André Alexis: the puzzle of “home” | Closeup By Donna Yawching | Issue 150 (March/April 2018) Born in Trinidad, brought up in Canada, writer André Alexis is a “Nowherian” — and that complicated identity, along with his passion for exploring big ideas, drives his philosophical and deeply literary novels. A recent string of awards has raised his international profile, but as Donna Yawching learns, it was no overnight success for one of the most original writers in both Caribbean and Canadian literature
Toronto: summer in the city By Donna Yawching | Issue 134 (July/August 2015) Home to one of North America’s biggest Caribbean populations, Toronto comes alive in the summertime, with festivals, street fairs, and — this year — the Pan Am Games. Some of the city’s Caribbean residents give Donna Yawching their advice on the best of Toronto, from music to food to outdoor fun
Tobago Thrills By Donna Yawching | Issue 44 (July/August 2000) Tobago has a different kind of excitement, one that makes the tiny island overflow with unexpected delights. It's full of life – human, animal and bird– and its natural wonders surpass those of much larger islands. It's hard not to have a good time in Tobago. Donna Yawching explains
Kobo Town: sing the beloved country By Donna Yawching | Issue 120 (March/April 2013) Based in Toronto but drawing on the musical traditions of Trinidad, Kobo Town fuses old-time calypso with up-to-the-moment poetic lyrics.
Island girl By Donna Yawching | Issue 114 (March/April 2012) Wintering on a Canadian island, Donna Yawching was reminded – surprisingly – of her tropical home
Tobago’s hidden history By Donna Yawching | Issue 113 (January/February 2012) In 300 years, this quiet little island changed hands 30 times. Donna Yawching chronicles its colourful past
Roger Mooking: his middle name is Multi-tasking By Donna Yawching | Issue 108 (March/April 2011) Trinidad-born Roger Mooking is in demand in Canada as a chef, TV host, singer-songwriter…Donna Yawching tries to count his talents
Patrick Parson: soulful messiah of Ballet Creole By Donna Yawching | Issue 108 (March/April 2011) Patrick Parson brought Afro-Caribbean dance to Toronto two decades ago. He told Donna Yawching how he made history
Anton Gabriel: the man with the golden boots By Donna Yawching | Issue 107 (January/February 2011) T&T Carnival now has a home in the east end of Toronto, where Anton Gabriel has founded his own museum of mas. Donna Yawching dropped by
‘Round breakfast By Donna Yawching | Issue 103 (May/June 2010) Early-morning jazz music is a specialty at Ellington’s café in Toronto. Donna Yawching samples the menu
Frank Francis: riding Toronto’s jazz trane By Donna Yawching | Issue 98 (July/August 2009) Donna Yawching gets on board the little jazz bar that could, and then man — Frank Francis — who can
Preston Bailey: “for a party you want people to remember… Enough is not enough” By Donna Yawching | Issue 97 (May/June 2009) That might be the motto of Preston Bailey, who designs décor for the stars. Donna Yawching was dazzled by his Panamanian pzazz
Brownman blows up a storm By Donna Yawching | Issue 96 (March/April 2009) This young jazz trumpeter, based in Toronto, leads no fewer than seven bands, and can switch styles as easily as he changes his socks.
King of the roti palace By Donna Yawching | Issue 91 (May/June 2008) Donna Yawching takes refuge from Canada’s cold in the heat of the Roti Palace
Snapshots (March/April 2008) By Caroline Taylor, Donna Yawching, James Fuller and Sharon Millar | Issue 90 (March/April 2008) Look out for these rising Caribbean stars
