Entertainment at the airport
After reading about the heated debate going back and forth between Tony Brannon and Gene Steede, I am torn. Although they both have some valid points, I can’t decide who is correct:
(i) Tony Brannon, who feels that our ever-growing population of aging Calypso entertainers such as Gene Steede, who play for our visitors at the airport, would be better off being paid to work in Dockyard or St. George’s. There, our visitors could listen to more than the one or two songs they get to hear while waiting to clear immigration. Mr. Brannon also says that it is a lie to offer up Gene Steede at the airport, as the visitors will think “‘Oh there will be plenty of calypso/island music in Bermuda’…when the truth is that there is hardly any left at our remaining hotels”.
(ii) Gene Steede, who contends that the performances at the airport were created as a countermeasure for when work slowed down at the hotels. Mr. Steede also said that Mr. Brannon’s words undermine the dignity of all senior citizens who still have much to give and “we are part and parcel of the Bermudian national treasure”.
I can’t really decide who makes the more valid point, whether or not the musicians at the airport are a waste of time, or worthwhile entertainment, and a positive reflection of Bermuda. What are your thoughts?
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Let's get this off to a proper start.
THEY ARE BOTH A PAIR OF EGO CENTRIC ASSHOLES!!
Posted by Rob Berry on 24.11.05 at 19:47
Why not have the best of both worlds and have them play at both venues. If they can't other bands should think of putting a gig together as work seems to be in demand.
Posted by Ethiops on 24.11.05 at 20:06
Sorry folks, a misinformed outburst there! Brannon is an ego centric asshole not Mr Steede! Gene ..sorry. Why? well after reading the originating story and getting my facts straight I realised that that Brannon did the same to me and other local musicians a few years back.
Brannon was running a night club on front street called the "Surf Club". He hired local entertainers as the opening acts for his foreign buddies he was importing. Two weeks into the gig he fired all the local entertainers, following this a Mid Ocean article was published. What did he do? To defend himself he went to all the employers of musicians claiming that the locals were drug addicts and drunks.
Tony...we all know what you are and where your loyalty's lie. You will just scweam and scweam and scweam till you get what you want. And it's all about you.
Posted by Rob Berry on 24.11.05 at 20:16
WOW....
Rob ...you played so loud you drove the customers out of the joint....I took orders from The GM of the Hotel.....You and David Fitzsimmons band were so loud and after repeated requests to turn down a decision was made.
By the way Rob resentments that last over 5 years are bad for your health pal....
I see you are playing where these days ????
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 20:25
I wish they would sing anywhere but the airport. Listening to the tuneless drivel while in the queue for immigration puts me in a really bad mood!! I feel the rage coming on now as I come down the steps of the plane in anticipation of the torture. Hmm, I'm in a bad mood now just thinking about it.
If this is the quality of entertainment offered up in hotels then it is no wonder than tourism is in such a terrible state.
I appreciate that some people might enjoy it but why inflict it on all when there is no escape.
Posted by Kate on 24.11.05 at 20:27
To set the record straight
I have for the past 7 years made the point that the taxpayer funded entertainment at the airport is a waste of taxpayer dollars and indeed an under utilization of the talents of local musicians.
Gene Steede used to be a headliner at the Princess Hotels and in my view (and many others) he is wasted at the airport.
Gene has taken offence to my stance at the airport because he feels I am threatening the job he needs since there is no more work left at the hotels to speak of.
I have never threatened his job, nor am I in a position to do so. I have suggested ways to enrich the mans talents by playing to visitors where they can truly appreciate him.
It is easier for Government to leave things as they are than to get off their butts and do something creative and exciting.
In my view Fairmont Princess should have hired Gene as part of their entertainment and it is a travesty that this large hotel is allowed to get away with the little entertainment they offer.
I sat in Minister EWART BROWN’s house with GENE STEEDE over a year ago and stated that I was in no way suggesting that Government not support the local Calypso Musicians but that it would be better to put these entertainers where they would be better appreciated. My email was not the first time Gene Steede heard of my point of view regarding the airport entertainers.
I also made this recommendation to the Dale Butler/Stuart Hayward Musicians’ Report – of which I was a contributor.
Airports are for getting in and out of as fast as possible……People want to get to their hotels or offices or homes.
Visitors would be better served by seeing Gene Steede properly presented at a venue such as St. George’s Town Square or Dockyard or indeed even Hamilton.
They could then listen to a great show and really be entertained.
I have said this to Minister Allen, Webb and now Brown.
I wonder how many people out there agree with me that this is better utilization of tax payer dollars and indeed my suggestion has to be more gratifying to the entertainers???
Gene Steede totally got the wrong impression from my email and was quick to attack me in the press. He should be the one supporting a better utilization of local entertainers.
This Government has done nothing to revive Bermuda Tourism. They will not touch casinos…the profit center needed to reinvigorate the hotels and indeed give fun and ENTERTAINMENT to our guests.
I have NEVER ever suggested putting entertainers out of work. I have suggested things to help revive tourism all of which fall on the DEAF ears of the PLP…whether it was ALLEN, WEBB or now BROWN.
Bermuda has about as much chance of reviving tourism under the present regime as John Lennon has of coming back from the dead.
I apologized to Gene Steede for any insult he perceived, though he wouldn’t accept it.
At least I apologized to him and others……. which is more than the Premier did concerning the racist email I received from P……”I am the Man” Scott.
