Camana Bay, Grand Cayman (21 February 2013): From an exciting performance from a three-time Grammy Award-winning artist and an open water swimming extravaganza for all to enjoy to a host of literary events for booklovers and a full moon pig roast under the stars on The Island – there’s always something happening at Camana Bay!

Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley Live

Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley is set perform in front of thousands of fans on Camana Bay’s waterfront Festival Green, alongside talented local artists Mr. Notch, Stuart Wilson and Rennie Conolly. This is the three-time Grammy Award-winning reggae artist’s first performance since a moving tribute to his late father, Bob Marley, at last month’s 2013 Grammy Awards, performed with a host of acclaimed musical stars. Gates open at 6pm and the show starts at 9pm. Security will be on hand throughout the Town Centre, parking lots and inside the venue, and members of the public are advised that parking is not permitted on The Festival Green. Attendees are encouraged to use the two multi-storey parking garages and many surface lots in the Town Centre, the Limestone lot (access via Century 21 Roundabout) and the Arts & Recreation Centre (ARC) lot, next to Cayman International School. A free shuttle service will run from the Limestone and ARC lots to The Festival Green between 7pm-2am. Presented and produced by Youngblood Productions, tickets are available for purchase from Reflections, Funky Tangs, Liquor for Less, Food for Less, Infinity Fashion and J&M Electronics. Prices range from General Admission CI$35 and Bleacher Seating CI$50 to VIP Admission CI$80; tickets will also be available for purchase on the door for CI$50 (General Admission) or CI$100 (VIP). For more information, visit Youngblood Productions Cayman on Facebook.

Friday 1 March 6pm-2am, The Festival Green

Camana Bay Aquatic Club 2nd Annual Open Water Swim Series: 600m Challenge

Join CBAC for second in a three-part series of family-friendly open water events. The events are open to swimmers of all ages and abilities and are a great way to learn a vital life skill, get wet and have fun! Little ones will enjoy a 200m Lollipop Dash, designed for swimmers 10 and under who are new to open water swimming, while more experienced swimmers can take part in the 600m Sea Swim. Not ready to swim but still want to join in the fun? Water Walk participants will walk the full race distance in water at waist height. There will be random prizes and post-race refreshments on Public Beach. Registration is CI$30 for a Series Package or CI$15 per individual race. All swimmers will receive a CBAC swim cap, and those who sign up for the Series Package will each receive a CBAC Open Water Series T-shirt. Registration can be made on the day at the event, online at  caymanactive.com or at The Discovery Centre in the Town Centre. For more information, contact CBAC at [email protected] or 345.640.2878.

Saturday 2 March 2pm, Governor’s Beach

Rotaract Blue’s Bingo by the Bay

Join Rotaract Blue Grand Cayman for an afternoon of games, music and fun at Bingo by the Bay. All proceeds from this charity fundraiser will benefit the organisations’ International Service Project for Education in the Caribbean. Tickets cost CI$30 and include five rounds of bingo, wine, cocktails and nibbles. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Stephanie Graham at  [email protected].

Saturday 2 March 2-5pm, Gardenia Court

CARE K9 5K Fun Run and Dog Jog

Dog lovers are invited to show off their pets sporting talent or take a Humane Society Shelter dog for a spin at the 4th Annual CARE K9 5K Fun Run and Dog Jog. The 5km route follows a scenic double loop through Camana Bay’s Town Centre, starting and finishing between 62 Forum Lane and 89 Nexus Way. Sponsored by BritCay and presented by CARE (Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts), the event raises funds for the organisation’s community spay and neuter programmes. Registration is US$25 and includes an event t-shirt, finish line snacks and doggie biscuits, as well as entry into a random prize draw. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and females, as well as a special grand prize sponsored by Cayman Animal Hospital for fastest male with dog and fastest female with dog. Register online at caymanactive.com or download a registration form and bring it to the CARE registration desk underneath The Observation Tower on Saturday 2 March 11am-5pm.

