Open Mic Night Returns March 30 at Spinning Wheel
Chewstick’s legendary Neo-Griot Open Mic will return for a special session, sponsored by Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and taking place on March 30, 2019 at Spinning Wheel, 33 Court Street, Hamilton.
$10 entry, FREE for performers!
Doors open at 7 PM and the event ends at midnight.
Storytellers, musicians, poets, singers, songwriters, rappers, comedians, performance artists, puppeteers, actors, creatives, listeners and appreciators – save the date and prepare yourselves as this historic event returns to a historic location, empowering storytelling and breaking down barriers.
Come feel the vibes, get on the mic and claim your chance to win some fabulous door prizes!
Open Mic is a safe space where all are welcome.
Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth.
Northlands Primary School Mural Painting
Chewstick Community Art Program are working on a mural depicting Bermuda iconography at Northlands Primary School. So far, students, teachers, sponsors and volunteers have come out to get it to this point and it has been amazing to work with them all to demystify visual art and painting.
We’re looking forward to a final push this week to get it done in time for the start of the school year.
JOIN US this week (Tues-Thurs) starting at 7PM each night. Anyone can paint, so bring a friend!
Let us know if you’d be interested in designing, facilitating and/or being involved in the next CCAP murals!
DATE: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 14, 15, and 16, 2018
TIME: 7:00-10:00 PM each night
LOCATION: Northlands Primary School, 9 Berkeley Road, Hamilton, Bermuda
WHAT TO BRING: Paint-ready clothing/footwear, Reusable water bottle, Snacks/Dinner
2018 Mary Prince Awards at Landfall Restaurant
It is no secret that Bermuda has a wealth of talent and an abundance of stories to be told through many different mediums. For the past seven years we have honoured and recognised some of these storytellers through the Mary Prince Award (MPA), an annual cash prize given to aspiring creatives that wish to further their growth in a creative field. It was named in honour of a Bermuda African slave girl who won her freedom through documenting her story and fighting for her liberty in court in the UK in 1831. She was selected to be the patron of this Award because she used her talents and story to free herself, a fitting metaphor for recipients of this prestigious Award.
The first annual Mary Prince Award was presented in 2011, to one of Bermuda’s most talented emerging artists, Aden Peets, and one has been awarded annually ever since. In 2017, the Lance Haywar
d Award for Excellence was introduced. It is presented to a person who has been an enduring presence in the creative field and has also demonstrated an interest and capacity for aiding the next generation in achieving excellence. Lance Hayward was a Bermuda-born, classically-trained pianist and a self-taught jazz musician whose talents were known in Bermuda, New York and Jamaica as he built a legacy that endures to this day. The LHA’s first recipient was composer, pianist, songwriter, teacher and pastor Mr. John Woolridge, who has inspired Bermudian emerging musicians for over 30 years. PRS for Music are this year generously supporting both of these awards.
Historically, these awards have been presented as part of our Annual Anniversary Celebrations in January, but as we focus more on celebrating Bermuda’s rich heritage and recognizing Bermudian icons, a presentation in Heritage Month was more fitting; both these awards are named for iconic people with a lasting influence to Bermuda’s Heritage. The 2018 Mary Prince Awards will take place on Sunday May 20th at The Landfall Restaurant, to recognize both the PRS for Music Mary Prince Award 2018 and the PRS for Music Lance Hayward Award 2018 recipients.
Jackie Church, Head of International Licensing at PRS for Music, said, “PRS for Music are delighted to be supporting The Mary Prince Awards in 2018. We are proud to be involved in recognising the great creative talents in Bermuda, many of whom are our own members, writing and creating world class music.”
Past recipients of the MPA, include prolific singer and musician Quinn Outerbridge, songwriter and hip-hop artist Makeem ‘Haz’ Bartley, accomplished poet, writer, composer and producer Yesha Townsend, producer and musician, Derek Simmons, Jr.,hip-hop artist and songwriter Jahroy ‘Kidd Clazzic’ Richards. As well as filmmaker Marquedelle Rodriguez and the inaugural recipient Aden Peets who are now both living abroad.
Attendees will enjoy to a traditional Codfish & Potato Brunch, a door prize raffle, feature performances and video messages from some of the talented people who have received the Award. The dynamic musicianship of Miles Manders will also add to the unique voices, varied gifts and positivity that will surely be a part of this inspiring event. This celebration, will uplift people whose work cultivates a distinctly Bermudian story, serves to increase Bermuda’s global awareness, and strengthens local pride and is made possible through the support of PRS for Music and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Tickets for the Mary Prince Awards Brunch will be available at the door or at www.ptix.bm. Prices are as follows, $30 (General) and $100 (Patron), for more information call 292 2439, email info@chewstick.org.
15th Anniversary Open Mic Reunion | Saturday, January 6, 2018
We are celebrating their 15th anniversary this Saturday, January 6, 2018, with a “15th Anniversary Open Mic Reunion” at The Spinning Wheel Entertainment Complex.
We have pioneered creating safe space and encouraged understanding in Bermuda’s diverse cultural landscape. Through perseverance and a dedication to new ideas and innovative programming the Chewstick Foundation has worked to deliver a vehicle to empower individuals to share their truth and to nurture an appreciation for the depth and cultural integrity of the unique Bermuda story.
Starting as a grass-roots open mic jam session between friends and evolving to deliver unique non-profit programming that focuses on youth, community, arts, entertainment, education, and culture; all serving to enhance and enrich Bermuda. Since 2003, The Chewstick Foundation has delivered over 500 open mic jam sessions, 10 Beachfest Emancipation Celebrations, 22 Retreats, 2 overseas tours, 3 international youth poetry team overseas tours, created 14 community murals and awarded over $8,000 to emerging creatives through their annual Mary Prince Award. They have collaborated with countless other charities, businesses, and community members with the aim of empowering one to enrich all.
The last 18 months have been difficult for the organization, including the loss of its custom-built facility, resources used for service to the community, and their operating revenue stream in the Front Street Fire. Since then, The Chewstick Foundation has taken time to re-examine their mission and vision in Bermuda’s evolving cultural landscape, remaining committed to providing programming that enriches the arts, culture, and creates opportunities for social healing.
Gavin Smith, Executive Director reflects, “There was no way we could have anticipated what the last 15 years have been, when the Chewstick movement began. Looking back, there are things that we may have done differently but the spirit and passion of Chewstick and our community participants’ growth and evolution has been the most gratifying part of this experience. The fire in July 2016 made us step back and reassess, but we have been working quietly and diligently to make sure our next steps put The Chewstick Foundation on solid ground to ensure its longevity. I hope that everyone that Chewstick has touched over the years will come and celebrate with us this Saturday.”
This Saturday, Chewstick returns to one of its earlier homes at The Spinning Wheel Entertainment Complex to celebrate the organization’s 15th anniversary. The open mic will feature performances by stalwart Chewstick supporters with opportunities for others wishing to perform to sign up at the door or email in advance info@chewstick.org. The event will feature a door prize raffle with gifts from DNA Creative Shoppe, Rock Island, Bodhi Studio and others. This event serves as the kickoff to The Chewstick Foundation’s Crystal Year of Celebration, featuring themed programmes throughout 2018 to honour their milestone anniversary.
