If you haven't heard of the Turks & Caicos islands (or TCI), don't feel bad. With more than 90 separate islands spanning the Caribbean sea, it is difficult to know them all, and certain islands -- Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands -- have become synonymous over the years with Caribbean fun-and-sun escapism.
But get ready, folks, because Turks & Caicos is hard at work on getting more Americans--particularly African Americas-- familiar with this chain of small islands and cays located just southeast of the Bahamas.
The February wedding of actress LisaRaye McCoy (UPN's All Of Us) to Dr. Michael E. Misick, who was just installed this month as the country's Premier, is symbolic of the warm relationship this British-held archipelago is building with the U.S. With pure powder beaches, turquoise waters, an array of upscale hotel resorts and condominiums, fine dining, dance clubs, golf, scuba diving, friendly people, and a low rate of unemployment, TCI is one of the most attractive destinations for those looking to get away from it all.
A jewel in the crown of the country's calendar of special events is the Turks & Caicos Music & Cultural Festival, which celebrated its third annual presentation from July 31st through August 7th on the capital island of Providenciales. Co-produced by the island's Ministry Of Tourism with jazz event champ the BETJ Channel, the event featured top-flight performers from the Turks & Caicos as well as America and the U.K. The weeklong festivities also saw a new Miss Turks & Caicos crowned, a boat regatta, a junkanoo parade, and more that blended international sounds with local customs (like ripsaw music) and sights.
FESTIVAL HAPPENINGS
This year the proceedings were blessed to have the first true hurricane of the season, Hurricane Chris, just glance off to the northeast, stirring up a few strong winds and a couple of thunder showers. But the outdoor music festival, set up on a dockside stage at the Turtle Cove Marina, proceeded without incident, though the shows usually began late and went on until 2, 3, and 4 in the morning! The musical festivities kicked off on Thursday evening with a delightful set of rock, reggae, and calypso by the group Tropical Soul, followed by a hard reggae turn by impressive local vocalist Stanley Roots, who put true Caribbean flavor into Teddy Pendergrass' "Come And Go With Me" and Al Jarreau's "We're In This Love Together," along with several originals and a cover of Bob Marley's "Satisfy My Soul."
Saxophonist Najee delighted the small opening night crowd gathered under the stars with his saxophone and flute magic, performing tunes from his recent albums My Point Of View and Embrace, as well as his best-selling Stevie Wonder tribute set Songs From The Key Of Life. Among the tunes was the delightful "A Better World" performed on flute, the romantic "Gina," Anita Baker's "Sweet Love," his earliest hit "Betcha Don't Know What's Going On," and his tribute to his son, "Noah's Ark." He was followed by the incredible British-bred reggae band Steel Pulse, whose dub energy rocked every soul in the spot with hits like "Rally Round The Flag," "Soldiers," "Can't Stand It," and more.
On Friday night, the Miss Turks & Caicos Pageant was moved indoors in deference to a possible Hurricane Chris downpour that never came. Once the competition wrapped up, diehard fans--including Fantasia--waited until way past 2 in the morning to see dancehall star Elephant Man. His freewheeling show apparently led some women to reach up and grab any part of him they could, including his crotch. Highlights of his performance were captured on video and shown to the following night's concert audience in between sets.
Saturday evening featured the System Band performing jump-up calypso and Haitian zouk sounds, followed by local hero Jack Nasty, who blended reggae and rap with a live band and 3 sexy female dancers. Something noticeable about the original music of many artists across the Caribbean is the amount of pride they express in their home country. To the jaded ear, the songs occasionally come across like PSAs that extol the many positive virtues of their island home, but it's completely genuine and heartfelt. After years of listening to hip-hop artists give shout-outs to their 'hoods or rhyme about the horrific trials and criminal tribulations of living in the ghetto, the idea of a homegrown artist outside of the country genre expressing a sense of positive national pride seems completely foreign. Too bad.
OLD SCHOOL STYLE
Saturday's festivities continued with the human force known as Fantasia, who took the stage with a full band, a phalanx of background singers, and plenty of get-this-party-started attitude. "I'm gonna act stupid," the singer and newly-minted actress promised the TCI audience. "If you invite me to party, I'm gonna party." Kicking her shoes off within minutes of starting the show, Miss 'Tasia showed out with a blazing level of energy that had us breathless for her. Starting with "It's All Good," then introducing us to her daughter Zion, Fantasia downshifted into a medley of old-school hits, including "Rock Steady, "Tell Me Something Good," and Purple Rain," giving her band a chance to shine as well. Then she climbed down off the stage to a lower platform, and with a star-struck pre-teen island girl by her side, she launched into "Free Yourself," "Truth Is," "Ain't Gon Beg You, and "Baby Mama," all hits from her multiplatinum debut album. She closed with the towering gospel-styled anthem "I Believe" that had everyone singing about a love that keeps lifting us higher.
The old-school flavor that Fantasia rocked for the festival proved the perfect lead-in to Teena Marie, who showed that her live chops have lost none of their fire over the course of a thirty-year career. In a sequined tank, white trousers, white boots, and blue-lensed shades, Lady Tee began with "Deja Vu" and never stopped spinning out the hits, adding guitar to "Sucker For Love," and congas to "Behind The Groove," then funking through "I Need Your Lovin'." She slowed things down for the sensual "My Body's Callin'," from her La Dona comeback set, followed by that album's hit single "Still In Love." She then performed her classic "Ooh La La La," altering the flow a bit to incorporate elements of the Fugees' hit remake. Then it was back to up-tempo memories with Teena grabbing guitar for her debut hit "Lover Girl," then wrapping up with "Square Biz."
Atlanta rap sensation and actor Ludacris capped the night's festivities, but the lateness of the hour prevented us from catching his show. You can look for his performance, and other highlights of this year's festival, on the BETJ channel in the coming months.
After days of sampling conch fritters (the islands are the major exporter of conch in the world), sidestepping frisky native geckos, viewing island artworks and shops, and enjoying the amenities of the all-suite beachfront Alexandra resort on the beautiful Grace Bay, we ended our sojourn on Providenciales (population est. 22,000 on the main island along) with a Sunday-evening praise session. The final night of the Turks & Caicos Festival featured local gospel artists, most notably the amazing local sensation Julian Garland, and international superstar Yolanda Adams.
GETTING THERE
Founded by Lucayan Indians and freed slaves from Bermuda, the Dominican Republic and Cuba who initially worked the salt fields, the Turks & Caicos Islands are now a traditional-minded yet progressive country. With no real pollution, a temperate climate nearly year-round (average: 83 degrees), and easy-going atmosphere, it's the perfect escape--and located just 575 miles southeast of Miami. Returning from Providenciales to JFK in New York took just over three hours on a direct American Airlines flight. There are local flights available to the other inhabited islands: Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and North, Middle and South Caicos. But don't make the same mistake I made with a misinformed currency agent at the Miami airport--despite being a British Crown Colony, TCI operates on the U.S. dollar, making it easy to hit the ground running. Those looking for investment options will find a booming real estate market here, with residential developments offering various levels of luxury springing up across the islands. And do consider bringing someone to share the gorgeous sunsets with. They say that those who watch closely will see the famous "green flash" when the sun slides into the turquoise water of Grace Bay in the evenings.
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Janine Coveney
Head Writer/West Coast
Urban AC/Smooth Jazz Format Manager
LAUNCH Radio Networks
Los Angeles, CA 90064