Swanky Kitchen Band is set to perform at the US Library of Congress and record the first Caymanian music to be archived as part of the US National Recording Registry, “deeming the traditional kitchen band music culturally, historically and aesthetically significant”, the band said in a media release.
The 31 July performance is part of the band’s first multi-city tour of the US East Coast, “bringing the sounds of Caymanian kitchen band music to new audiences”, the release noted.
The 10-member band consists of Samuel Rose (fiddle), Nicholas Johnson (guitar), Paula Scott (grater/shakers), Lammie Seymour (bass), Devon Edie (sax/harmonica), Christopher Seymour (lead guitar), KK Alese (vocals), Jeffrey Wilson (vocals), Jared Tibbetts (drums), and Beniel Miller (keyboard). They’ll present eight shows between 26 July and 8 Aug.
Since 2003, Swanky Kitchen Band, known as Cayman’s ‘Cultural Guardians’, has become Cayman’s most sought-after and acclaimed act, amassing a loyal fan base, performing locally, regionally and internationally. They have produced two albums, ‘A Swanky Christmas’ and ‘Sand Dance’.
‘A dream’
One of the band’s vocalist Karen ‘KK Alese’ Edie Turner told the Cayman Compass that she was thrilled to embark on the tour, a dream of the band’s for some time.
“This is an awesome opportunity to showcase our unique musical genre, while broadening perceptions of Cayman, in general. We are prepared and ready to share this aspect of our culture and I’m optimistic that we will be well received,” she said.
A founding band member, Nicholas Johnson reflected on the realisation of this dream for the band.
“This incredible tour marks a major turning point in our musical journey, and we are so proud to be carrying the Caymanian flag around the East Coast this summer,” he said.
The landmark US tour has been arranged by the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, a non-profit organisation based in Virginia, USA.
The centre’s executive director, Jon Lohman, noted, “Having met the band last year at the Old Fiddler’s Convention, I was truly impressed with Swanky’s passion and showmanship. The uniqueness of the Caymanian sound along with their ability to engage with audiences helped us secure invitations to multiple festivals and special performances.”
Several Cayman Islands cultural agencies have supported the band’s tour, including the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage and the Ministry of Border Control, Labour and Culture. The band also received a grant from the Cayman Islands National Cultural Foundation and support from Cayman Airways Ltd., the official travel sponsor.
Natalie Urquhart, interim managing director of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation said, “CNCF’s Grant for the Arts programme is devoted to supporting creatives who are dedicated to the preservation of our unique heritage or the development of Caymanian culture.
“Swanky seamlessly honours both past and present with music that is deeply rooted in tradition and reflective of the vibrant rhythms of contemporary Cayman. We are delighted to support their East Coast tour and to help the share Cayman’s beloved kitchen dance music with new audiences.”
centre), CNCF Interim Managing Director Natalie Urquhart (back row centre) and Cayman Airways CFO and VP Paul
Tibbetts (back row, fourth from right).
Congratulating the band’s “momentous achievement” with the US Library of Congress, Minister for Heritage Isaac Rankine said, “This is certainly an exciting opportunity for the band and the people of the Cayman Islands as it will ensure our musical heritage forms part of the official collection. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Swanky Kitchen Band for the level of exposure this will bring for the Cayman Islands but especially for all the hard work they have done to promote Cayman culture and heritage through music. We are honoured to sponsor this worthwhile endeavour.”
On Saturday, 3 Aug. the band will also perform at the Lincoln Center in New York as part of Globalfest and encouraged fans to come out.
The band’s fiddler Samuel Rose said, “We’ve been on a long journey to get to this point, and we want the fans and friends who encouraged us along the way to be there for this momentous occasion.”
Rose added, “Based on the incredible response so far, we know there will be many Caymanians there representing with their coat of arms shirts and flags dispersed throughout the audience. We want this to be a moment of connection for Caymanians as we celebrate our heritage in one of the world’s most iconic cities.”
The tour closes 8 Aug. at the Blue Ridge Music Center, a performing arts facility in Virginia dedicated to preserving historic music and a hub for regional folk musicians.
To follow the band, check out their Facebook page.
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