Mars Bay Conch Fest 2025

 Mars Bay Conch Fest
Oct. 11 -12, 2025

SHOCKING Bahamas Food Tour!!

 

 SHOCKING Bahamas Food Tour!! A visit to Andros.

 

Visit my Native Stew YouTube Channel for much more.

 

Box Office Opens for Shakespeare in Paradise 2025! September 22-October 12, 2025 Four Shows over Three Weeks!

Conga Scrape

 

 Conga Scrape - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Here's a beat I created 20 years ago. It was originally a MIDI file but I finally got around to converting it to a WAV file which was needed for my video editor. Enjoy.

 

Related music: I Don't Like Rum

 

Announcing Shakespeare in Paradise 2025! September 22-October 12, 2025 Rehearsals are under way in our newly renovated Black Box for our seventeenth festival!

Photos courtesy of Edward Knowles

Four Shows over Three Weeks!

Short Tales 2025

Short Tales features works by new and returning playwrights. Not all of our writers this year are Bahamian—we have offerings from the USA and from Trinidad as well. Selected by a panel of judges who read the plays blind, Short Tales 2025 will delve into issues as varied as mothers’ relationships with their children, what to do when you have unwanted visitors, how to deal with pesky insects, and the best ways to die. Don’t miss it! Runs September 22-October 4, PAB Black Box

 "One People" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Crossing Cultural Barriers: A Journey of Connection and Growth

In a world that is more interconnected than ever, the concept of culture is both a source of rich diversity and a potential point of friction. We are constantly exposed to different traditions, beliefs, and ways of life, whether through travel, media, or our own communities. This exposure brings with it the challenge and opportunity of crossing cultural barriers. But what does this really mean? How do we do it, and why should we even try? This blog post will take a deep dive into the profound journey of bridging cultural divides, exploring its meaning, methods, benefits, and ultimate significance.

I Don't Like Rum - Update

I wrote this song 20 years ago. Then I created some music for it. It was originally a MIDI file but I finally got around to converting it to a WAV file which was needed for my video editor. It's done in the Rake 'n' Scrape style of The Bahamas. Enjoy.

 

 

I Don't Like Rum

Rake 'n' Scrape song

(chorus)

I don't like rum, but rum like me,
It stick on me like a dog wit’ a flea
Listen to me people, now can’t you see
I don't like rum, but boy rum like me

 

I bin drinkin' rum for a long, long time

I drink so much rum, ya know it mus' be a crime

I was da smartest man in da whole country

Now I can' t'ink straight because, rum like me

Before I go to sleep, I take two shot or t’ree
I drink it erry mornin’ for my cup a tea
I use to work so hard, makin’ plenty money
Nah I can’ keep a job because, rum like me

 

(chorus)
 

I hang out by da bar, scrappin’ all day long
Hustlin' rum money, for a drink real strong
When people look at me, dey don't like
what dey see
I say I look like dis because, rum like me

I see my bar room  friend, wit a bottle a rum
He walk right up to me, an’ say if I wan’ some
I cross my heart and tell him very honestly
I don’t like rum, but boy rum like me

 

(chorus)

Staggerin’ dan da road, ya know I don't live far
I fall down twice, an’ mos’ get lick wit’ car
Da driver put on brakes, an’ man I had ta flee
He say I don't like my life, but boy rum like me

 

I back home nah, an’ I take a seat
I look at da grits, but I een wan’ eat
I wish I had a woman, who I could marry
But I can’ like no woman, only rum like me

 

(chorus)

I try ta go ta sleep, but it so scary
I seein' little creatures, ‘cause I gat DTs
Thru da winda booga-man, under ‘neat’ one tree
Dis is how I live because, rum like me

 
Again dis mornin’, I say Lord no more
Den I drink my rum tea, an’ I hit da door
No care in da worl’, no responsibility
But I een really free because, rum like me

 

(chorus)

Rum is very dangerous, in are country
We need ta ban da rum, it killin’ all a we
But da leaders and da people, jess can’ agree
‘Cause rum like dem, jess how rum like me

(chorus)

derek catalano (c)2005. (No AI)

 

View my Native StewYoutube Channel

 

 

Related article: Alcohol Abuse in The Bahamas

Related news story: The Bahamas Has an Alcohol Problem

Related article: Alcohol Use and Its Connection to Violence and Homicide

Related article: Alcohol and Its Association with Promiscuity and Hypersexuality

Related article: Alcohol, Drugs, and Their Association with Mental Illness and Crime

Related song: I Don't Like Rum

Related article: Drunk in Public - Bahamas Penal Code

Related article: Alcohol: The Silent Killer of Inspiration, Motivation, and Community

Related article: Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Assessing the Risks

Bahamas Independence Dancers

 

"Bahamas Independence Dancers" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Download full size: 2048x2048 

Father's Day Drumbeat

 

 Father's Day Drumbeat 

 

Me playing around with the goatskin junkanoo drum on Father's Day back in 2019. Tryin' a new rake 'n' scrape beat. My cousin Claudia joined in with a shake dance. lol. We all jus' havin' fun.😊 Nassau, Bahamas. View video.

Limbo: Origins and Evolution in The Bahamas

 "Limbo Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Limbo: Origins and Evolution in The Bahamas

 

While widely associated with the Caribbean, the origins of limbo dancing, and its specific evolution into nightclub floor shows in The Bahamas, represent a fascinating blend of ancient African traditions and modern entertainment. This essay will delve into the deep roots of limbo, tracing its ceremonial beginnings, its migration and transformation in the West Indies, and its eventual popularization as a staple of Bahamian tourism and nightlife.

