Hutchinson A HIGH point of the literary calendar in Jamaica this year, the Calabash International Literary Festival, will be launched on Wednesday, May 16, with the reading and performances by leading Jamaican writers at Red Bones Cafe, Braemar Avenue, Kingston.
It will feature some of Jamaica's strong literary voices such as novelist/ festival director, Colin Channer, poet Joan Andrea Hutchinson, Garfield Ellis and Geoffrey Philip,. The event will also mark the launch of a new anthology of contemporary Jamaican writing, Catch A Fire a special issue of Obsidian III, a leading African-American literary journal.
Mr. Channer, author of the best-selling novel, Waiting In Vain, will be joined by Miami-based poet and fiction writer, Geoffrey Philip who has published several volumes of poetry and fiction.
Both Joan Andrea Hutchinson and Garfield Ellis are Jamaican-based writers who have developed strong reputations as artists. Ms. Hutchinson, best known for her dramatic monologues and humour, has also produced poetry and short stories. Garfield Ellis' short stories have appeared in prominent journals in the Caribbean and abroad.
As will be the hallmark of all Calabash events, a strong musical element will be featured at the reading. Writers will be joined by musicians Abijah and Abdell, wh-ose lyrical acous-tic guitar will complement the readings.
The event will be hosted by radio personality, Kathy Owen.
Mr. Channer says the Red Bones event will set the tone of, "excellence and energy that will mark the entire Calabash experience".
The main event of the International Literacy Festival will take place at James Resort in St. Elizabeth during the weekend of May 25, featuring a range of international and local writers.
