<![CDATA[Jamaica Cultural Tours - Tours, Vacations, Airport Transfers, Kingston, Ocho Rios, Jamaica - HAPPENINGS - NEWS, REVIEWS]]>Sat, 25 May 2013 03:37:49 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Elsa Goveia Memorial Lecture]]>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:40:55 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2013/03/elsa-goveia-memorial-lecture.htmlElsa Goveia was a historian active in the mid to late 20th Century. She is considered to be one of the first West Indian women historians of note. Each year the University of the West Indies hosts a lecture on a historical theme in her memory. This year's lecture is titled "Was Freedom Portable?: Wartime Journeys from Saint-Domingue to Jamaica to Cuba to Louisiana".

The event takes place on Tuesday March 19 at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, UWI Mona Campus at 5.30 pm. The speaker at the event is Professor Rebecca Scott, a Professor of History and Professor of Law at the University of Michigan. 
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]]><![CDATA[Summer Splash Vacations]]>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 04:22:29 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2013/02/summer-splash-vacations.html
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Come to Jamaica and enjoy 
Summer City Splash Accommodation Packages!


Jamaican City Accommodation Packages for as low as US$48 per night from June 9, 2013 to June 30, 2013!

  • No Minimum Night Stays!
  • Discover Jamaica’s vibrant capital through a wide variety of Specially Discounted City Tours!
  • Travel throughout the country and discover Jamaica’s authentic culture!
  • Attend the urban arts festival Kingston on the Edge 2013!
  • Relax on lovely Jamaican beaches!

To book or for more information email Karen at info@jaculture.com
or call 876 540 8570 or 875 374 6370.

Jamaica Cultural Enterprises (JCE) is licensed by the Jamaican Ministry of Tourism, is a member of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and is the number one ranked tour company for Kingston on TripAdvisor.

]]><![CDATA[Introducing the JCE Ocho Rios Tours]]>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:26:14 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2013/02/introducing-the-jce-ocho-rios-tours.html
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Are you staying in or around Ocho Rios and want a unique experience of the island? We can do that! How? By bringing our customer service focus and in depth knowledge of the island  to one of the most beautiful parts of the island.
St. Ann Heritage Tour

On this tour you will learn Jamaica's fascinating history and all about the various people who came, from the Taino to the Europeans to the Africans and the Indians and Chinese. You will visit a Great House, see important artefacts, learn about Jamaica's first national hero Marcus Garvey, dine on wonderful Jamaican food, visit an art gallery, and see the beauty of what we Jamaicans call the Garden Parish.
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Rastafarian Tour

Interested in learning more about the livity of this uniquely Jamaican movement? We will help you discover what it means to be a Rastafarian. On this tour you will visit a Rasta community and gain a greater understanding of the symbols and history of this way of life.


Falmouth Tour

Falmouth is unique to Jamaica in that it is considered a Georgian town and the history of the buildings is simply fascinating! Why not come with us and discover more about this place in Jamaica that got piped water before any other in the Western Hemisphere. Then after your walk and your wonderful lunch go drifting lazily down a river.
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Ocho Rios Nature

Interested in soaking up the beauty that Mother Nature has bestowed on Jamaica? Come with us to Dunn's River Falls, a lovely botanical garden and an estate with breath taking views.

Customised Tour


As usual we are happy to create a custom tour to suit your specific tastes.
]]><![CDATA[Mel Cooke... Seh Sup'm Live from Kingston]]>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:51:43 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2013/01/mel-cooke-seh-supm-live-from-kingston.html
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On Tuesday, January 29 Mel Cooke will launch his latest collection of poetry compiled on a live CD titled "Mel Cooke... Seh Sup'm Live from Kingston". 

Where: Amphitheatre, Edna Manley College [Poetry Society of Jamaica Fellowship]
Time: 7.30 pm

The CD has 14 original poems and nine tracks in which he takes on a diverse range of issues as they impact on Jamaica. Those issues include male homosexuality, political garrisons, concepts of manhood, the beauty of Jamaican women, the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake and Jamaica’s development since independence.

Among the poems are ‘Bad Man Pull Up’, which takes a caustic look at men showing their underwear, ‘This is Jamaica’, a reworking of the National Anthem (see excerpt below), ‘House Cleaning’ - based on Mavado’s song of the same name and which challenges stereotypes of manhood through personal experience - and the somewhat raunchy ‘Schoolas’, which uses word play extensively.

“I have always wanted to do a live CD, so over the years I have been doing a few readings I have collected a number of recordings. I had intended to compile poems from these recordings to make a live album, but when Clement [Hamilton,organiser of Seh Sup'm] gave me a video recording of this particular reading I felt it was strong and diverse enough to be edited for that purpose,” Cooke said.

Cooke's debut poetry book ‘11/9’ was released by Blue Moon Publishing in 2008.

