MAY 23-27
CORNWALL COLLEGE OLD BOYS & FRIENDS 3RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Ritz Carlton, Montego Bay, St. James
This challenging White Witch Golf Course at the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall will be the venue for this event. In its third year, the tournament attracts both professional and amateur golf enthusiasts. Contact: Calypso Tours, Tel: 1-800 "U" REGGAE; 1-800-873-4423;
e-mail: jammon@gte.net.
JAMMIN' N JAMAICA
NEGRIL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Negril, Westmoreland
Memorial Day Jammin' in Negril with live concerts and parties at the Jungle, Rick's and Risky Business. Enjoy tee time at the Negril Hills Golf Club or 'shop, drop and wine" at the Negril Craft Market. www.bdsummit.com; e-mail :
rosayoung@wavzevents.com.
HEATWAVE FUNFEST 2002
Negril, Westmoreland
Memorial Day Weekend party in Negril featuring renowned local and international entertainers and DJs. The events are sure to give partygoers the opportunity to enjoy Negril's seven-mile beach stretch and other attractions in the area. Everything from All Star Bikini Beach Jam to BBQ & Pool Party and a VIP Cruise. Contact: 818-8019; e-mail: daverodney@hotmail.com.
MAY 24-26
CALABASH INTERNATIONAL
LITERARY FESTIVAL
Jake's Village, St. Elizabeth
A festival in the truest sense "earthy, inspirational, daring and diverse" the 2nd annual Calabash International Literary Festival will take place at Jake's Village, a funky Island Outpost resort on Jamaica's untamed south coast.
Authors include: Dionne Brand, Toi Dericotte, Junot Diaz, Cornelius Eady, Linton Kwesi Johnson, George Lamming, Willie Perdomo, Caryl Phillips, Elizabeth Nunez, Sonia Sanchez and Saul Williams. All events are free.
"Art is a tool of transformation", says founder and artistic director, Colin Channer. Come and join the evolution.
For more information, visit www.calabashfestival.org or email: calabashfestival@hotmail.com
JUNE
PORTLAND HOMECOMING 2002
Week-long celebration of outstanding aspects of the parish including its people, and the appreciation of its natural beauty in the promotion of tourism. Activities range from church services, exhibitions and sporting events. www.portlandjam.itgo.com;
email: goportland@hotmail.com
JUNE 8-15
OCHO RIOS JAZZ FESTIVAL
Renaissance Jamaica Grande /
Almond Tree -- Ocho Rios, St. Ann
This festival includes top class performances from Jazz artistes around the world; it is held at different venues across the island. There will be jazz concerts in Ocho Rios, Kingston and Montego Bay. Jazz days at Carib Inn Beach. Daily jazz lunches, jazz teas, jazz feasts on the river, jazz barbecues and youth jazz days. Contact: JAZZ HOTLINE Tel: (876) 927-3544 or log on to www.ochoriosjazz.com.
JUNE 14-18
AMERICAS' SAIL 2002
Montego Bay & Port Antonio
The third annual Americas' Sail event will take place from June 6 through 9, and will begin with a Parade of Sail into Willemstad, Curacao. The Caribbean race for Class 'A' tall ships will begin in Curacao and end five days later in Montego Bay.
The Jamaica Tall Ship Festival will then take place in Montego Bay. The Class 'B' Race will take place from Port Antonio to Ocho Rios on June 16 and from there the 'B' fleet will sail on to Montego Bay to participate in the Jamaica Sail festival.
Contact: President of Americas' Sail - Rev. William Wendler. Tel: (516) 671-0534 Fax: (516 674-3617; or the Jamaica Tourist Board, Tel: 929-9200, Fax: 929-9375; www.americassail-jamaica.com; e-mail: jamaicaevents@cwjamaica.com
INTERNATIONAL TEST CRICKET 2002:
WEST INDIES VS. NEW ZEALAND
Sabina Park, Kingston
Second Test match in New Zealand's tour of the West Indies. Contact: Jamaica Cricket Association,
Tel: 967-0322; Fax: 967-3976, www.windiescricket.com; email:
jcancricket@hotmail.com
JUNE 29-JULY 7
ARDENNE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION'S HOMECOMING 2002
Kingston
Events include a church service, general meeting of the international alumni association, a banquet and graduation ceremony.
