keepitjiggy.com

"Life beats down and crushes the soul
and art reminds you that you have one."

(Stella Adler, American actress & acclaimed acting teacher)

In light of Kingston's recent stress, I thought this Stella Adler quote was very appropriate! And, to keep things moving in a positive direction, the 4th Annual Kingston on the Edge (KOTE) Urban Arts Festival is almost here! It's a week-long celebration of the creativity of some very talented Jamaican artists. If you live or plan to be in Jamaica between June 18th and June 26th, why not check out this very cool festival in Kingston and see what's on Jamaica's art horizons?

KOTE 2010, “Love, Art, Liberation”, will take place across Kingston from June 18th – 26th.  Events are held at various venues in Kingston. Some events are free while others are very reasonably priced.

"Kingston on the Edge (KOTE) is the brainchild of five friends (Beatriz Pozueta, Carolyn Lazarus, Enola Williams, Joaquin Portocarero and Omar Francis) who wanted to showcase Jamaican artists in a non-commercial manner. It is a week long celebration of art and the artists who live and work in and/or are inspired by the city of Kingston."

There will be workshops at the Edna Manley College-School of Dance (with limited space available!), exhibits by some wonderful artists, live performances, films, lectures, parties and musical events! Visit their website for all of the event details, but here are some highlights:

Friday, June 18 - OPENING NIGHT SHOW
8pm - 'till
Redbones Blues Cafe
1 Argyle Road
Admission: $1,000
$500 For students with ID

Sunday, June 20 - YOUNG TALENT EXHIBITION
Come See and meet Jamaica’s finest new artists and their work
1pm - 3pm
National Gallery of Jamaica
21 Ocean Boulevard

SEH SUP'M
Poetry, Music & Vibes
The art of the word, the liberation of the mind.
9:30 - 'till
Village Cafe
Orchard Patch, Barbican
Admission: $500

Wednesday, June 23 - JAZZ AND TINGS
The exhibition features more than 50 sketches by the Jamaican painter Karl Parboosingh (1923-1975) from the collection of his son Paris and on show for the first time.
7pm - 10pm
Bolivar Gallery
1D Grove Road

MUSICAL JAM SESSION
Music soothes the savage breast.
Come join a musical celebration of life and art.
9:30pm - 'till
Tony's Bar
Behind Chelsea Hotel
Admission: $500 (includes one drink)

Thursday, June 24 - 4SIGHT
This exhibition showcases a selection of paintings and photography works by four recent graduates of the Edna Manley College.
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Gallery Pegasus
at The Jamaica Pegasus
81 Knutsford Boulevard

CHILL-OUT
Hot Eats, Cool Vibes. Music: Jason Worton. Performance: Teneille Warren
8:30 pm - 'till
Chilitos Jamexican Food
92 Hope Road
(Parking on Hillcrest Ave.)

Friday, June 25 - MUSICALLY DISTURBED
Enjoy an evening with Denver and friends. As one of the most talented percussionists in Jamaica, Denver will have you dancing in your seats with his eclectic musical styles.
9pm - 'till
Redbones Blues Cafe
1 Argyle Road
Admission: $1,000
$500 For students with ID

Saturday, June 26 - THE $15,000 ART CHALLENGE
In addition to the Guilds regular works, artists are challenged to submit works of art whose selling price will not exceed the 15,000 mark. This is a juried exhibition and a challenge to artists to put their best foot forward, in these difficult times.
1pm - 3:30pm
Jamaica Guild of Artists
Kingston 10

KOTE Closing Event
Music will be live mixing and remixing by Engineroom, Charles Lazarus & Kwane Frederick along with special guests.
6pm - 12am
Grosvenor Gallery
1 Grosvenor Terr
Admission: $1000

Here's a nice little video from 2008 to give you an idea what to expect:

You may also like: