The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

TO GIVE Bahamians a boost to their party vibe as they head off into the weekend, the band Visage created “Fantastic Fridays”.

Guaranteed to have everyone on the dance floor moving, the event was created in February of this year and has been a hit ever since.

The happy hour event, held every last Friday of every month, takes place at the British Colonial Hilton. And last Friday was a great example of what the self-proclaimed party band has to offer.

Both Bahamians and tourists were entertained, unwinding from the week and dancing the night away to the group’s sweet tunes.

Visage was formed in 1981 when Lynden “Obi” Pindling, son of the late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, former Prime Minister of the Bahamas, returned home from law school in England.

Over the years the band’s repertoire has included everything from American 70s’ R&B, to Reggae and B Junkanoo and rake n’ scrape music, the latter being the indigenous “riddim” of the Bahamas.

In recent years, the wider soca industry has become well-acquainted with this multi-talented band, as Visage has worked with big-name performers like Destra, Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Rupee and Ronnie McIntosh, to name a few.

On the international soca scene, Visage have made a name for themselves by performing at Miami Carnival in 1998, 2002 and 2003 and the Trinidad Carnival in 2002 and 2003, and having hits like “Hold Ya Head” and “Still Need a Man”.

Band members include Obi Pindling, Jason Ferguson, Ian Young, Carlos Dean, Antoyne Hinsey, Dyson Knight and Wendy Lewis.

At Fantastic Fridays, Wendy said, they often play two sets – one from 6.30pm to 8pm and the other from 9pm to 10pm, and every time they do it, it is an awesome experience for both sets.

“We always have special guest performances. There was one where we had Johnny Kemp, known best for his song ‘Just Got Paid’. We also had Iwer George perform with us as well,” said Wendy.

Fantastic Fridays, Wendy said, came out of a partnership that Visage has with the British Colonial Hilton and Star 106.5.

“We have our latest single, which is called ‘Happy Hour’, and it just a happy coincidence that we wrote this song with this title, and at the same time we wanted to be back on the local scene as far as having a stable place to play,” he said.

A lot of people remember Visage from playing at Club 601 back in the day. These days, the band usually plays at the Dilly Tree or SuperClubs Breezes.

“We also did not want to compete with other local bands that have staples and set nights so we realised that Fridays was a wide open night for entertainment,” said Wendy.

She said the band has a good relationship with the Hilton, having done shows for the hotel in the past.

“They would always be invited back to do more events,” she said. “Our band leader, Obi, he had this brilliant idea that we should use the Hilton because it has the perfect setting for a corporate happy hour. It is centrally located where a lot of people just come straight from work. We get good vibes there, just being outside under the stars and seeing the view of the beach and cruise ships. At the Bullion Bar, you can get tapas and enjoy drink specials. It all worked out perfectly for us to have a happy hour event and also have this hit song called ‘Happy Hour’,” she said.

Every time they host Fantastic Fridays, Wendy said they get told by patrons that they should do it more often than just once a month.

“They want it to happen more, but we want to have it once a month because everyone is always very excited and looks forward to the next time it happens. Persons should continue to come out because it is a perfect time to come and unwind. They can expect Visage to do what Visage does, which is give you a good show. Great Bahamian rake n’ scrape and soca and just really good vibes. Everyone dances; it is a laid-back atmosphere, and I don’t think its something that should be missed,” said Wendy.