The indigenous fiddle music of Cayman’s Swanky Kitchen Band is being shared with music lovers this week at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, Washington.
Five members of the band – Samuel Rose, Nicholas Johnson, Lammie Seymour, Christopher Seymour and Beneil Miller – are artists in residence for a week-long, total immersion workshop being held through 6 July.
The workshop features “an array of fiddle styles from specific geographic regions of the world. They will work alongside bearers of other fiddle traditions, share culture through music, teach music in a cultural context, and build new relationships in the fiddle music community,” according to a social media post shared by the group ahead of their departure on 29 June.
The ‘Guardian of Caymanian culture’ band is known for its musical genre, kitchen dance music, which has garnered success locally, regionally and internationally.
“Fiddle Tunes’ organizers heard about our successful US East Coast Tour and contacted us through the Center for Cultural Vibrancy. We are excited that so many from all ages and backgrounds have signed up to participate in the kitchen band workshops, classes, band labs, and tutorials,” Rose, the band’s leader and fiddle player noted in the shared post.
On day one of their artist residency, the group took to social media to share highlights of teaching fiddle music, with several musicians closely observing and experimenting, and the group even exploring other instruments as well as listening intently to participants’ fiddle tunes.
“Absolutely amazing Day 1 at Fiddle Tunes sharing Caymanian culture with an amazing and receptive group of music lovers!” the group shared.
According to the festival’s website, the workshop, which welcomes all ages and musical abilities, presents an “expansive array of fiddle styles from specific geographic regions of the world. The workshop provides an opportunity to be in community with the bearers of fiddle traditions, and you will discover culture through music, learn music in a cultural context, and build lifelong relationships in the fiddle music community.”
Guitarist Nicholas Johnson said, “It is an awesome opportunity to not only perform overseas but now to spend 10 days in an immersive experience teaching fiddlers and guitarists from around the world our Caymanian music heritage.”
Band member and multi-instrumentalist Beneil Miller noted the artistic residency trip was made possible with the help of CIBC Caribbean and Cayman Airways.
“It is empowering to know that our community continues to support us on our cultural mission,” he said.
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