11th Annual LA Carnival International Parade in Westchester, Ca. on October 18,09
For immediate release:
Contact: Causandra or Marie at (310) 410-0174 or [email protected]
CARICABELA presents
11th Annual Los Angeles Carnival International Parade in Westchester
Westchester, CA – It’s carnival time Los Angeles! On Sunday, October 18, 2009, the City of Westchester, home of the City of Los Angeles Carnival International Parade, will host another virtual cruise down the Caribbean featuring carnival presentations from the sun-drenched nations of Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua, Guyana and Haiti to name a few. Carnival Grand Marshals film and television star Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter from Jamaica and Emmy nominated film and television star CCH Pounder from Guyana will set the tone as they rev up the crowds, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, introduce the 2009 band leaders and designers and invite the bands into the Carnival Line Up..
The official ribbon-cutting and festivities begin at Emerson and 88th Streets, where parade bands will assemble to don their beads, feathers and finery, test their music systems and get in carnival spirit for the party of the year!
At 11 a.m. the carnival parades east on 88th Street, then north on Sepulveda Westway continuing west on Manchester, the main carnival route. Onlookers will enjoy a myriad of sensory pleasures reminiscent of fiery Calypso music, hop scotching across the gentle breeze of a sparkling Caribbean day. This year’s line-up features international Soca stars “Calypso Crazy,” Biggie Irie, super DJ’s Tony Tempo and Flash the Belizean Jaguar, along with 3NI Productions, Jump Synergy, Lula Washington Dance Theater, Joyce Production, Trinifeters, JamRock Revelers and the award-winning Los Angeles Carnival On Tour.
The procession enters the park at Loyola and Manchester where the hypnotic aromas of curried goat, jerk chicken, roti and fried plantains greet you with a smile. And the people – celebrating together in their diverse blends of ethnicities, melodious languages and cultures – The Rainbow People, said a wise man. Nowhere is this rainbow more evident than in the vibrant colors of costumed revelers in their exciting stage presentations following the parade. And if you haven’t seen a carnival band presentation before, don’t miss it!
The largest such Caribbean event in the Greater Los Angeles area, this Carnival draws crowds to participate by the traditional pageantry, the vibrant and colorful costumes of shimmering fabrics and furling feathers, beads and garlands and the gigantic and splendidly decorated finery denoting the kings and queens of the various bands of revelers. for your favorite band or masquerader as they travel the carnival route, jumping to Soca, Reggae and the rhythm of the pan!
And the music – rhythmic, pulsating, hypnotic and undeniably carnival. 2009 features international Soca stars Calypso Crazy, Biggie Irie plus other bands and DJ systems.
If you would rather the party came to you, sit back in the park and enjoy concierge service and Caribbean rhythms as the revelers carnival down the road. You will have prime position to see the spectacular stage presentations as the bands compete for coveted prizes. Who will be band of the year?! Welcome the reigning Caribbean Queens and be among the first to meet the inaugural contestants who will vie for the coveted title of Ms. Los Angeles Carnival Universe in 2010.
In addition to the festivities, CARICABELA and International Eye Los Angeles are collaborating with The K. Sam Essilfie Medical Foundation and Garifuna Writers Group in presenting a community health faire where dedicated healthcare providers will dispense health information, screenings and consultations to get you on track to live your best life yet! Don’t miss this chance to get the information you need from those who care the most – your community health care professionals.
This is definitely an experience not to be missed. This event is supported in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, sponsored by International eye, Los Angeles a 501 (c) 3 Organization and produced by MARIKEL International. For information, vendor booths and sponsorships contact the corporate office at (310) 410-0174 or [email protected].
CCH Pounder is Grand Marshal for
11th CARICABELA Los Angeles Carnival International Parade
Westchester, California
Westchester welcomes the beautiful and talented Emmy nominated actress CCH Pounder, who will be the Grand Marshal, along with film and television star, Jeffrey Anderson Gunter at the 11th annual CARICABELA Los Angeles Carnival International Parade on Sunday, October 18th, 2009. Known for playing strong, effective women, CCH Pounder has enjoyed a stellar career for almost three decades.
As Grand Marshal of CARICABELA Los Angeles Carnival, CCH Pounder brings a vibrant Caribbean spirit that endows the event with the star qualify she embodies.
