Georgia Caribbean American Heritage Coalition To Host Its First Caribbean Comedy Event Featuring Comedians From Barbados, Jamaica And Trinidad And Tobago, June 19, 2009, Georgia

As part of it’s observation of the fourth Caribbean American Heritage Month (June), The Georgia Caribbean American Heritage Coalition (GCAHC) will present its first Caribbean Comedy event at the Lloyd Tarpley Theatre, Clayton County Performing Arts Center, 2530 Mt. Zion Parkway, Jonesboro, Georgia 30236, at 8:00 p.m. on June 19, 2009. This event will also include an Awards Presentation and Silent Auction.

Three top class comedians from the Caribbean will be featured: Nikki Crosby from Trinidad and Tobago, Elva Ruddock from Jamaica, and MacFingall from Barbados. MacFingall is sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority. Following the show, all three comedians will travel to Washington, D.C. to perform in a Father’s Day Comedy Festival at Howard University. GCAHC will present several awards at this evening of elegance. The honorees will be GCAHC’s major sponsors: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Kroger. Also being recognized are three restaurants in the metro Atlanta area for their community service: Kool Runnings Restaurant, Royal Caribbean Bakery and Liz International Roti House. There will also be a Silent Auction. Tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

The month-long celebration begins on Sunday, May 31, 2009, with an Opening Reception at Atlanta City Hall Atrium, 55 Trinity Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, co-sponsored by the Atlanta-Port of Spain Sister Cities Committee. The event runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will feature country displays, national costume displays, a tasting of Caribbean cuisine, and more. Admission is free.

This year, the spotlight will be on Barbados. The film “Hit for Six,” which was filmed in Barbados, will be featured on Wednesday, June 3rd at a kick-off reception for Caribbean Film and Literary Festival from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Central Library Auditorium, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. These events are hosted by library partners, the Atlanta-Fulton County Central Library and the Auburn Avenue Research Library..

On June 6th and 7th, churches and other faith-based organizations are asked to observe the Month with a spiritual reflection. Also on Sunday, June 7th, the fourth annual Caribbean Cultural Variety Show will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center (a new GCAHC partner), 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia, Georgia 30058. Tickets to the concert are $10 – advance purchase only. For tickets, call 404-667-7933.

Thursday, June 11th, is Caribbean Day at the Atlanta Braves – a fundraiser for GCAHC. The game is the Braves v. Pittsburgh Pirates and will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Turner Field. For ticket information, call 404-508-8002.

Other activities include art exhibitions at Art Pavilions and De Rukuumba Art Gallery; children’s programs at the DeKalb Public Library, and public libraries in Cobb and Clayton counties; and the GCAHC Mentoring Internship program – an ongoing activity. Also taking place during the month are book signings and sporting activities.