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.

 

2017 Retreat Programme

Register for The Chewstick Foundation’s thrice annual (Winter, Summer, Fall) Island Retreat Programme in 2017 for the chance to learn, connect, get inspired, and have fun while appreciating the epic beauty of Bermuda.

Note the NEW DATES for the Fall Retreat on Paget Island, Friday Oct 20 – Sunday Oct 22!

Here’s the link to sign up!

Signup deadline for the Fall Retreat is October 13!
Early Bird Prices available until October 10.

Activities will include drawing, poetry, creative writing, music, workshops and yoga in the gorgeous setting of our island home, while meeting a bunch of really awesome new people.

Dates and island locations for 2017 are as follows:

Retreat	Location	Dates
Winter Retreat	Port’s Island	Friday Feb 17 – Sunday Feb 19, 2017
Summer Retreat	Darrell’s Island	Friday Aug 11 – Sunday Aug 13, 2017
Fall Retreat	Paget Island	Friday Oct 20 – Sunday Oct 22, 2017

 

The Retreat Programme is now in its seventh year and has met and surpassed its purpose to bring people together to connect, to learn and to have fun while appreciating the epic beauty of Bermuda. If  you are a person who likes to tell stories, dance, play dominoes, swim, paint or pontificate on  life with others, the retreat is for you! If you simply need a moment of pause from the daily demands of work and home life, take the chance to unwind and maybe learn something as well. In addition to participant-led break out sessions, there is free time to reflect and to get inspired by the beautiful surroundings, activities such as hair braiding, Bocce (Chewstick’s official game), fishing (provide own equipment) and the Retreat Fireside, where participants are encouraged to share a new skill, story, poem, song or anecdote and everyone gets to participate in the always fun, sing along vibe.

Price Breakdown is as follows (signup deadline is October 13 for Fall 2017):

Category	EARLY BIRD Price (before Oct 10)	Late Signup Price
General	$250	$275
Member	$175	$200
Youth (ages 12-18)	$125	$150
Parent and Child	$300	$325
Additional Child (under 12)	$50	$50

Includes boat to and from the island, indoor accommodations, 6 meals, snacks, art supplies, workshops, and materials for the Retreat fireside.

Participants can opt to bring a tent, or stay in shared dorm-style accommodation (bunks are limited).

The Standard VERY IMPORTANT Information

Break-out Sessions are 1.5 to 2 hour workshops that offer insight into a variety of fields that all help participants to deepen personally and collectively. They are led by passionate people that want to share their fields of expertise and personal experience in a safe and organic environment. All attendees are invited (though not required) to submit a Break-out Session option for consideration, and everyone who attends is expected to bring a passion for learning and sharing. There are 3 Break-Out Sessions scheduled for each Retreat, with up to 9 options to choose from.

We don’t know who will attend well in advance, so it is difficult to let you know what each Retreat will offer specifically, but if you’d like to lead a session include a brief description in  the sign up form, we will let you know as soon as possible if yours has been accepted (there’s a discount for facilitators). Some useful information is below:

What do Participants Need to Bring?
The Retreats alternate between Ports Island, Paget Island and Darrell’s Island, three of the most beautiful and fully equipped islands in Bermuda. Unlike traditional “camping”, each island is fully equipped with plenty of beds, full kitchen and dining areas and bathroom facilities –making this excursion quite the opposite of “roughing it”, but you still need to bring a few things.

Essentials:
Pillow, Bedding (fitted sheet & blanket), Sleeping Bag and/or something to keep you warm
Clothing (2 sets of day wear/night wear etc. recommended)
Sneakers, Sandals, Boots etc.
Pajamas
Swimsuit/Swim Shoes
Towel (bath and swim towels recommended)
Toiletries
Plate/Bowl/Fork/Spoon/Butter knife/Cup/Water bottle
Flashlight
Chair (if you don’t bring it, be prepared to sit on the ground!)
Camera
Good vibes
Optional:
Tent
Any snacks you may want
Any other tools you need for your craft (musical instruments, notepad, sketchbook, art supplies, etc.) If unsure, contact us for more information.
Anything you want to share with the other participants (e.g. henna tattoos, craft supplies, knowledge, good jokes)
Lotion, sunscreen, hand sanitizer etc.
Bug repellent (though we haven’t had any problems with mosquitoes etc.)
Games (e.g. marbles, cards, etc. no electronic games please)

Please Do Not Bring:
Bad vibes
Portable game systems
Pets
Any illicit substances or materials
Anything you cannot carry yourself

Under 18
We are proud to be able to offer the opportunity for young people ages 6-18 to be able to attend and participate. The youngest will be taken care of by a child care provider away from the different workshops, while those willing and able to participate in deepening activities will be allowed to. Those under 18 will be required to get parental consent as well as an over 18 chaperone. If a chaperone cannot be identified we would be willing to ask other mature attendees if one would be able to be a personal chaperone for you. Please inquire well in advance if you will be bringing a child or if you need a chaperone.

