Family Festival of Sail Sun October 26 | Barr’s Bay Park | 10 – 4 | FREE

Press Release
On Sunday October 26th , the 6th annual Family Festival of Sail has been rescheduled on the Finals Day of the Argo Gold Cup, in Barr’s Bay Park. This is a free and fun event that allows families to learn more about sailing and enjoy a day of festivities that celebrate boating, sailing and the sea.

Next to the America’s Cup, the King Edward VII Gold Cup is one of the oldest match racking trophies in the world. Presented for the first time in 1907, the Gold Cup, stands at the pinnacle of mono-hull match racing. It is one of the Holy Grails of sailing. This is the event that takes place on Bermuda’s very own Hamilton Harbour each October. Top teams from around the world, including past and present America’s Cup competitors take part in the event.

Many of the current Argo Gold Cup (AGGC) sailors had their start in the Optimist fleet. Those are the small “bath tub” toys seen out on Bermuda’s waters day in and day out throughout the year. This is the perfect place for a young person to start their life-long love of sailing. Bermuda is extremely lucky to be able to runa world-renowned Optimist regatta that runs alongside the AGGC-the Renaissance Re Junior Gold Cup. This regatta is a mixture of international and local juniors who come together to compete alongside the “big kids” on the AGGC course.

The Family Festival of Sail allows Bermudian families the opportunity to visit the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and watch the final races, hear the commentary and learn about sailing programs. In the Calabash Room, there will be videos running of past America’s Cup racing as the island has their fingers crossed for the final nod for 2017. Models of fitted dinghies and a Lego model of an America’s Cup racing boat will be on display. The public is invited to have lunch on the RBYC terrace to be closer to the action.

In the park, there will be a live art installation underway which is a collaboration between the Chewstick Foundation and the FFOS organizers. Artists Michael Cacy, Juan Trevino and Kendra Earls will be creating oversized paintings and a mosaic of sailing scenes. These works of art will be auctioned and the proceeds will provide sailing scholarships in the RBYC Sailing Academy for eight young adults identified through the Chewstick Foundation. There is 16 hours of actual sailing instruction which will result in the new sailors being assigned to racing teams through the Club.

Other activities include a Fashion Show aboard Calico Jack’s, the pirate boat, at 2pm. Calico Jack’s will re-locate to Barr’s Bay Park, from Dockyard, to be part of the Family Festival of Sail. Models are young Bermudians featuring sailing gear and nautical attire from Makin’ Waves.

The Bermuda Rowing Club will have simulators to try rowing and learn more about the sport. The Bermuda RC Model Sailboat Club will be racing boats and have a display. The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Bermuda Ocean Explorers and the African Disapora Heritage Trail will have interactive booths.

Artist Milton Hill will be building wooden boats, Jill Raine will be painting nautical scenes while artist Ami Zanders will be yarn bombing the park. DJ Qian Dickinson will be providing musical entertainment, Emcee Nikita Robinson will be broadcasting live on Hott 107.5 in the park from 12n until 2pm. There is the usual face painting, pirate appearances, pirate dress up station, fun castle and food vendors on hand.

The Bermuda Police Service will have boats on display, officers present and offer rides to interested families.

Gene Steede to Take Part in Farewell Performance for His Daugher | 9pm | $10

This Friday, October 24th at 9pm Local and international entertainer, philanthropist and legendary artist Gene Steede will perform at The Chewstick Lounge in a farewell to his daughter Kalea as she ventures off to start a life in London. Co-host of the long-running Gene and Jean Christmas special, whose last episode aired in in December 2012, Mr Steede’s career has taken him to all our Island’s major hotels as well as throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Australia and more. The venerable Gene Steede has shared his talents as a performer across the island for various causes and has long been recognized as one of Bermuda’s most popular singers/entertainers with an unparalleled sense of humor. He was awarded an MBE in 2011 for his services to music and was recently featured in a roast and toast a portion of which he hosted. Gene has an indomitable spirit and a passion for music and entertainment, after a hiatus due to health concerns he will be taking on the spotlight again for a send off of his talented daughter, Kalea Steede.

