The 9TH ANNUAL LOUISE BENNETT-COVERLEY READING FESTIVAL
Presents Owen “Blakka” Ellis
February 6th, 2016
2:00-4:30 p.m.
Broward College Performing Cultural Arts Theater
7200 Pines Blvd., Florida 33024
The Friends of the S. Regional Broward Library, Jamaican Folk Revue, Inc. and Broward College are partnering to bring to the community, the 9th Annual Louise Bennett-Coverley Reading Festival.
Presented under the patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica, the Hon Franz Hall, the Festival is free to the public and forms part of the S. Regional Broward Library’s schedule of activities for Black History Month. Entertainment will include Tallawah Mento Band, “Dr. Sue,” Sierra Norwood Calvary Children, Easton Lee, the Jamaican Folk Revue and NDTC’s Jordan-Leigh Wyatt, presenting a tribute in dance, to the late Bob Marley.
The inimitable Owen Blakka Ellis describes his presentation, as “weaving storytelling, poetry, stand-up comedy…..to share perspectives on the evolution of comedy, as a distinctive entertainment genre in Jamaica and the role and impact of the work of the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley in this process."
“Blakka” Ellis, comedian, writer, educator and performing artist, is an alumnus of both Excelsior High School & the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts in Jamaica, where he taught English, Literature and Drama, before migrating to Canada. Widely acknowledged as a leading Caribbean entertainer, who has appeared with comedian Oliver Samuels, Blakka is part of Jamaica’s beloved comedic duo - “Bello & Blakka.” He co-wrote the National Pantomime “Schoolers,” which won the Jamaica Music Industry (JAMI) award in 1989, co-produced and starred in, one of the most successful comedy productions -“Laugh Jamaica,” winning the “Actor Boy Award” for Best Revue.
We are delighted to present Owen “Blakka” Ellis, at the 9th Annual LB-C Reading Festival, which since its inception, has grown in popularity, and has awarded 14 scholarships in Miss Lou’s name, to students at both the Edna Manley College in Jamaica and S. Florida’s Broward College.
This annual event, launched in 2007, to celebrate the life and legacy of the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, OJ (Miss Lou), cultural icon, social commentator and internationally acclaimed folklorist, addresses the immense influence that her works have had, on Jamaicans at home and abroad and continues to attract overflow audiences and cultural enthusiasts from the diasporic community.
Through proceeds from fundraisers & tax-deductible donations, and with the support of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandal’s Hotel Group, County Line Chiropractic, Iberia Foods, Antilles Freight Corporation, Neita’s Nest B&B, (Ja), Top Hill Treats, XLCR Alumni Association, and our invaluable Media Partners, the Louise Bennett-Coverley Reading Festival continues to educate, and bring a high level of cultural awareness and entertainment, to South Florida’s Community.
February 6th, 2016
2:00-4:30 p.m.
Broward College Performing Cultural Arts Theater
7200 Pines Blvd., Florida 33024