ChewSLAM Fundraiser Poetry Concert
Sunday, July 8th the Chewstick Foundation will be showcasing the talents of the ChewSLAM Youth Poetry team alongside iconic local poets and performers.
They are taking over the Ruth Seaton James Center for the Performing Arts, with an evening of poetry for the “ChewSLAM Fundraiser Poetry Concert”, a poetry showcase to raise funds for the ChewSLAM team to attend Russell Simmons’ Brave New Voices Poetry Festival in San Francisco.
A Chewstick spokesperson said, “The showcase will begin at 8pm on Sunday, July 8th and will feature poets such as Ras Mykkal, Heather Nova, Alan Smith and ChewSLAM program facilitators, Stephan Johnstone and Yesha Townsend in a night focused on empowering the voices of young people and making their dreams of representing Bermuda as poets, for the first time on the world stage, a reality.
“The ChewSLAM Fundraiser Poetry Concert will be ChewSLAM’s chance to showcase the skills they’ve been developing in The Chewstick’ Foundation’s weekly program where they are given the opportunity to deepen in their writing, performance and recording skills.
“The ChewSLAM program is designed to help develop public speaking, community consciousness, collaboration and literacy, and most of all encourages young people to speak up about the things that matter to them most and to know that they are not alone. The opportunity to share on the issues that matter to them with youth from around the globe is a tremendous step in for the ChewSLAM group to claim their place as the leaders of their generation.
For the past few months the ChewSLAM team has been meeting weekly to prepare for the conference and competition and is really excited to be going off to represent Bermuda. Among the group is a Tenae Hassell who was recently honored as the “People’s Choice Winner” in the Coalition for the Protection of Children’s “Bermuda’s Youth Got Talent” Competition, Marquedelle Rodriguez was also a shortlisted competitor in this.
“The group’s talents range from singing, cycling, African Dance, and graphic design and they’ve all come together in this program to enhance their passion for storytelling and move forward on a journey to be positive examples for their peers.
“The team is led by a facilitators, Stephan Johnstone, Djata Smith and Yesha Townsend, who all have unique knowledge to pass on to participants. Yesha Townsend has recently come through with experience in the world of SLAM as she has a passion for the sport and insight into how it all happened.
“Ms. Townsend was also recognized at the Chewstick Foundation’s Anniversary in January as the 2012 recipient of their “Mary Prince” Bursary Award. She is currently studying overseas and has come through to mentor the team in the final weeks to get them ready to blow the judges away at the competition.
“Stephan Johnstone has been involved with the program for a few years and as the quintessential “Bermudian Poet” is ensuring that the young people on this trip are prepared to share pieces that are uniquely Bermudian. Djata Smith, brings his years of experience as a singer/songwriter and creative at the helm of The Chewstick Foundation, he has a unique offering for developing stage presence and thoughtful delivery that has helped each member of the team to be a hard hitting, thoughtful performer and to “own the stage” in every aspect.
“The special guest poets are an invaluable addition to The ChewSLAM Poetry Fundraiser, designed to spotlight the beauty, expression and richness of storytelling through poetic artistry. The evening will feature group and individual performances by ChewSLAM participants and will be a night that is not to be forgotten. Each poet has a unique energy and captivating delivery that will be a real treat for all in attendance.
“The poets involved are excited to share their talents on this Sunday, July 8th, and to support this group of positive young people. Following the performance everyone is invited to celebrate live entertainment at its best at The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge & Café for their Legendary Open-Mic Jam Session, where musicians singers, poets, and rappers will share their stories and ensure that this an evening full of plenty of vibes!
“The performance, will start at 8pm with an opening reception starting at 7pm, the reception holds the chance to mingle with the team before the show and share in the excitement that this opportunity holds for them. Find out more about ChewSLAM at www.chewstick.org, and for more information on Brave New Voices visit www.bravenewvoices.org. Tickets for the July 8th fundraiser can be purchased on www.ptix.bm; at Kit & Kaboodle, Rock Island Coffee, or the Chewstick Headquarters on the corner of Elliot Street and Court Street.
“Further donations for this dynamic group of young people can be made by phone or online at www.ptix.bm or by direct deposit online. The Chewstick Foundation is looking to raise $15,000 to make this venture a reality. For more information call 292-2439 (CHEW), 535-2575 or email info@chewstick.org.”
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