Sunday 3 March 7:30am, Town Centre

“Name This” Young Adult Book Club

Books & Books is launching a brand new book club for teen readers ages 14-18. The group will focus on popular young adult series, starting with Lauren Oliver’s bestselling trilogy – Delirium, Pandemonium and the soon to be released Requiem. As the temporary title suggests, the bookstore is encouraging teens to get creative and name their new club. Suggestions can be submitted at the store or emailed to [email protected] and the person who comes up with the winning name will receive a copy of Requiem. The group will gather at Books & Books on the first Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30pm. Join them on Wednesday 6 March to discuss Delirium.

Wednesday 6 March 7-8:30pm, Books & Books

First Thursdays at Camana Bay

Treat yourself – or someone else – to something special every first Thursday of the month. Stroll around Camana Bay and discover all that the Town Centre has to offer. Visit participating stores and enjoy complimentary bubbles and canapés as you browse the latest collections and new arrivals. For a full list of this month’s participating stores, visit  camanabay.com.

Thursday 7 March 5-7pm, Camana Bay Town Centre

Cultural Workshop

Camana Bay is partnering with local artists to host a series of creative workshops designed to promote Caymanian culture and heritage. Every second Saturday of the month, children ages 7-10 are invited to learn about traditional art practices and get creative with a fun, unique craft! This is a free event and space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Karie Bounds at [email protected].

Saturday 9 March 1:30-2:30pm, The Discovery Centre

Cal Ripken Jr. Book Signing

Join National Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. for the Cayman Islands launch of Cal Ripken, Jr.’s All- Stars: Wild Pitch, the third instalment in his New York Times bestselling series for young readers. A nineteen- time All-Star and two-time American League MVP with multiple records, including 431 home runs, 3,184 hits and 2,632 consecutive games played, Call Ripken, Jr. is baseball’s all-time Iron Man. Fans of all ages are invited to come hear Cal share incredible stories from his twenty-one season career with the Baltimore Ravens. This free event is part of the Books & Books International Visiting Author Series, generously sponsored by Camana Bay.

Monday 11 March 7pm, Books & Books

Temptation Tuesday Wine & Cheese

Join Ortanique Executive Chef Sara Mair and her team and sample a delectable choice of cheese expertly paired with wines from Tortuga Wines & Spirits. Discuss the pairings as the experts share their culinary knowledge then sit back, relax and enjoy an evening with friends. Choose from two cheeseboards each featuring three imported or house-made cheeses and three wine pairings for CI$36 per person. For more information or to make a reservation, call 345.640.7710.

Tuesday 12 March 6-8pm, Ortanique

Story Time with Loren Long

New York Times bestselling author/illustrator  Loren Long is returning to Books & Books to share the latest instalment in his wildly popular children’s picture book series, Otis and the Puppy. When a playful game of hide-and-seek leaves the farm’s newest addition—a bounding young puppy—lost in the forest, Otis must overcome his fear of the dark to rescue his new friend. Young booklovers and their parents are in for a treat when Loren hosts a very special Story Time extravaganza. Come hear the entire story and watch Loren recreate illustrations from the book. This free event is part of the Books & Books International Visiting Author Series, generously sponsored by Camana Bay.

Wednesday 13 March 10:30am, Hollywood Theaters

The Bookends Club

Join The Bookends Club when they meet to review their latest pick, The Wine of Solitude by Irene Nemirovsky. Introspective and poignant, this is the most autobiographical of all of the novels from the celebrated author of Suite Française. Set during the Great War and the Russian Revolution, The Wine of Solitude is a powerful tale of disillusionment – the story of an upbringing that produces a young woman as hard as a diamond, prepared to wreak shattering revenge on her mother. Come share your insights and impressions in an open discussion. The Bookends Club gathers at Books & Books on the secondWednesday of the month from 7-8:30pm and new members are always welcome.

Wednesday 13 March 7-8:30pm, Books & Books

Cayman Heart Fund Heart Health Fair

Join Cayman Heart Fund for the 6th Annual Heart Health Fair, held at The Arts & Recreation Centre at Camana Bay. This free event will include presentations by local and international medical specialists, a Get Active Zone for kids, heart healthy local produce from The Market at The Grounds and cardiac protective healthy snacks from local dietitians for visitors to sample. Adults and children are invited to have a free screening for blood pressure, BMI (Body Mass Index), blood glucose and cholesterol and waist circumference. For more information, contact Cayman Heart Fund at  [email protected], call 345.916.6324 or visit caymanheartfund.com.

