My Barbados Blog

I ran across Notes from a Small Island blog, and Ingrid Persaud dishes the goings on at Holder's Season in Barbados. Ingrid's account brought back memories of the last Holder's Season I attended - and yes a visit to Wendy Kidd's homes is worth a visit - even if you are not a cultural fan - Linda

Ingrid starts out with . . .
'Tis “the season” to be jolly on our small rock. Visitor numbers peak as the winter birds settle into their villa nests on the West coast. Those who cannot afford to nest here from November through to April make the pilgrimage for a week or two as a brief escape from the punishing northern winter.

We put on major cultural shows for them – international culture rather than the stuff that makes up our other major local culture event, Crop Over. This being little England we particularly thrive on a little of the English cultural and social scene.

Winter birds want to be able to report back to the less fortunate of Abergavenny and Aldershot that they did not miss out on anything and they got a tan. You saw Much Ado About Nothing with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Festival Hall, London? We did it at Holders Festival in a Globe Theatre, London production. Wish you were there darling!

Read the rest of Ingrid's post at Notes From a Small Island

A variety of world-class music and theatrical performances, ranging from opera to comedy, are lined up in this year's Holders program providing the ultimate sensory experience.

The annual performing arts festival, scheduled to last until March 15, 2008, is held at the breathtaking Holders House in Barbados and has previously been graced by legends including: Pavarotti, Sir Tim Rice and Lesley Garrett.

Holders Season is hosted by the renowned Wendy Kidd, mother to Jodie and Gemma Kidd. The festival is held in the extensive grounds of Wendy's exquisite home, the Holders House, where she regularly entertains British royalty and hosts countless Polo tournaments.

The 2008 Holders Season brings a wide range of festive sights and sounds, from the West End and Broadway musical, to the rhythms of the French Caribbean.

Highlights include a Holders Season favorite, Chicago's 2nd City Touring Company described as "the world's greatest comedy theatre!" Laugh- out-loud comedy giants include Alan Arkin, Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray. In a major coup for Holders, the latest crop of comic talents brings their remarkable brand of improvised humor to the magical garden.

    The current schedule of events is:

     Tuesday, February 26th
     From Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (London) - Much Ado About Nothing

     Thursday, February 28th
     Kit and the Widow

     Friday, February 29th
     From Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (London) - Much Ado About Nothing

     Saturday, March 1st
     The Piano - Keyboard Kings Ben "Boogie Woogie" Waters + The David Rees Williams Trio

     Monday, March 3rd
     Barbados Heart and Stroke Foundation

     Tuesday, March 4th
     Classical Double Mill Bravo!

     Thursday, March 6th
     Comedy Night 2nd City Touring Co. Chicago

     Saturday, March 8th (9pm-10pm)
     6pm-8pm Calling All Kids
     9pm-10pm Poetry on the Gallery - Love is all around

     Tuesday, March 11th
     The Piano 2 - Featuring Simon Mulligan

     Thursday, March 13th
     Gospel and Blues Night with The Campbell Brothers

     Saturday, March 15th
     Gala Night - Direct from New Orleans - The Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Ticket prices start from $15 per person. For more information on Holders Season, visit www.holders.net

Barbados has named Rihanna as an honorary cultural and youth ambassador for the island.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister David Thompson Thursday night at a Bridgetown concert. The Prime Minister also gave Rihanna a "piece of the rock" which turns out is a prime piece of real estate in Apes Hill, St James Parish.

The young Bajan singer also received a Land Rover and a diamond bracelet from some of the event's sponsors, along with a birthday cake to celebrate her birthday which was Wednesday, February 20th.

And American R&B star Chris Brown, who has been romantically linked with Rihanna, traveled with her to the iskland, and was also in attendance at the concert.

Other honorary ambassadors for include Obadele Thompson, who won the bronze medal in the 100 meters at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

The Caribbean International Film Festival will take place in Barbados April 9-13 at which "Hit For Six!" will be screened.

"Hit For Six!" is a fictional account of a West Indian cricketer who fights a match-fixing charge.

Since its establishment in 1992, the Pan African Film Festival has promoted cultural and racial tolerance and understanding through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression featuring quality films from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the South Pacific and Canada.

Visit the "Hit For Six" website for more information - http://www.hitforsix.com/ 

Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, March 1st, 2008

The 27th annual Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup will be held at The Garrison on Saturday March 1st, 2008.

