At 19 Yannick Powell is one busy young man. He has a daytime job at CICSA Credit Union, attends ICCI two nights per week, and then performs with Bona Fide for an additional two or three nights per week. In fact he is so busy that a scholarship for Fullsail University has been put on hold for the moment. Fullsail is an establishment in Florida for the study of music and entertainment.

At such a young age one would think that his performing skills would be at an undeveloped stage. No so - Yannick is already an accomplished piano, drum and bass player and musical arranger. Yet the sax is his passion and he savours jazz, reggae and R n’ B.

The ever diversified Bona Fide Band is one of the busier groups on the Island, making the rounds between Kaibo, The Brick House and Camana Bay. Yannick’s contribution to their style gives them a sweet and smooth sound that can fit the formal surroundings of the Ritz lobby bar or if so needed swap to a more bright and breezy tone to suite an informal beach ambiance such as Kaibo.

Cayman is a harsh place to make a living on stage. Venues are scarce and musicians are plenty. The MIDI –one man or duo download bands (computerised band is a better word) are popular because they are less expensive to hire. However, hearing the captivating sounds of an authentic, living, breathing sax player, keyboardist and percussionist is always a delight. By the way a synonym for authentic is Bona Fide.

I’m sure that some veteran musician may be wondering how young Yannick has been lucky enough to get such good, regular gigs with such a popular band. Well, as an old hand in this business I can tell you besides talent, having a good connection always helps. And what better link than to have your dad, Rennard Powell, as leader of the band. Music certainly runs in this family.