JUNE 30
PORTLAND JERK FESTIVAL 2002
Boston Playing Field, Boston, Portland
Everyone is invited to the home of "Jerk" to partake in the rather delectable taste of lobster, fish, chicken and pork. Participate in the many competitions open to professionals and amateurs. There will be performances from local artistes and community dance groups. Designated parking areas: Folly Oval. Poinciana Park and Boston Community Centre. Tickets for entry available at all car parks. Buy your tickets and take the shuttle to the festival.
Contact: The Jamaica Tourist Board
JULY
ST. THOMAS HOMECOMING
If your roots are in St. Thomas (and even if they're not) return home for a week of spiritual renewal and entertainment. Activities will include a church service, family day tour, talent show, grand market & trade fair, a farmers day, and the Kumento Festival.
NATIONAL DANCE THEATRE
COMPANY'S SEASON OF DANCE
Little Theatre, Kingston
Jamaica's internationally celebrated dance company. Creative dancing exploring traditional and modern dance forms. The season will also feature the NDTC singers who are an integral part of the company. Contact: The Little Theatre Tel: 926-6129, e-mail: bertent1@n5.com.jm
DEVON HOUSE PRE-EMANCIPATION FAIR
Devon House - St. Andrew
This will be a fantastic craft fair with vendors offering everything from Jamaican food to colourful art products.
JULY 16-21
9TH IAAF COCA-COLA WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ATHLETICS
Kingston
Contact: 926-3424; Fax: 929-7689; www.kingston2002.org; e-mail: kgn2002ltd@cwjamaica.com
JULY 20
KUMENTO FESTIVAL
Lyssons, St. Thomas
This a part of the St. Thomas Homecoming celebrations, the Kumento Festival will highlight the legacy of the culture and spiritual infusion of a people's heritage through the drum and different sights and sounds of the hypnotic musical expression. Table Setting, Bruckins, Revival, Nyabingi, Mento, Kumina, Story-telling, Maypole Dancing, Dinki-Mini, Sounds by Mutabaruka, Hosted by Amina Blackwood-Meeks Contact: Devon Blake Tel: 734-2449
JULY 21-27
REGGAE SUMFEST
Catherine Hall, St. James
An annual music festival, Reggae Sumfest showcases top local and international reggae artistes. Contact: Summerfest Productions Tel: 953-2933; Fax: 953-8295; e-mail: info@reggaesumfest.com
JULY 22 - 26
BEST OF JAMAICA FESTIVAL,
Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, St. Andrew
The "Best of Festival" concert series featuring the Gold Medal Winners from this year's Festival Competition. These concerts will showcase the best in Drama, Traditional Folk Forms, Music and Dance and promises to be a treat for the entire family. Contact: Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Tel: (876) 929 5726 - 9.
www.jcdc.org.jm; e-mail: jcdc@cwjamaica.com
JULY 22 - AUGUST 9
JAMAICA FESTIVAL 2002 -
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
Mutual Life Gallery, St. Andrew
Annual photographic competition which forms part of the national festival celebrations. Photographed pieces in black & white, colour and manipulated prints are judged on several different levels and the award-winning pieces are displayed during the exhibition. The Exhibition will move to the Montego Bay Civic Centre August 19 through September 6. Patrons can view the exhibits during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Contact: Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Tel: 926 5726 - 9; www.jcdc.org.jm; e-mail: jcdc@cwjamaica.com
JULY 27
JAMAICA 40 SONG CONTEST -
NATIONAL FINALS
Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, St. Andrew Contest features original songs performed by finalists who will vie for prizes. This composer competition seeks to encourage and promote the work of aspiring composers. Contact: Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Tel: 926-5726-9; 968 2553; www.jcdc.org.jm; e-mail: jcdc@cwjamaica.com
JULY 28
JAMAICA 40 NATIONAL
GOSPEL SONG CONTEST
Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, St. Andrew
Contest features 10 finalists performing original songs. The competition encourages and rewards creativity and expression in aspiring artistes and composers. Contact: Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Tel: 926-5726 - 9; Fax: 968-2553; www.jcdc.org.jm; e-mail: jcdc@cwjamaica.com.
