Judge Joe Brown challenges
Jamaica’s art college graduates

“To Be What They Ought To Be”

 

 

 

 

ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC) saw the departure of their 2008 graduating class of artists, artistes and art educators with Certificates, Diplomas and for the first time, Bachelor Degrees.  Under the theme, “Opening Doors to Minds and Opportunities Through the Creative Arts”, the ceremony, held at the Courtleigh Auditorium, was supported by specially-invited guests other tertiary institutions, the University Council of Jamaica, and the Government.  The historic ocasion marked the conferral of undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor in Art Education (BAE) by the Executive Director of the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), Dr. Ethley London.  TV personality with the number four ranking syndicated show in America, Judge Joe Brown was Guest Speaker.

 

In keeping with EMC’s tradition, the ceremony took the form of a grandiose production with the title “Opening Doors”, written by School of Drama alumna, Sabrena McDonald.  The play came to life under the direction of Pierre Lemaire, choreography by Arsenio Andrade, musical direction of Ibo Cooper, set and costume design by Ron Steger, lighting by Calvin Mitchell and virtual presentation of the Multimedia Department.  It exhibited a true culmination of students from the Schools of Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts.  It was EMC’s own Broadway, which craftily incorporated the ceremony’s proceedings starting with the announcing of the faculty, the principal’s party and graduates, which was referred to as “The Arrival”.  

 

With impressive acting, singing and dancing, the play told the story of a community, known as the “People of Evolution” bent on tradition and reluctant for change.  They look towards the character Custom as their iconic leader and are ready to defy characters from the “Sun Down community” Prospect and Possibility who see the need for their society to think differently and move forward.  It is not until the “People of Evolution” are plague and trapped by their nemeses “The Terrible Three”, namely characters Mediocrity, Hopelessness and Crime that they look towards Prospect and Possibility, when Custom is unable to effectively devise a plan of execution to overcome their antagonists.  By collectively working with the ideas of Custom, Prospect and Possibility successfully concocted a plan that led to the demise of “The Terrible Three”, thus bringing new hope and vision to the “People of Evolution”.

 

Though fictional, the production “Opening Doors” evidently speaks to the graduates as they must identify with “Prospect” and “Possibility” to use their creative skills to effect changes and advancement in their own community and the rest of the world.  The graduates were inferred as “the Birth of a New Vision” which was concurred by Judge Joe Brown.  Judge Brown kept the audience riled and clasping to his every word.  With a firm tone, Judge drew attention to the historical accomplishments of blacks from the emancipation of slavery to present.  Referring to icons such as Jackie Robinson, Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley as “Buffalo Soldiers” who deified struggle and impacted on the course of history, Judge challenged the graduates with the ultimatum of purpose.  He believes that Jamaica has more hope that is seen in the inner-cities of America and so impelled the graduates to use their culture and art as a productive tool to translate what they have come to know of their citizens and the rest of the world.

 

“What is your purpose?” the Judge charged.  “Will you use your art for people to march more vigorously?” 

 

He also expressed the concern of the glorification of “hard core rap music”.  As a people who emancipated themselves and claimed their freedom, we should not be influenced by the music of those who had their freedom handed to them. “Do not let the slaves who had to be freed, influence you who freed yourselves,” the Judge expressed.  With such conviction, he continue to encourage the graduates not only be all they can be, what they ought to be.  The Judge cemented his statements and bellowed to much appreciation “this is the century of the people of colour of the world today!” He implored the young artists(es) to take the examples of those before them and use their art to establish a productive cause.

 

Valedictorian, Warren McPherson from the School of Music expressed similar sentiments as Judge Brown.  While he reminisced with his fellow comrades on the four-year journey through EMC, he encouraged his peers to channel their training to become productive artists, artistes and art educators.  Principal, Burchell Duhaney presented in retrospect the accomplishments and the glitches experienced by the College. Focusing on the positives, he commended the initiation of former Vice Principal, Hope Brooks for the College to offer degree programmes.  This year marking the first batch of graduates with conferred degrees in Visual Arts, the coming years with have students graduating with degrees in Dance, Music and Drama.  

 

Seeing the importance of the institution, Mr. Duhaney reminded his listeners that EMC “must be the hub for shaping popular Jamaican and Caribbean culture” that will define “acceptable art” and for training of individuals who will continue to produce Jamaica and Caribbean entertainment and artistic products.  However, with the developing stages of the institution, it is evident that the College requires assistance to maintain the upkeep of its establishments so far.  One such entity is the College’s Development Fund, which will act as the business arm of EMC and will facilitate the settlement of endowments and commercial enterprises that will provide income to support the Arts.  Nonetheless, the support is needed and as such Mr. Duhaney expressed the necessity for the institution to forge alliances to move forward. 

