分类： entertainment

Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed musical ensemble Kes The Band, fronted by lead vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller, is poised to make history as the headline act at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s third annual Unity Jazz Festival on January 8-9, 2026. This prestigious engagement places the Caribbean group among an elite roster of Trinidadian performers who have graced the iconic New York venue, following in the footsteps of legendary artists including trumpeter Etienne Charles and calypso icon Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco.

The band will deliver two distinctive performances across Lincoln Center’s renowned stages: a January 8 showcase at the Rose Theater followed by a January 9 appearance at The Appel Room, with both concerts scheduled from 9:30-11 PM. These performances will mark Kes’ first-ever stripped-down sets, featuring reimagined arrangements of their music catalog alongside special collaborative appearances with Charles, who will provide production support and infuse the concerts with his signature Afro-Caribbean storytelling aesthetic.

This landmark event coincides with the band’s 20th anniversary celebrations and will precede the highly anticipated release of their new single ‘Rum and Coca Cola’ on December 12. While sharing its title with Lord Invader’s 1943 classic (later popularized by The Andrews Sisters), Kes’ composition presents an entirely original narrative centered around a character named Grace and her social drinking preferences. The single was developed in collaboration with music producer Tano.

Beyond their artistic achievements, the band has demonstrated commitment to regional solidarity through their support of Jamaican recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. They have actively participated in fundraising initiatives including the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert alongside artists such as Shaggy and Inner Circle.

The Unity Jazz Festival, now in its 38th season under the theme ‘Mother Africa,’ celebrates jazz’s global connections and cross-cultural storytelling traditions. The event will feature over 20 acclaimed and emerging artists across five stages, paying tribute to legendary pianist Eddie Palmieri while highlighting the enduring influence of Afro-Caribbean musical traditions.

The Painters Art Studio in Port of Spain will transform into a vibrant hub of Caribbean creativity with the inauguration of Tobago Artist 2025 on December 10. This groundbreaking exhibition showcases five exceptional visual artists who collectively represent the cutting edge of Tobago’s contemporary art movement.

Curated to highlight diverse artistic approaches, the exhibition features Arletys Arias’ emotionally charged paintings exploring themes of memory and displacement, alongside Dunieski Lora’s vividly colored sculptural works that weave complex narratives through form and hue. Jason Nedd contributes technically refined pieces that capture the dual nature of island existence—both tranquil and multifaceted.

Helen Evans pushes creative boundaries by merging traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary conceptual frameworks, while Martin Superville demonstrates his acclaimed expertise in portraiture and figurative works that have earned him recognition throughout regional art circles.

The exhibition serves as a cultural bridge, designed to enhance the visibility of Tobago’s artistic community within Trinidad’s broader art ecosystem. Through a carefully selected array of paintings, sculptures, ceramic works, and mixed-media installations, the show presents both individual artistic journeys and shared Caribbean cultural heritage.

Tobago Artist 2025 opens with an evening reception on December 10 from 5 PM to 9 PM at 45 Picton Street, Newtown, and will remain accessible to the public through December 14. Admission is free, providing an inclusive opportunity for art enthusiasts, collectors, and community members to engage directly with the artists and their creations.

The Sundar Popo Auditorium at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) radiated with holiday cheer on November 23 as musician Joel John presented his spectacular Christmas concert, “A Time to Love.” The event showcased a remarkable fusion of musical genres, transforming traditional Christmas celebrations into a multicultural musical experience.

Featuring an eclectic ensemble of performers, the concert delivered diverse interpretations of seasonal favorites through soca, soca parang, classic rock, R&B, and country arrangements. The live rock band provided vibrant accompaniment to locally crafted songs that reimagined Christmas music through Trinidadian cultural lenses.

Among the standout performances, The Trebles of T&T children’s choir, directed by Marilyn Lalla, delivered enchanting renditions including “Trini Christmas Is the Best,” captivating the audience with their youthful exuberance. Guest artist Meagan Leigh offered a memorable performance of Wham’s “Last Christmas,” while guitarist Veer Briggs, Michelle Xavier, Stephan Furlonge, and Zoe Webster each contributed their unique artistic interpretations.

Soca Parang Queen Marcia Miranda electrified the venue with an immersive performance that included stepping into the audience during her delivery of “Three Little Birds,” “Letter to Mama,” and the playful “Bring Out De Ham.” The concert’s repertoire spanned classic favorites such as “What a Wonderful World,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Islands in the Stream,” creating a nostalgic yet fresh holiday experience.

John, whose musical career spans 33 years and who recently established the Rhythm n Brews coffee shop at Gulf City Mall, expressed profound gratitude to attendees: “This production was our most ambitious show to date. Your overwhelming presence and the love we felt on stage reaffirm that this artistic journey is truly worthwhile.”