Strings “Strings and Skins” review
The Evolution Continues

If you missed the National Day show, you missed the most creative thing happening in St. Lucian music today. Ever-so-often in the course of human existence, comes a core of artists who change the course of history. They go against the grain and create a movement that defines or redefines their generation- the result: a cultural renaissance. The revolution is spurred on by the conviction that things can and should be different and the action of self-sacrifice backed-up by resilience to the fight down, the inevitable fall-outs and insults. Such seems to be the development of the thickening plot that is Ken Hardy and the Soul Dreadz.
On December 13, 2007, a mixed crowd (probably the largest for an event at Mojitos) flocked the restaurant and cocktail lounge at Massade, Gros Islet. The event: Strings and Skins; A Musical Evolution - presented by Still Waters Arts and Entertainment Company.
The occasion was distinctly different. For starters, it featured a cast of male acts, certainly highlighting the positive contribution of young men in our society. The minute one had cleared the steps, he or she could have felt the creative energy of the room and knew that a treat was in store. With the stage decked in national colours, bamboo and calabash, complemented with instrumental emblems of the guitar, violin and traditional drums, the night proved that St. Lucian music is as good as anywhere else on the planet.
The evening saw a thrilling performance from Shayne Ross who opened the show with his conscious number, ‘Tell Me Why’. But Shayne will have to tell you himself why he wanted to Take You Home girls. Like if he had not told you in his song, Naked.

A smooth flow would bring on the next act, St. Lucia’s up and coming hip-hop artist, Kayo who had only recently returned from gigging in Barbados. He did not disappoint with his numbers I Try, For My People and Summer Time.
The infectious performance of Cherry L would have everyone moving, even if it were with humourous laughter and cheerful applause. The performer certainly gave the guys in the audience a few dance moves to learn and loads of lyrics to make the woman surrender. But the night belonged to Ken Hardy and the Soul Dreadz who would take the stage after the lyrical performance of New York based, St. Lucian poet, Yaya.
With Ken Hardy and the Soul Dreadz the spirit is surely gonna get to you. From the first strum of the guitar you feel a different vibration and breathe a freshness that captures your attention. The eclectic mix of guitar, violin and traditional drums, the fusion of the indigenous with the contemporary played out the theme for the night, Strings and Skins: a musical evolution with strictly original numbers from this soulful band. Among their renditions were the soul searching, Woman Question Your World the historical Brigands’ Camp, the ethnical Strings and Skins, the inspirational I Pray, the philosophical Soul Dreadz, and the sensual Light Up My Night. In total the band performed a repertoire of 12 songs, enough to emphasize the ethos of preserving the ethnicity within the culture and provide an avenue for it to evolve. This Independence, this February, the evolution continues with Strings and Skins II. For more information and to lend your support please contact Still Waters at stillwaters758@gmail.com. Still Waters would like to publicly thank the following for their support of the last show: First National Bank, The Office Shop, The Cell, The Voice Newspaper, The Mirror Newspaper, Radio St. Lucia, Helen Television System, The House of Wax Family and all Soul Dreadz Band members.