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The Caymankind spirit for which the Cayman Islands is world renown will soon be on full display as the largest-ever Cayman contingent shares its talents and expertise with our Caribbean neighbours.  More than 50 delegates will travel to Trinidad & Tobago this summer to represent the Cayman Islands at the 14^th Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA) where they will showcase the best of Cayman’s arts and culture on the largest regional stage and make our country proud.  From music, dance and theatre to visual arts, culinary arts and heritage arts, CARIFESTA attendees will be treated to several aspects of Cayman’s vibrant culture, and the diversity of talent that exists within Cayman’s arts community. 

This extravaganza of Cayman culture will not be limited just to CARIFESTA attendees, however.  For two weekends only, the Cayman public will have the opportunity to experience just a taste of what the Cayman group will be taking to Trinidad.  The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) is putting on four nights of music, dance and theatre at the Harquail Theatre.  The Cayman Islands' CARIFESTA Showcase fundraiser will take place on Saturday, 20 July at 8:00pm and Sunday 21 July at 6:00pm as well as Saturday, 27 July at 8:00pm and Sunday, 28 July at 6:00pm.

The first weekend (20 and 21 July) will feature music from the Local Motion band, and dance performances from the combined Cayman dance troupe, which comprises dancers from the University College of the Cayman Islands, Dance Unlimited and Dreamchasers. 

Local Motion is the collaborative effort of local musicians representing the cultural diversity that makes the Cayman Islands unique. Along with lead vocalist and President of the Cayman Music Association, Jean-Eric ‘Mr Notch’ Smith, the band is comprised of some of the Caribbean’s finest and most experienced musicians, some of whom were part of legendary Caribbean bands. Included in this remarkable line-up of talented musicians is Jeff Japal, the keyboard player for the world famous Tradewinds and George Jones, keyboard player and founding member of top Barbadian soca band, Square One.  Lead female vocalist Vashti Bodden has been a top performer on the local scene for several years and is the 2019 Cayman Islands’ reigning Soca Monarch.  The other members of the band are Robert Ebanks on drums, Mitchell Ebanks on guitar and vocals, and Roger ‘Bugs” Wilson on bass.

Dance enthusiasts will be thrilled by the performances which will feature modern contemporary dances, other popular genres showcasing a fusion of British, Indian, African and Caribbean expressions, and a colourful display of Cayman’s folk forms, choreographed by Dr. MoniKa Lawrence, respected dancer, choreographer and Assistant Professor and Artistic Director of the Performing Arts at University College of the Cayman Islands. 

On the second weekend (27 and 28 July) the compelling drama “Downside Up”, written by Frank S. McField and directed and designed by Henry Muttoo, will feature the talents of Jevaughnie Ebanks, Jerrin Carter, Troy Rodgers, Leslie-ann Bernard and Giselle Webb.  Dr. McField is acknowledged as Cayman’s foremost playwright, whose dramas often reflect his extensive sociology background.  CNCF’s Artistic Director, Henry Muttoo, is one of the Caribbean’s foremost theatre arts practitioners, and is a household name both here and abroad for his award-winning work in the theatre, arts and cultural practices. “Downside Up” examines the fate of a family caught in a cycle of secrecy, domestic abuse and infidelity, family dynamics that are not uncommon but are so often covered up. CNCF advises audiences to consider parental guidance, as the themes may not be suitable for very young children but trusts that the play will spark discussion that will lead to a better understanding of the issues it highlights. 

“I hope that the public will come out to the Harquail and support our artists who are working hard to put on professional, dynamic and meaningful performances. We feel it is important that our community both gives encouragement to and is able to feel proud of Cayman’s arts and culture ambassadors to the regional stage,” said Marcia Muttoo, CNCF Managing Director. “CARIFESTA is a significant event and forum for Cayman because it gives us an opportunity to demonstrate to our neighbours, and visitors from more distant shores, the wealth and uniqueness of Cayman’s arts and culture and establish a greater international profile in the arts realm.”

Also making the trip to Trinidad are chefs Brittanni Seymour, Timisha Edwards, and Jessica Moore from Women in White; Caymanian filmmaker Badir Awe; UCCI student trumpeter, Cameron Gilson, who will take part in the Caribbean Youth Orchestra; Debra Barnes-Tabora from the Cayman Islands National Museum; heritage crafters Ms. Carmen Connolly and Isaac Jeralow Rankine; and storyteller Virginia “Auntie V” Foster.  Members of the contingent will be sharing their expertise and giving demonstrations and workshops in their own individual area/s of expertise.