A sailboat approaches the The Baths on Virgin Gorda. A sailboat approaches the The Baths on Virgin Gorda.

British Virgin Islands Tourist Board

British Virgin Islands - Music and Performing Arts

  • By Smithsonian.com
  • Smithsonian.com, November 06, 2007

Article Tools

 
  • Font
    		•  Share/Save/Bookmark Share
     
  • Email
    		•
     
  • Print
    		•  Digg Digg
     
  • Comments
    		•  StumbleUpon StumbleUpon
     
  • RSS
    		•  Reddit Reddit
     

    Photo Gallery


    Clear turquoise waters meet the lush green hillsides on Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands.

    British Virgin Islands

    View our photo gallery of British Virgin Islands


    Related Links

    Official Tourism Web Site

    Most Popular

    Each May, the islands host the BVI Music Festival, a four-day event that features both local and international talent. Local folk music is called Fungi (also, "scratch"), and it is similar to Jamaican mento. Scratch bands often incorporate a squash, washboard, or tambourine; congo drums; string instruments such as the ukulele or banjo; and a saxophone or flute. Scratch music evolved out of the slave era and scratch bands often perform Quelbe, indigenous folk music that is the official music of the Virgin Islands. Also popular here are reggae, calypso, and soca.

    Each May, the islands host the BVI Music Festival, a four-day event that features both local and international talent. Local folk music is called Fungi (also, "scratch"), and it is similar to Jamaican mento. Scratch bands often incorporate a squash, washboard, or tambourine; congo drums; string instruments such as the ukulele or banjo; and a saxophone or flute. Scratch music evolved out of the slave era and scratch bands often perform Quelbe, indigenous folk music that is the official music of the Virgin Islands. Also popular here are reggae, calypso, and soca.


     
    Comments

    Post a Comment


    Name: (required)

    Email: (required)

    Comment:



    Advertisement

    In The Magazine

    November 2008

    View Table of Contents



    Advertisement

    Culturespotter

    Experience Mexico

    Choose from seven videos to learn more about Mexico and its rich history.

    Cultured Collector

    Cultured Furnishings

    Bernhardt Furniture, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, announces new additions to its line of home furnishings.

    Window Shopping

    Gifts, Gadgets and Great Finds!

    From Our Advertisers: Products, Offers and Free Info

    Travel & Adventure

    Subscribe Today & Win a FREE Trip to Paris!


    Sojourners

    Love to travel? We've collected some of the best offerings from our most valued travel partners, across the country and around the world