Join Chewstick as we celebrate 10 years of righteous vibes by taking the festivities to the road as a part of the May 24th Bermuda Day Parade as only Chewstick can! Carrying on our Bermuda Day tradition of Music and Paint, we will be adding Costumes, Flags, Stilt Walkers and even Powder to fog up the place! This gonna be a bash like no other that has the added benefit of partnering with The Blue Halo Project to protect Bermuda’s waters! So if you like to have a great time, to get messy and dress up – lets goooooo!!! (((AIRHOOOOORRNNN)))

We ready for the rooooaaadd!!! Let’s go!!

Theme:
Futuristic Post-Apocalyptic Utopia

Costume colors:
Black, Gold (Metallic), Fluorescents (wear expendable black or dark base clothing and then we’ll add components to finish and unify the look)

Participants receive:
Mask, Wig, T-Shirt, Dust Mask, Body Paint, Jouvert Paint & Powder, snacks in the morning, refreshments throughout the day and a free drink at the WKD After-Party!

Costume Components are limited and will be prioritized in order of registration – so register ASAP!

Cost: FREE for Chewstick members & programme participants, $40 for non-members.

Fill out the form below, you will see some spinning arrows, this means a confirmation email has been sent PLEASE ONLY CLICK ONCE. Also, check the email, as it contains vital information for the day.

You don’t want to miss this incredible performer!

This weekend at the Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge & Café legendary performers will be taking over starting Friday, April 26th, with a Happy hour Jam Session featuring James Richardson and continuing on Saturday as Joy T. Barnum gifts audiences with “Griot Session full of surprises, new material and vulnerability whose depth has never been shared before. Both  Joy T. Barnum and James Richardson have the globe performing in their own unique style, while staying true to the influences and styles of Bermuda. Support both these amazing artists in a celebration of talent, storytelling and live entertainment at its best.

Starting 5pm Friday, April 26th musicians’ are invited to come through with their instruments and enthusiasm for the chance to jam with one of Bermuda’s best musicians. James Richardson will host a night of awesome music and extraordinary talent in a format where everyone can join in. If you were at the last one you’ll know this will be a night of awesome music not to be missed! There’s no telling who will come through but a good night definitely in store. In between sets DJ Jussa Jus will be playing the best in music to ease you into the weekend. Musicians are encouraged to come out and get a piece of the action, if they handle the heat and everyone is welcome to support James as he shares his talents alongside fellow masters of their craft to showcase upbeat, conscious, and sensual music.
The sensuality continues Saturday, April 27^th with the Griot Session featuring Joy T. Barnum in her debut performance of “Chimera”, it will surely captivate the audience as Joy’s self-written songs and poetry are passionate, heartfelt and guaranteed to rend your heart strings. Joy ’s performance will be an invaluable of the Griot Session series as she was one of the first artists to perform in the series’ experimental phase and will now grace the lounge in this program designed to spotlight the beauty, expression and richness of storytelling. This will be a night that is not to be forgotten as Joy will get naked artistically for some people for the first time, an experience that will only exist as a memory to take home but that’s it! Opening acts will be Krystal and Milton McKenzie who will be a real treat for all in attendance as they will be leaving the island the next day!  They are excited to share their talents on April 27th, and to connect with the audience in an in-depth and authentic way. Do not miss the opportunity to experience a dynamic performance, a reemergence of Joy T. and celebrate live entertainment at its best. Following the performance everyone is invited to dance into the night with an after party and plenty of vibes!

Joy’s performance, will start at 7:30pm SHARP and will be streamed live on the Chewstick website (www.chewstick.org) to share the experience with supporters from around the world, however the poetry WILL NOT be streamed so in order to get the full experience you must be in attendance at this event.  Find out more about Joy at http://joytbarnum.com. Entry is $30 ( includes a Joy T. Barnum CD),this can be paid at the door or tickets can be purchased at www.ptix.bm. Seating is limited so get there early!