The Dancing Flames: Origins and History of Fire Dancing in The Bahamas

 

 "Fire Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Dancing Flames: Origins and History of Fire Dancing in The Bahamas

 

Fire, an element of primal power and captivating beauty, has held a significant place in human culture across the globe. From ancient rituals to modern entertainment, the manipulation of flames has manifested in various art forms, among them the mesmerizing spectacle of fire dancing. In The Bahamas, fire dancing possesses a unique history, intertwining African roots, indigenous practices, and the evolution of the tourism and entertainment industries. This essay will delve into the origins of fire-related performances in the archipelago, trace its historical trajectory, and explore its presence in contemporary Bahamian nightclub floor shows.

 

 "Golden Era Nightclub" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Golden Era of Nightclubs and Nightclub Entertainment in The Bahamas

 

Introduction

From the 1930s to the early 1970s, The Bahamas enjoyed a dazzling era of glamour, live music, and nightlife unlike anything else in the region. Often referred to as The Golden Era of Nightclubs, this period transformed the Bahamian capital of Nassau — and, to a lesser extent, Freeport — into hubs for celebrities, jazz legends, socialites, mobsters, and curious tourists. These decades saw an explosion of entertainment venues where local talent and international stars mingled, giving rise to an unforgettable cultural moment. Today, that legacy lingers in memory and myth, but its real impact on Bahamian identity, tourism, and music remains profound.

Ākāra - A Bijayini Satpathy's Choreography

 

 Ākāra - A Bijayini Satpathy's Choreography

 

My son Carlito will be dancing in Utah. 

 

Ākāra is retelling of quintessential dances of Odissi when it emerged as a national dance - expressed through young global practitioners of today, whose life and realities are far and unfamiliar to the land of Orissa. - View Instagram post.

 

Related video:  PRAVESH Odissi Performance

Related article: Shirley Bass Foundation Sponsors Bahamian Dancer

Nassau, Bahamas: An Historical and Cultural Overview

This year the city of Nassau celebrates 400 years as the capital of The Bahamas.

 

 "Nassau Landmark Attractions"

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Nassau, Bahamas: An Historical and Cultural Overview

Introduction

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is more than a picturesque tropical city. Located on New Providence Island, Nassau has long been the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Bahamian archipelago. Its colorful past includes colonial battles, piracy, slavery, emancipation, and independence. Today, Nassau remains a key player in Caribbean tourism, governance, and commerce. Understanding its rich history sheds light on the broader narrative of the Bahamas and the wider Atlantic world.

"Regatta Race" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Bahamian Sloop Sailing and Sloop Racing Regattas: A Tradition of Heritage and Sport

Sailing has long been an essential part of the culture and history of The Bahamas, with the Bahamian sloop standing out as an iconic vessel that represents the country’s maritime heritage. This type of sailboat, unique to the Bahamian archipelago, has evolved over centuries, adapting to the needs of its people, and today plays a central role in one of the most exciting and culturally significant sporting events in The Bahamas: sloop racing regattas. These regattas are more than just races—they are celebrations of Bahamian history, pride, and community spirit.

In this article, we will explore the history, design, cultural significance, and the exciting world of sloop racing in The Bahamas, delving into the technical aspects of sloop construction, the vibrant regatta festivals, and how they continue to shape the country’s maritime identity.

Subsistence and Backyard Farming in The Bahamas

 

 "Backyard Farm" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Subsistence and Backyard Farming in The Bahamas

Introduction

Agriculture in The Bahamas has traditionally been characterized by small-scale operations, with subsistence and backyard farming playing pivotal roles in local food production and cultural practices. These farming methods have been essential for household sustenance, community resilience, and, more recently, as strategies for enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Julien Believe Ft Shine, Jonny Cake, Exec - Whip Whap

 

 

Julien Believe Ft Shine, Jonny Cake, Exec - Whip Whap

View more Bahamian music videos

The Evolution of Bahamian Art: From Origins to Future Prospects

 

 "Potter's Cay Fishing Boats" by ©A. Derek Catalano

Download

 

The Evolution of Bahamian Art: From Origins to Future Prospects

 

Introduction

Bahamian art is a vibrant and expressive reflection of the nation’s history, culture, and identity. Over the centuries, it has evolved from indigenous crafts to contemporary works that push the boundaries of Caribbean artistic expression. As a dynamic and evolving art scene, Bahamian artists have embraced multiple influences, from colonial traditions to African heritage and modern global trends. This essay explores the origins, growth, and future of Bahamian art, highlighting the key movements and figures that have shaped its trajectory.

Happy 242 Day Bahamas 🇧🇸

 

Happy 242 Day Bahamas 🇧🇸

 

Celebrate Bahamian Pride today.

 

• Wear National Flag Colours

or Bahamian Print.

 

 • Enjoy a delicious Bahamian Dish.

 

• Enjoy Bahamian Music, Art or Entertainment

all day long.

The Bahamas is the Place to Be

 

 "Bahama Shore" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Bahamas is the Place to Be

Beneath the skies of endless blue,
Where ocean whispers sing to you,
A paradise, a dream set free,
Oh, The Bahamas is the place to be.

The waves that kiss the golden sand,
Hold secrets cupped in nature's hand,
Turquoise waters, calm yet vast,
A timeless realm where moments last.

The sun awakes with a fiery glow,
Its amber rays in soft waves flow,
Palms sway gently, a tranquil plea,
Come, The Bahamas is the place to be.