Another Portie Photoshoot...

It comes as no surprise that Portland is the destination of choice for people given to creative expression. Musicians, singers, actors, movie makers and fashion directors are just some of the many who've found inspiration in this tranquil paradise.

Dawn is no different. A jewellery & fashion designer from Arizona, she fell in love with Port Antonio and felt compelled to photograph a few of her pieces here. The session was great; lovely weather, great location and awesome lighting. Here are a few of my favourites from yesterday's shoot.

A Cultural Journey From Africa to Jamaica

A section of the audience at the Great Huts Resort.
This past Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Great Huts resort to see their cultural show. It was a Saturday night well spent and I'm still indebted to my friend Terri who emailed me about the show.

A visit to Great Huts itself is always a treat, but in addition, the local treasure that is the Manchioneal Cultural Group took the audience on a musical journey from Africa to Jamaica. The group, performing for over 30 years, started off the journey with traditional folk dances which have their roots in Africa. These included Brukins, Dinki Mini, Kumina, Quadrille and Maypole. The journey continued with Ska and Rocksteady then on to Jamaican popular dances. The show was informative, engaging and the dance forms masterfully executed. I regret only that I didn't capture it all on video.

The good news is that there will be many opportunities for you to see them perform live as they're at Great Huts in Boston every other Saturday from 7pm-9pm. Make an effort to see them, it'll be worth it!      

Artwork on display at Great Huts by (Top) Kenyan artist Mazola & (bottom) Jamaican artist Nakazzi Hutchinson

(left) Great Huts owner Dr. Paul Rhodes welcomes the audience. (right) Manchioneal Cultural Group leader Richard Derby.

Members of Manchioneal Cultural Group in performance

Manchioneal Cultural Group in performance

Some of the younger members of the cultural group in performance

Port Antonio Welcomes "It's a Woman's World" Film Crew

Dean and Tom film Camilla as she arrives at my house.    (Neville Reid Photo)            
This past weekend was especially thrilling.

Europe's Travel Channel International was filming in Port Antonio for its upcoming, "It's a Woman's World," travel documentary series. The series which will feature four (4) exotic locations; Turkey, South Africa, The Philippines and Jamaica; is unique to the "Travel Show" genre as it introduces viewers to each country from the perspective of the local women encountered.

As such, I met with host Camilla Andersen and the Woman's World crew, and introduced them to some of my favourite Portie attractions and activities to be featured in the Jamaica episode of the series. Our tour included a trip to my alma mater, Titchfield High School, a visit to one of Port Antonio's most gifted nail artists and lunch at Cynthia's at Winnifred beach. It was satisfying to know that the group enjoyed Port Antonio and easily declared it their favourite parish.

It's a Woman's World is expected to be aired in October 2011. Until then, I've included some behind-the-scenes shots of the day's filming.

Filming continues at Titchfield High School while Producer Julia look on.     (Neville Reid Photo)

(Neville Reid Photo)

Navy Island as seen from Titchfiled High School.     (Julia Cornes Photo) 

Jamaican-inspired nail art as done by Kimesha. (Photos by Julia Cornes). 

Hotel Mockingbird Hill's Country Fair

Tamarind Hill Farm's goat cheese with crackers
I'm so glad I made the effort, faced the sweltering heat and went to Hotel Mockingbird Hill's Country Fair two Saturdays ago. There was an impressive display of creative pieces primarily from Portland and St. Mary and just as many wonderfully talented people.

I couldn't get enough of Tamarind Hill Farm's Goat Cheese with Garlic & Herbs and Vera's pastries have always gotten the better of me. That aside though, it was great to see the exquisite hand made paper from my very own Fairy Hill community and equally inspiring to meet Norma Nugent who is intent on preserving Jamaica's Hardanga craft. 

My only regret is that I couldn't buy all the pieces I fell in love with. I could only look ever so longingly at the beautiful pieces from the Clonmel Potters and jewellery designer Domaris Mayne. But since this is the 1st of what is to be an annual event, I'm sure I'll have no such regrets come next year.  

(l-r) Displays from The Clonmel Potters, Beyond Jewellery and River Edge.

(l-r) Gloria Dorman of Nature's Hand Made Paper, Nicky Richardson with Nyam Jamaica , Belva & Donald Johnson of Clonmel Potters. 

Joanna Slimforte of Tamarind Hill Farm chats pastries with Vera Venster.

Hardanga Thread Craft from Jamaica Hardanga Heritage Trust 

Nature's Hand Made Paper

Jewellery Designer Domaris Mayne in conversation with a customer 

Soaps from Blue Mountain Aromatics.

Portland JerkFest 2010

Patrons eager to sample the jerked fare at yesterday's festival.
I'm not fond of large gatherings, so maybe you'll understand why yesterday was only my second time attending the Portland Jerk Festival. It was everything I imagined and more. Lots and lots of people, food, sun, smoke, people, food and so on.

I'll admit that I do miss having the festival in Boston, where I'd sit and watch thousands of patrons go to and fro' and listen in on the performances without ever setting foot outside of my yard. Still, I think the Folly Estates venue eliminates the problem of parking for sure, so I'll concede on that basis...only.  

If you're one of the Two Hundred or so people who didn't come out for the festival yesterday then see photo highlights below:)  

More delectable jerked offerings. 

These young friends combat the heat with snowcones

Byron Lee's Dragonaires in performance

(l) Emcee Jennifer "Jenny-Jenny" Small with giveaways for the audience (r) Byron Lee's Dragonaires 

Section of the audience at Portland Jerk Festival

Parking at Folly Oval

Weekend Wishes

I'm so looking forward to this weekend's Jerk Festival, and also hoping to see you there. Still, if you can't make it, have a great weekend wherever you are ;)

On Jamaican Creative Expressions

It's a given. Jamaicans are creators. Everyday we bring something into being out of nothing.

