Welcome to SPIRIT OF CALYPSO

 

                                                     

        

       NEW !!      Creole Corner

 

          A series of calypso guitar strums sessions.

                    Grab your guitar and join me.

 

 

                       Roger Gibbs big trouble    CLICK HERE  Big Trouble 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RIVERDALE SHARE, Danforth Music Hall  Dec 2

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SHAK SHAK gets the Christmas spirit! Sold out concert on The Danforth. Our thanks to Tom Leighton and house band for the great accompaniment.

 

 

 

2018 CALYPSO MUCHO

 

Panman Pat Strolling Steelband!  CLICK HERE

 

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 WEDNESDAY  August 1st  @ Lula lounge   8pm

 

Calypso Mucho is back! A modern-day acoustic big-band revue show featuring local performers

of West Indian origin, hearkening back to the 20th-century Calypso tent tradition in Trinidad.

 

2018 Calypso Mucho is anchored by 9-piece band SHAK SHAK featuring frontman Roger Gibbs

and led by Dr. Chris Wilson, along with special guests Panman Pat, Monty Hama, Susan G,

Garth Blackman, and John Orpheus

 

Host is popular raconteur Rhoma Spencer.

 

A 2-hour revue of newly-arranged repertoire and original work: Calypso – from its Folk/Roots 

to Classic, Contemporary and Fusion.

 

Special after show guest is rhythm troupe John Orpheus for your vibey pleasure.

 

Tickets for Calypso Mucho are available at www.ticketgateway.com for $20. ($25. at door).

Dinner reservations guarantee seating and can be made by contacting Lula Lounge at 416-588-0307 or

online at opentable.ca

 

Generously supported by the Toronto Arts Council.

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For info on 2018 Calypso Mucho please call 416-484-6914, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

https://www.facebook.com/Shak-Shak-429754990399568/

 

 

 

 

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        New CD available

 

 

Shak Shak Party’ is the title track and opening salvo of our musical excursion into Trinidad’s rich

musical soundscape: vintage Calypsos, Orisha invocations, West African drum rhythms and Caribbean

creole chants. An 11-song set of original and cover songs that puts the popular music of Trinidad

and the Eastern Caribbean into a wider musical context, featuring some Calypso’s roots like the

French-influenced belé, Shango spirituals, and W. Africa’s Ibo and Congo drumming traditions.

 

Shak Shak’s last CD ‘Hot So’ in 2012 received critical acclaim and also has that Trinidadian folk music

touches of the bongo and kalinda. Shak Shak is a unique group of musicians who compose

and perform classic Calypso. Led by singer-songwriter/guitarist Roger Gibbs and ethnomusicologist/multi-

instrumentalist Dr. Chris Wilson, this new collection of songs is inspired by 20-year stint with

Collective of Black Artists (COBA)  www.cobainc.com

 

 

 

                  NOW AVAILABLE ON Itunes   Apple Music   

                  Google Play   Rhapsody   Spotify   Napster

                                  Kuack   Simfy Africa

 

 

‘One Man’ grooving to a Slow Congo drum pattern…. ‘Eh Millette’ skips to a Congo Belé beat,

adding new melodies to a famous 19th century beléchant. Chris Wilson’s composition ‘Lagos’,

a funky Nigerian Ibo riff with shades of Hi-life. 

 

Two Orisha tracks – ‘Erinle Ajaja’ and ‘Eshu/Yemanja’ … a side of Trinidad rarely captured

on record honouring the deities and spiritual power of Ifa religious chants.

 

‘Calypso History’ is a tribute to the late and beloved calypsonian Dick Lochan, a story of how Calypso

came to Canada and took hold in the late 1940s. Dick also helped Chris and Roger compose the

lyrics to the title track of ‘Shak Shak Party’, a description of a loft party scene that was inspired by

Joseph Mitchell’s story “Houdini’s Picnic”.

 

‘Wall Street Robber’ and ‘Rebels’ are social and political commentaries and the 1950s gem

‘Barbados Carnival’ is originally by Vernon Roberts, aka The Mighty Panther.

 

 

Our thanks to the Ontario Arts Council for their generous support.

