Nevis / Special Interests / Music

By Sara Macefield

Many of Nevis’s musical traditions can be traced back to colonial times with the accompaniment of “Big Drum” or “String Band” music to traditional folk dances. Big Drum originates from Africa, comprising a base, kettle drums and a fife (resembling a flute), while string or “scratch” bands contain as many as 10 musicians playing guitars, mandolin, baho (base pipe made from bamboo), a fife and various percussion instruments. Steel pan and calypso, otherwise known as Kaiso, are also popular, having spread from their heartlands of Trinidad and Jamaica. However, Nevisians like to make their mark on this musical genre and Kaiso competitions are run as part of the island’s Culturama carnival celebrations, propelling the winner to celebrity status on the island.

Work songs are also an important part of the islanders’ culture. When they’re moving a heavy object, you can expect to hear them singing “The ram, the ewe and the weather goat” – signifying 1,2,3, go!

Nevis has a number of local bands and as a guest in the hotels you will hear them play from time to time over dinner or for a party. Some bands play international music, but you may well also hear local scratch bands as there are three of them on the island. These have many stringed instruments (they are also called “string bands”), and then sometimes some drums or a boom box. The bass is also played with either a bamboo or plastic pipe and the tune is sometimes called by a flute. Scratch bands can have as many as ten players.

Contributor: James Henderson (Original Author)

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).

Browse Music on other islands

Or read our other island guides

Nevis’s weather

When to go and weather

Looking for inspiration?

Try a Killer Bee cocktail at Sunshine’s Beach Bar on Pinney’s Beach
Visit the Horatio Nelson Museum
Enjoy a game of golf at the Four Seasons Resort, designed by Robert Trent Jones II
Learn how to windsurf on the protected bay at Oualie Beach
Stay in one of the island’s delightful plantation inns

Nevis Events

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