Born in Guyana on Christmas Day, her parents moved to the States while she was still a young girl, but she and her sister were sent to a convent boarding school in Britain where they were introduced to art and the classics. Her entrance into professional acting brought various small roles in projects such as All That Jazz and I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can. A big break came for her when she gained cult status in the art-house film Bagdad Cafe as the offbeat owner of a roadside café. But Pounder’s prominence came with television where she developed a reputation for playing confident, strong-minded professionals. She is known for her smoldering intensity and earned an Emmy nomination for her performances on the hospital drama ER. She has performed in a number of highly acclaimed topical dramas, including Go Tell It on the Mountain, Common Ground, Murder in Mississippi, Funny Valentines and Boycott, for which a number of kudos have come her way.
As Grand Marshal of CARICABELA Los Angeles Carnival, CCH Pounder adds sparkle and star quality to the carnival, as she comes full circle back into her strong Caribbean roots.
This event is a definite calendar pick for the entire family that is not to be missed! Parade and festival is free to spectators. Parade participation fee is $20.00/person. Information on VIP Luncheon: (310) 410-0174 or [email protected]
Schedule of activities:
Sunday, October 18
• Parade Opening Ceremony 10 a.m.
Ribbon cutting and opening of the parade route. Location: 88th & Liberator
Master of Ceremonies introduces each band and its Band Leader as they get in the carnival spirit and line up for the parade.
• Parade Start 11 a.m.
Sepulveda Westway & Manchester
Our rhythm! Our style! Our vibe! Our Whine! Vote for your favorite band and favorite masquerader as they travel the carnival route, jumping to Soca, Reggae and the rhythm of the pan! Who will be band of the year?!
• Taste of Carnival Luncheon- 12 noon
Westchester Park, Lincoln/Manchester
If you would rather the party came to you, sit back in the park and enjoy concierge service and Caribbean rhythms as the carnival comes down the road. You will have prime position to see the spectacular stage presentations as the bands compete for coveted prizes.
• Community Health Faire Service
Westchester Park – 12 noon – 4 p.m.
Dedicated providers will dispense health information, screenings and consultations to get you on track to live your best life yet! Don’t miss this chance to get the information you need from those who care the most – your community health care professionals. Presented by The K. Sam Essilfie Medical Foundation and Garifuna Writers Group. Sponsored by CARICABELA and International Eye.
§ Presentation of the Bands 2 p.m.
Westchester Park Main Stage
See the spectacular presentations of the best of the 2009 Los Angeles Carnival 2009 mas bands. Vote for your favorites in 10 categories.
§ Ms. L.A. Carnival Universe Kickoff
Be among the first to meet the inaugural contestants who will vie for the coveted title of Ms. Los Angeles Carnival Universe!
§ Presentations of The 2009 Queens!
Meet the reigning Caribbean Queens of 2009/10
Information: (310) 410-0174
Jeffrey Anderson Gunter is Grand Marshal for
11th CARICABELA Los Angeles Carnival International Parade
Westchester, California
Westchester welcomes film and television star Jeffrey Anderson Gunter who will be the Grand Marshal, along with Emmy nominated actress, CCH Pounder at the 11th annual CARICABELA Los Angeles Carnival International Parade on Sunday, October 18th, 2009. Known for playing strong, effective women, CCH Pounder has enjoyed a stellar career for almost three decades.
As Grand Marshal of CARICABELA Los Angeles Carnival, Jeffrey Anderson Gunter brings a vibrant Caribbean spirit that endows the event with the star qualify he embodies.
Born in Jamaica Jeffrey moved to the United States, bringing with him his love for the performing arts. He has appeared in numerous film and television roles including Marked for Death, Only the Strong, Hudson Street and Union Square. Jeffrey has produced numerous local theatrical productions and currently hosts Target Sundays at the California African Museum.
As Grand Marshal of CARICABELA Los Angeles Carnival, Jeffrey Anderson Gunter adds sparkle and star quality to the carnival, as he continues to embrace his rich Caribbean heritage.
This event is a definite calendar pick for the entire family that is not to be missed! Parade and festival is free to spectators. Parade participation fee $20.00/person. Information on VIP Luncheon: (310) 410-0174 or [email protected]