Wow! Wow! is the phrase that has been coined over the years at the Calabash Festival and it still applies. Another incredible night of exceedingly talented authors!

Once again, the organization of this festival is top notch. Everything runs smoothly and on time. Thank you to Kwame Dawes, Justine Henzell and Collin Channer.

The highlights for me last night were Chimamanda Adichie and Victor Lavalle. I was taken to another place and time while listening to Ms. Adichie read from her latest book of short stories and Mr. Lavalle was quite entertaining!

Ian Thomson, author of THE DEAD YARD, was also a reader last night. He started out by apologizing to all whom he offended by some things that were written in the book but said he was not taking anything back.

My mother's first night and when we got home all she talked about is how she wants to buy the books of pretty much every author she heard read.

Love that!

The sun is shining this morning and it looks like it will be another great day for Calabash.

You can view photos here or by the link in the Photo Gallery.

I forgot to add the names to the last two photos. The first is Patricia Powell and the last is Ian Thomson.

As usual, I left before the Midnight Ravers featuring No Madoz and Raging Fyah began. As many of us "older folks" were leaving lots of the more hardy folks were coming in to enjoy the bands.

Calabash is on and it is fantastic. Thank you to all organizers

I've been BASHED!!! Awake all day, up late, nap and then down for more! The best Calabash ever and I would not miss it for the world. Thank you to the organizers, the artists, the support people - all Jack Sprat staff - and the funders...and the wonderful people who attended. First class all the way...

Gleaner: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120528/ent/ent6.html

I just do not understand why such a festival that is popular and supports the local community is always questionable if it will go on the next year. This is not the way to run things, but is typical of Jamaica.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

I agree, this was one of the best! Highlights for me were the interviews with Orlando Patterson and Ronnie Kasrils and always Open Mike - and the music finale was the best ever!!

Another highlight for me was having my mother sitting next to me enjoying the festival as much as I do as she is the person who taught me my love for reading.

Thanks to Justine, Kwame and all who had a hand in making this happen!

You can view photos here or by the link in the Photo Gallery.

dear Mikey Mike,
I APOLOGIZE,if I mis-under stood what U.WROTE a- bout MY BEAUTIFUL country,Jamaica.(LAND of SUGAR-& WATER).I do not KNOW,if U.were born there,or not.WHY? WHY? WHY? do U.CHOOSE/(CHOICE) 2.BLAME-D.LAND of MY BIRTH {edited by TBNet}
In YOUR EYES,the Organizer(s)CAME UP SHORT of perfection.Why?..Why not BLAME a PEACE-FULL,LAND. {edited by TBNet}
Many who ATTENDED,ENJOYED themselves.Why did U.go Negative.(DID U.ATTEND,Mikey). {edited by TBNet}

I am not Jamaican, but I have been visiting beautiful Jamaica for over 20 years. I have not been to the Calabash Literary Festival. I am not trying to be "negative", nor did I intend to hurt your feelings. However, the fact remains that in Jamaica, festivals, concerts, events, etc. may are may not happen as planned.
I did not say that the organizers came up short. What I asked is, why is the festival not certain to be held each year ? If it is a matter of money, then why doesn't the Jamaican Tourist Board give more financial help, especailly with such a popular festival ?
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Elizabeth from Calabash House sent this in.

Jamaica celebrates 'power of the pen'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WToAy9jaic&feature=relmfu

Enjoy!
-TBNet