Chewstick
SONG:
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
COMPOSER:
JOHN LENNON
PRODUCER/ENGINEER/MIX:
FELIX TOD
BASS/GUITAR:
DAVID AYERS
DRUMS:
DWIGHT HART
TRUMPET:
CONRAD ROACH
LEAD GUITAR:
THE RED PLANET
VOCALS:
CHEWSTICK
MASTERING:
ALAN SILVERMAN: ARF! DIGITAL, NEW YORK, NY, USA
Power to the People is a reminder that movement wasn't always free.
Stephan Johnstone
Stephan was born and raised in Devils Hole, Bermuda and is one of the few, if not the only Bermudian Poet to release three full poetry albums before the age of 26. Yet, it wasn’t until 2005 when he met James Brookes, owner of Limestone Productions, through mutual friend Mandela Fubler, started to perform regularly at Bermuda’s legendary open mic session, Chewstick, and with advice & inspiration from Bermuda's Premier Dub Poet, Ras Mykkal, Stephan started to take writing, performing and recording seriously.
In Dec 2006 he released his debut album entitled Broken Thoughts. April 20th 2009 Stephan released his sophomore album, The Script Keeper and on September 23rd 2011 he released his third studio album project "Librago". On October 2nd 2010 Stephan had the honour to perform with the Chewstick Crew in opening for Toni Braxton at the Bermuda Music Festival. On January 29th 2011 he opened for Heather Nova at The Bermuda Festival of The Performing Arts. Today Stephan lives between Bermuda and Toronto, Canada where he runs his design company, SJDWORLD, by day and performs his poetry by night.
“John Lennon to me is an example of a great musician and song writer Power to the People means giving the people the power to stand up for what is right!”
Listen to Broken Thoughts
Stephen's website
Gavin Djata Smith
Gavin 'Djata' Smith is the executive director and founder of the Chewstick Foundation, a registered Charity that provides creative arts, expression, artist development programs and resources. The Chewstick vision is "to empower one to enrich all" by breaking down social barriers through free and open expression. Chewstick is most commonly known for its open mic jam sessions which began in 2002, it has since expanded to provide an outlet for the community to express itself and to cultivate an environment of truth and hope. In addition to his role at the helm of The Chewstick Foundation, Gavin is a prolific singer/songwriter, he has a passion for the arts and empowering Bermuda's artists to speak with their own voice. Gavin is also a husband and father, and he and his wife of nine years, Jenille, have a seven year-old daughter, Eden. Gavin believes that it is his duty to ensure that his daughter's generation can experience a better Bermuda.
“John Lennon has become one of the greatest icons of peace and exemplar of how music can help to heal and change the world. Power to the People is more than just a song; it is the essence of John Lennons philosophy and a call to arms. It was an incredible honor to be a part of this project and to help reintroduce this message for a new generation”.
Gavin's Facebook:
"Power to the People " by John Lennon - please click here
