Capella Delights Concert Goers

By Staff Writer

A crowd of several thousand turned out to the Festival Green at Camana Bay to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Capella Music Festival on Saturday 16th April.

With both international and local acts gracing the stage over the course the day, concert goers and patrons were delighted by the performances and world-class amenities provided by the organizers.

No detail was spared on the day, with Capella even featuring its own WIFI system - compliments of Logic.

Organizer Kenny Rankin noted that the measure was an important part of making sure the guests enjoyed connectivity with their smartphones and social media without the congestion that might come otherwise.

With the weather conditions cooperating, the venue set up to accommodate the influx of spectators and emergency personnel on hand, the day went off without a hitch.

Leading off the cadres of international performers was Maxi Priest, who gave brought his trademark dreadlocks and silk smooth vocals to the fray and setting the tone for the rest of the day.

One of the highlights of the festival was the performance from superstar Wyclef Jean, who ‘brought the house down’ and stole the show, as well as the hearts of those in attendance.

The beloved entertainer and statesman, who was also one of the founders of the mega-group, the Fugees in the 1990’s - which featured other global sensations such as Lauren Hill - went beyond the call of duty.

From playing his guitar using his teeth, to joining the crowd during his performance, Wyclef was a crowd pleaser from start to finish.

Delivering hits spanning nearly three decades, Wyclef was able to reach fans from every generation.

Another highly anticipated performer was Michael Bolton, who also gave an impassioned performance, with his trademark soulful style of rock and blues, casting a nostalgic theme of romance on the evening and perfectly warming the tenor of the event.

“I love the fact that there is such a diverse line-up of acts and something for everyone,” noted Natalie Hardaway, who was visiting the Island on vacation. She added that she was very impressed with the level of organization and thought and planning that went into the festival on, “such a small Island.”

Capella was definitely a family event and children were able to enjoy the show, along with their parents and other family members, making the festival one in a long line of great events such as the Jazz Festival and Kaboo that have set the bar high for entertainment in the Cayman Islands. 

Charli XCX also delivered a compelling performance, featuring songs that everyone had heard but many had not associated with the Artist.

“I didn’t realize that was her song,” noted one concert goer, who added that they loved Charli’s energy and choreography.

In a day filled with highlights, another crescendo of Capella was the vintage and spirited uncanny delivery of magical moments from Reggae crooner Beres Hammond, who topped the night off with hits spanning decades; leaving the audience riveted.

Beres Hammond is no stranger to the Cayman Islands and has performed in the British Territory several times over the years; each time bringing an updated bevy of hits, along with the classics that people have come to love so much and know so well.

“It’s the soundtrack to our lives,” declared Ryan Thomas, who said he had always wanted to see the entertainer Live in concert.

The “Rock Away” singer added more fuel to the inferno of sound that had been ignited by earlier acts and kept the audience in a frenzy. 

Local performers were also a big draw for this year’s Capella Festival and acts such as Erica Asai, Beneil Miller and the Kuyah Band, Rico Rolando, Yohan Fitzgerald, Sheena Lee, Sugar Daddy and the Impulz Band delivered in fine style.

Beneil, Erica and Rico are among the Cayman Islands’ emerging artists, who are making a name for themselves on the local circuit and internationally.