Space is limited for this special event and we are inviting participants to take part in a journey along with roughly 50 participants for this tremendous, life-changing personal adventure. Friday evening boat departure and Sunday afternoon boat return information will be confirmed by email. Sign-ups can be made by phone on 292-2439 or by filling out the form. Cash or Credit Cards accepted; please make cheques payable to The Chewstick Foundation.

Even MORE information about the Retreat is available here! 

 

Fire Commemoration Weekend

The Chewstick Foundation (Registered Charity #857) has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of appreciation and support from the community following the devastating fire that took place on July 21, 2016 that resulted with their newly opened premises at 81 Front Street. Over the past year, thanks to generous donations from individuals, small businesses, and corporate donors, Chewstick has been able to continue with some of their programming and service to the community. The Chewstick Foundation continues to deploy select programmes, including their Retreat Programme, whose next date is August 11th, a Heritage Month themed event series in May sponsored by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and the Chewstick Community Art Programme which recently completed murals at Gombeys at Clearwater, Overview Hill in Pembroke, and recently commenced installation at St. George’s Cricket Club for Cup Match.

 

The Chewstick Foundation Executive Director, Gavin Djata Smith comments, “I am completely humbled and grateful for the response The Chewstick Foundation has received, and the work that our friends, family, and incredible volunteers have put into the fire recovery initiatives. The loss of the facility has been heartbreaking, but the community support has opened our eyes to how many people have been touched by Chewstick, either directly, through someone they know, or from the continued cultivation of the arts in Bermuda. This support has re-energized the team and renewed the commitment to the work that we do to bring all of Bermuda’s people together.”

 

The Chewstick Culture Hub was a facility designed to be a safe space for sharing ideas, creativity and learning through the use of arts as an effective tool to help build bridges in Bermuda’s polarized community. The July 21st destruction of the then newly-completed Culture Hub is now forever marked in the history of the organization, which is still working towards recovery.

 

Chairperson of The Chewstick Foundation’s Board of Elders, Sharon Baillie reflects on the opportunity the tragedy provided: “It has been incredible to hear how many people view Chewstick as a resource, sanctuary, and creative home. Bermuda needs Chewstick: a platform for developing Bermuda’s talent, a home for the local creative community, and one of the few neutral spaces that can accommodate deeper engagement and understanding. Over the past year many people have come together to reflect on the state of Bermuda’s arts and culture, and celebrate the many accomplishments. It is truly a community organisation, empowering one to enrich all.”

 

Chewstick continues to reflect on what is next. Smith says, “A constant question has been: when will Chewstick re-open? While several businesses have generously offered temporary office space, years of operating as a nomadic open-mic night have taught us that Chewstick isn’t just about a physical space, it’s about the people. Still, however, Chewstick has never been able to impact lives and community so much as through the operation of a dedicated, purpose driven facility, so we continue to work toward a permanent home.”

 

The Chewstick Fire Commemoration activities will begin this Friday, July 21st with a lunchtime gathering between 11am and 2pm on the lawn area between Pier 6 and No.5 Car Park, directly across the street from the former Chewstick Culture Hub location. Chewstick would like for people to come together and reconnect, encouraging all members, supporters, and friends to bring their lunch and enjoy or share a story, poem or song, and reflect on the organization, Bermuda and the year since the fire.

 

On Saturday there will be a Members’ Reunion Bonfire where members will convening for an evening of sharing and expression, while enjoying a swim and food. There’ll be music, an overview of the coming year and the chance to rekindle the Chewstick camaraderie and heart. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Chewstick Foundation can visit our website www.chewstick.org or call 292 2439 and we’ll get you all set.

