One of the most asked questions by visitors at concierge desks, bars or of resident passersby is “Where can we hear some live music?”.
Thanks to the large melting pot of cultures to be found in the Cayman Islands, a wide range of genres is celebrated on local stages.
From traditional songs passed down through generations to original numbers penned in modern times, Caymanian musicians have ensured that there is no shortage of tunes for audiences to enjoy.
Music has always been a big part of Cayman’s history. Senior citizens remember when, in the festive season, bands of men playing instruments would walk down the lanes, going from house to house. The sound of those melodies in the distance would officially hail the approach of Christmas Day.
Caymanian seamen, decades ago, hundreds of miles from home, became firm fans of country music, thanks to radio stations hailing from the US that they tuned into on the merchant ships, and that influence is still very strong in the islands today. Additionally, the mix of soca, reggae, calypso, pop, rock, rhythm and blues, alternative, Latin, rap and hiphop that has inspired local artists, means somewhere on any given night of the week, someone will find a musician playing songs they love.
Aside from one-off special events and concerts, there are many venues on the island that regularly host live music nights. Peppers on West Bay Road has local legend Lammie bringing his strong vocals to the stage, as well as popular groups JR Douglas Band and Los Tropicanos.
Ms. Piper’s has also become a favourite of those seeking out some melodic therapy with the likes of James Geary and Hi Tide in rotation, among others.
Speaking of Hi Tide, the duet with many albums under their belts and a long-term residency at Decker’s Restaurant on West Bay Road can now be found at not only Ms. Piper’s, but also in Camana Bay on weekends.
Sandbar in George Town is a big hotspot for local acts. The Fabulous 68’s, The Neverines and Sugardaddi are just a few that you’ll find yourself dancing to if you head down there in the evenings.
Don’t forget about the resorts, either. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to pull up a chair to the bar and listen to Nathan Barnett and Glen Scott masterfully playing their guitars, or Mexican mariachi (which matches perfectly with margaritas).
Paraguayan harpist Eugenio Leon, who can elevate a sunset with his command of his instrument, can be found at different restaurants throughout the week, such as Casanova by the Sea. If you’re in the mood for romance, this is the music for you.
Of course, it’s also hard to beat the unique sound of steel pans when you’re in the islands, so head to Wyndham Reef Resort on Saturday nights where locals mix with tourists under the evening sky.
Then there is Bevvy bar, in what used to be the open lobby of Margaritaville Resort. That venue has always been popular for live bands, so it’s nice to see that the tradition is being continued. Patrons can pull up a chair to the bar or take a seat closer to ground level and enjoy a mix of musicians on the weekend.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what the Cayman Islands has to offer when it comes to live music, and Mother Nature provides the perfect backdrop.
