Heritage Month Open Mic | May 25 | Spinning Wheel

We are celebrating Bermudian Excellence this Heritage Month with another Open Mic sponsored by Department of Community and Cultural Affairs!

Chewstick’s legendary open Mic jam session is back again at Spinning Wheel on May 25th.

Performers and appreciators alike, save the date as this dynamic, community-building event returns to a historic location, empowering storytelling and breaking down barriers.

Date: Saturday, May 25, 2019

Time: 8PM – 12 AM

$10 Advance Entry –  Get your tickets here!

FREE for performers and volunteers – email or call us about Volunteer opportunities!

Email: info@chewstick.org
Call: 292-2439

All performance genres are welcome in this safe space, and always remember:

Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth.

Open Mic Night Returns March 30 at Spinning Wheel

Chewstick’s legendary Neo-Griot Open Mic will return for a special session, sponsored by Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and taking place on March 30, 2019 at Spinning Wheel, 33 Court Street, Hamilton.

$10 entry, FREE for performers!

Purchase advance entry here!

Doors open at 7 PM and the event ends at midnight.

Storytellers, musicians, poets, singers, songwriters, rappers, comedians, performance artists, puppeteers, actors, creatives, listeners and appreciators – save the date and prepare yourselves as this historic event returns to a historic location, empowering storytelling and breaking down barriers.

Come feel the vibes, get on the mic and claim your chance to win some fabulous door prizes!
Open Mic is a safe space where all are welcome.

Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth.

Northlands Primary School Mural Painting

Chewstick Community Art Program are working on a mural depicting Bermuda iconography at Northlands Primary School. So far, students, teachers, sponsors and volunteers have come out to get it to this point and it has been amazing to work with them all to demystify visual art and painting.
We’re looking forward to a final push this week to get it done in time for the start of the school year.

JOIN US this week (Tues-Thurs) starting at 7PM each night.  Anyone can paint, so bring a friend!

Let us know if you’d be interested in designing, facilitating and/or being involved in the next CCAP murals!

DATE: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 14, 15, and 16, 2018

TIME: 7:00-10:00 PM each night

LOCATION: Northlands Primary School, 9 Berkeley Road, Hamilton, Bermuda

WHAT TO BRING: Paint-ready clothing/footwear, Reusable water bottle, Snacks/Dinner

 

 

2018 Mary Prince Awards at Landfall Restaurant

It is no secret that Bermuda has a wealth of talent and an abundance of stories to be told through many different mediums. For the past seven years we have honoured and recognised some of these storytellers through the Mary Prince Award (MPA), an annual cash prize given to aspiring creatives that wish to further their growth in a creative field. It was named in honour of a Bermuda African slave girl who won her freedom through documenting her story and fighting for her liberty in court in the UK in 1831. She was selected to be the patron of this Award because she used her talents and story to free herself, a fitting metaphor for recipients of this prestigious Award.

The first annual Mary Prince Award was presented in 2011, to one of Bermuda’s most talented emerging artists, Aden Peets, and one has been awarded annually ever since. In 2017, the Lance Hayward Award for Excellence was introduced. It is presented to a person who has been an enduring presence in the creative field and has also demonstrated an interest and capacity for aiding the next generation in achieving excellence. Lance Hayward was a Bermuda-born, classically-trained pianist and a self-taught jazz musician whose talents were known in Bermuda, New York and Jamaica as he built a legacy that endures to this day. The LHA’s first recipient was composer, pianist, songwriter, teacher and pastor Mr. John Woolridge, who has inspired Bermudian emerging musicians for over 30 years. PRS for Music are this year generously supporting both of these awards.

Historically, these awards have been presented as part of our Annual Anniversary Celebrations in January, but as we focus more on celebrating Bermuda’s rich heritage and recognizing Bermudian icons, a presentation in Heritage Month was more fitting; both these awards are named for iconic people with a lasting influence to Bermuda’s Heritage. The 2018 Mary Prince Awards will take place on Sunday May 20th at The Landfall Restaurant, to recognize both the PRS for Music Mary Prince Award 2018 and the PRS for Music Lance Hayward Award 2018 recipients.