Saturday the Happy Hour featuring James Richardson will begin at 5pm and go until about 1am. The Saturday Griot Session featuring Joy T. Barnum with opening acts Krystal and Milton McKenzie, doors open at 6:30pm  and the show will start promptly at 7:30pm, with every moment jam-packed with surprises.  Don’t miss either of these amazing events and make sure to come through to Chewstick’s Legendary Open Mic for yet another unforgettable experience. For more information call 292-2439 (CHEW), 2922439 or email info@chewstick.org.

Saturday, April 20th, The Chewstick Neo-Griot lounge & Café will be filled with the beautiful voice, soulful lyrics, and powerful messages of singer/songwriter Tanaya Christopher as she takes center stage as the most recent artist featured in The Chewstick Foundation’s Griot Session series. Ms. Christopher, who performs simply as “Tanaya” is long overdue for her own show, as she has been a supporter and vital component of the Chewstick Movement since its early days.

Tanaya will showcase an eclectic mix of poetry, song and storytelling, all accompanied by a dynamic 4-piece band, and backup singers. With a mix of well-known covers and heart-wrenching original songs, this is a night not to be missed as Ms. Christopher will invite audiences to experience the story of her transformative journey.

This will be the chance to witness a combination of artistic growth and experimentation as Ms. Christopher is not only a great poet and singer, but a mother who wants to demonstrate the importance of finding and celebrating your voice to her young daughter. This will be her first solo show, and she is eager to connect with the audience in a meaningful way. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this amazing woman accompanied by a mix of some of Bermuda’s most talented young musicians, including Torrey Tacklyn, Scarlett Thomas, Ryan Durrant, and Raynika Brangman, along with back-up singers Ashanti Caesar and Shamir Howes.

The Griot Sessions program is designed to spotlight the beauty, expression and richness of storytelling through a variety of mediums and to celebrate artists as individuals as they take the audience to the deeper parts of their creativity. Enjoy the vibes, celebrate live entertainment at its best, and experience Griot Sessions and storytelling in its many forms.

The Saturday, April 20th performance will be streamed here live, to archive the performance for years to come and share with supporters at home. Doors open at 8pm, the show starts at 9pm. Tickets are $10 with part proceeds in aid of The Chewstick Foundation. Payment for the event can be made at the door or on ptix.bm. Spaces are limited so get in early!

In the spirit of community celebration, togetherness and the upholding of traditions, The Chewstick Foundation has expanded the historically one day event with a kickoff event at Washington Mall this Saturday, March 23rd at The Washington Mall. There will be a Kite Making demonstration by master Kite Builder Mr. James Butterfield, alongside Dying of the Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday, as well as face-painting, marbles and more! This will take place between 10a.m. to 4p.m. on the Washington Mall Second Floor which will be buzzing with activities in preparation for the Good Friday event. As “The Heart of Hamilton”, Washington Mall stores were keen to support an event focused on celebrating the culture, heritage and “heartbeat” of Bermuda. The Easter season has many uniquely Bermudian traditions and the Washington Mall event will focus on passing those traditions on to the next generation in a way that is fun and collaborative. People can bring their kite-making materials to the Washington Mall or pick up theirs there during the demonstration and workshop, then stick around for fun games, activities and treats in anticipation of Bermuda’s Good Friday KiteFest.

The Bermuda Good Friday KiteFest, taking place on March 29 2013, will be a day filled with the fun and excitement of kite-flying, egg-hunting and fun races, in a great family atmosphere. The event will also showcase a diverse cross-section of Bermuda talent including traditional folk music, acoustic reggae, contemporary gospel and Bermuda Gombeys. The entire event will be hosted by The Chewstick Foundation’s Executive Director and Founder Gavin Djata Smith, who will bring his incredible energy, talent and love of the community to the event.