‘This is Jamaica’ by Mel Cooke
 
This is Jamaica
Land of wood and water
Guns and laughter
Fun and slaughter
This is Jamaica
Island in the sun
Reggae and the gun
 
Coloured people watched Columbus discover
Genocide
My white side gold fever hot
Transport my black side from Africa
Poor Europe, Far East stop freedom gap
Never come with much
Still was a lot
For only black went on auction block
]]><![CDATA[Martin Luther King, Jr at UWI in 1965]]>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:46:35 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2013/01/martin-luther-king-jr-at-uwi-in-1965.html
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The below is taken from the UWI Museum Blog post "Facing the Challenge of a New Age": Martin Luther King Jr. at UWI June 20 1965.

Martin Luther King Jr., born Jan 15, 1929, whose birthday is now celebrated each third Monday in the month of January, holds a special place in memory at the University of the West Indies. On June 20, 1965, his sermon at the 1965 Valedictory Service transfixed not only the over 400 graduates, but also a crowd of hundreds more who packed the hall.

‘Facing the Challenge of a New Age’ was the title he used, speaking about the increasing interdependence of states and the need for worldwide brotherhood. He charged the audience to meet injustice with love, an ethos reflected in his efforts to advance civil rights through non-violent civil disobedience.  And, in the segment most remembered by many who were there, he argued for everyone to strive to be the best that they could be:

“If it falls to our lot to be street-sweepers, sweep streets like Raphael painted pictures, like Michelangelo carved marble, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, and like Beethoven composed music. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well’.”


To read the full post click here.


To arrange tours that go to the University of the West Indies, email us at info@jaculture.com or book a custom Kingston City Explorer on our Tours page.


]]><![CDATA[Trevor Rhone's "Two Can Play" to open December 26]]>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:37:39 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2012/11/trevor-rhones-two-can-play-to-open-december-26.html
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It is about two human beings who nearly lose one another - but who eventually struggle back together through uncertainty, through quarrels, through humiliation.
Trevor Rhone, who passed on in 2009, is perhaps ranked as Jamaica's best playwright having written over a dozen manuscripts. He is also known for his co-writing of the cult classic film The Harder They Come starring Jimmy Cliff. In December another of his plays will open in Kingston, this one being the two-hander Two Can Play.

Two Can Play, according to a description from Goddess Theatre is "a  Jamaican  story, reflecting life in the inner city, ravaged by violence and hopelessness.  It is  the need for a better life.  Jim and Gloria get involved in a  scheme to get  American citizenship.  However, it is Gloria not Jim ( ‘the general’ )  who takes the risks.  Gloria and Jim come to a new understanding of the world and their relationship."

Further, according to a Gleaner Article dated October 14, 2009, former Prime Minister Michael Manley's foreword to the published play read "Two Can Play is about love and estrangement; about domination and liberation; about confusion and compassion. It is about two human beings who nearly lose one another - but who eventually struggle back together through uncertainty, through quarrels, through humiliation."

The play is considered to be a classic Jamaican comedy and in 1982 when it was staged won an award for Best Jamaican Play. In 2009 it was mounted by the University Players; this time around it will be produced by Goddess Theatre which is the project of actress Terri Salmon, a well-known fixture on the Jamaican stage. The director is Carolyn Allen, a lecturer at Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts. For Ms. Allen  this will be a departure: although she has been involved in various theatrical pursuits including directing student productions, this represents her first commercial directing job.

Jamaica Cultural Enterprises will be supporting this venture on January 5. If you wish to find out more about going to the theatre on this or any other night email info@jaculture.com or call 876 540 8570. You can also call the producers at 876 347 2024 and visit their Facebook Page.
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]]><![CDATA[JCE Specialty Tour Schedule December & January]]>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:06:06 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2012/11/jce-specialty-tour-schedule-december-january.htmlThe Christmas season is upon us and JCE has some interesting specialty tours for you, your friends and family visiting for the holidays. And guess what? We also have some great discounted prices too!

So take a day trip with us, you’re certain to end up somewhere interesting.

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To make a booking for any of the events listed, please call us at 876 540 8570 or email us at info@jaculture.com.

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Saturday, December 1 – Day Trip to Richmond Estate for the Jamaica Epicurean Escape

This food festival will feature:

  • Traditional and exotic, local and international food, guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds
  • Signature dishes from celebrated local and international chefs
  • Sidewalk cafés  and lounges
  • Food Art displays
  • Culinary displays


We will purchase your tickets and take you there and back, comfortably and safely.

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Saturday, December 15 – Kingston Art Trek, the Holiday Edition

We’ll together

  • See new exhibitions
  • Meet with new artists
  • Eat great food
  • Make new friends
  • Have a fantastic day

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Thursday, December 20 – Story of Jamaican Music

Tour will feature

  • Music Studio visits
  • The opportunity to “cut a tune”
  • Journey to the root of Reggae music in Trench Town
  • Great food
  • Reasoning on our current musical output – good or bad?


To read the entire list of events, click on Read More below.
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Saturday, December 29 – Blue Mountain Path Finder

This Green Escape will:
 
  • Go to a coffee farm
  • Go to Holywell for moderate hiking
  • Provide great food
  • Show off great Jamaican art
  • De-stress you with wonderful mountain views

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Saturday, January 5 – To the Theatre!

