National

Building The Bridge Through Bands

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Lights, cameras, action! It all went down last night at The Bahamas All-Stars’ Fifth Quarter Battle of The Bands.

Published

1 year ago

November 12, 2023

Jean Joseph

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Lights, cameras, action! It all went down last night at The Bahamas All-Stars’ Fifth Quarter Battle of The Bands. The show, which wowed the many in attendance, was also a testament to the power of music and the lasting impact of youth organizations.

The 5th annual 5th Quarter Battle of The Bands at the National Beach Soccer Stadium was a night of excitement. The rhythmic sound of drums and instruments carried across the harbour as hundreds of eager residents, family, friends and fans waited for the battle to start.

On one side, the charismatic Yonell Justilien and his team led the mighty Bahamas All-Stars Marching Band; on the other, Davaro Wilson directed the talented Millwood High School Marching Falcons from Oklahoma City. Wilson, a former protege of Justilien.

The Bahamas All-Stars, boasting over 150 musicians, faced off against the energetic Millwood Band, which had around 40 members and dancers who had travelled for the event. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band, C. I. Gibson Pop Band, and C. V. Bethel Pop Band added to the night’s entertainment.

Local entertainer shine 242, who performed with the all stars and the marching falcons, said this event was inspiring.

Before the grand finale, a captivating drum battle featured drummers from the All-Stars and Millwood.

The main event saw Millwood’s impeccable performance of American hits countered by the Bahamas All-Stars’ bold Bahamian rhythms.

In a surprising twist, the two bands joined forces on stage, fusing Bahamian and American styles to create a harmonious collaboration symbolizing unity.

Justilien says he looks forward to further battle of the bands editions. In his closing remarks he reflected on the many persons that had passed through the band and the positive impact music has on youth of the nation.

As the stadium emptied, the Sidney Poitier Bridge loomed in the background, a testament to the bridges built through the universal language of music.