Tanny and the Boys: Living Monument from St. Martin

Tanny and the Boys is a well-known six-member “string band” from the island of St. Maarten. The members are: George Violenus, manager and tambora player; Jocelyn Arndell, guiro (scraper); Federico “Culebra” Nathaniel Smith, ukulele banjo player and vocalist*; Maxime Emeal Reed, guitarist and lead vocalist; Edward Violenus, accordionist; and James Roosevelt Samuel, marimba. The Violenus brothers were born in Aruba to St. Maarten parents; Culebra in the Dominican Republic, also to St. Maarten parents; Maxime in Anguilla; James in St. Maarten; and Jocelyn in Curaçao. Regarding some of the lesser-known instruments, the tambora is a drum played with sticks and is placed on the player’s lap. It is a standard fixture of the merengues of the Dominican Republic. The ukelele banjo is a smaller version of the familiar banjo but unlike the banjo individual notes are not played with a pick, but rather chords are strummed and serves as accompaniment to the lead instrument which plays the melody. The marimba as used in the Caribbean, not to be confused with the xylophone-like marimbas of Central and South America, has its origins in the African kalimba or thumb-piano, a series of metal tongs mounted on a wooden resonator board and played by plucking the tongs. The Caribbean version is used as a bass instrument and is known in Curaçao and other parts of the region as the marimbula.
The accordion provides the distinct element to Tanny and the Boys’ music. It is used in other parts of the Caribbean such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Belize, Dominica, Aruba and Curaçao, but this accordion, played against the background of both English Caribbean stringed instruments and Afro-Latin percussion, is a style unique to St. Maarten.

The interview and recording session took place in March 2003 at the house of guitar player and marimba maker Carlson Velasquez. Carlson’s house is just across the border on the French side of the island, in one of the few remaining pieces of countryside. The preferred place for music making at Carlson’s house is under the shade of a mango tree, so the six musicians set up there. Articles previously written about Tanny and the Boys had focused on the musicians and their backgrounds, so instead I asked the group about the origins and rhythms of the songs from their two albums: Fête (1992) and Classic Tanny and the Boys (2000). What I learned was that the diversity of their musical knowledge is truly phenomenal, an outgrowth of the diverse origins of the group members. To summarize, their repertoire includes English Caribbean calypso, waltz, polka, and schottisch (the schottisch is similar to the polka but slower); American country western and blues; Dominican merengue; Spanish Caribbean bolero; Colombian cumbia; French Caribbean beguine; and tumba from Curaçao. Not only do they play these forms well, they also have the versatility to change the rhythms of songs according to their preferences. For example, the song “Fever” is an old St. Maarten calypso which the band plays in a merengue rhythm. “Come Go to Bed” is an original composition of Eddie Violenus in a combination of waltz and schottisch rhythm. “Lanta Mainta” is the tumba that George sings in Papiamentu. Fans of Jim Reeves country music will recognize the song “He’ll Have to Go” although it is listed on theClassic Tanny and the Boys CD as “Your Sweet Lips.” The group also plays the song “When I Grow Too Old to Dream,” which had been sung originally by movie actor Nelson Eddy!
Tanny and the Boys exemplifies the influence of human migration for economic reasons as an unwitting assistant in the development of exciting, eclectic folk music. For example, when employment was scarce in St. Maarten in the early part of the 20^th century, many of its inhabitants migrated to the Dominican Republic or to Aruba and Curaçao for work. While absorbing the cultural heritage of those places, they were always conscious of their St. Maarten origins and they or their descendants often returned to the island when its economic fortunes began to improve, particularly during the tourist boom which started in the 1960’s and continues to this day. This is certainly the case with the Violenus brothers and Culebra. What is also remarkable is that St. Maarten seems to stand alone among the nearby islands in this specific diversity. When stepping off the ferry from French St. Martin to Anguilla one can feel the change to a predominantly English Caribbean environment. Unfortunately, this diversity has not been studied to the extent that other Caribbean islands have been studied; for example, little Carriacou, part of the nation of Grenada, has been studied extensively due to the existence of its African-influenced music. However, in sources currently available in the United States, there is virtually nothing said about St. Maarten, Saba and Statia, with the exception of the book by Malena Kuss titled "Music in Latin America and the Caribbean: Volume 2: Performing the Caribbean Experience." This article hopefully is one small step toward rectifying that imbalance.