 

In closing, Mr. Duhaney encouraged his graduates to follow their dreams for self-fulfillment and with the right attitude to utilize their experience gathered to succeed.  “We have not taught you to go looking for jobs; we have given you to tools to create jobs.”

 

Read Judge Joe Brown represents Jamaican artists in worthy cause

TUESDAY, December 3

• Beres Hammond launches new album

At 7:00p.m., Beres Hammond launches new album on Dunbarton Avenue, Kingston.

SATURDAY, December 6

• Reggaelution

Kingston Beer and Tara Playfair Scott host Reggaelution at Liguanea club starting at 8:30p.m.. Special appearances by Buju, Etana, Taurrus.

• Sexy in Black

Dogg Pound presents Doggystyle”s “Sexy in Black” next Saturday, December 6 at the Sky Bar, 7 Half Way TRee Road, Kingston 5 (Cross Roads area, opposite Juici Beef) from 10:00p.m.m Music by Code Red, Dutty Dada, Darkcide International.

WEDNESDAY, December 17

• Tessanne Chin live in concert

Griot music presents Tessanne chin live, at Grosvenor Galleries starting at 9:00p.m..

SATURDAY, December 20

• Fashion showcase

It’s time for the young stars - Rising Stars runners-up KAHLIL & Songbird TESSANN CHIN - Fashion Showcase by the JAMAICA FASHION & APPAREL CLUSTER.

SUNDAY, December 20

• Friends in concert

Join Harold Davis and Friends on The Lawn.

SUNDAY, December 28

• Beres a moment in time ‘08

The Grand Stand, National stadium will be the venue of a concert titled by “Beres Hammond, a moment in time ‘08″.

FRIDAY, January 22

• Jamaica Jazz and Blues

At the Aqueduct, Rosehall, The Art of Music(Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues)  will be held until January 25.

MONDAY, December 1

• Judge Joe serves local creative community

Judge Joe Brown, is guest speaker at a special fundraising banquet for the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts slated to begin at 7:00p.m. at the Hilton Hotel, Kingston. The occasion also marks the launch of the EMC Development Fund in honour of Edna Manley.

THURSDAY, December 4

• Series

Jerry Craig’s “Series” opens at Mutual Gallery and Art Centre, 2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5 at 7:00p.m. The exhibition which will be opened by Joseph A. Matalon will run until January 3. Gallery opens daily Monday to Friday, 10:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00a.m. -3:00p.m..

• Montego Bay gets Free and Laughing

Free and laughing at Wine With Marguerite Orane, Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay

 

FRIDAY, December 5

• A celebration of art

Scotia Private Client Group will host “A celebration of art” at The Devonshire, Devon House, 26 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Artists to be featured include Christopher Gonzalez(sculptor and painter), Barrington Watson(painter), Garth Sanguinetti (jeweller) and Donito Davis(sculptor).

SATURDAY, December 6

• David Pinto Open House

David Pinto has his annual open house at his studio in the hills above Falmouth, Trelawny, from noon to 6pm.  In addition to large pod inspired sculpture and other exciting artworks david decided to focus much of his attention on small affordable functional works.  Elegant square desert bowls with exciting glaze surfaces, mugs and plates of all sizes and a fabulous series of votive candle diffusers that embody pintos playful approach to clay into a small gift size price!

• Jamaica Band and Jonkunnu Festival

The Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, the Jamaica Band and Junkunnu Festival will be hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission(JCDC) between 10:00a.m. to 10p.m.. There will be Kiddies Jonkunnu Costume Competition, and,  Schools Mento competition band. Guest performers include Grange Hill Jonkunnu group, Peacemakers Mento band and Rollington Town Primary award-winning Folk Performers.

THURSDAY, December 11

• Richard Blackford original works

• Journies

At 128 Galleries, 128 Old Hope Road, Matilda’s Corner, a vibrant and mystical collection of the artistic journies of Marisa Willoughby Holland, Amy Laskin, Jasmine Thomas Girvan, Melisande Potter and Paula Daley will be exposed.
There will be music, the food (courtesy of Colin Hylton of The Guilt Trip), the wine (courtesy of CPJ) and the work!

