Review: Kennel Boys At Grotto Bay Beach

[Written by Dale Butler]

It was a joy to sit at the Bayside Terrace Grill & Bar at Bermuda’s famous Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Spa at 11 Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton Parish. The facility has long had a good reputation for establishing enduring memories.

Toting an invitation in my back pocket to hear Bermuda’s famous Kennel Boys during the Thursday evening barbecue buffet, I was stunned with the scenery as I took the steps to the waterfront area where musical treats were to be performed by the big three: David Fitzsimmons [lead guitar], Stan Gilbert [bass] and Ronnie Lopes [congas]. Big, because they have earned their professional reputations based on their long track record of playing for some of the best local and international stars over the years.

With so much talent in the vault, they could have allowed each musician to explode on every song, but they designed some well-balanced arrangements that did not follow the usual format. For example, we normally expect the bass to take the lead and drive home “No Woman, No Cry” or “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley, but they had a very subtle intro of the bass as Ronnie sang both songs. He put the icing on the cake with “No Woman, No Cry.”

The friendly atmosphere developed by the band was the first time I had seen children and adults get on the dance floor without being prompted. With birthday salutations, and a rally of endless songs like:

• “I Hope You Don’t Mind” – Elton John

• “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” – Creedence Clearwater Revival

• “I Will” – The Beatles

• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

• “Oh My Love My Darling I Hunger For Your Touch” – Righteous Brothers

By now, it was obvious they had the rhythm and verbal connection with the audience – such artistry they had learned, over the years, from Bermudian virtuosos Gene Steede or the late Ed Ible, to name but a few, and they decided to take an early leap for the mountain. It paid off. A lady later said to me that when she closed her eyes, she felt Louis Armstrong was singing “What A Wonderful World.” Ronnie nailed it to the point where she added, “That little guy with the congas knows the whole song book. He should be on Bermuda Has Talent.”

Ronnie must have heard her because the next song “Sweet Caroline” was a showstopper that involved the audience singing. When Ronnie shouted “somebody scream” I think the airport lights just across the still waters blinked. The dinner guests loved it and left after a delightful seafood buffet and barbecue with good service and drinks. It will be hard as hell to replace the Kennel Boys at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa, a place of scenic beauty.

- Dale Butler is the Professor of Local Music and also writes restaurant, book and dance reviews for Bernews.

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Category: All, Entertainment, Music