Cayman’s musicians face the future

CMEA President Barrie Quappe with Dave McKenzie of
dms Broadcasting 

CMEA Treasurer Chris Bowing with guest speaker
CITA president Karie Bergstrom 

(Left to right) CMEA secretary Blake Hurlstone, VP Bob
Mosely, President Barrie Quappe, Treasurer
Chris Bowring, CITA President Karie Bergstrom

Friday,  October 14, 2005

Members of the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association (CMEA) had an opportunity to air some grievances and discuss the development of the live music industry here recently with a general meeting held on Sunday 9 October. Special guest speaker Karie Bergstrom of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) gave members and guests an inside look at what local musicians can expect for the upcoming tourist season.

Ms. Bergstrom opened her presentation up by asking members what some of the frequent issues were for them on gigs.

Members shared that all too often professional presentation of the band is never included in the planning of the event.

“They present the food and drink beautifully and then stick the band on a piece of grass, sometimes too close to the guests and constantly tell the band they are too loud. With advance planning, this could be improved.” Proper bandstands, decorated with palms and other tropical décor would be a start.

Ms. Bergstrom promised that contacts for venues will be distributed and suggestions made on how musicians can better sell themselves locally.

Ms Bergstrom made mention of some of her members complaining about musicians not showing up on time or at all and other infractions. CMEA President Barrie Quappe said that she was happy to report that she had received no complaints on any member musicians and neither had her predecessor Dave Martins. However, she suggested that members reach out to all local musicians (non-members) and mentor other newer and perhaps younger musicians into more professional behavior because if they act unprofessionally, all local musicians get a bad reputation.

Mrs Quappe further suggested that the education that the Association has been doing for some years is working and encouraged musicians outside of the Association to join and take advantage of the information shared.

Ms. Bergstrom promised the CMEA members that CITA is very supportive of local culture and will certainly be supportive of efforts by the CMEA. Special guests were Roger Ponce of the Ritz-Carlton and Dave Mckenzie of dms broadcasting.

Mrs. Quappe noted that this is the direction the CMEA is going in, to include interested parties in the membership to share ideas from all who are invested in the entertainment product. “Venue owners, broadcasters etc are all welcome to become members so we can increase communication on the industry’s needs and together raise the bar of excellence on music in the Cayman Islands,” she said.

Newcomer to the Cayman Islands Dave McKenzie of dms was given the opportunity to speak to members on his station’s commitment to review and consider all local music products. Roger Ponce of the Ritz-Carlton also spoke to members about upcoming opportunities for local musicians once the Ritz opens up. The key to getting the work he said would be their response time.

“If we call, we need fast response because that is the nature of incoming group bookings for conventions,” he explained. “The more information we have, the better we can fulfill our client’s needs and after all, this is a business and we all want to earn our paychecks.”

President Barrie Quappe spoke to members about the work of being a good musician. Members laughed when she quoted Clementine Padford: “Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be” saying that wishes and dreams are fine but it’s the hard work that makes success happen.

She also reminded members that death is around the corner and your dreams shouldn't be put off. She asked members personal questions such as, “How much time did you spend in the last 24 hours on your music”?

Mrs. Quappe also noted the education she has given to some promoters to include in their contracts with incoming artists to include a “no obscenity, no profanity” clause. She related how an irate father accosted her over a postcard sized flyer that was overtly sexual saying that CMEA was “allowing these types of shows in Cayman”.

Mrs. Quappe assured members that the CMEA in no way supports this kind of practice and has communicated with both the Minister for Culture and the Chief Immigration Officer on this. Groups and bands with overtly sexual or violent lyrics are not supported by the CMEA, she noted.

“However it is the Immigration Department who is charged with, by law, to approve or turn down their work permit application regardless of our recommendation,” she said. Objectionable content in the broadcast media was also discussed and noted that CMEA also objects to this lack of sensitivity to Cayman culture.

Reports were given on the charitable work of the Association and the afternoon ended with attendees enjoying Rackham’s excellent hospitality and delicious chicken wings while making new business contacts and friends.

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