*Note: Culebra passed away in 2011 at the age of 86.

Sources:

AVS News online.com, "Federico “Culebra” Flanders-Smith Remembered," December 27, 2011.

Esposito, Michael. Interview with Tanny and the Boys, Belle Plaine, St. Martin, March 30, 2003. 

Sekou, Lasana, ed. Fête – Celebrating the Traditional Festive Music of St. Martin. St. Martin: House of Nehesi Publishers, 1992.

Sekou, Lasana. Liner notes to Tanny and the Boys LP Fête and CD Classic Tanny and the Boys.

Sheehy, Daniel E., “Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.” In Olsen, Dale A. and Sheehy, Daniel E., eds., The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Volume 2: South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. New York: Garland Publishing, 1998, 927-931.

Choosing the Right Caribbean Destination (guest post by Tiffany Mullins)

With over 7,000 islands to choose from, selecting the ideal destination for your Caribbean getaway can seem like an overwhelming task. While all of the Caribbean islands provide sun, sand and stunning ocean views, it’s important to consider what other attractions and activities you’ll want to experience in order to make your vacation perfect. The good news is that the Caribbean offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re hoping for a romantic and secluded retreat, a fun and family-friendly environment or a high-energy party scene. Decide what type of vacation you’d like to experience, and check out our list below to learn which hotspots you should visit during your getaway.

Rekindle Romance in Negril, Jamaica

Readers of Islands.com recently voted Negril as the most romantic destination in the Caribbean. A small town situated along Jamaica’s western coast, Negril boasts gorgeous rock cliffs and pristine beaches that create a unique, unforgettable backdrop for your exotic escape.

Dubbed the “Capital of Casual” for its easygoing vibe and authentic Jamaican feel, Negril hosts more than 50 romantic resorts that cater to parties of two, like Sandals Negril and Grand Pineapple Negril. One of the area’s most alluring attractions is its famed Seven Mile Beach, where white sands stretch as far as the eye can see. Once you’ve attained the perfect tan, you can head over to the popular Rick’s Café to sample Jamaican cuisine, watch cliff divers splash into the turquoise water and witness some of the most stunning sunsets in the world.

Finally, once you and your loved one have had enough beach bumming and cocktailing, you can enjoy romantic excursions like catamaran cruises along the calm Caribbean surf, or bond over island adventures like horseback riding on the beach. It’s no wonder Negril was recently voted the top Caribbean destination in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® 2012 – it’s a veritable paradise for couples hoping to leave their cares behind!

Party Up and Boogie Down in San Juan, Puerto Rico

A popular destination among spring breakers each year, San Juan has been nicknamed the Caribbean “City that Never Sleeps” by travel site Fodors.com, which describes San Juan as one of the seven best Caribbean cities for exciting nightlife. In fact, San Juan boasts more nightclubs than anywhere else in the Caribbean! Salsa clubs and lively bars line the streets of Old San Juan, where tourists can get their fill of dancing, partying and barhopping as they listen to top international DJs spin the night away. Thirsty vacationers can also visit the well-known Señor Frog’s, where new friends are waiting and the tequila is always flowing.

Once morning arrives, spring breakers on a budget will be happy to see plenty of American fast-food chains around town, where they can chow down on familiar fare. And let’s not forget about the beautiful beaches and perfect weather, which contribute to San Juan’s prestigious rank at the number two spot on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® 2012 poll, second only to Negril, Jamaica. Young U.S. travelers looking for the party of a lifetime in Puerto Rico will appreciate the cheap flights to San Juan, as well as the ability to arrive without a passport.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun in Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas

One of the most popular family vacation destinations in the Caribbean, Nassau plays host to many resorts that cater to fun-loving broods. Voted number two by U.S. News Travel in their list of Best Caribbean Family Vacations, Nassau is home to the only zoo in the Bahamas, as well as the Pirates of Nassau Museum, where kids will love hearing the tale of Blackbeard spun by employees decked out in pirate garb. Blue Lagoon Island is also a popular attraction for families who want to get up close and personal with dolphins and sea lions, and kids will never forget the thrills they experience at Atlantis’ Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park that features near-vertical water slides and 11 pristine pools.