The Bermuda Good Friday KiteFest is completely free, with music and activities starting at 10 a.m. and plenty of ways to get involved and win fantastic prizes. KiteFest will feature the island’s largest Kite Competition, categories include; Best Boxy (Fennel Sticks), Biggest Kite, Smallest Kite, Best Design, Best Traditional Kite, Best Innovative Kite Design, Loudest Kite, and even the Ugliest Kite! The contest is wide-open, just come through with your kite and enter right there on the sand. It is free to enter the competition for the chance to win prizes courtesy of KiteFest title sponsor KeyTech alongside the Ministries of Environment & Planning, Tourism & Transport and Public Safety. This year there will also be a competition for the Best Bermuda Fishcake; to enter just bring four fishcakes to the beach to be sampled by KiteFest’s esteemed judges including well known Fishcake empresario Mr. Dale Butler. If you are successful you’ll walk away with the Title of Fishcake of the Year 2013 to brag about for a whole year!

The Chewstick Foundation is hoping to make this event a fundraiser to assist them in continuing their work in the community, so while KiteFest is free, there will be volunteers on hand if you wish to learn more about Chewstick or make a donation to the charity. In addition, they are encouraging anyone who is interested in helping to make the day fun and safe for all, to contact them before the event.

Each and every person is encouraged to attend The Bermuda Good Friday KiteFest and to celebrate one of Bermuda’s longest standing and iconic family traditions, on the most beautiful beach in Bermuda. If you would like to find out more information give us a call at 292-2439 or email info@chewstick.org and be sure to “Like” this event on Facebook.

Earth Hour Drum Circle with Special Guests The Bermuda African Dance Company. All are invited to particpate, just bring a drum!

This Saturday join The Bermuda African Dance Company and array of master percussionists for  an Earth Hour Drum Circle at The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge. Doors open 8pm and The Bermuda African Dance Company will kick off with traditional West African dances from 9pm; you’ll be treated to the story of the company, solo and group performances and a bit of history on the dances and drumbeats that they do before being invited to take part in an awe-inspiring drumming experience.

The drum circle is planned to be an evening featuring acoustic instruments from across traditions of cultural expression. There’ll be drum didgeridoo  berimbaus, tambourines and whatever else YOU bring. The best part about the event is that everybody can do it; joining a drum circle is a good way of socializing, releasing pent up energy, meeting new people… and it is so enjoyable!


Video streaming by Ustream

So come through to express yourself through rhythm. Alongside Bermuda African Dance Company, Master Percussionist Keith Caisey, hand-drumming enthusiast Cal Worrell and mulit-instrumentalist  Khadijo Gibbs,  and others. There are beginners; expert drummers; those who are interested in music but are not musicians; young, old   and all ages and levels in between can get involved. This will be a time to experience music in a new way, get involved and be a part of the fun.

There’s of course the opportunity to simply enjoy the atmosphere as there will definitely be dancing, drinks and socializers, we have a responsibility to not only preserve the planet but to sustain and grow our cultural identities, celebrations and enjoyment.


Video streaming by Ustream
Working together we share our soul in rhythm form and remember that everything is an instrument, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a drum, bring a flowerpot, water bottle, triangle or simply beat-box it’s all welcome. You don’t need to have played before; just to have willingness to follow the rhythm, feel the vibes and connect with new friends and old acquaintances. Give us a call if you have any questions otherwise come through at 9pm for  a night you won’t soon forget.

Harvards oldest Acapella group, the Harvard Krokodiloes treated an eclectic audience at the Chewstick Lounge to an evening of classics, Disney medleys and  fun at their second performance in the Chewstick Foundation’s Community Facility on the corner of Elliot and Court Streets, the 12-man ensemble returned to the venue after first appearing in early 2012 for an impromptu performance.


Video streaming by Ustream
It was a fun night of song, dance and sing-along fun,  in a relaxed atmosphere where the young men were able to unwind and settle in before a whirlwind of performances to take place around the island. Some venues they look forward to performing in are the Mid-Ocean Club, the Royal Hamilton Dinghy Club and others all in an effort to raise money for charity, a tradition they have upheld on their trips to Bermuda for over four decades.


