CNCF Invites the Public to Celebrate Caymanian Culture at Red Sky at Night

The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) is proud to present Red Sky at Night (RSAN) to the community after a hiatus caused by the pandemic. Each year, the multidisciplinary arts festival highlights the talent of local musicians and performers across four stages, and showcases the work of dozens of fine artists, artisans, and traditional food vendors.

This year Red Sky at Night will take place on Saturday, 15 April from 2:00pm-11:00pm on the grounds of the FJ Harquail Cultural Centre, Lawrence Blvd. Produced by CNCF, the popular festival is the anchor event for Cayfest, which includes Dress for Culture Day, the National Arts and Culture Awards, and the Folk Singers’ Anniversary concert later in May.

The busy line-up includes events across several stages happening simultaneously, and festival goers will be able to choose from performances on Harquail Theatre Stage, the RSAN Mainstage (outdoors), the Studio Theatre, and the fan-favourite ‘Caymanian Village’, which will pay homage to traditional Caymanian performances of multiple disciplines. Featured performers this year at RSAN include: Sean Moran; James Geary; Notch and Local Motion Band; Stuart Wilson; Kuhyah Music; Denys Carbo; Vashti; and more, as well as performers from all of the islands’ well-loved dance companies.

Also returning to Red Sky at Night this year is the Parade of Nations, where performers of all nationalities are invited to showcase their culture through a parade through the Harquail grounds, followed by a short performance on the RSAN Mainstage. Led by the Cayman Islands contingent, countries represented include Ghana, Uganda, Jamaica, Honduras, and the Philippines.

Those attendees looking for unique local gifts and treasures will have lots of opportunities to purchase art/products on the Thatch Walk, which will feature a series of artisan booths, selling products ranging from artwork: paintings, sculptures, and photography, to clothing, woodwork, calligraphy prints, ceramics, oils, soaps and jewellery. The Creative Kids Zone will provide activities and specialty food for kids ages 3-12 years old, and there will also be stargazing activities in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Astronomical Society. To showcase cultural resources from across Cayman arts organisations, there will also be a dedicated shared space for other cultural practitioners alongside CNCF. In addition, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, CNCF’s sister organization, will be open until 8:00pm with free admission to three exhibitions including a showcase of Gladwyn ‘Miss Lassie’ Bush’s “Markings”, a mid-career solo exhibition by Native Son Al Ebanks, and a group exhibition featuring 70 Cayman artists entitled ‘Ties That Bind.’

Back again is the Caymanian Village where artists, crafters, storytellers, and performers will recreate Cayman’s rich cultural traditions. There will be live demonstrations such as re-enactments of household chores, cooking traditional desserts on a caboose, thatch plaiting, playing music, dancing, singing, and more. Visitors to this area will also be able to enjoy quadrille and maypole dancing and hear performances from the Cayman Islands Folk Singers. 

Pre-sold tickets for Red Sky at Night are $25 for adults, $15 for seniors (65+), children, and students, and free for children aged five and under. They can be purchased online at www.ticketsplus.ky, or in person at either Funky Tangs location or the CNCF office. For more information about Red Sky at Night, email cncf@artscayman.org , call 949.5477 or visit www.artscayman.org . The event is made possible through support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, Pepsi, Massive Rental Equipment and Sales Ltd, 106.1 Kiss FM, Webster’s Tours, Camana Bay, Hopscotch Productions, 104.1 Hot FM, Fast Signs, Radio Cayman, and Tickets Plus.