This is the the leading horse racing event in Barbados, and the largest and most important in the Caribbean region. This international 9 furlong race attracts some of the world's best thoroughbred horses throughout North America and the Caribbean.

Along with a fine day of racing, visitors can also enjoy the traditional Gold Cup Parade, local food vendors, and there will also be live bands to provide musical entertainment.  

For more info, please visit the Sandy Lane site

Cool Jazz in the West Indies - on the beautiful island of Barbados - ohhhh it doesn't get much better than this . . . Linda

The 15th Annual Barbados Jazz Festival - Jan 14 - 20, 2008

Singer Erikah Badu and jazz greats Bob James and Lee Ritenour will headline the festival, along with many other entertainers.

Here's the line up for 2008, along with dates, venue and ticket prices:

Jan 14 - Sunbury Plantation House - Bob James & Terri Lyne Carrington - $40.00

Jan 15 - Heritage Park/The Rum Factory - John Patitucci & Clifton Glasgow - $35.00

Jan 16 - Heritage Park/The Rum Factory - Stefan Walcott/Andre Forde - $25.00

Jan 17 - The Crane Resort (Dinner Set) - Vanessa Rubin - $100.00

Jan 18 - Farley Hill National Park - Erykah Badu - $40.00

Jan 19 - Farley Hill National Park - Kenny Garrett, Lee Ritenour, The Almond Band - $30.00

Jan 20 - Farley Hill National Park - The Rippingstons, Cuban All Star Jazz Band, David "Ziggy" Walcott - $30.00

Travel 2 the Caribbean online agency is not handling ticket sales, however we have a few available hotels and resorts with discount pricing. For those needing complete vacation packages with air and hotel included, please contact us ASAP, as air space is limited.

Online Ticket info can be found at this site:

http://www.barbadosjazzfestival.com/tickets.html

Barbados will host one of the biggest open air festivals in the Caribbean - Nova Culture Fest 2007- from Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18.

The festival will be sponsored by the Barbados Investment and Development Corp., and other private companies on the island.

The festival will cater to the entire family and offer local crafts such as pottery, basket weaving, wood carving, glass blowing, along with live cooking demonstrations. There will be plenty of fun for the kids with a special kids zones that will operate throughout the festival.

Saturday's schedule includes lots of activities and a farmers market, and live entertainment will be offered Saturday evening.

On Sunday a Caribbean Sunday Lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the Harbour Road will be closed and turned into the longest fashion runway ever seen in Barbados.

Source: Caribbean News Net

2face Idibia, one of the hottest recording artist in Nigeria, arrived in Barbados yesterday for a concert scheduled for Saturday night.

After the concert in Barbados, Idibia will head to London where he is nominated for Best African Act at the Music of Black Origin Awards (MOBO).

How did he get the name? He says "the first impression you get when you see me is based on what I look like, and the person I am on the inside is different. In my opinion I also believe everyone has two faces." Well said!

If you would like to hear 2face, check out the tracks on his myspace page.
 

Other artists scheduled to perform at MOBO are 50 Cent, Ne-yo, Robin Thicke, Mutya Buena, Craig David & Kano.

Enjoy a night of classical chamber music in Barbados . . .

Chamber Music with Harmonia Ensemble
 
Viktoria Frei-Mehnert - Piano
Dr. Christopher Atherley - Clarinet
Dr. Gernot Mehnert - Violin/Viola
 
Saturday, July 21st, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
 
Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination
UWI Cave Hill Campus, St. Michael
 
Music by J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, C.M. v. Weber, C. Reissiger, F. Kreisler, A. Dvorak, R. Schumann
 
Tickets - Adults  40.00 - Students 20.00
C.S. Pharmacy Broad Street Tel. 427 2047
UWI Bookshop Tel. 417 4515 and Tel. 422 0254

Been on vacation enjoying some Caribbean sun and fun in Turks & Caicos. Now its back to reality with catching up on lots of e-mail, and getting taxes done before the April 15th deadline. I'll be back to regular posting either before or by this weekend - meanwhile here's a little of what's happening in Barbados - Linda

Barbados Brothers Make Their Mark

Rico Walcott began riding when he was seven years old but got serious about becoming a jockey when he turned 15 in his native Barbados.

"There were horses in a pasture near where we lived and I learned how to ride initially on them," said Rico.

