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.