Big city sounds with a Caribbean twist at the Aruba Music Festival

As an island known for its vibrant tropical energy and diverse entertainment options, Aruba is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean to experience live music. The capital city of Oranjestad is known as a hotbed of Caribbean jazz and Latin music, as numerous clubs and concert halls host live bands throughout the year. Even outside of the main tourist areas of Oranjestad, live music can be heard in restaurants and on the beaches. The island is also home to major music festivals, the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, an annual event held each May featuring internationally renowned R&B and soul artists, and the Aruba Music Festival, a A two-day festival that welcomes the best-selling classics. rock groups, rising superstars and lesser known regional artists. While events like the Aruba Music Festival take place around the world, few festivals can boast the unique combination of big city entertainment and a welcoming Caribbean atmosphere.

Although it is only in its eighth official season, the Aruba Music Festival has already attracted an incredible variety of best-selling artists. Before becoming the Aruba Music Festival, the event was known as the Aruba Jazz and Latin Festival. Developed in the 1980s to showcase the rich musical tradition of the Caribbean region, the Aruba Jazz and Latin Music Festival was expanded and renamed in 2002. Although the Aruba Music Festival was created as a way to present the Top international touring acts, the festival has remained true to its roots and continues to offer performances by Latin and jazz artists from across the Caribbean region.

While this year’s festival lineup has yet to be announced, the event is sure to feature famous classic rock artists, as well as many emerging local, regional and international artists. In recent years, the main acts at the Aruba Music Festival have included well-known classic rock bands such as Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Queen, and Crosby Stills and Nash. The festival has also attracted several internationally recognized singer-songwriters such as Lionel Richie, Jackson Browne and contemporary favorite John Mayer. Before the main artists take the stage each day at the Aruba Music Festival, the side stage heats up with a diverse range of musical styles, most provided by groups specializing in dance-friendly Caribbean genres.

The Aruba Music Festival takes place each year at the state-of-the-art Aruba Entertainment Center. The spacious outdoor venue allows concert goers to enjoy the cool afternoon weather in a picturesque setting located just a five-minute drive from downtown Oranjestad and a fifteen-minute drive from the island’s hotel zone. The Aruba Entertainment Center offers superior acoustics and the open but intimate design ensures that all concert goers have great views of the main stage. The venue features a large general entrance and open grassy areas that allow concert-goers to stretch out on blankets and enjoy a relaxing, picnic-like experience, while those who prefer reserved seating will find great views near the stage. Behind the seating areas, several food and drink stalls serve food and drinks, including local beers and snacks.

Since the Aruba Music Festival takes place just before the start of peak tourism season, budget-conscious travelers visiting the island before winter break have an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant music scene of Aruba. the island. Tourists visiting Aruba during the fall season will also be assured of excellent weather, as the island falls outside the storm belt that affects many Caribbean islands.

The Aruba Music Festival will take place this year on the weekend of October 9-10. After this year’s program of main events unfolds, updates on the festival can be found on the official Aruba tourism website (www.aruba.com). Since the calendar will feature prominently in local travel posts, travelers can also contact their resort for more details on the festival.