"I kept seeing how good Rickey (pictured here) was becoming as a jockey, though, and I got excited about maybe trying to follow him. I started as a jockey in Barbados two-and-a-half years ago and now I'm pretty focused on following in his footsteps."

Rickey is the leading rider at Stampede Park at the moment and the first to surpass the $100,000 earnings mark already this spring.

Read full article

Prince Harry Enjoying Barbados

Before Britain's Prince Harry heads off to Iraq for a six month tour, he and his girlfriend Chelsy Davis are having a great time in Barbados. The prince and his girlfriend are staying at a private villa at the Coral Reef Resort.

Reports from the British press say that Harry and Chelsy have been boozing it up with rum punch, lots of dancing and boat racing on the West coast. Over the weekend he and Chelsy flew to Antigua to watch England play Australia in the Cricket World Cup.

The young prince loves a good time, and the British press recently photographed him on a drunken night out at home. So the young prince is not doing anything more than he does at home, but I bet it's more fun in the Caribbean!

Air Jamaica's New Barbados Schedule is a Success!

Air Jamaica is reporting lots of business with its new schedule to Barbados, and the Eastern Caribbean.

Air Jamaica recently celebrated 10 years of service bringing visitors to the island of Barbados, and there are plans to add additional flights to Barbados.

Barbados All Decked Out
Indiatimes Cricket reports that Barbados is all decked out!

"Welcome to Barbados, the three Ws were born here." This was a hoarding put up right inside the Grantley Adams International Airport.

It was the best possible reminder to all tourists travelling for the first time to these parts. Of all the islands in the Caribbean, this is the richest in terms of cricketing tradition. More cricketing legends have come out of Barbados than from any of the other islands put together.

Read the full article

In other World Cup news . . .

Kensington Oval is the Best!

The directors of CWC has given Barbados Kensington Oval the highest score of the 12 Cricket World Cup venues for preparedness and readiness. Kensington Oval is the host the World Cup Final, which will be held on April 28, and also stage six Super Eight matches.

Slow Ticket Sales . . .
CWC organizers have priced tickets so high that cricket fans throughout the Caribbean and Barbados have not attended many matches. Along with high tickets prices, cricket fans complained bitterly about not being able to bring their traditional musical instruments (conch shells, shak shaks, horns, trumpets and drums) into the stadium unless they had advance permission.

But the organizers finally caved in to the reality that cricket fans in the Caribbean have their own lively cricket culture, and if you try to make that culture bend to your rules - it won't. So, the traditional musical instruments have been allowed, along with allowing fans to leave the grounds and re-enter.

Now to fill up the stand with locals, tickets are being offered at discount prices, and in some cases free tickets . . .

A plan which could include a drop in ticket prices for the Cricket World Cup matches in Barbados is being devised by officials to avoid the low turnout and other disappointments being reported in host countries so far. Read more at caribbeannetnews.com

And the Barbados Free Press comments on the "strategy" of selling the same tickets twice.
 

by Billy O'Dell

Take the kids on an island holiday to Barbados. There is always something fun to do.

When taking the kids with you on a holiday to Barbados, it is important to find exciting things for them to do. Of course there is the beach, where hours can be spent playing in the sand or surfing the waves, but there will be days when you want to do something different, or simply want a break from the sun.

Catamaran sailing and swimming with the turtles

There are several catamaran trips available but we like Cool Runnings. They offer a lunch cruise from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Price includes pick up from villa, drinks, lunch and two snorkeling stops, one of which allows you to feed and swim with the turtles.

Highland Adventure Centre

Bicycle and horseback riding tours, plus shorter hikes for the children. Also, paddock rides on retired thoroughbred horses, a children’s playground, and zoo with monkeys, sheep, mongoose, peacocks, and rabbits. Great location for children’s parties and events.

Atlantis Submarine

Your quest begins when you board the shuttle vessel "Ocean Quest" as you sit back and enjoy the seven-minute scenic cruise to the Atlantis Submarine as the Atlantis crew gives an informative talk.

Once arriving at the dive site, you are treated to the sight of the Submarine surfacing. Then you will make the easy transfer from the Ocean Quest to the Atlantis.

First the submarine will dive to 55 feet to view the beautiful coral reef and the abundance of marine life, including spectacular coral, sponge, and colorful fish through large, clear viewing windows. The 45-minute underwater journey is narrated by a knowledgeable co-pilot who will point out and explain the amazing sea life as well as give a history of Atlantis and the submarine itself. The submarine then descends to depths of 115 to 150 feet to view a sunken shipwreck.