Saturday 16 March 8am-2pm, Arts & Recreation Centre

Drum Circle

Professional drummers Randy Chollette, Damion Thaxter and Eden Hurlston of the musical group I AM PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE bring the Town Centre to life with a jam session featuring African, Cuban and Caymanian rhythms. The group was formed to promote brotherhood, unity and cultural development through the integration of music. Members of the public are invited to join in with their own instruments and will be given pointers throughout the session. So bring your instrument if you’d like to jam, bring your voice if you want to sing, or simply listen and enjoy an evening of rhythm and beats!

Saturday 16 March 5-7pm, Gardenia Court

Marilyn Jax Book Signing

Popular local author Marilyn Jax returns to Books & Books for the launch of her new novel, Sapphire Trails. With the same page-turning suspense as her previous mysteries, The Find and Road to Omalos, Marilyn takes readers on a thrilling chase through the usually peaceful mountains of Montana as main characters Claire Caswell and Gaston “Guy” Lombard team up to crack another puzzling murder case. This free event will include an author presentations, group discussion and book signing.

Tuesday 19 March 7pm, Books & Books

Bon Vivant Interactive Cooking Class: Soufflé Decadence

Is it really possible to make a restaurant-quality soufflé at home? According to Bon Vivant, the answer is yes. Let the culinary experts show you how to make perfect sweet and savoury soufflés sure to impress your next dinner guests. Classes are CI$55 per person and space is limited. To reserve your place, contact Bon Vivant at [email protected] or 345.623.COOK (2665).

Wednesday 20 March 6-8pm, Bon Vivant

Floetry

Get into the flow with Floetry for another special night of words and wisdom, poetry and people. Join some of Cayman’s most talented poets and performers who share their work during an open mic night of poetry and readings. Come share your own work or listen to others. Floetry’s mix of poetry and music provides a unique opportunity for Cayman’s community of writers and readers to share their artistic and cultural experiences. It’s the perfect place to express yourself. Floetry takes place every third Wednesday of the month and is free and open to the public.

Wednesday 20 March 7-8:30pm, Books & Books

Camana Bay Aquatic Club 2nd Annual Open Water Swim Series: 800m Challenge

Join CBAC for grand finale Open Water Swim Series event. The event is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities and is a great way to learn a vital life skill, get wet and have fun! Little ones will enjoy a 200m Lollipop Dash, designed for swimmers 10 and under who are new to open water swimming, while more experienced swimmers can take part in the challenging 800m Sea Swim. Not ready to swim but still want to join in the fun? Water Walk participants will walk the full race distance in water at waist height. There will be random prizes and post-race refreshments on Public Beach. Registration is CI$15 per individual race and all swimmers will receive a CBAC swim cap. Registration can be made on the day at the event, online at caymanactive.com or at The Discovery Centre in the Town Centre. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 345.640.2878.

Saturday 23 March 2pm, Governor’s Beach

Bon Vivant Interactive Cooking Class: Mexican Fiesta

Take a trip to the land of tequila and nachos with Bon Vivant. Known world-wide for its hot and spicy kick, create classic Mexican dishes using an alluring blend of flavours and traditional methods that will have much more to offer than just heat. Cost is CI$55 per person and space is limited. To reserve your place, contact Bon Vivant at [email protected] or 623.COOK (2665).

Tuesday 26 March 6-8pm, Bon Vivant

Nosotros: Spanish Floetry

Spanish-speaking poets and performers—and those who simply enjoy la lengua de Cervantes—are invited to join “Nosotros”, a group whose mission is to build bridges and create connections through culture, for their monthly open mic night. Come share your artistic talents and cultural experiences in a creative and friendly space. “Nosotros” gathers at Books & Books on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7- 8:30pm and all are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Michel Powery at 345.917.0335.

