Monday June 2, 2025
“Phenomenal, awe-inspiring and powerful.” Those were the words of Calabash co-founder and producer Justine Henzell describing this year’s 16th staging of the biennial Calabash International Literary Festival at Jake’s in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth.
The charcuterie board of poetry reading, storytelling and music, which unfolded May 23-25 with presenters from as far as Sri Lanka, was highlighted with readings from prize-winning authors Jamaican Marlon James and British novelist/screenwriter Ian McEwan — as well as Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph reading excerpts from her book
Diva 2.0. Of course, the open mic drew long lines of enthusiasts anxiously waiting to deliver on the Calabash stage.
The event marked its largest crowd to date, with this year seeing an even more diverse audience eager to soak up the vibe that is Calabash.
Page 2 brings highlights.
(Aceion Cunningham)
Relishing another successful staging of Calabash were planning committee members (from left) Drew Moss, co-founder Justine Henzell and Deika Morrison. Aceion Cunningham
Author and broadcaster Yashika Graham took a break from reading to get in some lens time. Aceion Cunningham
With a flourish and a song, Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph delivered a grand finale to her presentation. Aceion Cunningham
Enjoying the sights and sounds of Calabash were (from left) consultant/project manager Karen Daley; her niece Emma Charles, Howard University physics graduate; and her sister Victoria Mutual (VM) Foundation CEO Samantha Charles. Aceion Cunningham
Ready to enjoy the literary and music fusion was Veekle CEO Cherie Williams. Aceion Cunningham
Soaking up the vibes were Stush in the Bush co-principals Chris and Lisa Binns. Aceion Cunningham
