Photo: Girls Liming: Courtesy The Anchorage

As evening falls over the capital, you can almost feel the air vibrate. Maybe there’s a live concert at the Jean Pierre Complex on Wrightson Road, or at Spektakula Forum on Henry Street: exciting events with national and international music stars.

Music (and laughter) is the language of the night, spilling out onto the streets. On the Western Main Road in St. James, noisy celebrants welcome the weekend at lively bars; Smokey and Bunty’s is a joyous pilgrimage for many. Calypso shows are the Wednesday-night attraction at the popular Mas Camp Pub on Wrightson Road; while on Thursdays, the spotlight is on hilarious stand-up comedy. A favourite watering hole in the Cascade area is The Pelican — not the large white bird with a big bill, but an English-style pub with a warm Caribbean personality just below the Hilton.

If you’re in the mood for some serious partying, grab your dancing shoes and check out Club Coconuts, in nearby St. Ann’s, or The Anchorage, Pier 1 and the Base in Carenage, where a euphoric dancing frenzy is the order of the night. Feeling sultry? Salsa on down to Pier 1 on Thursday — that’s when Latin Lovers get to do their thing.

For a more laid-back Caribbean night out, try the stylish Moon Over Bourbon Street in West Mall. There’s also Davises on Oxford Street, where, on occasion, you can enjoy a live performance in an intimate atmosphere. Could you be the next karaoke star? Find out at Just Friends, in Bretton Hall; The Abercromby Lounge on Abercromby Street; or the Cafe Rendezvous at Bagshot House, Maraval.

Photo: Chinese Laundry: Mark Lyndersay

For theatre-lovers, several playhouses around the city offer productions that range from slick, western-style farces to more serious works exploring aspects of history and heritage via dance, drama and music. The Trinidad Theatre Workshop is the city’s flagship, launched and nurtured by Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott. For open air theatre check out Under the Trees at The Normandie Hotel in St Ann’s.

Some of the country’s best art and sculpture is on display at the National Museum and Art Gallery, just south of the Savannah, as well as a comprehensive range of historical artifacts. Several art galleries showcase a range of works, from well-known and established artists to exciting new talent.
Patti and Joey Clark