If nothing else, John Legend’s triumphant gig at Camana Bay proved that, yes, there is a yearning for high-class live music here in Cayman.
It also blasted away any doubts that Cayman was capable of hosting a superstar and giving him the technical support to allow him to do his thing. From the booths selling local wares to the outstanding sonic and lighting set-up, this was a gig that truly ranked as a major success.
Of course, without the central performer all this would fall down, but Legend wasn’t here just to pick up a cheque and run. In fact, the multi-Grammy winning artist was as up for it as anyone in the crowd, slamming through a full set that not only featured all the hits people had come to expect but also a great cover of Redemption Song – exceedingly appropriate on the weekend of Bob Marley’s birthday.
At one stage, Legend brought a lucky lass on stage with him to enjoy the moment. And, boy, did she do that, even getting to remove his top to great cheers from the very large crowd. It was the perfect mix of Caribbean cheek and Caymanian affection; the result – smiles all around, of course.
Local favourites
The evening had begun with sets from local favourites Clever Knots, Jeffrey Wilson and Stuart Wilson, who threw in a couple of Marley covers of his own. This trio of Cayman talent did not look out of place and it’s kudos to the organisers of the event that they continue to present a forum in which our own acts can play a big stage to big crowds and further hone their craft by so doing.
Main support to Legend was Bobby V, whose commercial R&B and propensity for flouncing about on stage with his shirt off pleased some sections of the crowd. But in truth, it was all about the headliner – and he did not disappoint. There was even the first ever live rendition of new single Tonight (Best You Ever Had) along with a gospel version of Adele’s smash, Rolling in the Deep.
From the moment the Ohio-born pianist and vocalist walked onto the stage until the final chord of the last encore, he showed that not only did he own the stage but he knew how to deliver his neo-soul into the hearts of each member of the crowd.
Tour venue
It may take a while to establish Cayman on the circuit as a tour venue, but with good United States connections, the definite appetite of the music lover, the beautiful scenery and the infrastructure to support it, in future years perhaps this concert will be seen as a tipping point. We’re already the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean; there’s no reason Cayman cannot become the musical mecca, too.
The gig was the first in a planned series of Live Lounge events through Monster Media, a division of Paramount Media. Many partners were involved in its genesis including Camana Bay, Budweiser, Coca Cola, AON, Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, Lime, Mercedes-Benz, Vibe and Spin FM, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Cayman Airways and Caymanboxoffice.com
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