Tuesday January 8th, 2013 - With the start of a new year comes great expectations, resolutions, and a universally recognized moment where one can wipe the slate clean and re-invent. Taking full advantage of this moment, Callaloo Mas Band has confirmed recent speculations of a collaboration with Toronto’s newest carnival brand, Carnival Angelz Inc. Who is Carnival Angelz? A subsidiary of D’Bandit Enterprises, Carnival Angelz represents years of international experience in Caribbean entertainment. Under the leadership of Dwayne (D’Bandit) Pitt, Carnival Angelz is proving to be the new era of Toronto Mas. Determined to shed Toronto Carnival of its status quo state and usher in a season of ‘Rebirth’, Marlon Singh (Callaloo Band Owner) shares - "It's not enough to coast on our past success; there’s room in Toronto to broaden creative possibilities… We’ve recognized our limitations and in order to continue building Toronto’s Mas Culture, we're expanding our family to include Carnival Angelz.” For nearly a decade members of the newly formed, Carnival Angelz have been at the forefront of many creative masquerade ventures. Among these initiatives, is the influential role played in branding the popular, Carnival Nationz. Dwayne’s team has presented many stunning costumes during his span with the multiple 'Band…

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By Joel Julien THE Calypso Monarch competition will be held on Carnival Thursday and not the traditional Dimanche Gras Sunday night. This was disclosed yesterday by recently appointed chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) Allison Demas, as she announced several sweeping changes to next year's Carnival schedule of events. The competition to determine the winner of the "most prestigious title" in the "calypso world" will have to compete with Tribe Ignite and several all inclusive fetes, including Headley and Beach House, on February 7. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), however, is of the view that the shift in date would enable the organisation to "increase revenue", Demas said yesterday. The Calypso Monarch competition and the King and Queen of Carnival finals had traditionally formed the nucleus of the Dimanche Gras show. Next year, however, "you will see a completely refashioned Dimanche Gras which will not include any competitive aspect," Demas said yesterday. Demas said the new format for Dimanche Gras would "allow the show to be packaged and sold more easily and attract a greater level of sponsorship". Tenders are currently being requested for the production of Dimanche Gras 2013. Randy Glasgow of Randy Glasgow Promotions and William…

DANCEHALL entertainer Bounty Killer and former police constable Calis Bowen were yesterday freed of gun charges in the High Court Division of the Gun Court. “It’s a big relief off my head because you know I’ve been through a lot and to have this hanging over my head it was really a stress on the brain,” Bounty Killer told the Jamaica Observer just after leaving the court. “I’m happy and elated,” he said, adding that he can now concentrate on his music. Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, and Bowen were freed of charges of illegal possession of a firearm, assault at common law and unlawful wounding after the prosecution withdrew the charges on the basis that a statement by a senior police officer contradicted that given by the complainant. Both accused, who were reportedly among a crowd, were alleged to have assaulted an off-duty policeman along St Lucia Avenue in New Kingston on September 27, 2007 and shots fired at him. Bounty Killer is alleged to have pointed the gun at the complainant’s face. He reportedly signalled the men to clear the roadway when he was attacked. The complainant was said to have been leaving a club…