When you think about visiting the Caribbean, you probably picture yourself lying on a beach sipping a cold beer or a rum punch and maybe making your way to the pool for an afternoon dip. But does your vacation dream also have a soundtrack? It should because the islands are filled with a vibrant music scene. There are some big music festivals like St. Kitts Music Festival and Soul Beach in Aruba that you might have heard of, but there are many other local music events and venues where you can find a vacation rhythm all your own. If you love live music and are craving a beach vacay, here are the best places in the Caribbean to direct your attention (and your ears).
MooMba Beach Bar, Aruba
Not that you’d want a break from the beaches in Aruba, but if you feel like trading your bare feet for dancing shoes, head to MooMba Beach Bar on a Friday night when the open-air restaurant and bar features live music starting at 8 p.m.
SXMusic Festival, St. Martin
If you’re a fan of electronic music you might want to consider a trip to St. Martin in March when the brand new SXMusic Festival takes place. This boutique music festival, named after the island’s airport code, will feature internationally recognized DJs including Jamie Jones, Maceo Plex, Guy Gerber, Francesca Lombardo, Apollonia, Dubfire, Blond:ish and more. The festival is set to take place March 9 to 13.
Bourbon Beach Jamaica, Negril, Jamaica
Bourbon Beach Jamaica is a good spot to go most nights of the week if you want to catch some live music. While you’ll definitely hear some reggae (as many as four reggae shows per week), other genres are also well represented here. Claiming to have the best sound system in Jamaica, Bourbon Beach is not the kind of place where you’ll be standing around – come prepared to get moving.
Nevis Blues Festival, Nevis
Blues fans will want to get to Nevis in April for the Nevis Blues Festival where they can enjoy three days of music right on the beach at Oualie Bay. From April 14 to 16, a roster of artists including Ian Siegal, Kirk Fletcher, Simon McBride, Denise Gordon and more will be on hand to entertain island-goers. In addition to great music, there will be several bars serving up drinks and lots of food options, including traditional Nevisian-style barbecue.
Eleuthera…All That Jazz, Eleuthera, Bahamas
The best known Bahamian festival may well be Junkanoo, a holiday season parade tradition that takes place throughout the islands. However, for a music-laden escape for the winter weary, the best bet in the Bahamas is Eleuthera…All That Jazz, which takes place – as the name suggests – on the island of Eleuthera. Eleuthera is known for its pineapple fields and laid-back vibe, and was recently ranked as “The Best Island in the Caribbean” by “Travel & Leisure”. In terms of the music, artists at this year’s fest include King Solomon Hicks, The Gabrielle Stravelli Quartet, The Harbour Boys Jazz Rush and more. Eleuthera…All That Jazz takes March 30 to April 3.
Iggies Beach Bar, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is home to Iggies Beach Bar, located a stone’s throw from the water’s edge. In addition to the stellar location, it’s a happening spot for music. Iggies boasts live music 365 days a year, so, no matter when you visit, there will always be something going on.
International Blue Seas Festival, Curaçao
Curaçao is one of those Caribbean islands you don’t hear as much about as say, Jamaica or Aruba, but it’s well worth a visit for its beautiful beaches and charming capital city (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage City). And it also happens to host the International Blue Seas Festival happening May 6 to 7. Artists on tap at this year’s fest include Laurence Jones, Leon Russell, Lucky Peterson, Daddy Long Legs and Samantha Fish among other blues, rock and funk acts.
Dune Preserve, Anguilla
One of the best bars in the Caribbean has to be Dune Preserve on the gorgeous (like, seriously gorgeous) island of Anguilla. The ramshackle bar was assembled from driftwood, coconut trees and old boats giving it an eclectic vibe that you can’t find elsewhere on the island. Plus it’s smack on a stretch of white sand, which doesn’t hurt. The bar is the brainchild of reggae artist Bankie Banx so you can expect some great music most nights. Dune Preserve is also home to the Moonsplash Music Festival, reportedly the oldest independent music festival in the Caribbean, which takes place this year from April 21 to 24.
World Creole Music Festival, Dominica
Dominica is another lesser-known Caribbean island and like Curaçao, it’s worth checking out. Known as the “Nature Island”, Dominica is filled with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. A good bet is Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which encompasses the world’s second largest Boiling Lake. But onto the music scene. The World Creole Music Festival takes place Oct. 28 to 30 and features some of the best in Creole music. The lineup for 2016 isn’t listed yet, but keep an eye on the website over the next few months.
Mr X’s Shiggidy Shack, St. Kitts
Anyone looking for a good time in St. Kitts should head to Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack, another open-air restaurant and bar with tables right on the beach. In addition to fresh fish and frozen drinks with a kick, there’s live music every Thursday and Friday. Thursday nights also feature a bonfire and The Fire Man, a guy who dances around with, you guessed it, fire.
Featured image: istockphoto.com/cdwheatley
