Caribbean Beat — May/June 2018 (#151)

datebook
If you’re in . . .
MIAMI
Miami Film Month
Venues around Miami
1 to 30 June
courtesy triniscene.com
Blacqbook/shutterstock.com
TRINIDAD
North Coast Jazz Festival
Blanchisseuse
26 May
northcoastjazz.com
A two-hour drive from Port of Spain
through the verdant hills of the
Northern Range will take you to the
quaint coastal village of Blanchisseuse.
On the surface, the burgeoning bedand-breakfast
community seems
quiet, but it’s a hub for adventure —
hikes, fishing trips, kayaking, and also
the annual North Coast Jazz Festival.
With the slogan “Born Here, Play
Here,” some of T&T’s best musical
acts will perform on stage at the
Blanchisseuse Recreational Ground.
An eclectic combination of artistes
including acoustic bands, soca stars,
jazz sensations, and gospel artistes will
showcase their creativity. Look out for
local favourites Arthur Marcial, Xavier
Strings, Dean Williams and Friends, the
Michael Dingwell Band, Kay Alleyne,
Nyiida Andrews, and Olatunji.
Former Port of Spain mayor Louis
Lee Sing, one of the organisers, says
Blanchisseuse has a lot to offer visitors.
He recommends supporting the art
and craft of the village artisans, trying
Mr Gilbert’s pumpkin ice cream, and of
course taking in the rugged beauty of the
north coast. So, jazz enthusiasts: if you’re
looking for a beach excursion or weekend
getaway, the friendly villagers await.
GUYANA
Carnival
Venues around Guyana
18 to 27 May
In the beginning there was Mashramani
— and it was so nice they’re doing it
twice? Not quite. Guyana’s inaugural
Carnival will hit the streets of
Georgetown this May. Although similar
to Mash — the traditional “celebration
after hard work” following Christmas
guruXOX/shutterstock.com
Miami seems to have it all: beautiful
beaches, vivacious nightlife, historic
architecture, and a vibrant arts scene.
Each month of the year is dedicated
to a tempting activity, too. In June,
moviegoers can enjoy discounted
admission at participating cinemas, as
the city celebrates Film Month. Movies
made in Miami and by local filmmakers
will grace the big screens. Are you a
filmmaker yourself? This might be the
perfect time to shoot or pitch your
film project. Industry stakeholders,
film crews, and executives will be
within reach.
During the year, Miami hosts many
film festivals. Just in time for film
month, for example, the American
Black Film Festival runs from 13 to 17
June. Imagine five action-packed days
of red carpet premieres, masterclasses,
celebrity conversations, tech talks,
exclusive parties, and more, as African-
American culture is celebrated through
film. Lights, camera, action!
and culminating on Republic Day (23
February) — Guyana Carival will be its
own thing, with an exuberant array
of all-inclusive parties, concerts, and
boat rides. Of course, jamming behind
the music trucks on a magnificent day
filled with fun, frolic, and attractive
costumes is an inevitable part of the
experience. Prepare to be hooked!
Event previews by Shelly-Ann Inniss
22 WWW.CARIBBEAN-BEAT.COM