Chewstick Moving From Elliot Street Premises

November 27, 2014

chewstickThe Chewstick Foundation said that it will cease operations in its present location on Court and Elliot Street effective December 1, 2014.

The group said, “The announcement follows the expiration and subsequent vacate notice from their current landlord, who has had his hand forced due to an ailing real estate economy and severe financial challenges relating to the property.

“The Chewstick Foundation, upon receiving notice, immediately went into a search for alternate accommodations and were in final stage negotiations with a new option, but unfortunately, in the end it did not fully meet their needs, resulting in this late notice to the general public.

Gavin Djata Smith, Executive Director of The Chewstick Foundation, said: “Court Street has been our home for more than five years and we feel fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to develop and grow here.

“We have developed key programs and proven that a vibrant cultural & community hub can change perceptions, break down barriers and support local artists of all types.

“We hope to continue this work in whatever space becomes our new home, and want to take this opportunity to thank our former landlord Mr. Eugene Blakeney Jr. and everyone in the North Hamilton community for their support over the years.

“We would also like to thank all the artists, young people, collaborators and volunteers for their unwavering support, and for having made the Court Street space a home.

“It breaks our heart to have to look elsewhere for a new home, however we are hopeful that with the Bermuda community’s support we will find a way forward,” added Mr. Smith.

For the Chewstick Lounge’s finale weekend they will be hosting a pot-luck fundraiser for Boulevard Football Club Friday evening from 6pm-8pm, and later in the evening at 9pm will feature a finale performance by Executive Director Gavin Djata Smith on his acoustic guitar, with opening act Sheri Scott. Continuing the finale weekend on Saturday will be auditions for an upcoming SureSilk Hair Fashion Show from 11am-1pm.

Saturday night will feature hip-pop band D.I.A., Chewstick stalwarts which will celebrate a host of performers including, Amora Rose, Piper, KASE, Haz and more, at 10pm. Closing off the finale weekend will be the event that started it all, Chewstick’s legendary open-mic, with doors opening at 8pm.

The Chewstick Foundation is continuing its property search to identify their next location as one has currently not been identified, and encourages anyone with an option for them to consider to reach out and email them at info@chewstick.org or call 292 2439.

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Comments (19)

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  1. ole Onion says:

    Sorry to hear your troubles of moving !! Try Shines old venue ! Or ?

    • Serious Though says:

      Try former Hubies club

    • I tell you says:

      Sad, sad sad. This was an excellent venue for young talent in particular. This is critical for the development of culture.

  2. Hopefully they wont have to move to far from the present location, Chewstick has brought a positive vibe to the area and are highly respected for the diversity they bring to our community and our culture. The fact that they cross all racial barriers and have contributed on a very big scale to our society, I say they will fit like a hand and glove were ever they go, wish them all the best in finding a good viable option,for a location that fits the needs of all who enjoy their unique style.

  3. Terry says:

    Don’t always agree with you Duane but your spot on with those comments.

    • Thank’s Terry, I try to give credit were it is due and I for one know that my children thoroughly enjoy the positive vibe that Chewstick brings,my children are from teenagers up to early 30′s but I am ole school,so I like the fact that they cater to both young and not so young.The impact they make speaks volumes all by its self.

  4. Sad says:

    I agree with Mr. Santucci’s comment. It is puzzling that ChEWSTICK cannnot stay there…expecially since Mr. Blakeney’s InterIsland Communications organisation is about “entertainment!” Chewstick has done MORE FOR that area in Hamilton than many of the more capitalistic ventures. If there is really an interest in improvement of people and geographical areas which have historically been grossly disadvantaged, then the foundations which have been set up to assist the community should be doing so.

    • watching says:

      Sad, you are mistaken.

      The landlord of this building is Mr. Eugene Blakeney. Interisland Communications is Mr. Glenn Blakeney. Not the same person.

  5. Serious Though says:

    To all court landlord’s
    Would love them to stay in court street Area

  6. Christopher James says:

    I wonder what this really means:

    “The announcement follows the expiration and subsequent vacate notice from their current landlord, who has had his hand forced due to an ailing real estate economy and severe financial challenges relating to the property”.

    I suspect It means that there was an issue with the rent and that the landlord eventually had had enough and could no longer cover them. Very sad for all – and not too good for Chewstick finding anywhere else either – unless they get to use a church hall once a week or something at minimal rent.

    Best of luck to all.

    • Kristin White says:

      Christopher James, why assume something so negative about a charity that has been doing great things in this area for five years?

      Mr Blakeney is looking for a more profitable venture for his building as he has been affected by the economy. He will soon announce his plans for that space but I can assure you Chewstick has been good rent-paying, tenants that by their presence and renovations have increased the value of this property.

  7. swing voter says:

    Buy it Gavin….your group have access to some influential people that like the vibe you bies give off….peace love fairness equality, and best of all….. NO POLITICS!

  8. Creamy says:

    So, underneath it all, Eugene Blakeney is a capitalist landowner who wants to make a profit.

    • Christopher James says:

      The landlord at least wants to cover his costs. There is only so much charity one can give. A sad situation for sure. Would you lose money to have someone stay in your building? If so for how long? I imagine at some point you’d pull the plug – anyone would at some point. Again very sad.

  9. Mary Lodge says:

    Thank you for shining light on our talented people. Like the Phoenix, Chewstick will rise again. Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth. Blessings from Mary Lodge.

  10. Starting point says:

    Move to the Centre on Angle Street – you could continue to run programs there and add a fantastic layer of art appreciation onto the current sport / rec programs being run there. The ASP and evening programs could thrive with Chewstick programming.

    This would keep the program in the community, increase traffic to the Centre, enhance the programming etc. etc. and cost nothing as the building is owned by Government, with some creative work this solution would be perfect. The Centre has always had music components and i think they had or have a DJ program currently.

    Government, needs to be creative to keep programs such as Chewstick a float imo.

    Youth work is all about mentors and I would think the Chewstick team are about as solid a mentor group as you can get to compliment the Angle Street staff.

    However this idea requires collaboration, flexibility and outside the box work that governments are not know for…..

  11. Islander says:

    I think it’s good they are moving. That is not the best area and stops many people from trying to attend. That’s a fact.

  12. No way says:

    I always felt Chewstick deserved a better location than one were people are across the street selling drugs all day.