Whats happening for "CALABASH" this year? Is there a website that i can specifically go to to get all the run down on whats in store for this year? Can you say if it will be live on the internet?

Check out www.calabashfestival.org for a breakdown of events.

Thanks much Rebecca for that prompt reply.

What's the weather going to be like next weekend?... Are you getting rain too?

We have gotten rain off and on for the last few days, however, the sun is shining right now and I am looking at lots of blue sky. It is rainy season but let's all wish for sunshine on the festival next weekend!

My experience is if I take my umbrella, it doesn't rain and when I forget my umbrella at home, that is the time it pours. So take your umbrellas!

It has also been my experience during the last two festivals that even in the pouring rain, nothing can dampen the spirit of the festival. I am sooooo looking forward to attending the festival again this year. Four days to go!

Hey Rebecca,
What was the first night at Calabash Like. I wish i was there in person.

From what I was able to see of it, it was the usual GREAT!

Unfortunately, I missed the first group of presenters who I heard were fabulous, especially Ishion Hutchinson.

I was able to be there for Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, who along with making us laugh, made us think.



And I'm afraid I was only able to stay for the first two presenters in the last section. Arnaldo Correa's passion for life came through loud and clear in his reading and Chris Abani had the audience mesmerized with excerpts from his book Graceland.



The parts I was able to attend yesterday were also wonderful. I have especially enjoyed the 'Open Mike' segments chaired by Dr. Carolyn Cooper. This allows anyone the opportunity to get up and perform for 3 minutes. What amazing talent we have all around us!





The tribute to Peter Tosh last night was moving, entertaining and a bit political, just the way Mr. Tosh would have liked it. Wayne Armond, Ibo Cooper, and Steve Golding shared some of their favorite Tosh memories and songs with Nadine Sutherland adding her beautiful and strong voice to these icons of Jamaican music.





I screamed with delight when the last announcement made was Ernie Smith will be here at 12:30 today. I guess I will have nothing up on you now Annabelle!

Oh Rebecca, you are doing a wonderful job. The pictures alone just make me feel so bad i miss this spectactular event. My spirit is there but i wish i was there in person. Thank you so much Rebec for the usual prompt updates. May God continue to bless you and the entire TB happenings. I do hope everything went well at sweet sweet "Calabash".
ONE LOVE
TAMMYT

Ernie Smith, once again, brought the house down



. . .or should I say up as everyone got on their feet to dance to the classic hits performed by the great man himself.





The house was brought down further by a surprise appearance by Ken Lazarus treating us to some of his classis hits!



This rousing performance was followed by another exciting round of 'Open Mike'. After that, Back a Yard and the festival came to an end with The Kindess of Strangers segment.

Unfortunately, I had to miss the last two segments and did not see the close of the festival.

Nuff respect must be paid to the organizers of the Calabash Literary Festival, which in it's 4th year has become the premier literary festival in Jamaica and the Caribbean! Colin Channer, founder and artistic director, Justine Henzell, Production Director and Kwame Dawes, Programming Director. They have consistently satisfied a very discerning audience with quality of artists and flawless organization of such a large event.

Of course none of this would be possible, and with the amazing status of free of charge without the sponsors of this extraordinary event:

DFID, The Chase Fund; Jakes; Air Jamaica; Jamaica Tourist Board; Dehring, Bunting and Golding; UNESCO; MacMillan; US Embassy; Wisynco; Super Plus; British Council, and Wray & Nephew.

To wrap up, The Calabash Festival is something for all to look forward to each year, not only for attendees, but also for the Treasure Beach community. Sincere thanks to all who make this possible!

The highlight had to be Ernie Smith with his amusing and uplifting lyrics and sweet voice. It brought me back to my childhood in Treasure Beach when you could hear his music playing on the juke boxes day and night. Then to see him on stage with the breeze in his locks and Frenchmans beach behind him and that great music that had everyone, black and white, young and old dancing and singing at the top of their lungs. What a treat that was...the absolute highlight. Now that's poetry.