(Barbados Nation) The economic recession is taking a toll on local bands, several of which did not perform at any of the massive shows on Old Year’s Night.
Leading band krosfyah and a number of other groups made no appearances, since most hotels did not hire them and private promoters sought out deejays.
“The only entities which really hire bands on Old Year’s Night are hotels, but they usually hire hotel bands. That’s the situation. If bands understand what’s going on, they would know they have to be on the hotel circuit to get a gig. Mainstream bands don’t really get gigs on Old Year’s Night,” said krosfyah manager Michael “Mikey” Agard.
His view was emphasised by jazz guitarist and arranger Mike Sealy, who said some hotels would prefer to pay a DJ instead of a band. “I have recognized that early o’ clock and that is why I still try to perfect my art,” he pointed out.