Quickies

 

2016 Potters Fair at Forestry Department

 

The Association of Jamaican Potters Annual Art and Craft Fair will be held on December 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to

5 p.m., at the Forestry Department, 173 Constant Spring Road, St Andrew.

In its twentieth year at the Forestry Department premises, the Potters Fair, as it's usually called, has always called on a variety of artists to display their work.

Allison Sinclair, one of the fair's coordinators, said that the fair caters to all types of Jamaican artists.

"We don't only do artists, but we also do fine-quality craftsmen. People who do woodwork and stonework. We support the Jamaican art and craftsmen community."

The show gives experienced artists the opportunity to build their clientele and maintain a presence and gives new and young artists an avenue to display their work to potential customers. Sinclair added that there is a relationship with the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, where students get an opportunity to exhibit their work, particularly those from the ceramics department. The association gives a bursary to an eligible student from the ceramics department each year.

The success of the fair can be measured by the response and satisfaction of the patrons that attend every year, and patrons are from all walks of life. It is common to see CEOs shopping for gifts for their employees and friends, mingling with householders looking out for the perfect piece, and students trying to snag a deal.

"People come and stay for hours," Sinclair said. "We try to have nice food, people come and sit and eat food, and then they browse. It's a social event. People enjoy being at the show and they're very relaxed.

"Prizes and surprises will be at the art show," was all Sinclair said when asked about the plans to celebrate the Potters Fair 20th anniversary. The rest of the plans are being kept under wraps.

 

Johnny Live leaves SunCity

 

Comedian Chris 'Johnny' Daley, who recently returned from a successful trip to Helsinki, Finland, has announced that his 'Johnny Live' morning show will no longer be a part of the SunCity Radio portfolio.

The show, which the actor and comedian owns and is executive producer of, has been on the station since 2013 and has weekly features such as First Brew, Supa J Weather, Smart and Clueless, What's on the Menu and It's Your Health.

Johnny said: "I would like to extend hearty gratitude to my listeners, corporate partners and staunch supporters for the dedication they have shown. It is for that reason and the love for my many fans of the show why I can safely say we will be back at a new home to be announced soon. One love!"

He performed in Helsinki, Finland, including at the Laugh Factory Funniest Person in the world semi-finals. Johnny placed third in the judges' scoring for his live performance but, unfortunately, did not receive enough online votes to advance to the finals. However, his performance garnered him three spots on the bustling Finnish comedy club circuit and an open invitation to perform on the renowned Laugh Factory stage in Los Angeles, California.

 

Weather affects Nesbeth's Bahamas shows

 

Nesbeth gave a good account of himself at Singing Melody's recent birthday party in Florida and, days later, a concert in Edmonton, Canada, despite the frigid weather conditions. However, in Bimini and the Bahamian capital, Nassau, torrential rains forced the cancellation of two concerts he was to perform at. He was able to perform on the island of Abaco.

Although saddened by the situation, Nesbeth says he will be returning to the Bahamas at a later date.

"Based on feedback my management has received, there is a growing demand for my music in that space, and it was very evident from the moment I landed in Nassau. People began greeting me with much jubilation in anticipation of the concerts. However, everything happens for a reason, so, maybe the showers are just blessings for greater things to come. I also want to use the opportunity to apologise to those who decided to brave the weather and show up at the venue," Nesbeth said in a statement to members of the Bahamian media.

Prior to departing Jamaica for those engagements, Nesbeth performed at the Entertainers Against Crime and Violence concert held at Dump Up Beach in Montego Bay. "I am an advocate for peace, so whenever the opportunity presents itself for me to instill some positive values to the people, I will always try to make myself available. Unfortunately, due to my hectic schedule, that is not always feasible, but I am very happy I was able to do so in Montego Bay," Nesbeth added.

He is making final preparation to shoot the official video for his latest single, Road To Glory, featured on the Seanizzle Records-produced 47th Floor Rhythm. Plans are afoot for a European tour in early 2017.

 

Zong Massacre lecture next Thursday

 

The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) will present a commemorative lecture to mark the 235th anniversary of the Zong Massacre, titled Politics of the Zong, 1781: Politics for Democracy and Development in Jamaica 2016 and Beyond. The lecture will be held on Thursday, December 22 at the IOJ Lecture Hall at 12:00 noon in honour of St. Elizabethans. Political Ombudsman Mrs. Donna Parchment Brown will deliver the lecture.

The lecture will examine, from a legal perspective, the story of the Zong massacre and the commonalities between 18th Century pursuits of justice with modern day realities. For its voyage from Accra, Ghana (West Africa), to Jamaica, the slave ship, Zong, was loaded with 442 enslaved Africans. By the time the ship docked in St Elizabeth, 133 Africans had been thrown overboard to ward off illness and prevent a perceived threat of low water rations.

The ship's owners sought to file an insurance claim for loss of cargo and the ensuing court case brought to light the atrocities committed against the enslaved Africans on the voyage. No criminal charges were ever brought against the crew for the massacre of the Africans despite lobbying efforts of the abolitionist community, led by Granville Sharpe. The case, while it failed to secure justice for the murdered Africans, increased public awareness about the slave trade and furthered the anti-slavery sentiment.

The lecture will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Parchment Brown. Admission is free and all are invited to attend.

The IOJ is an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.