Chewstick Bermuda
Overview & Background
Chewstick Neo-Griot Foundation, established in 2002, is Bermuda's one of the most well known open-mic jam session. They call themselves as part of a Griot family as the word Griot stands for storyteller.
So anyone who wants to share his or her talent from any walk of life in the island, can come and perform here, and as they claim... 'leave their dreams'. Large number of direct participants perform at the Chewstick's events annually and many more indirectly.
And you, as a guest can join in and enjoy the live performances that are backed by the Chewstick's own band. So who are the performers? Anyone starting from Rappers, Singers, Poets, Musicians, Artists even with talent in Spoken Words, Dancers, DJs, musicians, writers and supporters, or as they define it as "Whateva u got".
So how did Chewstick came into being? Initially in December 2002, a group of artists from Bermuda came together to put on an event to share artistic talents. This event was the beginning of what they named as the Neo-Griot movement.
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It has gone on to become an intensely creative and spiritual platform for free expression and participated by artists (new or established) from all facets of life. Chewstick attracts some of the most diverse, inclusive and exciting participants and audience in the island.
Because of Chewstick's diversity and reputation as the premier live entertainment event platform in Bermuda, it has hosted some of the biggest names, both local and from outside. Names include Matthew Knowles, Howard McCrary, Lisa Vaughn, Serpent Fly (Leslie Helpert), Ras Giorgis, Ras Mykkal, Maurita Andre, Joy Barnum and such.
Chewstick also organizes community outreach programs in the schools, prisons and streets, and provide help to manage opportunities for artists in the community. They also now own a football club.
Mural Painting at Chewstick Neo-Griot Event
Venue
The original permanent location for the Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge at 81 Front Street was destroyed by a fire in 2016 and did not re-open in that specific location. The Chewstick Foundation, the non-profit organization behind it, went on a temporary hiatus.
However, the Chewstick Foundation is "back" and continues its mission and community events. While they do not have a dedicated, permanent lounge open currently, they host their signature Legendary Open Mic Jam Sessions at various pop-up locations across the island, such as the Blue Waters Anglers Club and the Leopard's Club.
How to know about upcoming events & locations
When in Bermuda, the best ways to find details about the Chewstick Foundation's events, as well as other happenings on the island, are through these key resources:
The Chewstick Foundation Website: The most direct source for their specific event schedule is their official website's calendar page. They list all upcoming events, including the "Legendary Open Mic Jam Sessions" and community initiatives like mural paintings.
Official Tourism Website: The Bermuda Tourism Authority's official website, Go To Bermuda, has a comprehensive and actively updated events section with a wide variety of activities, from major festivals and Gombey performances to walking tours and museum information.
Local News Outlets: The island's daily newspaper, The Royal Gazette, has an extensive online events calendar that lists community events, arts and entertainment, and sports.
Visitor Information Centers: Once you are on the island, you can visit one of the physical Visitor Information Centers located in Hamilton, Dockyard, and St. George's. Their staff are knowledgeable and can provide real-time updates, maps, and brochures.
Social Media: The Chewstick Foundation and many other local businesses and event organizers actively use Facebook and other platforms to announce events and last-minute changes.
Event Hours and Admission Fees
Usual Hours: Doors generally open at 7:00 PM for events, with performances or the main show typically starting around 8:00 PM and continuing until midnight or sometimes later (e.g., 1:00 AM).
Admission Fee: Entry is often a flat fee or a suggested donation of around $10 USD at the door.
Special Pricing: Performers usually get in for free, and general admission can be free before a certain time (e.g., before 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM). Other special events, like galas or retreats, may have different pricing, as seen on their website.
How to Buy Admission Tickets
Tickets are typically handled in one of two ways:
At the Door: For the regular open mic sessions at pop-up locations like the Blue Waters Anglers Club or Leopard's Club, admission is usually paid at the door.
Online Ticketing Platform: For major or special events, tickets are often sold in advance via Bermuda's primary online ticketing platform, Premier Tickets (Ptix.bm). You can buy them directly on their website.
Contact Info
They presently have a temporary office at 12 Wesley Street (the old Argus Building), adjacent to Craig Appin House, beside City Hall, Hamilton City.
Hours: Monday -Friday | 9am – 5pm
Website: https://chewstick.org
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
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