 

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             Kaiso Riddims Music Series

 

8:00 - 12:00  Friday, February 10th    

8:00 - 1:00  Saturday, February 11th

HARBOURFRONT CENTRE

235 Queens Quay West

 

Friday                                                           FREE

8:00 - 9:00       DJ House music

9:00 - 10:00     Kalabash

10:00 - 10:30   Dj House music

10:30 - 12:00   MOKA

                        featuring Macomere Fifi

 

Saturday                                                      $15. adv.  / $20. door

8:00 - 9:00       DJ House music

9:00 - 10:15     Shak Shak

10:15 - 11:45   DJ House music

11:45 - 1:00     Neu Jenarashun

                        featuring Susan G and Delee

 

A bold new music series revealing the many expressions of a great Caribbean performing art of Calypso.  

Two brilliant nights of music from traditional to vintage… classic to modern and contemporary,

with an extra zing of Soca to warm the coldest winter’s eve. Kalabash, MOKA, Delee, Susan G

and Neu Jenarashun, Macomere Fifi. Special new CD launch by Shak Shak. Bring your dancing shoes!

 

 

 

 

 NEW!!

 

 

EMAIL YOUR ORDER TO   

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

SEND CDN $15. VIA PAYPAL AND PROVIDE  A

MAILING ADDRESS AND CD WILL BE SHIPPED

TO YOU IMMEDIATELY.

 

 

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                david cole                                                                  roger gibbs

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                                                                  sammy clarke

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                                                           john gibbs

 

                                        THE GIBBS BROTHERS

                        

 

 

 

 

Halibana DrumFEST

 

 

 

NIAGARA CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

 

 

 

 

 

CARNIVAL VILLAGE

      August 8 - 13 at Daniels Spectrum, Regent Park

 

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   Waleed Abdulhamid           Tich Maredza              Prime Guerra

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        JENNY BABOOLAL        Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street E.

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   Costume making Workshops in COBA Studios        SANDRA WHITING

                                Ruth Mathiang

                                                           RUTH MATHIANG

 Celebrate In The New Regent Park.....     Create Your Own Costume

 

Carnival Village welcomes you to come learn

how to create your own costume and take part in

an exciting Carnival parade in Regent Park on

Saturday, August 13 @ 1:00 pm

 

• Free workshops in dance movement,

drumming and making a percussion instrument

 

• Free evening concerts and a 3-week

   exhibition of photos of Carnival costumes.

 

Hallway Galleries   Aug. 2nd - Aug. 21st

 

Carnival Village Photo Exhibition

Mon.- Fri. 8:00 am 9:00 pm / Sat. & Sun. 10 am – 6:00 pm

 

Concerts in The Courtyard     6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Tues Aug. 9            Tich Maredza

Wed Aug. 10        Sandra Whiting

Thurs Aug. 11       Ruth Mathiang & Waleed Abdulhamid

Fri Aug. 12               Macomere Fifi

 

FOR INFO CALL: 416-484-6914 

 

Special thanks: Artscape, Toronto Caribbean Carnival, COBA, Kelvin Archer

 

Island Cafe

Ward's Island, Toronto

WEDNESDAY, July 13th  6:30 - 8:30pm

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Just steps from the ferry dock, the Island Cafe is the perfect spot

for a sunset dinner on a garden patio. Great food and some of

Canada's best calypso music with SHAK SHAK. Don't miss it!

 

 

The GIBBS BROTHERS

 

The Gibbs Brothers had their debut at the Studio Theatre at

Harbourfront Centre before a full house on May 28th, 2016.

Roger (guitar,vox), John (guitar, cuatro, harmonica),

David Cole (bass, marimbula), Sammy Clarke (congas, perc.)

The Gibbs Bros. perform Barbadian folk music from the late 18th

Century onward, telling the stories of infidelity, injustice

and rebellion; plus songs on topics such as sugar cane,

flying fish and the political struggle in a small Caribbean

island that played a critical role in the birth of the British Empire

 

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Saturday, AUG. 1st at Harbourfront Centre's Stage in the Round at 4pm. 

With special guest PANMAN PAT

 

 

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Wednesday, July 22nd  7-9pm

ISLAND CAFE, Ward's Island

 

 

Coming to a library near you!

