If there was ever a tale about how music connects people, local band Hi Tide has got a great one.
About 25 years ago, a US couple – Kent and Meg Grosse – travelled to Cayman for their honeymoon. They went out one evening and heard the duo of Sean Hennings and Shane Allenger playing, and subsequently purchased some of their CDs.
Fast-forward to this year, and that same couple was planning to return to the islands for their silver anniversary. They were listening to Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio, and heard the song ‘Hesitate’. Kent Grosse wasn’t familiar with that particular number, but said it sounded to him like Hi Tide. Sure enough, when he activated the Shazam app on his phone, up popped the name of the Grosses’ favourite island act.
So, when they arrived in Cayman for that anniversary trip, they tracked down where Sean and Shane were playing, and showed up at Ms. Piper’s Kitchen and Garden on Wednesday, 18 May, carrying their No Shoes Nation paraphernalia with them.
What song did Hi Tide just happen to be playing as they took their seats? ‘Hesitate’, of course.
The couple got some pictures with the band in their breaks, and told them the tale of how they had returned to recapture the musical magic of their honeymoon. Hi Tide subsequently posted the story on their Facebook page, and other international fans added their own recollections.
Mary Langlois Drummond said, “We just celebrated 25 on the 10th and fell in love with Hi Tide music on our honeymoon! Waiting for when we can make it back to see you guys again in person.”
Scott Borowicz said, “Awesome! My wife and I have a similar story and would love to see you guys next year for our 25th anniversary!”
It’s a good thing Sean and Shane started playing music at such a young age. It means they’ll still be entertaining audiences when the golden wedding celebrations come around.
Hi Tide is presently off the island on a short tour, playing at venues like Sambuca in Nashville. They can usually be found at top Cayman bars, resorts and restaurants such as Abacus, The Westin, and Ms. Piper’s on a weekly basis. To learn more about the band, visit www.hitidemusic.com.
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Can appreciate this story since my daughter and some of the family coming down to celebrate their 25th also. The exception is we have been going to Cayman since 1989 and while many things have changed, my friends have not. A true Caymanian is a beautiful soul. (my secret is that my heart and soul reside there)