Finally, when the adults want time to themselves, kid-friendly programs at many Nassau resorts help children enjoy the Caribbean while their parents relax on the beach or dine at gourmet restaurants. Thanks to its family-friendly nature and beautiful beaches, Nassau was also a winner in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® 2012 poll, in both the best Caribbean beaches and best overall Caribbean destination categories.

You’ve already made a great choice by picking the exotic islands of the Caribbean as your next vacation spot – now you just need to decide the perfect Caribbean locale! Book your stay at one of these fantastic destinations and experience the vacation of your dreams.

About the Author

As International Social Media Manager for Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts (Unique Vacation, Ltd.), Tiffany Mullins leads a team that creates new strategies for global, multi-brand social media. In addition to managing Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts’ online community, she also oversees the direction of Sandals and Beaches social media, including the Sandals Wedding Blog, which brings brides and inspiration together to truly create “Your Wedding. Your Style.” Tiffany now resides on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. For more information on Grand Pineapple’s all inclusive resorts, please call 1-800-327-1991 or visit www.grandpineapple.com.

Language Learning in Class and on Your Own

At present I am practicing 20 languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Haitian Creole, Guadaloupan Creole, Papiamentu, Catalán, Italian, German, Quechua, English Creole, Pennsylvania German, Chinese, Korean, Basque (aka Euskara), Gallego, Sicilian, Japanese and Guaraní. I list them more or less in the order that I know them, with everything starting with Quechua at a very basic level. I had started with Spanish, which I learned in the conventional way in school and then had the good fortune to study in Mexico and Colombia. Afterwards, I dabbled in Portuguese and French with cassettes and books. However, I had an "aha" moment about five years ago when I realized that, after listening to Dutch tapes in the car for two months, I knew that I had made progress. Then I figured out that with just a little time each day, I could do several languages as long as I was consistent. As I have a busy work schedule, I knew that I didn't have time to take classes and would have to do this on my own.  However, if you do have time to take a class, it's definitely a good idea. Even if you do take classes, there are things you can do on your own to supplement the classroom practice. Here I present what I have learned about my own quest in learning languages; it's in rough form now but I hope to edit it in the coming weeks and months into a "philosophy of language learning." These are principles that you can apply to your own language study, though you may find that certain things don't work for you and may have to adapt them to your own learning style. If you Google "language learning," you can find several websites and blogs on the subject. There is also a book by Barry Farber called "How To Learn Any Language," which still has good tips though it was written before the Internet really took off and made language information a lot easier to find. Language Learning Principles: Best advice from others: Talk to oneself in target language. Soliloquies in the long run become repetitive; it's best to get in a situation to respond to recordings as if one were having a dialogue with the speaker. Listen to normal speech in the language even if you don't understand it, so that your ear will get accustomed to it. However, it's not a substitute for the slower grammar and vocabulary building exercises. Use several methods (collectively they cover more vocabulary) Things I have discovered useful: Practice speech and writing with dictionary in front of me; write initial thoughts in English or Spanish if I'm really stuck and then translate.  Repeat phrases to build vocabulary After listening to text for which I have a transcript, schedule regular times to review Create dialogues when speaking to myself Put transcript close to where I listen; if it's buried in text, make photocopy that's easier to read Integrate the language info into my daily routine; one tape player in the kitchen, another where I do my exercises, etc. Listen in the car at least 5 minutes/day/language, ideally with myself speaking and responding to the recording Principles: In speaking or writing to others: Act like I'm walking a tightrope without looking down. Assume that anything is possible. Be fearless or at least control fear. (However, I do like to wait until I feel prepared before diving in completely to speaking or writing to others. Writing is a good start because one has a chance to correct some errors before sending.) Mixing languages in the beginning is not a crime, as vocabulary gaps are natural. Wrong guesses aren't bad either. As a matter of fact, mixing languages in speech, normally taboo, is not so bad as long as I continue to build vocabulary that will gradually allow me to wean myself off the other languages. Fluidity in speech is preferable to stopping because I can't think of a word. Fluidity builds confidence, and practice in fluidity, with feedback when possible, gradually strips away the rough spots in one's speech. No matter how many times I listen to something, when I go to create my own phrases I will need to draw on vocabulary that is not part of the scope of the method (book, tape, CD, computer software). Pimsleur's principle of "graduated interval recall" is good, but a lot of methods are not structured that way, particularly vocabulary building lists. Repeating the same method will approximate graduated interval recall to a certain extent. Studying similar languages at the same time reinforces some of the vocabulary of both languages. E.g. French "fromage" reinforces the Italian "formaggio" (cheese), Catalan "vuit" reinforces the French "huit" (eight). Confusion with similar languages happens, but not as often as I thought it would. Mark down your accomplishments, such as if you successfully wrote an e-mail in the language you're trying to learn; this builds confidence and provides a mental payback.