 

Finally on Sunday, July 23rd, a Fire Concert Fundraiser where singers, poets and rappers will take center stage. The lineup will feature Chewstick family members Kassie Caines (of The Big Chill), Ayana, Sharla Bean, Haz the Human, Matthew Johnston, Tiffany Paynter, Executive Director Gavin Djata Smith, and special guest, international Bermudian reggae artist Mishka. The concert will take place at 7:30pm, in the graciously donated private garden of Gotcha Covered, located at 39 Reid Street, across from Rock Island Coffee. Tickets are available online at www.ptix.bm, with General Admission available for $30 and Patron Tickets for $100, with all remaining tickets available at the door. The event will provide complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a bar (cash or card), as well as fantastic raffle prizes and merchandise for sale, with all proceeds going toward the recovery of The Chewstick Foundation.

 

The Chewstick Foundation would like to offer special thanks to the businesses, artists, and many individuals that continue to support through donations, attendance at events, community partnerships and positive comments in person and online. Chewstick is also incredibly appreciative of the efforts and talents donated to the fire recovery efforts by numerous volunteers, members and supporters. While there is not space to thank each individual here, all efforts are deeply appreciated.

 

If you would like more information or have any questions, contact The Chewstick Foundation through fundraising@chewstick.org or by calling (441) 292-2439.

 

The future is uncertain, but like a phoenix, the community can empower Chewstick to rise from the ashes.

 

ABOUT THE CHEWSTICK FOUNDATION

The mission of The Chewstick Foundation (Bermuda Registered Charity #857) is to empower storytelling, creative expression, and social justice to enrich youth, arts, culture, and community. This mission is achieved through a diverse variety of programming including; the famous Neo-Griot Lounge Open-Mic Jam Session, the Break The Chains Youth Poetry Programme, T.W.I.G.S. Youth Open-Mic Programme, creative outreach programs with inmates within the Dept. of Corrections, Chewstick Retreat Programme, Chewstick Community Art Programme, and countless events and initiatives highlighting the best of Bermuda’s music, poetry, film, art, and academia. For more information visit www.chewstick.org or call (441) 292-2439.

K Funk and Lady Ree – Ukulele Concert and Winter Retreat Workshop

Groove to the sweet sounds of Ukulele and vocal harmonies THIS THURSDAY at an acoustic soul performance featuring K Funk and Lady Ree, who are also our special international guest workshop facilitators for Chewstick’s Winter Retreat this coming weekend!

PERFORMERS: K Funk and Lady Ree, and surprise guest artists
DATE: Thursday, February 16, 2017 (Tomorrow Night!)
TIME: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
LOCATION: Bungalow56, Reid Street (above Down To Earth Health Store)
TICKETS: Available at the door.
COST: $10, proceeds supporting The Chewstick Foundation, Bermuda Registered Charity #857.

Kristin Fung and Sheree Spencer, also known as ‘K Funk and Lady Ree’, are the infamous singing ukulele ladies of the TTC Subway Musicians Program in Toronto, Canada. Bringing the sounds of acoustic soul into new environments, this creative duo performs unique interpretations of their favourite songs ranging from Al Green to Elvis Presley, and have garnered attention from Tropicana Ltd, CBC TV News, Rogers TV and Radio-Canada.

Both Kristin and Sheree are professional musicians, performing artists, event producers and certified teachers with more than ten years of career experience in the fields of Entertainment and Arts & Culture. Their latest project ‘Uke Can Sing’ is a series of educational workshops that embodies community building while teaching participants how to sing and play the ukulele. ‘Uke Can Sing’ was sponsored by Waterfront Toronto’s Artist Instillation Program in 2016, and has been selected to participate in the 2017 ‘Toronto’s Arts in The Parks Program’ through the Toronto Arts Foundation. Grateful to be a visual representation of the diversity of Toronto, the city they call home, this Barbadian-Chinese Canadian duo enjoys the versatility that the ukulele provides in spreading music across wider audiences and extending their opportunities of creativity and innovation amongst various social platforms.

Their first time in Bermuda to teach and perform together, K Funk and Lady Ree will be leading a Ukulele Workshop for 40~ participants at Chewstick’s Winter Retreat on Port’s Island this weekend (February 17-19)!

Retreat attendees are in for a treat. Chewstick will be providing 10 ukuleles, borrowed from members of the community, for participants to learn this fun little instrument that ANYONE can play!