Wednesday 27 March 7-8:30pm, Books & Books

Ortanique Full Moon Pig Roast

Co-owner/Chef Cindy Hutson, co-owner Delius Shirley and Executive Chef Sara Mair invite you for a Full Moon “Caja China” Pig Roast under the stars. The fun begins right when you ditch your shoes and dig your toes in to the sand on The Island in the Camana Bay Harbour. Sip mojitos and savour Cuban-inspired bocaditos (small bites). Then join fellow diners for a family-style all-you-can-eat Latin feast of roasted pig, fresh local fish, market vegetables, black beans and rice and other hearty dishes. Dance it all off with a live DJ for a perfect end to an enjoyable evening. Spaces are limited. The cost is CI$100 per person and includes unlimited Bacardi mojitos, wine, beer and gratuity. For reservations, call 640.7710. “Ven disfruta la pachanga!” (Come enjoy the party!)

Thursday 28 March 6pm, The Island

Ellen Kanner Book Signing

Join author Ellen Kanner for the Cayman Islands launch of her new book, Feeding the Hungry Ghost: Life, Faith, and What to Eat for Dinner – A Satisfying Diet for Unsatisfying Times. Kanner is most well-known for her weekly Meatless Monday blog posts for The Huffington Post and her debut title takes a deeper look into the “hungry ghost”, a Tao concept about restless souls still “hungry” beyond the grave. Warm, wicked and one-of-a-kind, Feeding the Hungry Ghost offers an irreverent approach to bringing reverence into daily living – and eating – through heart-warming  recipes, like DIY Matzo, When All Else Fails Pasta and Caribbean Christmas Pepper Pot, thought-provoking stories and gentle advice for both a nourished and nourishing life. And great food, too. This free event is part of the Books & Books International Visiting Author Series, generously sponsored by Camana Bay.

Thursday 28 March 7pm, Books & Books

Weekly Rituals

Imagination Playground

Imagination Playground is a new concept in play that prompts creativity and sensory exploration. With a focus on loose parts – giant foam blocks, mats, wagons, fabric and crates – Imagination Playground’s play experience offers a changing array of elements that allow children to build, play, dream and explore endless possibilities. Come “play” with our Imagination Playground, which will be based on The Crescent every Wednesday and Saturday, and is free for all to enjoy.

Every Wednesday and Saturday 10am-8pm, The Crescent

Story Time

For our youngest readers, join Books & Books every Wednesday at 10:30am to read exciting new books and sing along to your children’s favourite songs.

Every Wednesday 10:30am, Books & Books

10 Minutes with Dr. James

Every Wednesday before Story Time and on the first and third Saturday of the month before Story & Craft Time, Dr. James Robertson, paediatrician at Trincay Medical Services in Camana Bay, visits Books & Books to share his medical knowledge and answer your parenting questions.

Every Wednesday plus the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month 10:30am, Books & Books

Story & Craft Time with Rotary Sunrise

For young readers, join Books & Books every Saturday at 10:30am to read exciting new books and explore your creative side with a unique craft each week. March is Literacy Month and to celebrate and help raise awareness of their LIFE (Literacy is for Everyone) programme, Rotary Sunrise volunteers will be leading Story & Craft Time throughout the month.

Every Saturday 10:30am, Books & Books

Weekly Farmers Market

Real Food, Real Farmers, Real Community! Get a real taste of Cayman every Wednesday when vendors from across the island sell fresh produce, hot food, handmade crafts and more at Camana Bay. Enjoy the satisfaction of buying fresh and supporting local merchants. The stalls are set up on the corner of Forum Lane and Market Street across from Digicel and Mail Boxes Etc.

Every Wednesday 12-7pm, Corner of Forum Lane and Market Street

Live on The Paseo

Start the weekend with your favourite local bands at Live on The Paseo. With a different band each week, styles range from reggae and calypso to classic rock and contemporary pop. Everyone is welcome to these free, alfresco musical performances. It’s a weekly event you don’t want to miss.

Every Friday 7pm-10pm, The Paseo

Please note; there will be no Live on The Paseo on Friday 29 March owing to the Good Friday public holiday.

For more information on upcoming events happening at Camana Bay, visit  www.camanabay.com.