A group of singers, guitarists and drummers who love singing Cayman’s favourite songs have been busy practicing for Cayfest’s Seaside with the CI Folk Singers.

The CI Folk Singers were started in 2009 by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), with the aim of keeping traditional music alive.

The group sings some of Cayman’s favourite songs, some handed down by Cayman’s most famous musical icon, “Aunt” Julia Hydes, as well as other songs from the wider Caribbean region.

This year, they will be teaming up with another great Cayman tradition – Easter Camping. The CI Folk Singers

will be touring several different campsites on the island on 7 April so that everyone can join in the fun.

The CNCF’s Programmes & Marketing Officer, Kaitlyn Elphinstone, added: “It’s a way for us to bring the folk singers to the people instead of having to have a concert when the people come to us.”

CNCF’s Lorna Bush said: “The group currently consists of 15 members, however, we have had up to 40 persons in the group and the numbers will vary depending on the availability of our volunteers.  The group meets each Saturday for two hours in the Harquail Studio Theatre.

Anyone interested in singing or playing Cayman music and the region’s traditional songs is welcome to attend,” according to Ms Bush.

“Persons who do not wish to sing or play an instrument may also volunteer to assist behind the scenes.  We also seek to grow our repertoire of folk songs and welcome Caymanian songwriters to share any music they have inherited,” she added.

Photos by Christopher Tobutt