Nightlife and Entertainment on Providenciales
Live Music, Karaoke and Casino Brighten Your Evenings in the Turks and Caicos Islands
When the sun sets, the party begins.
On one Caribbean island, when the daylight fades, there’s still plenty of heat in the air. It’s just a question of what kind of entertainment you’re looking to find.
On the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands there’s always fun just around the corner. You can slip away from the beach and relax in a comfortable chair, cold beverage in hand and listen to some smooth tropical sounds. You can swap your swim and snorkel gear for dancing shoes and a hot band. You can play some games of chance, belt out your favourite song or party as the Caribbean sky fills with stars. Whatever your choice for fun, Providenciales has it covered.
Live Music
Music is alive and well in the islands. No matter what night it is, there’s a melody being played somewhere. Every night of the week there are vocalists and local bands performing at restaurants or lounges. Most musicians are native to the islands like Quinton Dean, local reggae musician, who plays every Friday night at Villa del Mar, Sally Greenwood, a local guitarist and singer, Janardo Laporte, an extremely talented saxophone player or Correy Forbes, a local from North Caicos who was the first islander to release an album on CD. Each has their own sound and listeners continually post their praise.
“Janardo Laporte is an amazing sax player and entertainer,” said one TripAdvisor reviewer.
The bands are homegrown too. There’s Bowen Arrow which comprises bass player and cultural ambassador for the islands, David Bowen, guitarist Bill Simonton and singer Pat Riel both who hail from Toronto, Ontario, and versatile drummer David Klinko. They play a mix of R & B, blues, funk and classic rock. Another popular band is Soundproof, a collection of musicians from various Caribbean islands who bring a total of forty years of music experience to their audiences. The band’s facebook page lists artists such as Sam Cook, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and Al Green as some of their influences.
When that rhythm starts to ripple through the air, you might be that someone who just has to get up on the dance floor. If that’s the case, you’ll want to head to Da Conch Shack in Blue Hills or Bugaloo’s in Five Cays. Both night spots are located beachside and on the weekend offer live band music that visitors repeatedly rave about.
Friday Night Manager’s Reception at Villa del Mar
Here’s a lovely introductory video which shows Quinton Dean performing at Villa del Mar at the Friday night Manager’s Reception. There’s really nothing that captures the essence of a Turks and Caicos vacation like grooving to the sounds of Quinton Dean’s reggae tunes on Villa del Mar’s expansive pool deck with one of Captain Bill’s chilled rum cocktails in hand.
Karaoke
Maybe your idea of evening fun is to get up on stage and perform yourself. Well you’re in luck! You can get your chance to be a karaoke star on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Danny Buoy’s Sports Bar on Grace Bay Road. It might be a good idea to get there early as there’s something in the Caribbean air that brings out the wannabe pop stars!
Casablanca Casino
Perhaps, though, you like your music a bit more sophisticated and providing a backdrop for an evening at the gaming tables. Then come on over to Casablanca Casino the only casino on Providenciales. Conveniently situated at the other end of Bonaventure Crescent right up the road from Villa del Mar, this nightspot features 12 gaming tables as well as 85 slot machines. If you’re an experienced player, you can try your hand against others. If you’re a newcomer to gaming, you can follow the printed instructions that are available or get help from the staff who are ready and willing to help. The casino is open 1:00 to 5:00 a.m. each day and offers a variety of games including Craps, Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and Caribbean Progressive poker. The casino is quite new to the island but already visitors are giving it positive feedback.
“Amazing staff! Can’t wait to go back! If you don’t have a car they will come get you. Wonderful fun for evenings or a rainy afternoon,” said one Trip Advisor reviewer.
Another Trip Advisor reviewer shared, “We had a great time – went with friends. a great little casino for those who want to include this type of activity on a beautiful little island!”
So there you have it. When the sun goes down, head on over to one of the many nightspots which are open and waiting for you to enjoy yourself. Relax under the stars and surround yourself with the rhythms or seize the mike and sing your heart out. Take some time to tangle with lady luck or kick up your feet to the Caribbean beat. No matter what you choose, there are endless ways to add some sizzle to the end of your Turks and Caicos day.
