Page 16 - ATA

A13
Monday 28 May 2018

SBMF18: This night was on fire

ORANJESTAD – The 18 an-
th
nual Soul Beach Music…
stop right there. It used to
be just a beach music fes-
tival now it’s just the Soul
Beach Experience. The
concert is more like icing
on a cake. This has be-
come a weeklong celebra-
tion of beach, beach par-
ties, its own comedy jam
and then the concerts, but
not necessarily in that or-
der. And let’s not forget, the
after-party.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Comedy Night has always
set the tone for SBMF by
bringing some of the best
talent out there. And this
year was no different. Syd-
ney Castillo and Buddy Photo by: Niisha Butler
Lewis got the night going. took over the music festival. ing through their hip hop- ed with a reunion album this girl was on fire. Alicia
The headliner of the show In the late 80’s and early soul playbook. “Guy III.” During the show Keys made a packed Har-
was the multi-talented ac- 90’s no party or radio sta- “Groove Me,” “She’s Just all three acts were interwo- bor Arena feel like a small
tor, writer, director and star tion were without the guys. a Fantasy” and “Teddy’s ven throughout the set. intimate club setting. Also
of his own Netflix special Guy was the guys to dance Jam,” “Do me Right” and The group closed with a present was the 2018 Voice
“Woke-ish,” Marlon Way- to. “Let’s Chill.” club favorite, and cover of winner Chris Blue to sing a
ans. Although they are now, All three men had success- the Gap Band’s “Yearnin’ duet. To close out a fantas-
men of a certain age, the ful solo careers during the For Your Love” tic first night, Keys sang “No
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE trio danced freely across greater part of the 90’s with With very little space left to One,” and “New York: Em-
Esha, Guy, and Alicia Keys
the stage, seamlessly jump- reunion tours that culminat- get hotter, needless to say pire State of Mind.”q
Alicia Keys held sway over
the crowd. With everything
so good, it makes it hard
to have a favorite songs
playlist of Keys’ songs. She
bought a Caribbean flair to
the festival by singing ‘You
Don’t Know My Name’ with
a reggae beat and a great
cover of Bob Marley’s
`Could You Be Loved.’
After almost two decades
in the industry, Keys, has
been a vocal coach on the
hit TV show, “The Voice,”
since 2016.
But before Keys graced the
stage Aruba’s pop prin-
cess, Esha, started the eve-
ning off with strong set. She
appeared to be element
on the stage and surprised
a lot of the early crowd with
her stage presence.
Barely 16 and talent-laden
many can look forward to
a bright future for this tal-
ent-laden artist.
King of New Jack Swing,
Teddy Riley and Guy with
Aaron and Damien Hall
Photo by: Niisha Butler