After resurfacing, you are transferred back onboard the Ocean Quest for the return to Shallow Draught.

As a special bonus, your adult ticket aboard the Atlantis Submarine includes one free lunch or a t-shirt. All guests receive a complimentary drink as well as free transportation to and from their hotel.

Kids must be 3ft tall and tour takes about 2 ½ hours, operating daily with morning and afternoon dive times.

These are just a few suggestions for having fun with your kids in Barbados. Enjoy the sun and surf, and delight in the many attractions on the island.

The Barbados Advocate says financial concerns are the reason that the Barbados Tourism Authority has declined hosting the Miss Universe Show in 2008.

Read full article at Barbados Advocate

A pre-season fundraising event kicks off the 2007 Holders Season . . .

Sat. 10th March - Heart & Stroke Foundation
Pre-season event kicks off the 2007 Holders Season - fundraising concert featuring The Merrymen, and the world famous Barbados Defence Force Band.

Tue. 13th March - Voices of Africa 
Black Umfolosi - a quintet of singers from Zimbabwe officially start off the 2007 season with traditional African songs and dance.

Wed. 14th March - Little Theatre - Gershwin at the Keyboard 
New York pianist Jack Gibbons performs the life and music of famed composer George Gershwin.

Fri. 16th March - Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit  
The Anglo-Barbadian Gale Theatre company presents Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit.                                                            

Sunday 18th March - Mozart's Cosi fan Tutte 
New York opera company soloists and orchestra perform Mozart's opera Cosi fan tutte. 

Monday 19th March - Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit  
The Anglo-Barbadian Gale Theatre Company present their second peformance of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit.

Wed. 21st March - The Operas of Mozart - Marriage, monsters & fallen women
New York classical pianists Gints Berzins and soloists present a variety of Mozart operas.

Fri. 23rd March - The Reduced Shakespeare Company in Completely Hollywood (abridged).
The Reduced Shakespeare Company (America's bad boys) of "abridgement" take on Hollywood.

Sat. 24th March - Holders' Third Family Afternoon 
One of the newest and most popular of Holders events returns for a third year - music, poetry, circus, comedy - and hands on workshops aimed at the family and children aged 5 upwards. Two and half hours that show the best of the festival.

Sat. 24th March - Little Theatre - Comedy Night  
The Little Theatre hosts an hour and half of top comedy acts featuring Jim Tavare with Bassie. This is always a well attended event, so book early. 

Mon. 26th March - The Reduced Shakespeare Company in Completely Hollywood (abridged) 
The "bad boys of abridgement" trash the history of Hollywood, as only they can do.

Tuesday 27th March - Andre de Shields - "Black" by Popular Demand 
Emmy award winning Andre de Shields (pictured above) presents his salute to the music of rhythm and blues.  Nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway production of The Full Monty, Andre De Shields re-created his role as Noah "Horse" T. Simmons for the London production. He received another Tony nomination for his performance in Play On! and also starred on Broadway in The Wiz, Ain't Misbehavin' and Haarlem Nocturne.

Thursday 29th March - Little Theatre -  American Songbook - Cabaret with Joel Silberman
Award winning broadway composer, singer and songwriter presents Tin Pan Alley, vaudeville hits, and the music of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Frederick Loewe and many more.

Saturday 31st March - Gala Night - From Broadway to Hollywood - Sir Tim Rice  
New York's Broadway and London's West End musicians and singers join multi Oscar winning lyricist Tim Rice.  

While Gala Night on March 31 officially ends the Barbados Holders Season, there is another must see fundraising concert featuring the youth of Barbados . . .

Sunday 1st April - NCF Fundraising Concert featuring the Barbados Boys choir, The National Youth Pan Orchestra and The National Youth Orchestra.

Visit the Holders Seasons site for additional information:
http://www.holders.net/

Just received this info from Francie Ammon via e-mail . . .

CHUM FM, the Canadian rock radio station that runs the annual "Breakfast in Barbados" promotion, (and who brought in Brian Adams and Nellie Furtado!!) is doing it again this year.

Tickets go on sale at Harbour Lights TODAY for a March 8th concert with Michael Buble and Jann Arden.

