Treasure Beach is gearing up for the biggest event to hit it's borders all year!

The Calabash Literary Festival 2006 - Mix But Don't Blend In

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We wish the organizers, performers, attendees, and all others involved a wonderful (and sunny) weekend!

The 6th Annual Calabash Literary Festival lifted off and up with high spirits last night with the first presentation. Delroy Lindo's reading of excerpts from Iron Balloons - Cecilia Thompson was rivoting and entertaining.

Then we were treated to Kwame Dawes and Lorna Goodison reading some of their own poetry. I especially enjoyed the poems Mr. Dawes read from his new book entitled Wisteria. These are a collection of poems written as a result of his experiences interviewing elders in his community. Tornado Baby, my personal favorite!

I need to apologize on two accounts. First, I was not able to stay awake to enjoy the DJ'ing and dancing on the beach so we will have to depend on someone else who attended to give their report. Second, I forgot my camera at home in my rush to see Mr. Lindo's performance. My camera is in my bag now and I hope to be able to give you a photo report of the day today.

Off to the festival!

Hey Rebecca, i know that we can depend on u for a report. Thanks so much, it means alot to me.

I write this message this morning feeling exhausted and exhilerated. The 6th Annual Calabash Literary Festival was another resounding success! I have had the privilege of attending every festival and each one has it's own flavor and spice, this one being no exception.

From Delroy Lindo's entertaining reading; to Geoff Dyer's wonderful sense of humor; to the Girls absolutely behaving badly; to the "Open Mike" section which is always filled with the unexpected, to hearing the wonderful words of Jean Rhy; to Martin Espada's views from cocroaches to revolutions; to Sonia Sanchez poetry leaving me weeping; all the way to the always brilliant musical end - this year a tribute to Bunny Wailer's Blackheart Man; and absolutely everything in between. Then add the food, fashions, and friends gathering, all with a backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, and trust me, you have a memorable weekend on your hands.

Big up to Kwame Dawes, Justine Henzell, Colin Channer, their support staff, the Jake's posse, Little Ochi, and all who had a hand in putting this amazing event together.

Thanks to the main sponsors:

Jake's
Chase Fund
The U.S. State Department
Jamaica Tourist Board
American Airlines
Dehring, Bunting & Golding
MacMillan
Canadian High Commission
Super Plus Food Stores
Wisynco Trading
Wray & Nephew
Air Canada

Glaseta Honeyghan, your thought for today is absolutely perfect coming on the heals of this great event: "Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It"s your place in the world; it"s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.—" Mae Jemison.

As I am a reader and not a writer - I will be posting many photos of this amazing annual event in the Photo Gallery later today. If there are any writers out there who attended the festival, please post your impressions for us all to enjoy.

There's a wonderful story in today's New York Times on Jamaican writers. The Calabash International Literary Festival gets heavy mention. Here's the link: http://select.nytimes.com/mem/tnt.html?tntget=2006/06/27/books/27jama.html&tntem ail1=y&adxnnl=1&emc=tnt&adxnnlx=1151402665-ef2JbIDCvpZQOgiWqTQTMA