Peter Lloyd sends his

soul to the world

By Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

Peter Lloyd… down-to-earth soul tours the world at his own pace. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

SOME PERSONS SEE HIM as a charmer. Others throw negative criticisms in his path, fewer even refer to him as an “iron balloon”. However, whatever the vision, Peter Lloyd, a down-to-earth soul will be soaring beyond horizons sooner than skeptics think. With past hits like Dem Seh Gold Digga, and singles such as Ready For Love, Walk Through Fire, Wake Dem Up, such as he has already begun. In 2000, his first album so far the critically acclaimed Transition, under the Gem-Kkept record label was produced.

This year the film actor, turned singer, released latest single Oh My Dahling, which also is indeed on the platform set for a legend. This treat teases listeners into anticipating another full album. Nonetheless, fans will remain satisfied with the confirmation that another single Perfect Body is set for a January 2009 release date. The video for Oh My Dahling is conceptualised by the thoroughbred Jamaican, Peter Lloyd, who also in working alongside cameraman Richard Lyn directed it. As usual his productions are subtle descriptions of Jamaica’s culture, but done in a way for listeners to learn rather than being overbearingly judgmental. So far, Wake Dem Up is a cry to bring Jamaicans into the reality of the negative experiences existing, but also their capabilities in Jah to overcome, be strong and be productive, because of their in born talent. Other nations for sure can relate to this song.

In Oh My Dahling he represents the average Jamaican male, too attracted to today’s women to step aside. Yet admiring them with respect, the represented male figure endeavours to pick a flower for his garden already being pruned. Its humorous and in the end, the single rose he brings to a bloom is suddenly crowded by other flowers he secretly watered.
Tunes such as from Clementine are borrowed, a common assault in the music industry. Oh My Dahling currently (last quarter 2008) claims the number one spot on Bess FM, number 4 on the RE-TV video countdown, and is on the Hitz 92 FM charts.
We are put in memory of Dem seh Gold Digga (”They say Gold Digger”), which is as fresh and current as when it became a hit.
Oh My Dahling is well choreographed, and thankfully, as with Lloyd’s other videos, which are also incidentally directed and produced by him, are not all about showing body parts. The lyrics do not get complicated, and are as catchy as the rhythms rendered in a purr. As with his other songs, proper respect is given to Jamaican women regardless of the hurdles experienced.
Peter has a unique marketing style which so far seems to be working. He’s not a man of fanfare, so sending his waves through the Internet is on par with his affectionate character. Two of his singles can be found on You tube, where you can also log in to make comments. You can see “Wake dem up “Wake them up” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86fFmnQbq8Q), then came Oh My
Dahling “O My Darling” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=).

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO: Lloyd dances with a fan, at the Portland Jerk Festival earlier this year. Steadily he climbs to take his rightful spot in international fame.

Peter Lloyd born in Kingston, now resides in Montego Bay, but is on a steady rise … moving at his own pace, and according to his strategies… to claiming his spot among international reggae legends.

Anthea McGibbon, a graduate of the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts, has over 11 years experience in the fields of journalism and the arts. Contact her at anthea@negril.com or islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk.

Top ten listing on Hot 102FM

Colombian Gaiteros entertain Jamaicans

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

THE 7-MEMBER COLOMBIAN traditional folkloric cumbia group, recently entertained many a Jamaican at the Courtleigh Auditorium, Kingston, last Saturday, November 22.  Last year, on November 9, 2007, the group,  Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, won the Latin Grammy for their album Un fuego de sangre pura (a fire of pure blood).

