Upcoming: Chewstick Youth Open-Mic
T.W.I.G.S., a monthly youth open-mic jam session, will take place for the first time this Saturday, November 12th from 6pm-10pm, at the Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge & Cafe’ on the corner of Elliot Street and Court Street.
This program will take place on the second Saturday of every month, and will give creative young people, under the age of eighteen, a chance to showcase their talents in the same format as Chewstick’s Sunday night open-mic jam sessions.
T.W.I.G.S., an acronym for “True Wisdom in Growing Souls” is meant to empower Bermuda’s youngest artists to take ownership of their talents, and give them a positive social outlet that can help them to grow and connect with each other. A youth team coordinated by staff at the Chewstick Foundation, will produce an evening that is focused on celebrating the talents, accomplishments and skills of their peers.
“Unfortunately there are very few opportunities for young people to get together socially in a positive atmosphere, and even fewer chances for them to share their talents in a safe, fun and organic way” says Chewstick Foundation Founder and Executive Director, Gavin Djata Smith.
“In addition it is difficult for young people to make it out to our Sunday open-mics because of their age and the fact that it’s a school night.” he continues. “We see this exciting new program as central to our mission to empower storytelling, creative expression and social justice to enrich youth, arts, culture and community. And we are looking forward to helping to mentor the next generation of storytellers”
The youth team helping to coordinate the evening includes a mix of; Berkeley Institute, Warwick Academy, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Bermuda Institute and home schooled students, ranging in age from fourteen to eighteen.
“Each individual team member has a passion for performing and a gift for telling their stories well.” says Deidra-Lee Bean, Administrator at the Chewstick Foundation “the team of young talent is simply awe-inspiring, I anticipate being blown away by the unique insight into the minds of Bermuda’s youth.”
The first T.W.I.G.S. evening will be hosted by Kevina-Lorae’ Davis, who will be flanked by a number of artistic teens including, singer and songwriter Emma Keane, dancers The Bermuda Squad, rappers Tha Infamous Nerdz, Haz, and local rapper Jelani.
For those that are interested in performing, there will be a book to sign-up as you enter in typical Chewstick style, but you are warned to get there early if you wish to do so. There is a dedicated backline (drums, keyboard, bass and guitar amps) at the fully equipped Chewstick Lounge, and youth are encouraged to bring their tracks, guitars or whatever they need to shine.
This T.W.I.G.S. evening is free, soft drinks and snacks will be available for purchase, and donations toward the Chewstick Foundation’s programs and infrastructure would be much appreciated.
Adults are encouraged to attend – but only if accompanied by a young person in their lives. Each and every young person is welcomed to attend on the second Saturday of every month at the Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge & Cafe’ on the corner of Court Street and Elliot Street. T.W.I.G.S. will start at 6:00 pm and is scheduled to end at 10:00 p.m. The aim of the night is to give Bermuda’s young people a chance to share their voice and give them an opportunity to socialize in a positive, constructive environment.
T.W.I.G.S. upcoming dates are November 12th and December 10th, of 2011 and January 14th will kick off 2012. For the complete TWIGS schedule and further information visit The Chewstick Foundation website at www.chewstick.org, call 292-2439 or e-mail info@chewstick.org.
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