Jackie Church, Head of International Licensing at PRS for Music, said, “PRS for Music are delighted to be supporting The Mary Prince  Awards in 2018. We are proud to be involved in recognising the great creative talents in Bermuda, many of whom are our own members, writing and creating world class music.”

Past recipients of the MPA, include prolific singer and musician Quinn Outerbridge, songwriter and hip-hop artist Makeem ‘Haz’ Bartley, accomplished poet, writer, composer and producer Yesha Townsend, producer and musician, Derek Simmons, Jr.,hip-hop artist and songwriter Jahroy ‘Kidd Clazzic’ Richards. As well as filmmaker Marquedelle Rodriguez and the inaugural recipient Aden Peets who are now both living abroad.

Attendees will enjoy to a traditional Codfish & Potato Brunch, a door prize raffle, feature performances and video messages from some of the talented people who have received the Award. The dynamic musicianship of Miles Manders will also add to the unique voices, varied gifts and positivity that will surely be a part of this inspiring event. This celebration, will uplift people whose work cultivates a distinctly Bermudian story, serves to increase Bermuda’s global awareness, and strengthens local pride and is made possible through the support of  PRS for Music and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Tickets for the Mary Prince Awards Brunch will be available at the door or at www.ptix.bm. Prices are as follows, $30 (General) and $100 (Patron), for more information call  292 2439, email info@chewstick.org.

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.

 

FIRE Exhibition Artists

Meet the artists who have contributed artwork for the Chewstick FIRE Exhibition & Art Auction, opening Wednesday October 19th at CHUBB Gallery!

Support the Chewstick Foundation by buying a piece of original artwork by these talented local artists.

Sign Up NOW for the 2024 Retreat Program!

The Retreat Program is one of The Chewstick Foundation’s best programs. Two to three times a year, we offer a safe, family-friendly atmosphere – full of fun games, community building, art, creativity and a much-needed break from the drudgery of daily life. The Retreat program was established in 2011, and every year we focus on building community, developing skills and offering opportunities for growth and enrichment to all that participate.

Not only are the Retreats an inspiring and enlightening initiative, but their consistent delivery has kept the spirit of Chewstick alive over the past few years, although the program was suspended during 2020-2022 due to COVID.  The Retreat encourages people from diverse backgrounds to foster meaningful connections and an appreciation for the beauty of our island. The 2024 Retreat program dates are the Spring Retreat on Port’s Island, March 15 -17, Summer Retreat on Darrell’s Island , July 5-7 (TENTATIVE, Pending YS&R approval) and the Fall Retreat on Ports Island, October 18-20 (TENTATIVE, Pending YS&R approval). While the core focus of each retreat is to provide the chance to learn, connect, unwind, and get inspired while appreciating the epic beauty of Bermuda, each retreat is different.

Signup deadline for the Spring Retreat is March 14, 2024. Early Bird Prices apply until March 6th , 2024.

Activities will include 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 2024 are as follows:

Retreat	Location	Dates
Spring Retreat	Port’s Island	Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17, 2024
Summer Retreat	Darrell’s Island	Friday July 5 – Sunday July 7, 2024
Fall Retreat	Port’s Island	Friday October 18 – Sunday October 20, 2024

If you are a person who likes to tell stories, dance, play dominoes, swim, paint or just want the chance to appreciate 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:

Category	EARLY BIRD Price	Late Signup Price
General	$250	$300
Member	$175	$225
Youth (ages 12-17)	$125	$175
Parent and Child	$300	$350
Additional Child (under 12)	$50	$75

Retreat package is inclusive of round-trip boat transportation to the island, indoor community accommodations, 6 meals, snacks, art supplies, workshops, and materials for the Retreat fireside, where all participants are encouraged to share a story, poem, song or skill before the always fun, sing along vibe.

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

Break-Out Sessions

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 an incredible discount for facilitators).

