Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2018 | Page 552

“Face” and the Rebels Band HD Ortix “Face” Schmidt and the Rebels Band emerged on the St. Eustatius scene in 1995, entertaining at outdoor shows and playing at night clubs, on occasion. The founders of the band had the love of music at their core and forming a band was the natural thing to do. The Rebels HD Band held their 1st major concert in 2013 to a sold-out appreciative crowd. This was a summer concert which saw a variety of local soca artistes joining the lineup. The band’s 2nd concert is being planned for July 2019. Although versatile, the band’s preferred genre of music is Soca which result in invitations from neighboring countries to participate in their celebrations, such as Saba, which is often treated to Rebel HD’s energetic performances at their pre-carnival warm-ups. They have also travelled to Belgium, Miami, Holland, Atlanta, St. Maarten, Curacao and Nevis. The band’s versatility extends to the organization of other events. One such event is the Wet Fete, which they have spearheaded since 2000. It takes place annually on Easter Sunday and Monday. Quite an exciting experience, the event begins at 4:00 am on Easter Sunday morning. Rebel Band HD drives through the street, playing live music, followed by eager participants who dance in the streets behind the music truck. It is a Wet Fete because a “water truck” continuously wet the spectators and participants as they dance along the streets. Visitors to St. Eustatius are invited and encouraged to participate as everyone is welcome – it is a free event, no sign-ups are required so you can just join the festivities. The event starts at Oranjestad and goes down to the beach at Gallows Bay where a paid breakfast is served. The party does not end there, however. It continues on the beach with live performances on stage, food sale and drinks – a huge cultural and musical extravaganza. On Good Friday, the island is generally very quiet as they observe the religious holiday, but on Saturday, the island comes alive! The different cultures visiting and residing on Statia all come together - Spanish, Surinamese, Dutch, American - to enjoy the Easter weekend activities. Malvyn, Bass Clyde, Guitarist Wayne, Keyboardist Ortix “Face” Schmidt, Lead singer “Showtime” Lead singer Junior, Drummer The genuine warmth of the friendly people of Statia make visitors feel right at home.