Come with us to see the late great Trevor Rhone’s play “Two Can Play”. Through the play we’ll remember Jamaica in the 70s with its clashing values, clashing politics, and violence, all through the eyes of a Jamaican middle class couple. In Jamaican theatre history, this is one to know.

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Sunday, January 6 – Journey to Accompong

Each year the Maroons of Accompong celebrate their freedom and heritage with a massive festival. We’ve been going for the past 2 years. This will be our 3rd. This is a part of Jamaican culture that you need to experience.

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Saturday, January 12 – Ochi Bound

On this day trip we combine a little culture with a little sea.

  • Dunn’s River Falls and Beach
  • Art Gallery 
  • Jerk

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To make a booking for any of the events listed, please call us at 876 540 8570 or email us at info@jaculture.com.

]]><![CDATA[More food at the Pan Chicken Competition]]>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 07:09:50 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2012/11/more-food-at-the-pan-chicken-competition.html
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Pan Chicken Finalists
As if Restaurant Week didn't provide enough food for Kingstonians...


On November 18 the finals of the CB Pan Chicken Competition will be held on Downtown Kingston's scenic waterfront. The lovely sea side, under-appreciated venue is one great reason to go.  Then add to this the unmistakable allure of this very delicious Jamaican food  item and the fact that the event is free, and there would need to be compelling reasons not to go.


On November 18 the competition comes to a head as the ultimate winner will be chosen from among the regional finalists. The winner will get $525,000 from CB Chicken and Churches Co-operative Credit Union, a trophy, and, possibly even more important, the right to beat his or her chest and loudly proclaim victory. The event will also feature entertainment from the Fluffy Diva Miss Kitty, comedians Ity and Fancy Cat,  Singers Tifa and I-Octane, and others.


For more information on the event, visit the CB Chicken Facebook page.


For background on pan chicken and its significance to Jamaican food heritage, read this Gleaner article.


For information on our cultural tours, email us at info@jaculture.com or call 876 540 8570.

]]><![CDATA[Super Plus Artist of the Year Competition]]>Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:36:53 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2012/11/super-plus-artist-of-the-year-competition.html
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Church in Session #1 by Leasho Johnson (mixed media on canvas)
Have you voted?

The Super Plus Artist of the Year Competition showcases the work of artists who are under 40 years old. The prize? A solo exhibition at the Mutual Gallery which is the organising gallery. The fun part about this competition, in addition to being able to take stock of young Jamaican creativity, is that the public gets to vote. In addition to a jury prize there is also a public prize decided upon by the votes of visitors to the exhibition. 

This year's young artists, who were selected from a larger group, are Marvin Bartley, Leasho Johnson, Berette McCaulay, Olivia McGilchrist. For more on their work visit the Mutual Gallery's Facebook Profile. 

There is not much time left to choose as voting ends on Saturday, November 17 at 3 pm. The winners will be announced on Monday, November 19 and there will be a chance to discuss with the artists their works.  (And there'll probably be wine  and finger food as well.)

For more information, call 876 929 4302 or email mutualgallery@cwjamaica.com. The Mutual Gallery is located at 2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5.

To find out more about the Jamaica Cultural Enterprises Kingston Art Trek which visits galleries and the homes of Jamaican artists, feel free to email us at info@jaculture.com or call 876 540 8570.
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]]><![CDATA[Jimi's Jam - The Listening Party - Celebrating the 70th Birthday of Jimi Hendrix]]>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:51:42 GMThttp://www.jaculture.com/2/post/2012/11/jimis-jam-the-listening-party-celebrating-the-70th-birthday-of-jimi-hendrix.html
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Guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Photo Source: Rolling Stone Magazine
Asante Adonai Farm in St. Ann will on Sunday, November 25 hold a celebration of the music and life of Jimi Hendrix. This is the second year of the celebration and Jimi would have been 70 this year.

According to Leachim Semaj, Jamaican psychologist, businessman, radio personality and organiser of the event, seeing Jimi Hendrix perform was an unforgettable experience. "For me, to see a black man with such mastery of an instrument, was freeing. It convinced me that anything I put my mind to, I could do. Hendrix's music helped to solidify for me the notion that there are no limits, except the ones we impose on ourselves." According to the event's web page, Semaj believes in the power of Jimi Hendrix's music to "push the limits of our consciousness". 

The event, which lasts from 1 pm until 6 pm, is free, or more correctly you are required to contribute "good vibes" and wear something Jimi would like. You are encourged to carry igloos, chairs, blankets & umbrellas (it rained at Woodstock). Music will be provided by jUdgeMENt Sounds & Judge Production along with Guest DJs.

For directions to the venue and information on last year's event click here. 

For more information on Jimi Hendrix, visit the official web page.


To learn more about our tours that expose you to the musical variety within Jamaica, email us at info@jaculture.com or call 876 540 8570.
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