Swanky Kitchen Band, the acclaimed Caymanian traditional kitchen band, has kicked off its landmark US tour with an electrifying performance at the FirstWorks Summer Beats festival on Friday (26 July). This tour marks the band’s first multi-city endeavor, showcasing the vibrant sounds of Caymanian music to new audiences across the East Coast.
The tour kicked off with an explosion of energy and crowd interaction at the Roger Williams Park Dalrymple Boathouse Lawn in Providence, Rhode Island, where the band received an unexpected and prestigious honour. During their set, Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director of FirstWorks, the series curator, presented the band with a special citation from the state of Rhode Island on behalf of Lieutenant Governor, Sabina Matos. This citation recognises the band’s contributions to cultural heritage and their efforts in promoting Caymanian music.
“Swanky Kitchen Band are culture-bearers of the past, present and future of music from the Cayman Islands.The Band has given us an evening of extraordinary music and inspiring stories
of Caymanian history. Most importantly, these world-class artists joined FirstWorks in our mission to connect art with audiences and infused our lives with joy”, noted FirstWorks’ Kathleen Pletcher.
“We are incredibly honoured and thrilled to receive this citation,” said Samuel Rose, the band’s leader and fiddler. “It’s a testament to the cultural significance of Caymanian kitchen dance music and the hard work we’ve put into sharing it with the world. It was especially amazing to see so many Caymanians on the Eastern Coast come out to Providence to join in the fun,” he continued.
Guardian of Caymanian Culture
Swanky Kitchen Band is the guardian of the Cayman Islands’ indigenous musical genre—kitchen dance music. Since 2003, Swanky Kitchen Band has grown a loyal fan base and is Cayman’s most sought-after and acclaimed performing act. The dynamic 10-piece band comprises Samuel Rose (fiddle), Nicholas Johnson (guitar), Paula Scott (grater/percussion), Lammie Seymour (bass), Devon Edie (sax/harmonica), Christopher Seymour (lead guitar), KK Alese (vocals), Jeffrey Wilson (vocals), Beneil Miller (keyboard and vocals) and Jared Tibbetts (drums).
Produced by the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, the Swanky Kitchen Band US East Coast Tour aims to celebrate and preserve Caymanian heritage while introducing the unique sounds of kitchen dance music to a broader audience. The tour will continue through various cities, bringing the band’s dynamic performances and rich cultural history to new stages.
Swanky Kitchen Band extends its heartfelt thanks to its sponsors: the Ministry of Border Control, Labour & Culture; the Ministry of Youth, Sports, & Heritage; the Cayman National Cultural Foundation; and Cayman Airways Ltd.
For more tour details, please visit www.swankykitchenband.com/shows.