Family Vibes / Under 18s

All participants under age 18 are required to attend under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

A Retreat Childcare program is available for children ages 5-11 during Workshop blocks and large group activities, as directed. This program will engage children with dynamic and inspirational activities.

While children under age 5 may be able to participate in childcare activities, this depends on their ability to not be a distraction for other participants. Parents/guardians are responsible for children for the duration of the Retreat. Of course, it takes a village we will all look out for them.

Supporting Equitable Access

In keeping with the community building ethos of the Retreat, even if you can’t make it over the island there is the opportunity to support. In wanting to make the experience accessible to as many people as possible, past participants and friends have the opportunity to pay it forward by sponsoring an individual or subsidizing a few people that wish to come but cannot afford the $250 all-inclusive price. If you or anyone/organization you know can help sponsor an individual, it would be greatly appreciated and totally change a life. Please help if you can.

A very special THANK YOU to Butterfield and Vallis and Huckleberry for supporting our meals throughout the weekend!

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 filling out the form.

Download Packing List PDF

Payment Options

Pay online in the Chewstick Shop

Cash or Credit Cards accepted; please make cheques payable to The Chewstick Foundation.

Payment plans are available! Please email info@chewstick.org.

Even MORE information about the Retreat is available here! 

 

OPEN MIC JAM SESSION | DECEMBER 17 | BLUE WATERS ANGLERS CLUB

$10 Entry supports The Chewstick Foundation’s mission and enables us to host future events and initiatives. FREE for performers and free before 8 PM! Bring your tracks and instruments, and sign up in the book upon arrival.

Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023
Time: 7 PM Doors Open / 8 PM Show Starts / 12 AM Closing
Location: Blue Waters Anglers Club, East Broadway, Hamilton, Bermuda

$10 Advance Entry –  Get your tickets here!

Volunteer Opportunities: Get involved on the Open Mic Team and get hands-on experience producing Chewstick’s legendary Open Mic event. Roles include: Tech Team / Engineering, Transport / Set Up & Breakdown, Door Team, Music & Stage Management, Social Media & Data Collection. Contact us to learn more.

Email: info@chewstick.org
Call: (441) 292-2439

All performance genres are welcome in this safe space, and always remember the four pillars of principle: Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth.

OPEN MIC JAM SESSION | NOVEMBER 26 | BLUE WATERS ANGLERS CLUB

Greetings Chewstick Family, it’s with a heavy heart that we share the loss of our beloved DJ KidFresh. With Chewstick since year one, he’ll now be scratching it up on the other side, waiting for the rest of us to join the vibes when it’s our turn. 🕊️

Fresh would have it no other way than for us to carry on until then. We hope you’ll come through THIS Sunday for the Chewstick Open Mic Jam Session he loved so much. There will never be another turntablist like Fresh, but bring ya instruments, songs, poems, 6 whatever u got, and let’s jam in celebration of this Chewstick Legend! Hosted by young legend Treasure Tannock.

respect.freedom.love.truth.

OPEN MIC JAM SESSION | OCTOBER 29 | BLUE WATERS ANGLERS CLUB

$10 Entry supports The Chewstick Foundation’s mission and enables us to host future events and initiatives. FREE for performers and free before 8 PM! Bring your tracks and instruments, and sign up in the book upon arrival.

Date: Sunday, October 29, 2023
Time: 7 PM Doors Open / 8 PM-ish Show Starts / 12 AM Closing
Location: Blue Waters Anglers Club, East Broadway, Hamilton, Bermuda

$10 Advance Entry –  Get your tickets here!

Volunteer Opportunities: Get involved on the Open Mic Team and get hands-on experience producing Chewstick’s legendary Open Mic event. Roles include: Tech Team / Engineering, Transport / Set Up & Breakdown, Door Team, Music & Stage Management, Social Media & Data Collection. Contact us to learn more.

Email: info@chewstick.org
Call: (441) 292-2439

 

Chewstick Open Mic will take place on the last Sunday of every month of 2023, our 20th Anniversary year!

All performance genres are welcome in this safe space, and always remember the four pillars of principle: Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth.