Anguilla – Sunday is fun day in Anguilla, as lots of bars and restaurants have live music in the afternoon. Perfect for me, so I don’t miss my bedtime!. I made the rounds today… I went to 3 bars and I ran into 3 people I know. And I have been here like 3 days. This is a small island.
Scilly Cay
At Anguilla’s eastern end, in the village of Island Harbor, there really is an island in the harbor. This is ‘gorgeous’ Scilly Cay, a scenic spot bedecked with conch shells and a restaurant under a thatch-roof palapa. A party atmosphere prevails, as a band plays reggae music and the bar turns out a steady stream of rum punch, alongside lobster, crayfish and brown-sugar ribs. Most of the
seating is at the water’s edge, under the shade of palms. View from the boat shuttle, as I depart.
Gwen’s Reggae Bar
My next stop was back on the “mainland” at the eastern end of Anguilla. Shoal Bay East is a long stretch of crushed-shell sand that reflects pinkish hues in the right light. Six days a week, this place is completely chill, but the energy level kicks up a few notches on Sunday Funday. That’s when the beloved Scratch Band plays calypso and reggae music at Gwen’s Reggae Bar. Folks come from all around the island to dance barefoot in the sand — so I did too.
Bankie Banx Dune Preserve
Last stop: the legendary Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve. This is a ramshackle music club and beach bar, crafted from driftwood, recycled boats and other island scraps, and decked out with funky artwork and old photographs. The bar itself is made from the hull of an old wooden boat named It Ain’t Easy. It all takes place against the backdrop of sea and sky, with the hills of St Martin in the distance.
This one-of-a-kind music club is owned by island legend Bankie Banx, the singer and songwriter who is often called the ‘Anguillan Dylan’ for his soulful music, poetic lyrics and rebellious spirit. On Sunday the club hosts “Sunday School,” with various artists playing from noon until late in the evening. The music is solid, the breeze is salty and the vibe can’t be beat. Good times.
And here for your listening pleasure is Bankie Banx himself.