What to Avoid When Traveling to the Caribbean (guest post by Tiffany Mullins)

What to Avoid When Traveling to the Caribbean

Your Caribbean vacation is sure to consist of sun, sand and incredible memories that unite your family for many years to come. However, any time you travel to another country, you must remember a few pointers in order to keep your loved ones safe and happy. Thankfully, you can avoid a variety of potential mishaps by checking out the tips below – allowing you and your family to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime!

·        Unclean water and raw foods: Tempted by that friendly street vendor with the sumptuous-smelling jerk chicken? No matter how mouth-watering the local fare may appear, you should still exercise caution to avoid illness. Here’s a tip: only eat cooked foods and fruits that need peeling.

·        Painful sunburn: You may have gotten away without using sunscreen (tsk! tsk!) during that trip to the Jersey shore, but let’s face it, the Caribbean’s a little closer to the equator. Many travelers don’t realize that sunscreen is of the utmost importance, and wind up with painful burns or even worse, sun poisoning – so bring lots of SPF and reapply often.

·        Noisy festivals: Looking for a relaxing and quiet getaway? Make sure that your chosen destination isn’t celebrating a large festival during your vacation. Antigua parties it up for two weeks each summer during Carnival, and the normally-sleepy town of Negril hosts the JamFest concert series for spring breakers during the month of March.

·        Pickpocketing: If you plan on leaving your resort, remember to keep a close eye on your property and to limit the amount of cash you carry. While many locals are friendly and welcoming, others may want to take advantage of naïve tourists. Don’t give them the chance!

Keep these tips in mind while you prepare for your island getaway to guarantee a worry-free tropical escape. Travel safely and wisely, and you and your loved ones will have the time of your lives. Now that you’re ready, what are you waiting for? Hit the beach!

About the Author

As International Social Media Manager for Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts (Unique Vacation, Ltd.), Tiffany Mullins leads a team that creates new strategies for global, multi-brand social media. In addition to managing Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts’ online community, she also oversees the direction of Sandals and Beaches social media, including the Sandals Wedding Blog, which brings brides and inspiration together to truly create “Your Wedding. Your Style.” Tiffany now resides on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. For more information on Grand Pineapple’s all inclusive resorts, please call 1-800-327-1991 or visit www.grandpineapple.com

The island of Culebra, Puerto Rico

Culebra's airport

Culebra, a small island to the east of the main island of Puerto Rico, and one of its 78 "municipios" or districts along with the larger sister island of Vieques, is fascinating for a number of reasons. First, it is enough off the beaten path to have the feel of a remote place, but close enough to be accessible by ferry from Fajardo or by air from San Juan. Second, it boasts Flamenco Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches to be found anywhere. Third, there are interesting people there, including a small population from the mainland US that seems to have created a niche for themselves.

