Above all, music guides the aimless wanderings that symbolize my Caribbean travels. Drums in particular take me down paths I never planned to explore before. It is a path that ultimately leads to some of the greatest travel discoveries and experiences of my life. A recent chance meeting with Ay Ay Rhythm Ensemble is a good example.
Ay Ay What is Rhythm Ensemble?
Ay Ay Rhythm Ensemble is a performance troupe focused on celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Using music, poetry, storytelling, and theater performances, the group promotes greater understanding and appreciation of Crucian culture. Their passion for Croix’s core history and culture is literally reflected in the troupe’s name. Ay Ay was the original Taino Indian name for the island.
That’s impressive, right? For a Crucian like me, it certainly would. But at the same time, I had never heard of a rhythm ensemble before. Perhaps I haven’t been home enough on St Croix.
Or maybe you don’t attend enough cultural events where they perform. Transfer day, Mango Milli… Yeah, I need to go home more often.
Fort Frederick Rehearsal
Major cultural and community events aside, how can you enjoy the magic of Ay Ay Rhythm Ensemble? Well, if you’re lucky you might spot them out west, like I did during my recent visit to STX.
More specifically, we found it just outside Fort Frederik near Frederiksted Pier.
I was in the area simply to enjoy the sunset before heading to Rainbow Beach for an early evening swim. But that Ay Ay drum changed my plans…
I spent some time here chatting with the group between songs as the sun gradually set in during the night. To say it was magical would be an understatement.
Across the Danish West Indies, random sunset drum sessions take place at historic locations where enslaved Africans won their freedom…the same locations where the first flame of the historic Fire Burn was lit!
I realized once again that the best travel experiences often require no planning at all. All you have to do is listen to the music. This is especially true if the music in question contains a lot of drums.
