Benefit for ‘Taboo’ documentary
BY JARED McCALLISTER
A benefit to help fund the upcoming documentary ‘Taboo…Gay and Lesbian Yardies: The Voices of Those Who Dare to Speak,” will be held on Thursday, June 26 in Manhattan at the Fabio Piccolo Fiore Restaurant, 230 East 44th Street (between Second and Third Avenues) from 6 to 10 p.m.
The controversial documentary is the latest work by Jamaican-American filmmaker Selena Blake of Maynov Productions, who directed the documentary, “Queensbridge: The Other Side,” about Long Island City’s Queensbridge housing project. “Taboo…Gay and Lesbian Yardies” examines the perceptions and realities of gays and lesbians in Jamaica and the Caribbean communities. The film is scheduled to premiere in fall 2009.
The donation amount for the fundraiser is $50 per person. The evening includes a silent auction, raffle, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. For information on the documentary or the benefit, call 917-334-6617.
Art on display in Elmont
It is a first for Elmont, L.I.! The inaugural “Haitian Fine Arts Exhibit” is currently on display at the Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, through June 30. Organized by the Haitian United Artists organization and sponsored by AIDNOH (the Association for the Integrated Development of the North of Haiti), the show features more than 20 art works.
On Saturday, June 28, there will be an artists’ reception, beginning at 1 p.m. For information, call the Elmont Public Library at 516-354-5280, the United Haitian Artists at 516-285-7284 or AIDNOH at 347-724-3736.
A diverse exhibit
A select group of Caribbean artists has been assembled for the exhibition “Diversity,” which runs through next Sunday, June 29 in Manhattan at the World Culture Open Gallery, 19 West 26th Street (between Broadway and Sixth Avenue). Noted carnival costume designer and artist Richie Richardson is curator for the show, which is open to the public. Call 646-300-9650 or send e-mail to info@caribny.org for information.
Tourism summit at capital
For the first time, the Caribbean Tourism Development Company’s Caribbean Tourism Summit - a bustling four-day Washington, D.C., event bringing together high-level members of Caribbean governments, tourism and investment industries - started on Saturday, June 21 with a “Capital Caribbean Wedding,” held in conjunction with Cond/ Nast Bridal Media.
Sunday, June 22 there was a brunch with inspirational speaker Myles Munroe, town hall meetings for Washington/Virginia/Maryland-based nationals and a trade exhibition for businesses.
Other summit events included a discussion Monday, June 23 of the economic future of the Caribbean by former Federal Reserve Board chairman Alan Greenspan, followed by a black-tie Gala Awards Dinner in the evening. Visit www.actsdc.com online.
Rally & barbecue for St. Lucia
To highlight the concerns, interest and clout of St. Lucians living in the U.S., a free caucus and rally titled “Empowering Our Community Abroad - And Holding Our Government Accountable” is scheduled for next Sunday, June 29 in Brooklyn. The event which includes a barbecue, will be held at the Helenites Center, 438 East 49th Street (between Church and Synder Avenues) at 2 p.m. For information, e-mail stluciaweek@gmail.com.
Award ceremony
The Guyana Cultural Association presents its 2008 Wordsworth McAndrew Awards Sunday, June 29 in Brooklyn, under the theme “Caribbean People in Harmony through Culture.”
Leading this year’s honorees at the invitation-only event will be Lifetime Achievement Award winner Gordon Rohlehr, who is being recognized for his groundbreaking academic and intellectual study of calypso and the history of the Caribbean music form.
The “Exemplary Award” will be presented to radio broadcaster and writer Roy Brummell, for his culture-filled shows “Ganga Time” and “Heroes,” and his documentation of the nation’s diverse cultures. For information, call 718-209-5207.
All that jazz at S.O.B.’s
The Haitian Jazz Gala, a production of John (Papa Jube) Altino of the Haitian Jazz Festival, comes to S.O.B.’s in Manhattan Sunday night, June 29, starring Reginald Policard, Rigaud Simon, Eddy Brisseaux and special guest Pauline Jean. Doors open at 7 p.m., and showtime is at 8 p.m. S.O.B.’s is located at 204 Varick Street at West Houston Street. Call 212-243-4940 and visit www.haitianjazzfestival.com for information.
Reggae fest in Brooklyn
An impressive lineup of some of the latest and greatest reggae music stars will take the stage at the Jammins Reggae Music Festival next Sunday, June 29 in Brooklyn, at the Aviator Sports and Recreation complex at Floyd Bennett Field. Among the scheduled performers are Buju Banton, Gregory Isaacs, Capleton, Marcia Griffiths, Tony Matterhorn, Mavado, Da’Ville, Bunji Garlin, Serani, Fayann Lyons, Bennybwoy, Soraia, and the Live Way Band.
Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets for the show are being sold at locations in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island and New Jersey. For information, call 718-282-8041 or visit the Aviator Web site: https://www.aviatorsports.com.
This column is reprinted from the June 22 Sunday editions of The New York Daily News. If you have any items suitable for this column please e-mail them to jmccallister@nydailynews.com.