From a cultural standpoint, it has the Spanish language but is influenced by the culture of the English-speaking Caribbean in subtle ways, like when I listened to the radio there and heard a reggae concert. The reggae was sung in English, but the singer addressed his audience in Spanish. Another example of the mix was in the repertoire of local conga drummer Wiki Munet and his band WIKI Sound Machine, who plays at Mamacita's Restaurant in the island's lone town of Dewey (aka "Pueblo") but also plays with a religious music group at the local Catholic church. One of the rhythms he plays he calls "suki." I couldn't figure out what it was because it was the first time I had heard the name, but it may be a different way of spelling and pronouncing the French Caribbean dance rhythm of "zouk."

I met Wiki by striking up a conversation with him after Mass, and was immediately invited to the porch of his house after lunch to hang out with him and his family and neighbors, including the parish priest, and take a welcome cold beer to beat the heat. Wiki didn't want to play drums because one of his fellow musicians was off island, but he put on a CD of one of his performances at Mamacita's for us to enjoy.

Nothing is perfect, and the best reminder of that in Culebra are the mosquitoes. I didn't recall them being annoying at the beach, but I did get bitten on other occasions, so it's best to have repellent handy. However, the delights of Culebra far outweigh the itching of the mosquito bites.

Countrystyle Community Tourism experience in Jamaica

Shops in Mandeville

My wife Adriana and I went to Jamaica for a short visit from June 30 to July 4. Our visit had two phases: the first was our stay at the Sandals Carlyle in Montego Bay, and the second was a two-day tour in Jamaica's interior courtesy of Countrystyle Community Tourism. There were so many experiences wrapped up in such a short time that words fail to describe it adequately. It was evident to me that I would need some time to digest it.

This article will concentrate on our experience with Countrystyle. Diana McIntyre-Pike, who lives in Mandeville, the largest city in Manchester Parish (Jamaica´s administrative regions are called parishes), has spent more than 30 years of her life managing hotels and tours, was our host for the two-day tour. This customized tour was the result of quite a bit of preparation and communication over a two-month period, not to mention the fact that Diana and I first communicated via email in 2007 or so. Diana first welcomed us with a gift basket and also gave us some literature that highlighted the region´s attractions. The tour started from Montego Bay and followed the coast east to Falmouth, and then went toward the interior where the landscape changed frequently. First, after passing through some lowlands, we were confronted with the topography of the eastern end of the Cockpit Country, a hilly area that in some parts is still impenetrable. We passed through several towns on this eastern side such as Clark's Town, Clarence Town, and Albert Town. Diana found time to speak to a local herbalist who knew the medicinal properties of many of the area´s plants.

Albert Town is on the edge of the Cockpit Country in north central Jamaica.

Countrystyle Community Tourism director Diana McIntyre-Pike (left) with a local herbalist

After passing through this region, we noticed a few more changes in the surroundings. We first went to a lowland and back upwards toward Mandeville. The hills in this region featured some closed bauxite plants, a lot of new building of luxurious homes, and what looks to be a vibrant community. We stopped briefly at a plant that processed and packaged the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Continuing to the center of town, we had lunch in a popular locale that featured meat and chicken patties.

I invited a friend from Kingston, Cheryl Ryman, to take time out of her busy schedule and join Adriana and me in Mandeville. Diana was very accommodating and tailored the schedule so that we could fit in Cheryl in part of the trip. (Cheryl is the Executive Director of Outameni Experience, a popular attraction in northern Jamaica that provides an introduction to Jamaican culture for visitors.) After we met up with Cheryl we headed south toward a small village in the vicinity of Cross Keys, Manchester Parish, called Resource Village. The area has historical significance for a number of reasons, among them the Taino presence prior to colonization, and the activities of Marcus Garvey, whose vision prompted the construction of a United Negro Improvement Association "Liberty Hall," now in disrepair but with the hope of getting funds to make it serve the community again.

