Cayman Islands / Special Interests / Music

By Tim Ecott

Cayman does not have the depth of performing arts history of some of the much larger nearby islands such as Cuba or Jamaica. Traditional music is represented by the ‘kitchen bands’ (sometimes called ‘sand dance music’) playing with drums, graters and fiddles as well as ad hoc items from the kitchen such as wooden spoons or washboards – producing a sound similar to the ‘rake and scrape’ sounds found in Turks and Caicos.

There are also echos of Jamaica’s ‘mento’ style – understandably as Cayman was for many years administered as part of the Jamaican colony. One current group has reinvented the style and performs as The Swanky Kitchen Band using violin, drums and graters and shakers to produce a distinctly Caymanian sound.

Older traditional music includes the Caribbean form of the Quadrile – performed by four couples and seen elsewhere as a precursor to square dancing. Like so many elements of Cayman life the music incorporates fragments of the islands’ history – there are echoes of sea shanties, African drumbeats, jigs and waltzes.

Country and Western music has had a strong influence in the last sixty years and many of the bands performing today will feature country standards in their repertoire.

A number of bands and singers perform in the resorts, including ‘The Barefoot Man’ aka George Nowak who sings his regular guitar based folk at the Reef resort most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other island based musicians include the acoustic duo ‘Hi –Tide often to be found playing at Deckers, as well as other small bands providing entertainment at the larger hotels. There is also Cayman Elvis – Errol Dunbar – who works as a taxi-driver (in costume) and appears at several Grand Cayman nightspots when he’s not driving tourists around.

The Cayman National Cultural Foundation organises various performing arts events throughout the year, including ‘Cayfest’ celebrating distinctive local artists and performers. The annual Cayman Carnival Batabano in May is another focus point for local and regional musicians.

Singer at Cayman Island Jazz Fest
Music and Entertainment

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Upcoming events

07 Jun - 14 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Various venues with a week of Celtic music, dancing, food and sport. This year's events currently include:

7 June - Pipers along the boardwalk on the south coast
8 June - Concert at Plantation Theatre, in St Lawrence Gap with the Peat Bog Faeries and
9 June - Food event - cooking demo by International Chef Paul Wedgwood at 11.30 am, Relish Epicurea, Limegrove, Holetown.A Jeep Safari Rum Shop Tour is slated for the afternoon.
11 June - Special 5 hour lunch cruise on Cool Runnings. Irish Night from 6pm at McBride's Pub in St Lawrence Gap.
12 June - Walk and Talk in the Flower Forest.
13 June - The Alan Kelly Gang in concert at Holders House - guest performances by John McCusker and Heidi Talbot.
14 June - Grand finale details to be advised.

Please see individual dates for more information.
07 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Listen to the rousing sound of Highland Bagpipes as the sun sets along the Boardwalk, on the South Coast (free event). Entertainment near Blaikeys Bar at 5.30pm by the Celtic Fusion dancers from Canada.

On the West Coast there will be live Celtic music at JuJu's beach bar in St James from 5.30pm (free event).
08 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

An exciting fusion of Celtic dance, rock, jazz, hip hop and reggae music by the Peatbog Faeries from Skye (nominated for Best Live Act BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2012) supported by Sandra Macbeth and her band. Includes a performance by Celtic Fusion, from the Mackenzie School of Dance, Nova Scotia. Cost US$25/Bds$50. The Plantation Theatre, St Lawrence at 8pm.
11 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Special 5-hour Celtic cruise along the West Coast of Barbados on the 60ft catamaran, Cool Runnings. Cruise from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Cost US$80/Bds$160 which includes lunch, drinks, snorkelling and swimming with turtles.

Irish Night at McBrides Pub in St Lawrence Gap with Happy Hour all night and live music by Fiona Young's band. Tickets available at the door from 6pm.
12 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Enjoy a guided walk through the enchanting 50-acre Flower Forest with owner David Spieler. Bagpipes and Celtic dancing at a favourite beauty spot with views to the East Coast and Scotland District. Starts at 11am. Cost US$10/Bds$20.
13 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Irish folk music at Holders House Holders from 7pm, with the option of dinner by celebrity chef, Paul Wedgwood. Holders Season in association with Celtic Festival Barbados present The Alan Kelly Gang in concert, with guest performances by John McCusker and Heidi Talbot. Cost US$50/Bds$100 including drinks (dinner extra).