I saw this again last Sunday when I attended an art exhibition at Goblin Hill Villas. There was certainly a great deal of beauty in the creative expressions of Monique's nature photography, Dr Teddy Smith's landscape photography and the wearable art of Bridget's Sandals. Also on display were works by local artists; Kenroy Maxwell, Mark Bell, Eneil Howard, Hopeton Cargill, Clive Passley, Nishan and Marguerite Gauron. It was a truly wonderful display of talent.       

Come Monday morning, however, I was forced to acknowledge the other side of the coin: another less inspiring kind of creative expression.

Theories abound as to how we got here. The essential point for me though, is that the events of this passing week have also been the result of someone's (or many person's) creative efforts. This didn't just happen.   

And so, if nothing else, my hope is that we will come to appreciate this tremendous capacity that we have to create, and also the importance of choosing our creations wisely. So, when you feel like there is nothing that you can do, remember that the same energy that incites fear, chaos and hopelessness can be used to nurture and inspire love, hope and optimism also. Let's take our birthright seriously.


Macro photography by Monique

Wide selection of Bridget's Sandals on display

A patron tries Nishan's handmade jewellery

Art lovers gather for the creative display 

Harmony Band creating lovely Mento music for the evening

A Portie Teachers' Day Surprise

Kaspar and Jillian of Dekal Internet Cafe.
Yesterday, my friend Syreta and I decided to give ourselves a mid-morning treat to some goodies at Dekal Internet Cafe. Thing is, I got way more than the caffeine fix I was craving.

An outstanding group of grade-six students from Boundbrook Primary school had the great idea to give their teacher Dian Vidal a Teachers' Day treat she won't soon forget. Ms Vidal, who thought she was invited to the cafe to meet with a parent, was obviously moved when she arrived and found instead eight very appreciative students bearing gifts, certificates and very big smiles. I'm so thrilled I was there to witness it and that Syreta had the presence of mind to capture some of it on her video camera. It was all wonderful to see but everyone in the cafe was especially touched by the students rendition of "You Raise Me Up," impressively accompanied by little Twayne Gray on keyboard.

Its encouraging to see that some teachers...and parents, still do get it right!!!  

Mid-morning treat.
Kaspar helped to create this memorable moment for Teacher Dian Vidal and her students:
Twayne Gray, Javair Haynes, Lloyd Baugh, Jahleel Forrester, Alecia Bowyer, Christina Robinson, Shauna-Kay Murray and Kaveed Brown. Photos by Syreta Massop.

Students perform "You Raise Me Up" while Twayne Gray plays on keyboard.

Kundalini in Commodore

Each Monday the Adi Shakti Project holds Yoga classes and accepts a donation, of any amount, towards their women's shelter. Come out this afternoon and take a sister, friend, aunt, daughter or mom. You'll be glad u did. See you there!!!

Latin Jazz at Goblin Hill Villas

A Section of the spectacular Lobby at Goblin Hill Villas
Last Friday evening I had what was unarguably the best start to an awesome weekend. For starters, the grounds at Goblin Hill Villas is possibly one of the best places to welcome a late Portie afternoon. I've been visiting this property since I was a little girl, and its always been magical and mesmerizing. 

Then, as if that weren't enough, there was Samuele Vivian. The Italian guitarist, who is in Port Antonio on the invitation of music enthusiast Nishan, has established himself as a master performer and instructor of Jazz guitar. He is here in Jamaica as a guest lecturer at Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) in Kingston. Nonetheless, his poolside performance was brilliant and left everyone wanting more. Unfortunately, I missed his encore performance on Saturday, but am looking forward to listening to him again this Wednesday afternoon.

I think its safe to say that we're all grateful to Nishan, who is always looking to share her musical finds with Port Antonio. This was definitely another winner!    

Samuele Vivian skillfully delights the audience

Patrons gather poolside at Goblin Hill

Deniece Williams, Asst. Manager at Goblin Hill Villas

Sydoney Massop of Geejam Hotel and Nishan smile for the camera.

Sydoney and Rosalie Goodman clearly enjoying Samuele's performance.

Ensemble Otodama :: Jazz Fusion in the Park

Ensemble Otodama in concert at Neville Antonio Park, Port Antonio.
Yesterday was a real treat. Nothing compares to seeing the delightful Jazz-fusion trio, Ensemble Otodama, perform against the background of a magnificent Portie sunset. It was truly magical. It's a pity they couldn't play for longer and that more people didn't turn up for such a special event.

The show started on time and before I knew it, almost 2 hours had passed. It's true...time does seem to fly when you're having fun. Also in attendance was former Bob Marley and the Wailers singer, Earl "Chinna" Smith, whose impromptu collaboration with Ensemble Otodama gave true meaning to the term jazz fusion.

I'm truly pleased that Rosina Moder of Music Unites! had the inspiration to initiate such a venture with Portland Rehab. Management Homeless Shelter and the Japanese Embassy. Now I'm looking forward to the encore!!!


Welcome greetings by Portland Mayor His Worship Floyd Patterson (l)& Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica His Excellency Hiroshi Yamaguchi (r)

Erika Sato (double bass), of Ensemble Otodama

Ryoji Yamaguchi (guitar), founding member of Ensemble Otodama

Takashi Kaneko (percussion)

The modest gathering of supporters listens to the Jazz fusion trio