Declared the "biggest dance party in years," Cuchi's Promotions has put together three major musical acts under one roof. In the mood for a real Caribbean style fête? Then on July 31 at 8:00pm, make your way to Port de Plaisance! Le Grand Typical from Guadeloupe, The Creole Stars, Control Band and DJ Patos will be performing. Tickets are US $25 in advance and $30 at the gate.
The Classic Creole Stars
The Creole Stars started in 1966 after some of the members who had fought the war of Algeria and France returned home. Members who were in France training to fight in the war would continue the band. When steel-pan band members of the "Priekly Boys" were taken to the army for the war, they started looking for new talented members to reform a steel-pan band and they became associated with "Gus" of Gus Beach Bar. Around that time, they realized that St. Maarten was getting tired of steel pan music so they decided to buy electronic instruments and swim with the tide. Albert Connor was among those who had formed the steel-pan band agreement in favour of change. The Creole Stars used to practise at La Bonaza restaurant every night then would go and play for the dancers at Lakeside and home parties.
In 1976 they were on the hunt for a lead female singer, but in those days on St. Martin/St. Maarten, if a female sang in a band, the local population would interpret that as a lowering of her standards, so the band had to get a "white" girl named Annike. She was the sous-préfet's secretary and daughter of the French side police chief. The band felt that having a female sing in the Creole Stars would be the ideal thing for success, but unfortunately this move was not conducive to the people's way of thinking. However, having Annike made their music different and a highlight in music on the island.
In 1968 the Creole Stars entered a three-year contract with Little Bay Hotel. The group played every night and had Sundays off. Annike only sang on weekends with the band. After the contract expired, the Creole Stars moved on to playing at different venues. In 1978 some members left the band and new members joined the Creole Stars until the band finally dismantled. Now in a special reunion, band members have decided to join their special musical powers for one unique night at Celebration Palace.
Control Band
About 25 years ago, some of St. Maarten's finest musicians came together and formed Control Band. The group started playing at a local resort, and within a short period, group members became known for their nice blend of voices. It was not long before this group would start playing at different venues including playing on the French side of the island. With its musical breath, Control Band was the first group to bring life to the famous Cheri's bar & restaurant. After playing there for a few years, it became increasingly in demand and was part of the success of many clubs including the well known "La Bel Vie" Port de Plaisance and many popular restaurants. The success of Control Band can be attributed to its consistent, good sounding versatile music, with which it has been able to attract fans from all walks of life. Control has been privileged to play with La perfecta, Orquestra de la Luz, Doble RR, Third World, Fuerza Dos, The Mighty Sparrow, Maxi Priest, Lucky Dube, and many more international artists. The band has also travelled to Aruba, Curaçao, St. Eustatius, Saba, Anguilla, St. Barths and Holland. Presently, the band performs every Sunday at the ever popular restaurant namely "BooBoo Jam" in Orient Bay.
The dance madness starts at 8:00pm on July 31 at Port de Plaisance. Ticket locations: Cuchi's Barbershop, Happy Shop, SOL gas station in Cole Bay, Van Dorp bookstores and PJD2 Radio.
