Breadbasket Festival meets the mark

The collaborative community spirit was in full force at the Treasure Beach Breadbasket Festival staged at various venues in Treasure Beach recently. Even the weather collaborated with the organisers.

In fact, amid the hovering dark clouds, the rain held up until the end of the final event on Sunday evening.

The three-day event kicked off with 'Culture Night at Taino Cove', where a crowd - which far exceeded the 300 persons expected - was treated to a fabulous night of culture and family entertainment.

Amina Blackwood Meeks and Richard Darby were the very amusing co-hosts who helmed the proceedings and guided patrons through the evening's programme of traditional Jamaican cultural art forms, from folk songs performed by students drawn from schools in St Elizabeth, to Kumina, quadrille, Gerreh to Jonkonnu and the soulful sounds of 'Reggae Princess' Cen'C‚ Love. It was a great way to start the festival.

On Saturday, the literary segment of the Treasure Beach Breadbasket Festival - the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta - was really and truly a wonderful day. Good food, art, handmade clothes and a farmers' market were all a hit with the patrons. So too were the writers, the main reason for the event.

And patrons were not disappointed.

The programme began with Garfield Ellis and moved through to Pamela Marshall, who used the opportunity to launch her first book Barrel Child. Then came an excerpt from Kieran King's wonderful musical set in the Myrtle Bank Hotel of the 1940s, followed by Florida-based Treasure Beach-native, dub poet Malachi Smith, who gave way to the highlight presentation of the day, Joan Andrea Hutchinson, who not only entertains her audience, but whose work always has an underlying message beneath the laughter. And for the convenience of patrons, Bookophilia - based in Kingston - set up a book store, while the organisers provided a children's corner with music, art, storytelling and entertainment for the youngsters for several hours.

welcome additions

The farmers' markets at Taino Cove on Friday and at 2 Seasons Guest House on Saturday, were welcome additions, as patrons lined up to buy the fresh fruits and produce which were on offer, as well as the pepper shrimps for which Middle Quarters is well known.

Saturday evening, the action moved to Frenchman's Reef for 'An Evening of Song'. Delightful and thoroughly entertaining are the only words to describe the awesome performances by chanteuse Sharon Martini and accompanist Denny Davis.

Sharon mesmerised the standing-room-only crowd with her strong vocals for classical selections, Jazz, Show tunes, Negro Spirituals and a rendition of her own composition Black Angel. But the crowd's favourite was the singalong of old Jamaican folk songs, including Evening Time, Fan Mi Soldier Man and Walk Good.

The standing ovation and three encores demanded by the crowd before the pair was allowed to leave the stage were more than earned and well deserved.

Proceeds from the contributions received at the event will go towards a fund for abused women and fire victims.

Then came 'A Night of Great Entertainment at Jack Sprat'. This event proved to be a crowd-puller, as reggae star Tanya Stephens had the capacity crowd rocking until the wee hours, with conscious lyrics and a top-notch performance. Protoje held his own, surprising some patrons with his polish and poise, together with the cultural message in his lyrics.

Not to be outdone, Rootz Underground was outstanding, the usual conscious music in tow.

world-class

One patron was heard remarking that it was one of the best stage shows he had ever attended, as the quality of the sound and the performers was world-class.

On Sunday 'The Breadbasket Brunch at Sunset Resort' set the bar high for future brunches in Treasure Beach. Proprietor Kory South and his staff outdid themselves with the staggering amount of delicious dishes provided on the menu. In addition, the drink dispensers were kept filled with mimosa and bloody marys.

The Jah Squad Band set the right mood for dining, with relaxing Jazz and R&B, while patrons basked in the warmth of the morning sun and the sounds of the sea, while dining under a beautifully decorated tent with table linen in our national colours of black, gold and green. Then the band picked up the pace, giving the diners an opportunity to dance off the calories. The attendance met and exceeded expectations and patrons lounged until late afternoon before moving along the beach to the next event, 'Fashion & Art at Calabash House'.

This event, which was the final one of the Treasure Beach Breadbasket Festival, was a beautiful way to round off the weekend of festivities. The Mermaid Gallery at Calabash House highlighted a number of artists, featuring paintings by the likes of Virginia Burke, Lisa Ginzel; masks by Inansi; carvings; photography and much more.

The spectacular Masai line of fashions, by Mutamba and delightful Art Wearables by Elizabeth Eyre Seltzer Designs - which were presented by models of all ages - drew the full appreciation of the discerning women and men who are lovers of Caribbean fashions which saw the crowd spilling onto the streets.

Based on the success of the inaugural event, the organisers are to meet to decide whether the Treasure Beach Breadbasket Festival will become an annual event on the area's calendar.

The festival was funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund - supported by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Tourism Product Development Company and the south coast chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, with sponsorship from Power 106 FM, Music 99 FM, Newstalk 93 FM and Bess 100 FM.