Byron Lee to perform in San Pedro, Orange Walk, Belize City
They’ve been away for a year but Byron Lee and the Dragonaires are back in town to “mash up the place” all over again. This year they have included San Pedro and Orange Walk concerts. The band arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport this afternoon and told News Five how much they’ve missed their Belizean fans.
Leon Coldero
“Belize is one of my favorite places to perform in the world in the fifty-two cities and countries that I do, with Byron and without Byron Lee. So I am just ready to let Belize expect a great performance as usual.”
This time around, Belizeans are going to get more than they bargained for as Byron Lee packs songs from last year’s album, this year’s and all the old favorites.
Lima Calbio
“Every year we come with something new and you can expect a lot of good stuff. I heard that “Faloma” is very big here, well I’m going to make it even bigger. When Byron Lee get finish with “Faloma”, it couldn’t get bigger than this.”
Q: “Do any other country’s fans welcome Byron Lee like Belizean fans?”
Oscar Benjamin
“My honest… no. To be honest with you, no. Belize is the only place that welcomes us in this sort of a manner. They welcome you with such, they respect your music; they respect you as an artist. They big you up in nice ways. So it’s all good, trust me.”
In case all you men out there were just going to Byron Lee to keep an eye on your women, Oscar B. says he won’t leave you out.
Oscar Benjamin
“I’m going to do something for the ladies that the men need to do. You understand what I’m saying? It’s for the ladies but the men definitely need to take heed.”
The “Dragon” himself says every Belizean, young and old, will learn the Kitty Kat dance.
Byron Lee
“This year the hit record is really “Kitty Kat,” because not only is it a sweet record but it has a dance and Oscar B. going to mash up the ladies with it. We have two versions, one for the children and one X-rated for the adults so no children must come to the adult show. But the music this year is sweet, sweet.”
And speaking of sweet, everyone in the band couldn’t stop talking about the sweetness of the voice of one of their newest members, Cedric Poitier, nephew of the actor Sidney Poitier.
Cedric Poitier
“I’m very excited, as a matter of fact, Belize woke me up. I love the people already. I’ve heard so much about you for the last year and I’m very excited about being here. I can’t wait to perform. I wish we were performing tonight.”
Q: “I heard you have the sweetest voice, you mind giving me a sample?”
Cedric Poitier
“On one condition.”
Q: “What’s that?”
Cedric Poitier
“I get to hold you like this and sing. (singing) “Everyone falls in love sometime. I don’t know about you but it ain’t a crime.” So ladies you got to come out. I got more too just for you out there.”
I’ve already got my ticket and hope you’ve bought yours. Promoter Silvana Woods says you can get a discount if you move fast.
Silvana Woods, Concert Promoter
“Actually, people better hurry and get their ticket sales that are discounted cause once three p.m. hits the day of each show, that’s it, you got to pay the gate price.”
And in case you’ve forgotten what to do to get ready for a night with Byron Lee, Lima has a couple of suggestions.
Lima Calbio
“What you have to do is get your oil, your waist oiled up and greased up. Make sure all the bearings in place and ready to go. That is number one priority, your waistline. Got to be moving, especially for songs like “Faloma”.”
Janelle Chanona for News Five.
The band’s first performance is this Friday at the Belize Yacht Club in San Pedro. On Saturday they will be at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk for their first concert in that town in twenty-five years. Byron Lee takes Sunday off to rest up and then they will bring in Independence at the Belize City Center on the twentieth. In Belize City tickets are available at Record Shacks One and Two. In Orange Walk, you’ll find them at Nayely’s Store and Yu All In One. In San Pedro, the Belize Yacht Club and Rubie’s Deli.
