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Rum shops and bars in this island paradise are more than just watering holes. Here you will hear Barbadians articulately debating the latest political issues and current affairs over a glass of rum or a beer. This same spirit of public debate and opinion transcends such gathering places into the infectious calypso rhythms of the island.
Calypso is more than just jump up carnival dancing. It is first a serious social commentary about the issues of the day. It is the Calypsonians form of political satire and when you listen to the words you will hear attacks on virtually any and everything from politics, to male and female relationships.
The annual Crop Over festival is a five-week summer festival aimed at promoting the best in local culture and entertainment. Some of the islands top performers such as the Mighty Gabby and Red Plastic Bag compete for several coveted prizes including Party Monarch, the Road March and the Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. The finals of the Pic-O-De-Crop are held at the National Stadium in Waterford. The entertainers are judged not only on visual presentation but on the lyrical content of their songs. Innuendo, humour, and skilful delivery are artistically injected into their performances to determine the calypso king or queen.
While the traditional features of Barbadian calypso are still highly regarded among the islands music lovers, a younger breed of Barbadians are attracted to the up-tempo beats of party soca. Performers such as Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood and Rupee Clarke have excelled in this sphere. This brand of calypso is fast paced, energetic, and more physically demanding in its dance style. With lyrics focusing on sex, 'wukking up' and to a lesser extent, current issues, party soca is popular in the islands clubs.
Bridgetown is more a commercial hub than entertainment centre. To find the true musical pulse of the island, you have to go outside of Bridgetown. The St. Michael area, the south coast of the island (on which the popular St. Lawrence Gap is located) and the west coast are the homes to some of the most popular music spots.
For late night socializing and good live and DJ music, the seafront club, Harbour Lights, located just outside Bridgetown, is one of the top clubs among visitors and locals. This semi-outdoor setting offers live music on weekends and some week nights. The cover charge includes free drinks on certain nights and attracts an even larger crowd. Fridays (where the cover charge is $US17) are particular popular.
Just under a quarter of a kilometer away, you will find the Boatyard with its semi-outdoor restaurant and courtyard bar. This is a famous happy hour haunt, especially with the locals. The happy hours are 6pm and 10pm and by the second happy bell, the courtyard, beachfront and bar are usually filled with patrons, particularly on Friday nights. Live music on weekends includes top local bands such as Square One and The Heard and occasionally other groups from the region.
Located in St. Lawrence Gap, the heart of the south coast tourist belt, the Ship Inn is one of the liveliest clubs on the island. Its pulsating calypso rhythms and semi-outdoor setting attracts a large local and tourist crowd. The club also features live local acts such as Biggy Irie and Tamara Marshall on certain nights.
The popular After Dark nightclub, also on St. Lawrence Gap, boasts one of the longest bars in the world. Here the bar staff will serve you virtually any alcoholic beverage of your choice with a style and technique that almost surpass the drink itself. You can wine to the sweet rhythms of calypso and reggae until the wee hours of the morning in the indoor or outside setting.
The exquisite Casbah nightclub on the west coast is one of the islands newest clubs. Nestled in the heart of Holetown, it caters to those in search of sophistication. With its Moroccan charm, air-conditioned comfort, classy waiter service and silky throw cushions you could easily feel like royalty.
Jazz
The annual Barbados Jazz Festival is one of the premier jazz festivals in the Caribbean, attracting jazz lovers and media representations from various parts of the globe. Headliners have included bands and artistes such as Toshiko Akiyoshi, Nancy Wilson, Monty Alexander, Wynton Marsalis and Spyro Gyra. One of the highlights of the festival is Jazz on the Hill. Scores of Barbadians and visitors converge at Farley Hill National Park with their picnic baskets to listen to some of the worlds top jazz performers.
Located in Bridgetown, the Waterfront Café is one of only a few jazz cafes on the island. This stylish café overlooks the scenic Careenage where yachts are docked. This is a great place to listen to live jazz (Saturdays) and enjoy a drink or a meal. The Waterfront Café can also offer unexpected surprises in the form of marquee guest artistes such as Roy Haynes or Branford Marsalis.
Theatre
Barbadian humour, often 'wicked', abounds in Barbadian pantomine. Very different from British pantomime, it focuses on political satire and local folklore. Laff it Off and Pampalam are two of the most popular pantomines. Politicians and celebrities are often the butts of the jokes in this art form Listings for performances can be found in the Friday editions of the Barbados Advocate and Nation newspapers.
Over the years, more serious theatre has emerged on the local scene. This has attracted more discerning theater goers who have an interest in literature and playwriting and look beyond the lighthearted theatre productions which typify the local drama scene. Stage One Theatre Production, among other production companies, has brought a number of serious plays to Barbadian audiences.
Dinner Shows
Two of the islands most popular dinner shows are 1627 and All That and Tropical Spectacular. These truly memorable evenings of entertainment feature folk dance, drama and traditional rhythms. 1627 and All That gives visitors a chance to experience the history of Barbados from 1627 to present as it unfolds in music, verse and dance. The show includes lively steel band entertainment, complimentary bar, hors d'oeuvres and a sumptuous Barbadian buffet dinner. Tropical Spectacular, held at the attractive plantation Garden Theatre, is a dinner show that offers a variety of entertainment. This glittering extravagazana, complete with stunning costumes and thrilling choreography is an authentic Caribbean cultural kaleidoscope featuring music, song and dance and the red-hot excitement of a fire-eater and flaming limbo. The show has kept visitors and locals alike coming back again and again for the past 17 years.
Cinemas
If you are a movie goer, you will be happy to know that there are three cinemas and one drive-in on the island. Of these, the Vista, located in Worthing Christ Church is the most modern, offering new Hollywood releases each week. The Globe Drive-In, situated in Adams Castle, Christ Church offers an outdoor viewing experience and usually combines new releases with older classics. They offer the latest Hollywood releases. Located in Upper Roebuck Street, Bridgetown, the Globe Cinema offers a similar selection to the Drive-In. Ticket prices are around US$5. Refreshments include old favourites such as hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks. The Vista and the Globe feature daytime and nighttime movie showings. |
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