Tickets are available for $60.00 and this includes the concert, and all your drinks. To get the tickets, you need to go to Harbour Lights.

Should you require further information, call them directly at 436-7225.

For those who may not be familiar with these two Canadian artists, here are their web sites. www.michaelbuble.com, www.jannarden.com

Visit Francie's site
Francie Ammon - The Virtual Office
Tel/Fax: 246-435-1623
Cell: 246-266-0571
Office Hours: 8am to 4pm
Web: http://www.virtualofficebarbados.com/

It's Cool Jazz on Sunday January 28th 8:00 p.m, at the Plantation Garden Theater located on the South coast in St Lawrence, Christ Church.

St Lucian group "Jazzarri" featuring Ryan Finn, trombonist from New Orleans, and also performing will be the Kirk Layne Quintet.

You just never know where New Orleans musicians will turn up! Linda

Tickets will be available at the door, and the cost is $25.00Bds, or $12.50 US

Call for additional information:
Christ Church
(246) 427-2555

Following intermission, they joined fellow American trumpeter Terrence Blanchard and his saxophonist to offer yet more originals designed, Blanchard maintained, “to fine their own voice even if it meant breaking the rules of traditional jazz.”

Local Barbadian award-winning R&B crooner Hal Linton and fellow Barbadian steel plan player David "Ziggy" Walcott offered well-orchestrated renditions at Heritage Park/ The Rum Factory in St. Philip during the festival’s second night on Tuesday which also attracted a full house.

On Wednesday, Macy Gray and Marissa Lindsay are slated to perform at the Garfield Sobers Auditorium, while Barbadians and visitors alike brace themselves for an extended weekend line-up which includes Karen "The Lady in Red" Briggs at The Crane Resort and Residences on Thursday; Anita Baker at the Garfield Sobers Auditorium on Friday; Arturo Sandoval, Arturo Tappin and Stanley Clarke at Farley Hill National Park on Saturday, and at the same venue on Sunday, Ruben Studdard, Will Downing and Goapele.

The festival's partnership with BET J, in association with the Barbados Tourism Authority, has taken the festival's public awareness to another level. Previews of the festival have recently aired on BET J's "Island Lime" format on Saturdays as well as on BET.

In addition, a heavy advertising rotation was carried on BET J, VH1 Soul and other channels, including mainstream radio stations in Atlanta and New York.

Actress Kim Fields travels to Barbados this week to produce a full one hour program on the festival and on Barbados' sites and attractions.

Source: Caribbean Net News

Black Entertainment Network (BET) teams up with Barbados Jazz Festival for U.S. promotion.

A preview of next year's 14th annual Barbados Jazz Festival, along with highlights of last year's festival, is currently on rotation on BET J's "Island Lime" format on Saturdays.

Upcoming BET J "Island Lime" air dates are November 18 and 25, and December 2, 16, 23 and 30 (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.).

The show also airs on Wednesdays on November 15 and 22, and December 6, 20 and 27 (6 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following day), while the show is slated to air on BET on November 29 at 2 a.m. and again in December. All telecast times are Eastern.

In addition to a heavy advertising rotation on BET J, VH1 Soul and other channels, including mainstream radio stations in Atlanta and New York, BET Digital Networks will produce and air a full one hour program on the festival and on Barbados' sites and attractions.

View our previous blog posting for the 2007 Barbados Jazz Festival lineup.

Here's the line up for 2007, along with dates, venue and ticket prices:

Jan 8 - 8:00pm Terrence Blanchard & Robert Glasper
Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip $30.00

Jan 9 - 8:00pm Hal Linton
Heritage Park/The Rum Factory, St. Philip $25.00

Jan 10 - 8:00pm Macy Gray/Marissa Lindsay
Garfield Sobers Auditorium, Wildey, St. Michael $70.00

Jan 11 - 8:00pm Dinner Set: Featuring Karen "The Lady In Red" Briggs
The Crane Resort & Residences, St. Philip $100.00

Jan 12 - 8:00pm Anita Baker: In Concert
Garfield Sobers Auditorium, Wildey, St. Michael $100.00

Jan 13 - 12:00 noon Arturo Sandoval/Arturo Tappin/Stanley Clarke
Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter $30.00

Jan 14 - 1:00p Mary Mary/Will Downing/Goapele
Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter $30.00

Season Tickets - All Venues (not Including Dinner Set) $255.00