The Harbourfront Centre in Toronto will host a special event on September 7th, 2024, to celebrate the life and legacy of Louise Bennett-Coverley, affectionately known as Miss Lou, the Queen of Jamaican Culture. The event, titled “Celebrating Miss Lou: A Life of Poetry, Music, and Love,” will feature a variety of activities designed to honor the influential cultural figure.

The day’s schedule includes:

4:00 PM – Workshop: “Is That You, Miss Lou?”

The event will kick off with an interactive workshop held at the Miss Lou Learning Centre. Led by Jamaican-Canadian guitarist Maurice Gordon and educator Marsha Laylor, the workshop will explore Miss Lou’s transformative impact on Jamaican poetry. Participants will engage in spoken word, music, and drama, reflecting Miss Lou’s distinctive storytelling style.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Tour: “Miss Lou Education and Learning Centre”

Following the workshop, attendees are invited to a tour of the Miss Lou Education and Learning Centre, hosted by Marsha Laylor. The tour will provide insights into Miss Lou’s efforts to preserve and promote Jamaican patois and folklore, highlighting her significant contributions to Jamaican culture.

7:00 PM – Show: “Celebrating Miss Lou: A Life of Poetry, Music, and Love”

The evening will feature a performance at the Lakeside Terrace, where Maurice Gordon’s band, Pimento Groove, will take the stage alongside guest singer Mel Dube and poet and writer Mello Ayo. The show will offer a vibrant mix of music, poetry, and storytelling, celebrating Miss Lou’s enduring influence on Jamaican culture. Attendees can expect an evening filled with laughter, learning, and heartfelt tributes to the cultural icon.

Miss Lou, who passed away in 2006, was celebrated for her pioneering work in preserving and promoting Jamaican patois and folklore. Her contributions continue to resonate, making her a revered figure both in Jamaica and internationally.

Pimento Groove, led by guitarist Maurice Gordon, is dedicated to performing and preserving the traditional folk rhythms and melodies of Jamaican Mento and other Caribbean genres. The band’s mission includes honoring the legacy of Caribbean icons such as Miss Lou and Harry Belafonte. This event is part of their effort to make such celebrations a regular occurrence in Toronto and beyond.

Admission to the event is free, but space is limited. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot in this special celebration of Miss Lou’s extraordinary life and legacy.