Calabash Festival

Treasure Beach Forum: TB Runnin's: Calabash Festival
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 03:22 pm: Edit Post

The excitment is building and Treasure Beach is filling up with expectant participants and attendees of what is looking like the best festival yet!!

www.calabashfestival.org


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 07:44 am: Edit Post

Wow - Wow! Terrific start to another great festival. Unfortunately, I missed the first Roger Guenveur Smith's one-man show, but I heard it was fabulous.

The next three artists read excerpts from their books and were very entertaining. Aaron Petrovich had all of us belly-laughing. Still chuckling this morning remembering his performance.

Sorry no photos from last night. But have the camera ready for today!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Sunday, May 27, 2007 - 08:00 am: Edit Post

I am typing these words with more than a bit of blury eyes this morning after getting in what seems to be just a few hours ago.

Yesterday was an amazing day - as usual for Calabash. We were treated to book readings from writers competing for the Commonwealth Writer's Prizes for Best First Book and Best Book catagories. Open Mike remains one of my favorite parts of the festival as just as it implies, anyone can come up and have their 3 minutes of fame. You just never know what is going to come at you. Exciting, controversial, funny, thought provoking, and so much more.

I have to say when I first saw Mike Farrell, of M*A*S*H* fame, listed on the line-up I wasn't sure what he had to do with Calabash. But I thoroughly enjoyed his interview with Colin Channer. Mr. Farrell is a man with many interesting causes, his main cause working towards abolishing capital punishment. His conversation definitely opened minds and made us all think or rethink our views. I must check out his memoirs as the little he read made for very interesting reading.

America the Beautiful was a wonderful mixuture of female authors all giving us a taste of their lives and talents. I will look at barber shops in a whole different way after hearing Patricia Smith's ode to her barber. She had us all doubled over with laughter.

But I have to say, my favorite part of the day was the Supersize Me! Three amazing authors and storytellers, all mesmerizing and riviting. I am no writer (obviously), but I am a voracious reader. I love nothing better than to curl up in a comfortable chair, glass of wine by my side on a rainy afternoon and loose myself in a well written book. Well, there we were, all of us under a big tent with the rain pouring outside and the Caribbean Sea as the backdrop to the authors. I just closed my eyes and was carried away by each author into the romantic world of each of their stories. Oh, it was such a treat, I just wish I had a minute bit of their talent to express how delightful it was. Only the wine was missing.

The highlight of the night, for me, was Calabashment! Starting at midnight, we were treated to music and song by some true music icons of Jamaica. Lloyd Parks and the We the People Band warmed us all up. Then Karen Hall took to the stage and treated us to her strong voice and familiar songs. Then (one of my personal favorites) Ken Booth brought the house down decked out in his sequened suit and gleaming pattened leather shoes. I don't think his feet stopped the whole time he was on stage! The event was wrapped up with Johnnie Clark and his roots style. I always love an excuse to dance in the rain, but WOW, dancing in the rain watching performers of this caliber with the whole crowd knowing and rocking to every word, now that was a night. I even got to meet Ken Booth!

What still amazes me more than anything, is this is all taking place right here in Treasure Beach, free of cost, and I can walk home.

Enough kudos cannot be given to the organizers of this most incredible event, Kwame Dawes, Colin Channer and Justine Henzell. As stated in the program, "Their aim was simple - to create a world-class literary festival with roots in Jamaica and branches reaching out across the world." This small event which started 7 years ago has most certainly grown into a world class and world recognized event. I am so grateful it is hosted in this world class community of Treasure Beach.

Off to the last day, and judging from the line-up the best day, of the event!




Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 07:44 pm: Edit Post

As always, the last day was the best day! I loaded up on great Jamaican coffee and made my way down to the festival. My first stop was, of course, the book store. After hearing so many great works, the decision was difficult, so I resorted back to an old favorite and bought two Maryse Conde. I just love her stories.


Then it was settling in to a lovely morning of being read to. What made it better was it was another favorite author of mine, V.S. Naipaul and the readings were of The Mystic Masseur. Each reader brought their own personality to their reading making it pure enjoyment to sit back on a Sunday morning with the sea in front of me and enjoy the story. I have to say Cindy Breakspeare did a great job of a Trinie accent!

The next section, again a favorite of mine, was the poetry reading. Three great poets, all with very distinct and different styles. Gabeba Baderoon was soft and sweet. Terrance Hayes funny, entertaining, and very serious 'when him ready'. Kendel Hippolyte mesmerizing and thought provoking.

The awards ceremony for the Commonwealth Writer's Prize for both the Best First Book and Best Book was a delight to watch, seeing very deserving individuals earn this coveted prize. When the list of past winning authors was read, I was surprised as to how many of those books I had read. I then understood how important this award was and how privileged Calabash Festival was to be chosen as the venue for the presentations. This is just another example of how important this festival is becoming to the literary world.

Open Mike - always entertaining was next. Then a moving tribute to Perry Henzell appropriately delivered by Kwame Dawes and Colin Channer.

Then . . . the best for last!!! The musical tribute to two albums celebrating their 30th anniversaries; Exodus, by Bob Marley and 96 Degrees in the Shade, by Third World. Needless to say this section was REAL HOT! With Wayne Armonds of Chalice fame, Stevie Golding of Peter Tosh fame, Ibo Cooper of Third World fame, and Seretse Small making a name for himself as a jazz rhythm guitarist, all we had to do is clap our hands and sign along . . . to every song! One of the highlights of this section was Cindy Breakspeare taking the stage and singing her rendition of Turn the Lights Down Low.