Video streaming by Ustream
Alongside the Radcliffe Pitches, the Krokodiloes will also feature in a free performance taking place at the Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Hamilton this Thursday to raise funds for The Family Centre. Check out their Chewstick Lounge performance (their first for the 2013 visit), and make sure to head to the Cathedral on Thursday, March 21st taking place from 12 noon to 1pm. The groups dynamic energy and unique take on classic and contemporary songs are sure to be a treat. So make your way to the Cathedral on Thursday or come by The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge’s Open Mic Jam Session THIS Sunday to catch a few of their members share their talents and love for song. Click here for a complete list of all the Krokodiloe’s performance venues on their visit to Bermuda and visit the U.S. Consul General’s Facebook page for updates and information as it happens.

Do not miss the opportunity to experience a local legend who has been perfecting his craft for decades. His purpose is to education through his music and to provide an atmosphere that is awe-inspiring, uplifting and relaxing. Enjoy the vibes, celebrate live music at its best, and experience Griot Sessions as this program showcases local talent and celebrates the Bermuda story in many different forms.

All performances are streamed here live on the Chewstick website  and stored in the Chewstick archives to share the experience with supporters from around the world. Entry is $10 with part proceeds in aid of The Chewstick Foundation. Seating is limited so get your tickets early! For more information call 292-2439 (CHEW) or email info@chewstick.org.

On Sunday, February 17th at 6pm Denice Frohman will present a workshop to uncover personal stories in each participant to establish the beauty each of us can create when given a safe space to do it. She will present exercises to help participants to approach writing differently and to understand the boundaries that we put on ourselves, often times unnecessarily.

Participation in the Sunday evening workshop is $20, free for Retreat participants. SIGN UP IN ADVANCE BY EMAILING info@chewstick.org! For more on Denice Frohman visit www.denicefrohman.com or visit the other Chewstick article for information on her performance and Chewstick’s Retreat program.

The Chewstick Foundation will be conducting its transformative and empowering Retreat series this year, with the first to kick off with the Winter Retreat from Friday, February 15^th to Sunday, February 17^th on Port’s Island with guest facilitator Ms. Denice Frohman. Ms. Frohman will not only share a presentation on the Port’s Island Retreat alongside fellow participants, but will also take part in a poetry performance on Thursday, February 14^th, and lead a workshop upon her return to the mainland on Sunday, February 17th at 6pm; both the performance and workshop will take place at The Chewstick Lounge. Ms. Frohman is a poet, lyricist and educator whose focus is on identity, social awareness, storytelling and uncovering the parts of our unique experiences that we sometimes keep hidden in an effort to conform to social norms. This series of events will be an extension of her work on challenging social norms through presentations at a broad spectrum of organizations, including high schools, universities, multi-cultural associations and more. She encourages people to look within for their unique stories and abilities to create art that enhances the communities in which they live.

The events featuring Ms. Frohman will begin Thursday, February 14^th, where she will perform alongside local poets Laurel Monkman and Matthew Johnstone, in an evening of poetry that is sure to satisfy your appetite for passion, wordplay, and creativity. Ms. Frohman’s poetry is a celebration of difference, and centers on loving every part of ourselves despite the limitations society tries to put on us. Thursday evening’s show will start at 8pm, entry is $10. This is night that is not to be missed as it will be filled with a caliber of poetry that will inspire awe and awaken the senses. Ms. Frohman is a prolific poet, and activist who has taken her message to The White House for “An Evening of Poetry” in 2011, she is also a recipient of a 2012 Leeway Transformation Award, has been ranked in the Top 15 at the 2012 Women of the World Poetry Slam, Top 10 at the 2012 Southern Fried Poetry Slam, and served as a member of the 2010 Philadelphia Slam Team. Her work is featured in Philadelphia’s citywide “UnLitter Us” Campaign, and has appeared in literary magazines, such as The Apiary. She has headlined shows across the United States and Canada, and performed in various community, arts, and educational spaces from prestigious arts venues to classrooms, festivals, and detention centers. All her travels have led her to Bermuda’s shores where she will showcase her talents and share experiences beautifully. The event will be streamed live right here on the Chewstick website.