Continuing in that vein, last Saturday (November 22), they warmed the blood of Jamaicans in a world class performance expressing the history, strength, passion and survival of Latin America, for their Caribbean counterparts.
The group, according to legend, begun in 1930. Since then the torch has passed from father to son, from uncle to nephew, honing the group into one of Colombia’s cultural treasures.
Long after the the group’s 14 selections, patrons were still well light on their feet, encouraged by the musicians whose fingers couldn’t stop playing up temptuous tunes.
Sharing more than Caribbean shores, the Colombians, during their prompt performance, demonstrated their possession of dance moves and rhythm similar to that of Jamaicans. Lead singer Juan Fernandez Polo,  was nothing short of amazing, bellowing powerful notes from his seemingly slim and fragile frame. Accompanying him were Antonio Garcia and Fredys Arrieta both on female gaita flutes; Rafael Rodriquez on the calling drum;  Gabriel Torreglosa on Happy Drum; Jairo Herrera on the male gaita flute, and, Dionisa Yepes on drum.
Those already familiar with the history of slavery within the Caribbean, and the bellowing calls and songs of that era, easily related to the arresting passion-driven bellows sounded by Juan Fernandez Polo, especially during Celestine. However, there was a note for everyone as the selections were varied as equally as they were each filled with energy, being played upon the inner organs of the patrons.
Although describing separate Colombian experiences, Colombians including the Ambasador H.E. Dr. Ventura Emilio Díaz Mejíaand few Jamaicans could not  resist the pull to dance by the time the group played La Corniz (”The Cornisa Hen”). This was of course after the stunning performance of Asi lo grita Toto (”That is how Toto shouts It”) rendered Juan Fernandez Polo, who remained light on his feet as he pranced, and jittered across the stage.
Three times too many,  with his hand akimbo, he could made a perfect fit into the University singers in performance of local folk songs such as Come wih guh doung a Solas Market or Evening time. And the flutes notes resounded echoing tales similar to Jonkounu tunes played on our local fyfee flutes. There was a bit of yodelling that did not detract from the truly Caribbean cultural experience, which welcomed rhythmatic applaud and shared complimentary clapping beats from the audience.
Of course, by the last selection La Acabación (”The Ending”), a great deal of patrons were truly mesmerised to their feet. For a few moments in time, even for those who didnt understand Spanish, time stood still as the familiar beat of congos, flutes, perscussion instruments spoke the language of dancing.

FRIDAY, November 28

• Wild Jerk

Wild Jerk is back this month at Prendy’s on the Beach (Formerly Under the Mango Tree), 7 South Avenue, Kingston. In addition Wild Jerk will be featured on the Maggi Cooking Show on CVM TV in December so look out for it.

Jamaica’s Journalism Week observed
November 30 –December 6

THE PRESS Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has announced the observance of Journalism Week from Sunday, November 30 to Saturday, December 6 under the theme: Fanning the Flames of Democracy.
The week kicks off on Sunday with a national church service at the Mandeville Baptist Church, commencing at 9 a.m. This will be followed on Wednesday by a special treat for sports journalists during the annual veterans’ luncheon hosted by Wray and Nephew Limited. Special honourees are veteran sports journalists Lance Whittaker, Ed Barnes, Bobby Fray, Patrick Anderson and Elton Tucker. Special recognition will be given to sports analyst Hubert Lawrence for his commentary, along with Whittaker, for CMC at the Beijing Olympics.

On Friday, the premier event –the National Journalism Awards Banquet– will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, commencing at 7:30 p.m. The keynote speaker will be John Fisher Burns, the London Bureau Chief of the New York Times. Burns has covered many major conflicts across the globe.

In addition to the usual events, induction and installation ceremonies for new and renewed PAJ members will be held in the Corporate Area, Mandeville and Montego Bay.

Schedule of Activities

• Sunday, November 30

- National Church Service (9 a.m.), Mandeville Baptist Church, 1 Baptist Road
- Central Jamaica Membership Induction Brunch (noon),  ALPART Sports Club, Nain, Manchester
Guest Speaker: Alberto Fabrini, CEO Alumina Partners of Jamaica

• Monday, December 1

Opening of Globe Training Room (6 p.m.), PAJ Office, 5 East Avenue, Kingston 8

• Wednesday, December 3

Veteran’s Luncheon (12:30), “Honouring Excellence in Sports Journalism”
Wray & Nephew Hospitality Room, Guest Speaker: Lance Whittaker

• Thursday, December 4

Western Jamaica Membership Induction (7 p.m.), Twisted Kilt, Gloucester Avenue
Kingston, Guest Speaker: ACP Denver Frater

• Friday, December 5

National Journalism Awards Banquet (7:30 p.m.), Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Keynote Speaker: John Fisher Burns, London Bureau Chief, New York Times (See below for article on Speaker)

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• Wednesday, December 10

Corporate Area Membership Induction (6:30 p.m.), Guardian Life Limited
12 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 5

JOHN BURNS FOR PAJ AWARDS BANQUET

CHIEF FOREIGN Correspondent with the New York Times John F. Burns will be the guest speaker at this year’s National Journalism Awards Banquet hosted by the Press Association of Jamaica. He became the London bureau chief of The Times after leading the newspaper’s coverage of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Burns has received two Pulitzer Prizes for International Reporting: for his reporting in 1997 on Afghanistan’s Taliban fighters; and for his coverage of the strife and destruction in Bosnia in 1993. He and two other Times correspondents shared the 1979 George Polk Award for foreign reporting and he won the 1996 George Polk Award for his Afghan coverage.

