Then the day was here!

On hearing about Sabrina Francis and her band performing at Hog Island, our interest was piqued! Hog Island, an island just off the southern shores of Grenada is usually dormant during the week but on Sundays, you can find both locals and tourists out to have a time.  Picture it, it’s Sunday and you’re on this tiny island, the band is doing their thing, the smell of freshly grilled seafood wafting through the air, a loaded bar, friendliness levels at its maximum, and shoes are actually optional. With ripe anticipation to hear some favorites, the Caribbean Entertainment Hub team set out to meet the band at the villa/resort, Le Phare Bleu. However, that wasn’t our destination. To be accessed by either a bridge or a water taxi, our chosen method of traveling to Hog Island was the latter. So, with the equipment safely covered and accompanied by the band, we scooted across the water to the day’s destination.

Upon arrival, as seen from the boat were people enjoying the island’s vibe: its music, food, and of course, each other. Once we were all off the boat, Sabrina and her band made a beeline for the stage and started setting up for their 3 pm set. In the meantime, while we ourselves set up for the beach gig, the sound of island-goers could be heard ringing happily through the air.  Be it in the turquoise water, or with a beer in hand in a circle of friends, or pounding the tables with dominoes, or exclaiming during a game of cards, people enjoying themselves was pretty evident. While they were “ole talking”, consumed with laughter-filled activities or simply liming by themselves, the band went through their soundcheck; then all too soon, it was showtime!

Have you ever wondered how a bird just opens its mouth and the sweetest sound comes out? This is a frequent thought that is entertained when it comes to Sabrina Francis.  Though to be honest, she wasn’t the only artiste flexing their vocals at the growing crowd that day, August 1st. In the role of backup vocalists who also had the chance to perform, were fellow recording artistes Laura-Lisa Richardson and Jonathan Francis. The entire performance of her 23 song set spanned approximately 3 hours with a 15-minute intermission, though it wasn’t enough. This I write with confidence because when the concert had run its course the crowd demanded an encore! After asking what they wanted to hear again, the picks were Sabrina’s “My Girl” and “We Livin” and Laura-Lisa’s “Better Days”.

As we were putting our equipment into the water taxi and chattering excitedly about the performance, we made ourselves comfy in our seats.  One thing is for certain though, be it on mainland Grenada or on a tiny island offshore its coast, Sabrina definitely pulls a crowd.  As we scooted across the water under the nearing night sky and going much faster than before, might I add, I couldn’t help but think of something. Even though Soca is the dominant genre of Grenada, if you’re in the market for something alternative and feel-good, I say, give Sabrina Francis and her band a try as they just might be right up your alley.