What an amazing festival. I know I say that every year, but every year it is the truth. I can't wait till next year!

Massive thanks to Justine Henzell, production director, Kwame Dawes, programming director, and Colin Channer, founder and artistic director (whose father is from Barbary Hall) for bringing this world acclaimed festival to our little community. As Mr. Channer always says, "This is the best little festival, on the best little island, in the best little community in the world."

I couldn't agree more.

To find out detailed information on the authors and the festival please check out www.calabashfestival.org.

To see some photos of the festival, just go to the Photo Gallery.



Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 08:16 pm: Edit Post

Amen to all Rebecca has said about the festival this year. I can't wait until next year either.

My favorite reading was during the first open mike on Saturday. The gentleman read a poem about YOU and I wish I could remember all the words. But the jist was to look at YOURSELF first and see what you can do about the problem rather than looking at others and blaming them, Very simple, but very true.

In addition to Colin, Justine, and Kwami, I'd like to say thank you to Miss June Gay who closed the festival with a prayer (and a snuck-in reading) at the end as usual. As much as I hate the ending of the festival, I absolutely love seeing and hearing her speak.

You should attend next year.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Canada on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 08:05 pm: Edit Post

Cannot see photos.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 08:21 pm: Edit Post

Sorry you're having problems viewing the pictures.

Can you be more specific...

What are you clicking on and what happens? Nothing? A blank screen?

Give some more detail and I'll see if I can get it fixed up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Canada on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 08:45 am: Edit Post

It's working now, page could not be dispalyed was the msg I was getting.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By barbara on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 11:07 am: Edit Post

Ditto to what Canada says.I tried to look at the photo gallery and page cannot be displayed.Will keep trying.I love to look out for familiar faces.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 11:22 am: Edit Post

If you all give me more info on what's going wrong, I can try to help. But just saying 'it doesn't work' won't get us very far.

Barbara, when you click on the link above, EXACTLY what happens? Does the screen go blank? Do you get an error message?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By LadyG on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:31 pm: Edit Post

The first picture came up - I then clicked on next - this opened another window giving the message the page could not be displayed


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:42 pm: Edit Post

Thanks LadyG (and Judy) for explaining the problem. It helps a whole heap!

I made a change...Give the link another try. It should open in a new window and work properly. If not, let me know...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By beans on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 01:19 pm: Edit Post

photo gallery is still not working only one picture is seen and when you go to next another page pop up and said this page cannot be display.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mainer on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 05:27 pm: Edit Post

What great pictures! They make me want to be there next year - any idea of dates for 2008. Is it usually at the end of May?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 08:58 pm: Edit Post

Mainer, its the last weekend of May every year. Same weekend as Memorial day in the US.

Book early. Its the busiest time of year, Christmas and Easter included. EVERYTHING is booked during that weekend.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ebanks on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 08:46 am: Edit Post

The pictures are still not coming up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 09:59 am: Edit Post

Is anyone still having trouble accessing the pictures?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Missed out on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 11:14 am: Edit Post

No problem whatsover, I have actually viewed them a few times and shared them with my co-workers.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By beans on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 11:43 am: Edit Post

yes i do still not seeing any thing


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 12:01 pm: Edit Post

For those of you who are still having problems...Make sure that you RELOAD (or REFRESH) the browser page to get the latest copy.

If it is still to working, then go through the Photo Gallery to get to the Slideshow.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By PP on Friday, June 01, 2007 - 11:16 am: Edit Post

Pictures are beautiful.
Good to see Eric's picture for the first time.
My foresight of him is different, though.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric on Saturday, June 02, 2007 - 09:09 am: Edit Post

PP, does that mean I'm not really who I think I was afterall? :-)

Glad you like the pics.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By One Man on Saturday, June 02, 2007 - 12:07 pm: Edit Post

Hey Eric, I kinda agree with PP. Before you posted your mug, you reminded me of the sitcom in which the neighbor only spoke from behind the fence, and only his forehead and hat were revealed to the camera (I forgot the name).


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By PP on Sunday, June 03, 2007 - 01:41 am: Edit Post

I lways thought you looked like Eric Bonet (R&B Singer).


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By georgiajan on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - 08:30 pm: Edit Post

Yes, Calabash was a treat.

I missed last year after having gone three years in a row. I felt something missing from my life last year. It was so good to be back.

Too many favorites to pick one. And of course, there were how many? trips to the book store, adding "just one more" to my pile. Now that I'm home, I wish I had gotten more.

Right now I am reading Caryl Phillips book "Dancing in the Dark" which is based on the life of black entertainer, Bert Williams, who created the first show by a black person to play on Broadway, in the early 1900. It is memerizing, though quite sad, as you can imagine the indignities suffered by black entertainers at that time.

Phillips is an excellent writer and I plan to check other of his books.

Calabash exposes so many people to authors who otherwise would be lost in the chain bookstore sea of best sellers.

It restores my faith in society to see so many people writing excellent novels, poems and essays, and even more to see that so many people still appreciate the literary arts.

I'll be back next year.