The normally laid back nature of Kim Sha Beach in Simpson Bay was fired up with the energy of regatta participants, tourists and local music fans that came out in their numbers to enjoy live performances from some of the Caribbeanās most electrifying performers. After being hyped up the night before by Antiguan Soca powerhouse Claudette Peters and the dynamic St. Maarten band Youth Waves, the massive audience filled both the general and VIP areas of the seaside venue in order to partake of a diverse musical buffet.
Beres Hammond with his full band and beautiful backup singers certainly brought the house down with his extensive catalogue of world renowned hit songs. The famed Jamaican crooner moved the capacity crowd both physically and emotionally with classics such as āRock awayā, āSweet Liesā and āI Feel Goodā. Full of life, vigour and charisma the āKing of Lovers’ Rockā had the audience eating out the palm of his hand and singing along to fan favourites including āPull it Upā, āPutting Up a Resistanceā and āQueen and a Ladyā.
Much to patrons delight, the nightās entertainment card also featured a special cross-Caribbean collaboration. St. Maartenās Shadow Man joined by Trinidad and Tobagoās Terry Seales and Ziggy Rankin delivered the very best in Soca, Reggae and Rapso vibrations to the appreciative audience.
Shadow Man, known for hit Soca tunes such as āCaribbean Cruiseā and āWhite Lineā has previously collaborated with both Seales and Rankin and took pleasure in sharing the stage with his Trinidadian counterparts. Backed by a live band, Shadow Man, Terry Seales and Ziggy Rankin (who shared that he felt completely at home and treated like family in St. Maarten) were well received by the Kim Sha Beach crowd.
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is as well known for its live entertainment component as it is for competitive sailing. Attendees are already waiting in anticipation for next yearās edition and the stellar line up of artistes.
