The Rum Runners from south Eleuthera will perform rake and scrape.  This native music features musicians playing drums (such as congo or bongo drums), guitars, and saws.  The Brilanders from Harbour Island will play traditional Bahamian music and reggae.  This local band has put out some wonderful hits such as Harbour Island, Pick up da Mail, Bahamian Music, and more.  There are some other Bahamian Bands from other islands and the fire dancers will also perform. 

Count Bernadino will be one of the big acts to perform.  This man is a legend.  From his biography (http://mail.vandercook.edu/~cjustilien/Artist/CountB/count_bio.html):  Born 1923.  Among the giants on the Bahamian music scene is one of our authentic calypsonians and Cacique Award winner "Count Bernadino".   He has performed all over the United States in the 50's and after forming his own band in the early 60's the Bahamas Development Board under the leadership of Sir Stafford Sands sent Count and many other entertainers all over the world to attract tourist to the Bahamas.  From the seventies up to now, Count attributes his survival to calypso music. As one of our few calypsonians, Count continues to entertain locals and tourists alike all over the islands of the Bahamas. He performs on Paradise Island two days weekly, Saturday night shows at Breezes, and several other standing engagements at various hotels.  

The following is a music review of the Count:    Truly amazing is the ability to get on stage at age 81, jump around, sing, play, and thoroughly entertain your audience. That's what "The Count" continue to do at local hotels and special events. Count has the keen sense to make up songs on the spot, a tradition long practiced and developed by Trinidadian calypsonians like Lord Kitch, Mighty Sparrow, Black Stalin, and more recently David Rudder. "The Count" is really one of a kind in our Bahamas. When most singers plan their lyrics carefully, he sings about things that are happening instantaneously.

Another artist to perform is Kirkland Bodie (KB).  In my opinion, KB is way too cute and way too much fun to watch on stage.  Born early 70's, his music encompases Rake 'n Scrape and Calypso.   K.B.'s music is a form of story telling which incorporates the Bahamian sound of Junkanoo, Goombay and Rake & Scrape.   You can read his biography at http://mail.vandercook.edu/~cjustilien/Artist/KB/KB_Mpg.html.   

T'Rez Hepburn will also perform.  (This will be a new one for me... haven't seen her yet).  She is known for her songs Suga Shack, The Stage is Mine, and Do U Know (this one won her two Bahamas Grammys for Best Song and Best Female Entertainer).  T'rez, the neice of the famous Bahamian singer, Tony Seymour

Palmetto Point Homecoming is a few weeks away - May 11-15.  Palmetto Point homecoming is always a good gathering.  This homecoming is usually very well organized with lots of live music, many food stalls, and a well stocked bar.  You can also find some good arts and crafts stalls and a gin & coconut stall (my favorite).  I should have word soon as to who the entertainment is.

I've also gotten some more pictures of the fires around Palmetto Point.  The water truck was brought in along with some excavation equipment to clear a path in the brush near some homes.  The good news is, there was a good rain yesterday, and the fires are all out now.

"So, my best hamburger was at Tippy's $9.95, Pink Sands at $16.00, then 3rd & worst was Cocodimamma. Can't remember the price, maybe $15 or so. Best beach was Club Med, it was so pink this time. Pink <Sands> beach wasn't pink, but very beautiful to walk along as it was in & out curves & great waves, but way too many people. Club <Med> was pink, just 1 big curve & very isolated. Best just picked veggies: hands down, Island Farms & the most incredible just picked beets, to die for.  Dolce la Vita was ok, but expensive for the quality. Smuggler's Beach restaurant had the very best & freshest fish, way too good.  That's our picks this time."

Guess I've got to find out where Smuggler's Beach restaurant is....

Reports from the island indicate that much of it is on fire.  Dry season is upon us.  Let's pray for some rain soon.  The north has 2 fires, one very near the airport.  There are 3 burning in Palmetto Point - one in the dump.  And one is burning in Rock Sound.  I've added some pictures to share.  Also, one of the graveyard in Tarpum Bay... beautiful site with old, old graves.