As the current Program Director for the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement Ms. Frohman is no stranger to working with people to transform themselves through recognizing the power of their own voices. Her open approach and wealth of knowledge will be a definite benefit to workshop participants as she shares her experiences as a queer, multi-cultural, woman. Ms. Frohman is an activist for challenging gender norms and the celebration of the many facets of self, each person can experience and communicate on a daily basis. On Sunday at 6pm Ms. Frohman will present a workshop to uncover the stories in each participant in a venture to establish the beauty each of us can create when given a safe space to do it. Participation in the Sunday evening workshop is $20, free for Retreat participants. The Chewstick Foundation is inviting the community to take part in one or all of these tremendous events;  call 292-2439 or email info@chewstick.org for more information or to sign up. For more on Denice Frohman visit www.denicefrohman.com.

Saturday, January 26,2013 Delijah Symonds, a talented, driven and ambitious young singer will be featured at The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge & Café in an effort to fundraise for a tremendous opportunity for global travel, artistic growth, networking and community service. Delijah has been accepted as part of the cast of Up With People for two semesters. Her beautiful voice has earned her the acceptance but Delijah needs the support of the community to make her dream of performing, learning, and growing as part of the UWP cast a reality, the entire year is expected to cost $30,000; which is a challenge for Delijah as she is a recent graduate of the Berkeley Institute and full-time student at the Bermuda College.  

Despite the steep price, Delijah is committed to embarking on this once in a lifetime journey, with a series of fundraising performances and collaborations in store for 2013 and with the support of the Up With People Alumni Organization.  Of this experience Delijah says, “Up With People will allow me to do the things I love most, travelling, singing, dancing, acting, helping others, as well as performing.” Delijah has been busy, over the past year, earning donations at Destinations Dockyard with her Madness Mondays performances and games, holding numerous bakesales and headlining a showcase at the Southampton Princess on November 8, 2012. Delijah, known by her audiences as “Lijah” is focused on doing everything she can, to not only pay for the program, but to also broaden her understanding of world cultures, the performance industry and experience what it is like to tour with a dynamic group of young people from across the globe.

Ms. Symonds has had the opportunity to perform throughout the island in a number of productions and has recently been invited as part of the lineup for the Mint Condition show this February. After her service with Up With People, Delijah anticipates going on to study Performing Arts-Music Theatre and Entertainment Law. She also aspires to become a Broadway Performer and to one day, see her name in flashing lights on The Lion King Broadway Performance as lead role ‘Nalah’. The performance at The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge & Cafe will be an opportunity for Delijah to share the talent that earned her this tremendous honor as well as to celebrate the talents of friends, family and collaborators, Haz, Olivia Hamilton and Marvo.


Video streaming by Ustream

Do not miss the opportunity to experience the celebration of artists’ stories, to achieve progress and empowerment. Delijah is taking this opportunity seriously and this is only one in a variety of ventures dedicated to raising the funds to realize this young woman’s dream. Beginning Monday, January 21 through to February 22nd supporters can go to www.premiertickets.bm to make a donation to support Delijah or buy a ticket to see this array of local talents, all proceeds from online donations and the entry price will go to support Delijah Symonds’participation in the Up With People Global Tour. For more information on how you can help or keep up to date on her journey and progress visit www.lijahuwp.com as often as you can.All performances are streamed live right here and stored in the Chewstick archives to share the experience with supporters from around the world. Tickets are $10 online or  a donation at the door with proceeds going to fund Delijah Symonds’s Up With People tuition. Advance payment for the event and donations can be made at www.premiertickets.bm. Time and seating is limited so get your tickets early! For more information call 292-2439 (CHEW), or email info@chewstick.org.

Delijah web poster.