 

ISLAND IN THE SUN: Barbados in Song


‘Island In The Sun: Barbados in Song’ is a concert of Barbadian folk songs

from 1800 to present and the stories behind them. Singer / guitarist Roger Gibbs

gives an overview the island’s history and its people – their beliefs, superstitions,

hopes and aspirations, tales of joy and sorrow and their life on and off the sugar

cane plantation. The 1-hr presentation also highlights Bajans’ struggles against

colonial rule and their fight for freedom.

 

Tues, Feb. 3rd 11:00 am BLOOR/GLADSTONE Library, 1101 Bloor St. W.
Saturday, Feb. 7th 2:00 pm PALMERSTON Library, 560 Palmerston Ave.
Monday, Feb. 9th 10:00 am FORT YORK Library, 190 Fort York Blvd.
Tuesday, Feb. 10th 10:00 am SANDERSON Library, 327 Bathurst St.
Saturday, Feb. 21st 2:00 pm  MAIN ST. Library, 137 Main St.
Sat, Feb. 28th 2:00 pm  MARIA A. SHCHUKA Library, 1745 Eglinton St. W.

Thursday, March 19th  2:00pm  BEACHES Library, 2161 Queen St. E.

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DECEMBER's FEATURED VIDEOS click below: 

 

Ol' Time Calypso, 'live' at Richmond Hill centre for Performing Arts

 Jim Bish flute, Anthony Pierre congas, Roger Gibbs lead vox, guitar, Wes Neal bass

 

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Christmas Party at the Sister

21st December 5-8pm

The Liquidaires

Jim Bish, Chris Wilson, Mark Matthews, Jeff Wilson, Carey West, Marc DeVos,

Kevin Barrtett, Roger Gibbs.... with special appearance by Panman Pat McNeilly!

THANKS for a wonderful time.... wishing you all good health and good time in 2015.

Thanks for the pic, Reissa.   xox

 

LIQUIDAIRES music CLICK HERE:   http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/THE-LIQUIDAIRES

 

 

NOVEMBER's FEATURED VIDEO click below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltT5fWl-Dt4

 

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5:00 - 8:00 pm SUNDAY, October 26th @ the Sister

1554 Queen St. West, Toronto

 

ROGER GIBBS - vocals, guitar  CHRIS WILSON - accordion, a. sax, keys

JIM BISH - t.sax, flute, clarinet  TONY PIERRE - congas, perc.  WES NEAL - ac. bass

PANMAN PAT McNEILLY - steelpan

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OCTOBER's FEATURED VIDEO click below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K88AXS-ZnPQ

'Sixty-seven' (A. Roberts) Roger Gibbs on guitar.

 

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Coming in 2015................!!

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  Mo'Banja

An a cappella quartet that sings peppy arrangements of calypso, soca, reggae & a variety of World music. The group recently debuted at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts and is Beverley Brathwaite, Susan Grogan, Charles Waterman and Roger Gibbs.

 

Here's a clip put together by videographer Tim Harry using footage from our Richmond performnce. 

Mo'Banja music CLICK HERE: 'Dr. Cassandra' (A. Carter) by Mo'Banja

For more info on Mo'Banja's GO TO:  https://www.facebook.com/mobanja?ref=br_tf

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QUEEN ST. WEST ART CRAWL

SUNDAY, Sept. 14th  5-6pm

Queen St. West @ Crawford St., Trinity-Bellwoods Park

Shak Shak & Special Guest: Panman Pat McNeilly

 http://www.queenwestartcrawl.com/performancezone 

 

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SEPTEMBER's FEATURED VIDEO click below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIHBg-hkEDU

'What Ah Kadooment' (Sach Moore) on BEST OF BARBADOS (1979) sung by Roger Gibbs.

 


 

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THE PROFESSIONALS CALYPSO TENT

 

Saturdays,  June13th, 20th, 27th, and July 4th

 

Calypso Central, 25 Cecil St., Toronto    8pm
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SHAK SHAK at the Professionals Calypso Tent featuring singers:

Beginner   Dick Lochan   Crooner    Macomere Fifi   

Web    Panman Pat   Mr. Wonderful   Connector          

      Special Guest: Masada

 

Roger Gibbs vocals and guitar, Chris Wilson alto sax, accordion, keys, Jim Bish tenor sax, Nicole Rampersaud  trumpet, Oswald James  trombone, Don Stewart bass, Gareth Burgess drums, Jeffrey Walcott congas, Ron D'Vignes iron, timbales.

