My land-based Music Fest trip report for May 26 – May 31.

Friday

Left the house en route to the Park n Fly Plus around 7:30 am. I think this is one of the best park ‘n ride establishments in Atlanta – so easy and convenient. Parked my car in one of the covered areas and the shuttle was there to pick me up as I was getting my luggage out of the car. After a short shuttle ride to the airport and a smooth luggage check-in, I faced the Memorial Day weekend security lines which had wined its way into the atrium. What I thought was going to be an ordeal actually turned out pleasant as the lines were in constant motion and it took about 20 minutes. Got to the Delta gate and relaxed a bit before my 9:50am flight to STT. No problems on the flight except for this baby slapping the back of my head occasionally.

Landed in STT at 1:30pm. I love how it looks like you’re going to land in the water then the runway comes into view. The luggage took its time getting to baggage claim. Caught a cab to the ferry terminal. Got there just in time as the 2:30pm Native Son ferry was going to leave in 15 minutes. Took the leisurely ride to the West End. All of the stress of work was officially left behind. I was the first one off the ferry and the first one in line for customs so that added to my joy.

My friend, Bolo, picked me up and took me to the Elm Beach Suites were I was staying in the Sugar Apple Room. I was so excited because the Music Fest was gearing up for its first night and all of the attractions were right outside my room. And you couldn’t count the number of boats moored in CGB. I couldn’t have picked a better spot to enjoy the festivities. I met Jackie and Elvet, and Tony, who mans the BBQ grill. The room was spacious and I made good use of the balcony outside the front door. My only complaint was the noisy a/c in the bedroom. Also, because of the electricity drain from the Music Fest, the power kept going out in the hotel and I had no water a few times.

It was Soca and Calypso night at the Fest. I really enjoyed Niki David and Shurwayne Winchester – great Soca performers. Bolo and I met up with our friends, Kaletha and Sam. We watched the concert from the swinging chairs at the Elm Beach Bar. Lots, LOTS of people in CGB that night. Didn’t get to bed until about 2:30am.

Saturday

Woke up late. Kaletha and Sam came by about 11:00am. K and I have lunch at Big Banana – I love their Chicken Roti. After lunch, we checked out the vendors on the beach, got us a couple of drinks and rented a couple of beach chairs. The weather was perfect! I stop in Myetts and say hello to Prince and a couple of the waitstaff I had befriended on my previous visits. Prince says, “Welcome back to your second home!” It really feels that way! Later that day, I have some of Tony’s famous ribs at the Elm and head on up to the room to get ready for the BIG night.

And a BIG night it was! It was Reggae night and the headliners were Luciano and Buju Banton – really popular reggae performers. The crowd was so big it spilled into the ocean but everyone was into the music. There was a quick downpour during the Luciano set but the majority of the crowd stayed where they were and didn’t mind that they were getting soaked. Went to Quito’s for the afterparty. Needless to day, it was another late night.

Sunday

Woke up late – again. But then again, I’m on vacation. Went to Big Banana for lunch - again. I was craving that roti! I could see the back of stage from where I was sitting in the restaurant and noticed that Roberta Flack had just walked on to do her sound check. This I had to see up close because the woman is an R&B legend. I hurriedly finished eating and made my way to the front of the stage where a small crowd had gathered. I took a few pictures and enjoyed the mini-concert.

While I was watching Ms. Flack, a man introduced himself to me and it turns out that he was the drummer for The Stylistics, who were performing that night. We chatted for a few minutes. The other band members were just not into the BVI. They didn’t pack swim shorts or flip flops. They didn’t appreciate the local food and mistook one of the beach vendor’s red and white tents as a KFC. They were staying at Lambert Beach and they decided to go back to the hotel and chill by the pool. I told them all the action was on this side of town so they’d better off staying in CGB. But they just wanted the “hotel pampering” experience or so they thought. The Lambert Beach is not the Westin and they found that out later.

The drummer, Nelson, didn’t want to go back and he ended up hanging out with me for the afternoon. We had a wonderful time. This was his first time in the BVI so I shared with him what I had experienced on my many visits. At the end of our afternoon, he was eager to brag about how much fun he had. His band mates ended up spending the entire time in their rooms until they had to leave for show time.

Later that afternoon, I washed up and headed to the stage for Old School R&B night. I enjoyed this night the best because that is MY kind of music. I met up with Nelson “backstage” at Rhymers and he introduced me to the lead singers of The Stylistics. Later, I went to the front of the stage to watch the show. The Stylistics were EXCELLENT! It was a wonder how they didn’t pass out in the heat performing with suits on. And they had the dance moves down pat! I really enjoyed their performance.

Next was Roberta Flack. She was a bit disappointing. She had a diva-like attitude that she didn’t show in her sound check. Plus she was she only artist who didn’t allow pictures or video taken of her during her show. A lot of people in the audience were turned off by her attitude. The Stylistics really should have been the headliner.

Monday

Woke up late – again. Spent the day at CGB beach all by myself. Had lunch at Myetts and dinner at the Elm. Basically, I needed to chill after that alcohol-fueled, music-filled weekend.

Tuesday

I had breakfast for the first time since I got here! I had the coconut French toast at the Big Banana. Delicious. Now, I heard about Rhymer’s French toast but on Sunday, when I was at Rhymer’s talking to Nelson, I was leaning against the bar. I felt something brush against my hand while it was on the bar. It was a huge roach. I don’t like roaches, especially ones as big as my index finger. So that just ruined me from ever eating at Rhymers. I’m sorry…

Bolo and I chilled at the beach. We went to Palm’s Delight for dinner and had, of course, the Gingerwine Chicken. It was funny how some of the other patrons were trying the chicken for the first time because they had “heard about it”. After that, we went to Nanny Cay for drinks. It so happened that the Ms. Caribbean World pageant contestants were staying there and they were having an awards dinner in a section of the restaurant. All of them were very beautiful young ladies.

Wednesday

Well, it’s time to go home. Bolo drove me to the 10:00 ferry from WE. To my surprise, the ferry did not have to stop in St. John for customs as it did the last time I was there. After clearing customs at the STT ferry dock, I took a cab to the airport to make my 2:30 flight back to the ATL.

All n’ all, a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation. Now I’m getting ready for my trip to August Festival!