He was incarcerated by the Chinese government for six days in 1986 on charges of espionage and subsequently deported to Hong Kong.

Burns will share his wealth of expertise with the local journalistic fraternity as the Press Association of Jamaica celebrates it sixty fifth anniversary. The Awards Banquet takes place at the Jamaica Pegasus on Friday December 5, commencing at 7:30 pm. This year’s awards will recognize outstanding journalists in an even wider range of categories than before.

The awards banquet will climax theweek of activities marking “Journalism week 2008″.

HOW TO: in Jamaican style

FROM OUR OWN own Jamaican experts, get practical advice on handling varied challenges from cultural to financial, when staying on Jamaican soil. They are sourced from the Caribbean’s leading newspaper, The Gleaner’s new feature, ‘How to …’, an instruction guide giving practical advice on fixing many of those pesky problems that pop up - without paying an arm and a leg. Seize on info from Jamaica’s industry experts and become a veritable Mr or Mrs Fix-it….
Read more at HOW TO: in Jamaican style

SUNDAY, November30

• Wine & Cheese Fundraiser through the Arts

The Board of the Area Youth Foundation will host its Christmas Wine and cheese fundraiser at 2 Beverley Vale Close, Kingston, beginning at 5:00p.m.. AYF is a nonprofit organisation working with young people in the inner city to transform their lives through music and the arts.

• Youth Awards for Excellence

The Prime Minister’s Youth Awards for Excellence, is slated Emancipation Park in Kingston.  Persons can call the NCYD at 968-6293, or visit the office at 16A Half-Way Tree Road, to get nomination forms. It is also available on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) website, at www.jis.gov.jm or on Facebook. Events will culminate with International Volunteers Day, which will be celebrated on December 5. The NCYD would be giving assistance to the youth and community club in Mines, St. Ann, “in establishing a water supply system for the community.”

WEDNESDAY, November 26

• “Gas money is back”

Griot music presents “Gas money is back’ at Grosvenor Galleries, at 8:00p.m.

• Charmaine Limonious Live at Suzie’s bakery

The fantastic voice of Charmaine can be heard at  at Suzie’s Bakery, 2 South Avenue, Southdale Plaza.  Showtime: 8:30pm. Free Entry! Free Appetizers!

• Stone Love stands alone

Stone Love 36th anniversary celebration slated for Club premier, Florida, from 9:00p.m.

THURSDAY, November 27

• MultiCare Christmas Concert
(In Commemoration of Universal Children’s Day)

MULTICARE FOUNDATION PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMME will host a MultiCare Christmas Concert
In Commemoration of Universal Children’s Day, at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the West Indies, Mona.
The Participants are students from the MultiCare-assisted schools in East, West, Central Kingston and Greater Portmore.
The programme showcasing talents and creativity of students in Dance, Music, Drama and Speechwill feature dance repertoire of Modern Contemporary to Popular, African and Folk.

Adopting a holistic approach to child development, the MultiCare Foundation uses Sports and the Visual & Performing Arts as a catalyst to replace the culture of violence, and to create a culture of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and understanding among participants.

The MultiCare Foundation reflects the commitment of its endowing partners Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited, Caribbean Cement Company Limited and ICD Group Limited to sustainable development, and to the building of a safe and peaceful nation.

• Katrina performs at Singer’s night

Christopher’s Jazz Cafe is slated to host Singers Night.

SATURDAY, December 6

• Reggaelution

Kingston beer and tara Playfair Scott host Reggaelution at Liguanea club starting at 8:30p.m.. Special appearances by Buju, Etana, Taurrus.

• Sexy in Black

Dogg Pound presents Doggystyle”s “Sexy in Black” next Saturday, December 6 at the Sky Bar, 7 Half Way TRee Road, Kingston 5 (Cross Roads area, opposite Juici Beef) from 10:00p.m.m Music by Code Red, Dutty Dada, Darkcide International.

WEDNESDAY, December 17

• Tessanne Chin live in concert

Griot music presents Tessanne chin live, at Grosvenor Galleries starting at 9:00p.m..

SATURDAY, December 20

It’s time for the young stars - Rising Stars runners-up KAHLIL & Songbird TESSANN CHIN - Fashion Showcase by the JAMAICA FASHION & APPAREL CLUSTER.

SUNDAY, December 20

Join Harold DAvis and Friends on The Lawn.

FRIDAY, January 22

• Jamaica Jazz and Blues

At the Aqueduct, Rosehall, The art of music will be held until January 25.