 

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        Roger Gibbs               Don Stewart              Ron D'Vignes        Jamesy, Connector and Bish

 

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   Gareth Burgess             Chris Wilson (Mus. Dir.)            Jeff Walcott          Nicole Rampersaud

 

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 Macomere Fifi                  Joannie Davis                 Curtis                  Panman Pat McNeilly

 

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 JULY's FEATURED VIDEO click below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKHzyU8EKnc

A look back to 2007 with 'Caribana Turn Forty' (Roger Gibbs), FESTIVAL FEVER, produced by Ossie Gurley.

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SHAK SHAK at Toronto Main Reference Library.

Not in picture (Chris Wilson, Jim Bish, Wes Neal)

Jeff Walcott (iron)              Roger Gibbs (guitar/vocal)                Anthony Pierre (congas, perc.)

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SUNDAY, Feb. 9th  5-8pm  THE SISTER, 1554 Queen St.West, Toronto

Happy February, music lovers! See, it just doesn't sound right, does it? Happy February? Puhleese!

As you know (since you are a music lover), there is a possible way to reconcile this
darkest of months with that happy feeling you left behind in September.
And that way is . . . Listen to some live CALYPSO and ACOUSTIC CARIBBEAN music!!
Better yet, sit and relax (or shake yuh tail if it suits you!) at a fine venue
that features cold drink and warm food and great people . . . like YOU..!!

 

SHAK SHAK  SUNDAY, Feb. 9th  5-8pm
THE SISTER, 1554 Queen St. West http://www.thesister.ca/   No cover!!

Bring your family, bring your friends. We'll see you there!

 

Roger Gibbs - lead vox, guitar
Chris Wilson, alto sax, accordion
Jim Bish - tenor sax, flute
Wes Neal - acoustic bass

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Photo by Jenny Baboolal

Get your copy of

new CD "Hot So" with

SHAK SHAK!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA1toxg0MEY

 

 

"HOT SO" Roger Gibbs & Shak Shak

 

 

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11 Calypso and Caribbean Acoustic songs featuring Chris Wilson - tenor sax, accordion, keys, Jim Bish - alto sax, flutes, clarinet, Wes Neal - acoustic bass, Sammy Clarke - congas, percussion, Gareth Burgess - steelpan, drum kit.

 

Recorded and Mastered in Toronto, ON. Produced by Tom Graham and Roger Gibbs. Special thanks to the Ontario Arts Council.

 

New Canadian Music review:  http://www.newcanadianmusic.ca/releases/h/hot-so/roger-gibbs/2013-02-06

 

TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL  2012 Annual Gala

Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Friday, July 27th, 2012    

 

2012 Toronto Caribbean Festival Gala   2012 Toronto Caribbean Festival Gala5

 

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival honours three individuals each year for their role in the

Carnival Arts - Mas', steelpan, and calypso. Roger received the Calypso Award for outstanding

contribution to the development of the art form in Canada.

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Roger Gibbs is a Toronto-based singer / guitarist who performs Caribbean Acoustic and Calypso. He has released two CDs - "Spirit of Calypso" and "Calypso Classics on Guitar".

For bookings call (416) 484-6914 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (ROGERunderscoreGIBBS)

 

“I am the Spirit of Calypso music
Been around since the dawn of time
Watching over you and kind........”

 

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NamePlay Length
Ogun Belele

2:00 min
Sam the Guitar Man

2:00 min
Sixty-seven

2:00 min
Spirit of Calypso

2:00 min

 

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SHAK-SHAK is a Calypso and Caribbean Acoustic band whose music pays tribute to classic Calypso repertoire through the years.  Led by Barbadian-born Roger Gibbs and multi-talented musician and ethnomusicologist Chris Wilson, SHAK SHAK brings a genuine taste of the seductive rhythms and melodies that made Calypso a worldwide phenomenom.

 

Classic Calypso songs by Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener and others Trinidad greats, SHAK SHAK adds Roger and Chris's original songs. SHAK SHAK also reworks Caribbean folk songs and gives them a new twist.

 

For booking call (416) 484-6914 or (416) 948-3847.