Just one person's opinion, but it sounds like you have the most important details nailed.
We've always found Sundays to be the best days for scratch bands but be certain of the departure time of the last ferry because it's easy to get caught up in the moment. And that would really apply to any day of the week.
When you take your taxi to Shoal Bay East (or any other beach you might decide on....) make arrangements with the driver to pick you up and pay them at the time of delivery back to Blowing Point. It might also be a good idea to get a cell phone number jic you decide to change your plans.
We haven't been back to AXA for a while, but we always enjoyed Gwenns Reggae Bar. Perhaps next trip we'll get to try the 'new' Gwenns, but with regard to great places, they are all pretty good and most offer both the environment and the services you are looking for. This would be another good question for your taxi driver but be certain to tell them what you're looking for as it's a small island and they all have their own favorites and friends, too. I doubt you'll run into big crowds anywhere - my experience is that AXA just isn't that way.
Have fun...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
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