Diana's goal for this stop was for us to have for lunch the Jamaican national dish, ackee and saltfish. Ackee is a fruit, but looks and tastes (at least to me) like scrambled eggs in this combination. Having a local fruit called jackfruit, which looks like breadfruit but is delightfully sweet and sticky, finished off lunch nicely.

Ackee and saltfish with bammy or cassava bread

As lunch was winding down, we watched a local African-inspired dance. The young people who danced in a circle were fun to watch. I was invited to participate, which took me out of my comfort zone, but I made the best of it :) . Cheryl is in black, second from the right, and felt right at home dancing with the group.

Resource Village residents perform a local dance with Cheryl Ryman 

Then it was time to return to Mandeville. The villa we were to stay in, called Mountain Top Villa, was located in an area called Avondale Heights, and this is one part of Mandeville where many of these new palatial houses are being built. The villa is very nicely decorated inside and has a great view of the surrounding area. We managed to squeeze in a brief visit to the house of Valerie Dixon, who organizes a Marcus Garvey Festival every February, involving the Resource Village community.

The next morning it was breakfast at the Mandeville Hotel. The poolside setting was very nice. I remember having a dish called mackerel rundown and enjoying our chat with Diana, Valerie, and Mildred Smith-Chang. Mildred authored a book called The Mask is Off, which offers a frank look at the myths and realities for Jamaicans who decide to move to the United States.

We headed west past the town of Spur Tree and onward where we would see the south coast of Jamaica. One location we saw was called Middle Quarters, where the trees provided a lovely canopy over the road and many vendors sold local products. Diana likes her guests to get to know the people they meet and remember them on a first-name basis, so we stopped at one stand run by a woman named Marcie. The specialty, aside from the local fruits, was pepper shrimp.

Marcie at her stand selling fruit and pepper shrimp

Our next stop, in Westmoreland Parish, was the small town of Beeston Spring, which has distinguished itself by providing an example of what local community tourism can do. An article in the Jamaica Gleaner describes the award that the town received in 2010 as "best town in Jamaica" (http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100828/news/news4.html) . The community works hard to provide income, ensure a clean water supply, build or repair structures, and other essentials, with the help of The Sandals Foundation, and much assistance from Diana in the area of training. We picked up Astil Gage, president of the Beeston Spring Community Development Committee, on our way to the town. Our stop was brief by necessity, but we did learn a few things about the community and managed to see the group "The Mighty Beestons" perform traditional Jamaican mento music. This time it was my wife who was invited to dance and leave her comfort zone.

"The Mighty Beestons," mento performers in Beeston Spring

We wrapped up our tour with lunch at Sandals Whitehouse, not far from Beeston Spring. We were able to appreciate the beautiful views of the south coast from the resort just in time before an afternoon rain. (The resort warrants an explanation of its own.) On our way back to Montego Bay, we followed a road that hugged part of the south coast before turning inward and towards the north.

The south coast of Jamaica as seen from Sandals Whitehouse

There were many things that made the trip special, among them conversations with Diana and her friends about the political and economic state of Jamaica, local culture and the efforts to promote it, along with details that would generally fall under the radar in a brief visit, such as the best brand of bottled water, the resort chains that support the community and those that don´t, or the development of Mandeville´s downtown area which is currently too small to accommodate its rapid growth. For just two days, it was remarkable, and a tour of this type could easily be extended to include other local attractions, as has been the case for guests who had more time than we did. There was also no question that after knowing each other virtually for several years, Diana and I would continue to correspond and look for other opportunities to help each other. It is amazing and inspiring to witness how Diana and others in her community give of themselves unselfishly to promote their people´s well-being and build bridges of understanding with those fortunate enough to visit Jamaica.

Welcome website visitors!

Last weekend, I shut down my website and now the domain name www.latinandcaribbeantravel.com directs to this blog which, for those of you who are visiting for the first time, I started in 2007. The look of the blog may be different, but I hope you enjoy the content here as much as you enjoyed the content from my website.