The Stress Free Concert in 3D on
the lawn of Pedro St. James Castle last Saturday night was the bomb.
An excellent line-up of local and
international singers, a beautiful venue, good food and a fantastic atmosphere
combined to make it a thrilling event for the hundreds of people who followed
through in proper fashion by letting go of stress and taking in the good times.
The Bodden Town District Council,
in association with the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association, staged the
feel-good concert for residents to loosen-up, let their hair down and relax for
a few hours.
While many concert-goers brought
their own chairs and blankets, most were up and swaying, rocking or dancing to
the delightful evening of music, while toddlers frolicked nearby.
The event even provided a fun time
in the Pedro Courtyard for teens seeking to hang out with their peers. Most of
them found this a good opportunity to catch up on the latest news, while making
a statement of showing off the latest dance moves.
And what would a stress free party
be without the wafting aromas of fried fish and fritters cooked on an open pit,
and the opportunity to taste and rate turtle stew cooked by some of Cayman’s
best cooks? In addition to the savoury turtle tastings, visitors dropped
donations in a box to assist various Bodden Town District Council initiatives.
The crowd even had the opportunity
to browse and buy some traditional artworks by local artists Twyla Vargas and
Eugene Christian.
Judging by the number of residents
who attended, it was an indication that people in Cayman needed to loosen-up
and not take things too seriously, if only for a night.
“I thought the Stress Free concert
gave us a glimpse of what should be happening in Grand Cayman at least once a
month,” said local musician Stuart Wilson, who also performed onstage. “This
show highlighted many positives while also revealing that things can be done
when promoters have the support of the Immigration Department and the Cayman
Music and Entertainment Association. I enjoyed every minute of the event, and
to perform with a view of the ocean, as well as the stars in front of the band
stand, was euphoric.”
Stuart is no stranger to crowds in
the Cayman Islands, having performed in a number of notable shows for audiences
here throughout the years.
The free concert also presented
such sensations as Morgan Heritage members, local singers Notch Stuart Wilson
Big J, The iZ, Lammie and teen singer Rico, bands Impulz, Bona Fide, Local
Motion, and the North Side Kitchen Band. LIME was also on hand in a booth
offering credit, phone and T-shirt deals.
One parent remarked, “We went not
knowing what to expect and ended up having a superb time. There was a good
crowd atmosphere for adults and children, and the bands, especially in the last
two hours of the show, were phenomenal.”
The concert was truly exceptional,
and the Bodden Town District Council effort to bring the whole island together
at a time when everyone seems to be feeling the stress and pressures of
everyday life, was a success.
Sponsors include the Caymanian
Compass, CUC, Consolidated Water Company, Redi-Mix Concrete, Kent Rankin, Sunshine
Suites, Quick Images, Hopscotch Studios, Western Union, Water Boys, Renard
Moxam, the Ministry of Culture, and Public’s Ltd.