Kalea is very excited for the chance to share the stage with her dad as he has inspired her to explore her musical talents and given her the freedom to experience a multitude of instruments and styles of music. This Friday’s performance will as be the opportunity for a last performance with AntiBoy an all-girl pop band of which she is a part.

Members of AntiBoy, Kalea Steede, Sarafina Durrant and Gracie Edwards have grown as performers and musicians having first showcased their talents at The Chewstick Foundation’s Youth Open Mic in late 2012 and have now become young women influencing future generations of young people and venturing off to take their individual voices to the world, this performance will be their last musical goodbye alongside the quirky, charismatic and infinitely talented Gene Steede.

Gene Steede’s influence as a musician and entertainer has meant that Kalea is a multi-instrumentalist that is sure to make her mark in the U.K.. A true cultural ambassador and consumate showman this event is one that should not be missed as the show’s music, intimacy and fun are designed to be enjoyed and will undeniably be “a festival of memory, honor, talent and song ” that honors both the bonds formed through family, artistic expression and creativity.

Entry for this event will be $10, payable at the door. Doors will open at 8pm with the show scheduled to start at 9pm. Live Fridays take place every Friday at The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge, doors open 8pm, the show starts at about 9pm, Entry is $10 with proceeds payable to the artists. Do not miss the opportunity to experience awe-inspiring performances every week, guaranteed to be relaxing, uplifting and enlightening. The community is invited to celebrate live music at its best, and experience and support both legendary and emerging talents. Seating is limited so get there early.

John Seymour at Chewstick’s Neo-Griot Lounge | 9pm |$10

Talented young musician, singer and songwriter, John Seymour, is a stellar example of the wealth of talent that Bermuda has to offer. No stranger to the Bermuda entertainment scene, he is on a journey to share his story not only with the local community, but to reach international success, to take Bermuda to the world! John’s musical mastery ranges from jazz to classical, and all things in between and with a large collection of original songs, inspired by life and love, he is preparing for the release of an EP in early 2015.

Having grown up in a very musically gifted family, John is determined to honour the legacy of entertainment while making a name for himself both locally and internationally. He has always had a profound love for music and performance and has been afforded the opportunity to study music at a very high level. He is currently serving as musical director for Reggae Soul band, Fire & Ice as well as taking on a number of solo performances across the island. John is eager to share his talent and inventive performance this Friday, October 10th at The Chewstick Lounge as the latest performer in the Life Friday’s program.

Live Fridays take place every Friday at The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge, doors open 8pm, the show starts at about 9pm, Entry is $10 with proceeds payable to the artists. Do not miss the opportunity to experience awe-inspiring performances every week, guaranteed to be relaxing, uplifting and enlightening. The community is invited to celebrate live music at its best, and experience this program that showcases local entertainers to break down barriers and support emerging talent that helps to revitalize arts and culture and tourism.

October’s Live Fridays will feature: Jahstice Reggae Band (Friday, October 17th & 18th ) | AntiBoy (All Girl Pop Band) alongside Gene Steede’s 1st time at Chewstick Lounge Friday, October 24th | Radios In Cars: Rock Band , Friday, October 31st. Advance payment for the event can be made at www.premiertickets.bm. Seating is limited so get your tickets early! For more information call 292-2439 or email info@chewstick.org.

Live Fridays : John Burch accompanied by Dennis Moniz | 9pm | $10

Relax at the Chewstick Lounge with John Burch (One Man Band) for a night filled with a unique Bermudian flair and great vibes with a legendary musician. John will showcase tunes from his CD “I Got To Play My Music” along with notable covers and an array of originals, for an unforgettable evening. He’ll be accompanied by percussionist Dennis Moniz.

John is the most recent artist present at “Live Fridays”, a program which features a different band each week, to break down barriers and support emerging talent that helps to revitalize arts and culture and tourism. Do not miss the opportunity to experience uplifting performances every week, guaranteed to be enlightening, relaxing and eye-opening.

Entry is $10 (with proceeds going directly to the artist), for more information call 292-2439 or email info@chewstick.org.