NEW !! Creole Corner
A series of calypso guitar strums sessions. Grab your guitar and join me.
CLICK HERE Big Trouble
RIVERDALE SHARE, Danforth Music Hall Dec 2
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
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.
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/
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.
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.
david cole roger gibbs
sammy clarke
john gibbs
THE GIBBS BROTHERS
Halibana DrumFEST
NIAGARA CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
CARNIVAL VILLAGE August 8 - 13 at Daniels Spectrum, Regent Park
Waleed Abdulhamid Tich Maredza Prime Guerra
JENNY BABOOLAL Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street E.
Costume making Workshops in COBA Studios SANDRA WHITING
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 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
Saturday, AUG. 1st at Harbourfront Centre's Stage in the Round at 4pm. With special guest PANMAN PAT
Wednesday, July 22nd 7-9pm ISLAND CAFE, Ward's Island
Coming to a library near you!
ISLAND IN THE SUN: Barbados in Song
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. 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 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
................................................................................................................................................... 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................!!
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 .....................................................................................................................................................
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.
THE PROFESSIONALS CALYPSO TENT
Saturdays, June13th, 20th, 27th, and July 4th
Calypso Central, 25 Cecil St., Toronto 8pm 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.
Roger Gibbs Don Stewart Ron D'Vignes Jamesy, Connector and Bish
Gareth Burgess Chris Wilson (Mus. Dir.) Jeff Walcott Nicole Rampersaud
Macomere Fifi Joannie Davis Curtis Panman Pat McNeilly
************************************************************************************************************* 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. .....................................................................................................................................................
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.)
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
SHAK SHAK SUNDAY, Feb. 9th 5-8pm Bring your family, bring your friends. We'll see you there!
Roger Gibbs - lead vox, guitar
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
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
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. **************************
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
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.
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