JULY 29 - AUGUST 2
JAMAICA FESTIVAL 2002 - FINE ARTS EXHIBITION
Edna Manley College, St. Andrew
The exhibition will showcase award-winning entries in ceramics, drawings, sculpture, fibre arts and paintings from local aspiring artists. Many of the pieces will be on sale giving patrons the opportunity to start or expand their collections. The exhibition will move to the Montego Bay Civic Centre August 19 through September 6. Patrons can view the exhibits during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Contact: Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.
JULY 31
EMANCIPATION JUBILEE
Seville Heritage Park, St. Ann
A celebration of African ancestors and their contribution to emancipation. Contact: Joan Seagears, Tel: 972-9407; Fax: 972-1919.
AUGUST 1
AUGUST FAIR
Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, St. Andrew
An array of indigenous Jamaican craft and food will be on sale. Patrons will be entertained by a number of cultural presentations.
AUGUST 3
MELLO GO ROUN'
KINGSTON & ST. ANDREW
Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, St. Andrew
The climax of the annual festival of the performing arts showcases the most outstanding performances in dance, music, speech and traditional folk forms throughout the island.
AUGUST 5
MELLO GO ROUN'-MONTEGO BAY
Montego Bay Community
College, St. James
The climax of the annual festival of the performing arts showcases the most outstanding performances in dance, music, speech and traditional folk forms throughout the island.
AUGUST 6
INDEPENDENCE RACE MEET 2002
Dover Raceway, St. Ann
Contact: Larry Henriques Tel:
(876) 920-1880; www.jamauto.com.
JAMAICA 40 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE 2002
Kings House & Half Way Tree, Kingston
Gala parade of the symbols of Jamaica's sovereignty police, Jamaica Defence Force, in addition to other uniformed groups, interspersed with other items from the performing arts. In the night it climaxes with a street dance in Half-Way-Tree where thousands are expected to be in attendance. Contact: Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.
AUGUST 4-6
DENBIGH AGRICULTURAL SHOW 2002
Denbigh Show Ground,
May Pen, Clarendon
Annual exhibition of farm produce and livestock of farmers from across Jamaica. Creative layout and display
of products on show. Contact:
Jamaica Agricultural Society
Tel: 922-0610 or 967-4094
AUGUST 11
SWIFT RIVER BUSSU FESTIVAL
Chelsea, Swift River, Portland
A fun-filled day highlighting the activities of the village and the Bussu
(a type of snail unique to Portland) from which the festival is named. The day will include Kumina drumming, Dinki-mini, Mento, story-telling, face painting and other local entertainment. Contact: Pauline Stewart Tel/Fax: 942-2411;
e-mail: pollyjam@hotmail.com.
BREADFRUIT FESTIVAL
Bath, St. Thomas
Annual community festival celebrating the history and significance of breadfruit and the cultural heritage of Bath and its surroundings. noon until.....
Contact: Ainsley Henriques,
Tel: 928-1289; Fax: 927-4369
CONTACTS:
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Tel: 926-5726-9; www.jcdc.org.com; e-mail:
jcdc@cwjamaica.com.
For dates not listed please contact
the Jamaica Tourist Board.
Tel: 929-9200. Information taken from the Jamaica Tourist Board's web site:
www.jamaicatravel.com.
