Pre-Moonsplash Bash
~ @ The Red Piano ~
A Banks Family Affair!
Blue Water Rum and The Red Piano proudly bring you a free concert with Bankie Banx alongside two of his children, Omari and Tahirah, at The Red Piano this evening, April 7.
Bankie, known to many as the Bob Dylan of Anguilla, has been a performer since 1963 when he built his first guitar. He has performed with Bob Dylan himself as well as other musical royalties such as Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Freddie McGregor, Steel Pulse, Third World and Inner Circle. Bankie’s immensely popular annual Reggae festival “Moonsplash” will take place in just two weeks. This year’s line-up includes Cecile, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Mighty Mystic and Omari Banks.
Omari found his musical calling at a young age when he first took the stage in Milan, Italy, to sing alongside his father Bankie Banx. The emotions conveyed through music touched his heart and a star was born. Finding his inspiration through an eclectic genre of music, Omari went on to perfect his craft by writing and becoming a proficient guitar player. The budding star went on to win multiple talent shows but as a teenager turned his attention to the sport of cricket, where he excelled first locally, then regionally and ultimately on the world stage.
In 2003, Omari Banks became the first Anguillan to play test cricket for the West Indies. He went on to travel the world for 12 years as a professional athlete. Despite his success in sports, Omari never lost his passion for music. He became renowned for traveling with his guitar and giving impromptu performances; even as he focused on cricket. In 2010, Omari made the decision to move on and pursue his passion for music. With a lifetime of experiences and life lessons, he immersed himself in song writing and perfecting his musicianship. His new songs “More Than Friends” and “You & Me” can frequently be heard on Reggae stations worldwide and on Sirius XM’s The Joint.
Omari’s younger sister Tahirah Banks is also joining her father and brother to please concert goers with her soulful voice. A true musical talent, singer/songwriter Tahirah not only plays the piano but also the guitar and the drums. Her music is a blend of original material and covers in the rock, pop, R&B and reggae genres. These three musical talents have never before performed together in St. Maarten, so don’t miss the opportunity to see them on stage together tonight at The Red Piano located in the Hollywood Casino building in the heart of the Simpson Bay Resort.
Entrance is free but space is limited so come early!
