montano HD and vibrant Tout monde ca Danse. Imagine a "sensory overload"
 that has you wondering which way to turn!  A spotlight on the diversity and creativity of Toronto through the speckled lens of carnival and spectacle. 

Events take place at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West on Friday, June 8, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.,
 Saturday, June 9, 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. &
 Sunday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.  
All performances are FREE!
 For more information please call 416-973-4000
 or visit harbourfrontcentre.com. 

Carnivalissima Highlights!

Friday, June 8

8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Carnivalissima Tent, York Quay Centre

The Masquerade Ball � Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and the best dances to the music of Jay Douglas and the All Stars.  
A Tarot card reader and food for sale by Chef Ismat Juvani will add that Mardi Gras flavour to the mix! The tent will have a full service bar.

Saturday, June 9

12 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Grand Carnival Caf�, York Quay Centre

Operated by Executive Chef Ismat Jivani from Big Daddy’s Oyster and Crab Shack, taste exciting dishes ranging from $5 to $12.

2 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Lakeside Terrace, York Quay Centre

Chef Ismat Jivani from Big Daddy’s Oyster and Crab Shack, and Chef Greg Coulliard from Restaurant Spice Room & Chutney Bar.

4:30 p.m.

Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage, York Quay Centre

Chutney Soca Jubilee -- Come dance to this wildly popular southern Caribbean dance music with an All-Star cast that includes: Rikki Jai, the number one rated chutney artiste worldwide; Guyana's most recorded artist Terry Gajraj; and
 Toronto's chutney-soca stalwarts The Roy Hot Shots Band featuring Melissia & Styx.

See a preview of Louis Saldenah's Mas-K Club Caribana 07 costumes.

8:30 p.m.

Toronto Star Stage in Congo Square, York Quay Centre

FireWalk � When day turns to night, Carnivalissima fires up the Toronto waterfront with spectacles of swirling fire dancers, daring fire eaters, majestic stilt performers, mythical giant puppets, and the glimmering lights of a thousand lanterns!

9:30 p.m.

Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage, York Quay Centre

Olodum � Based in Bahia, Brazil and widely credited for developing the music style Samba Reggae�have been performing since 1979, and are recognized internationally as ambassadors for Carnival in Rio de Janiero.

Sunday, June 10

2 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Lakeside Terrace, York Quay Centre

Chef Ismat Jivani from Big Daddy’s Oyster and Crab Shack, and Chef Greg Coulliard from Restaurant Spice Room & Chutney Bar.

2:30 p.m.

Topsy Turvy Street Stage, York Quay Centre

Pan Fantasy Steelband � A dynamic, versatile and highly talented group with a reputation for delivering high-energy performances of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Classical, Pop, R & B, Latin and Jazz.

3 p.m.

Carnivalissima Tent, York Quay Centre

Calypso Calabash � Produced by Roger Gibbs and Ting-A-Ling productions � A show about the legacy of early Calypso (the Kaiso) featuring music, dance and storytelling.
 This 90-minute musical journey is divided into four segments with scripted narration portraying the evolution of Calypso music from its folk roots to modern-day variations.
 The Finale features a combined ensemble of the segments exploring the modern variations of Calpyso: Soca, Chutney, Rapso and Ringbang.

4 p.m.

Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage, York Quay Centre

Machel Montano HD � The undisputed soca king of Trinidad and Tobago, Machel Montano has etched his name among the elite in the music industry.
 Machel and his band Xtatik have been the premier soca band in the Caribbean for more than a decade and have established themselves as the leading draw at major events in New York City, Miami, Toronto and London, and throughout the Caribbean.

For more information please contact:

Ramona Noor, 416-973-4342 or rnoor@harbourfrontcentre.com

Linda Liontis, 416-973-4381 or lliontis@harbourfrontcentre.com