Tony Brannon
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 20:27
What we need playing in the airport is some good old fashioned London Buskers :-)
Posted by Rincewind on 24.11.05 at 20:30
Many local entertainers have ruined their careers as a result of DRUGS and BOOZE.
No one is perfect, but when you go to work you better do a good job, be on time and not ruin other band members nights because you smoked crack and were so paranoid you couldn't face getting on stage.....
People in Bermuda all know who those guys and gals were...and YES none of them are working.
Funny how that works isn't it !
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 20:32
hmm, and some of them are still working.
Posted by F*&^ed-off- with-the-usual-s*&^ on 24.11.05 at 20:39
"WOW....
Rob ...you played so loud you drove the customers out of the joint....I took orders from The GM of the Hotel.....You and David Fitzsimmons band were so loud and after repeated requests to turn down a decision was made."
Your employee's controlled the sound system.
“By the way Rob resentments that last over 5 years are bad for your health pal....”
Not really, but to see you viciously rubbishing another musician yet again requires that your history to be known.
“I see you are playing where these days ????”
With four kids to look after and a lucrative business to run,exposing myself to the likes of you and your defamatory remarks takes second place in my life. I chose not to play anymore firstly because I do not have the time and secondly to protect my family and myself from the likes of you.
Please, go see a doctor, get some help, you are running around lashing out at people almost daily now without thinking of the consequences to their lives. What ever it is that is driving you to abuse people with your emails all the time has to stop. Get some help Tony, they have some marvelous medications nowadays, they can help to take away all that pain and frustration.
Posted by Rob Berry on 24.11.05 at 20:39
There's no question that Mr. Steede and his group have their own unique quality and talent.... but hearing that hackneyed stuff on one's return to the island after a long international flight is nothing less than irritating. It might be different as a offering at a chosen venue with some real interaction from interested listeners, Dockyard or St. George's as someone suggested, but don't please mislead our visitors that they have just landed in some calypso haven corner of the Carribean. We never were there and, hopefully, never will be!
Posted by Bald Eagle on 24.11.05 at 20:41
I think the entertainment at the airport is a complete waste of money.On most of my arrivals there has been only a lone musician strumming some Calpso song.Its pathetic and a complete waste of tax payers money.What is the actual amount paid for this? I think it should be stopped at once.
Posted by Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 24.11.05 at 20:47
"People in Bermuda all know who those guys and gals were...and YES none of them are working."
I am sure they do Tony and I bet it was you that told them...!
Posted by Rob Berry on 24.11.05 at 20:50
Look you two you obviously have a bad history but stop it now! The ^..^ has long fangs and I'll sort you both out...and for the record no one does crazy better than the wolf and what makes matters worse I'm drug free so I really know what I'm doing.When art and money collide there is trouble all over the place...Tony you live in a glass house stop throwing stones.Mr.Berry you have your own personal issues with Mr.Brannon.Ok ! but no personal insults and lets stick to the issue re music at the airport.Why are you for it or why are you against it.For the other stuff exchange e-mails and sort it out.Mr. Berry don't forget your music no matter else what you do it will always centre you. Ok do we all understand each other....Ok continue!!!
Posted by Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 24.11.05 at 20:59
Gentlemen and others,
Why not issue the immigration and custom officers a musicians license and they could sing as they stamp your passport as right now they are the worst ambasadors one could imagine.
Maybe get Johnny Barnes to train them in greeting arrivals as these folk all act like they have not had a satisfying bowel movement for a very long time.
Christ I would settle for a friendly smile.
Do these people not get a decent salary ?
It does not seem like a tough job, no heavy lifting or anything.
Wish I was Donald Trump and could say YOUR'E FIRED !!
Posted by Bill Cook on 24.11.05 at 21:19
Gene Steede, who contends that the performances at the airport were created as a countermeasure for when work slowed down at the hotels. Mr. Steede also said that Mr. Brannon’s words undermine the dignity of all senior citizens who still have much to give and “we are part and parcel of the Bermudian national treasure”.
A national treasure is now relegated to the airport arrivals hall.....
The travesty is the hotels that closed or scaled back entertainment have had not one ounce of help from this myopic government who continue to pander to the church and god squad......everyone knows the magic to cruise ships success....it is variety and great entertainment....casinos...yes that profit center that helps keep them afloat...meanwhile the hotels here have sunk or are nearly drwoning in red ink...hence Gene is at the airport thanks to the good heart of the government.....who whilst they have a heart they don't have a brain...cause if they did the national treasure would be playing at a better venue.
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 21:24
Wow !!
I had hoped for some constructive input, not "Rob & Tony's We hate each other Show".
Gene Steede should be playing somewhere all year round & Tony should be playing other than only five months at Hawkin's Island, they're both great musicians and deserve to be working more.
Posted by Paul Sofianos on 24.11.05 at 21:25
Hey Wolf...I din't know Rob was a clinical psycologist ?
Mmmmmm I am happy with my state of mind pal...but very unhappy with the state of the nation under the corrupt government that continues to lead the sheep into the abyss.
Lashing out...it wont be long before many more will join in the lsahings
GOOD NIGHT..
Oh Rob have another beer on me ok....
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 21:27
Does anybody know the figure for what it costs to provide this music at the airport on an annual bases?
Posted by Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 24.11.05 at 21:27
That was lashings...:)
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 21:28
I hear it is over $ 150k...BUT ask Dr. Brown...he likes to reveal all the figures....doesn't he ?????
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 21:29
Two cents...you are spot on mate....
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 21:30
You can fend the personal remarks off Tony without going nitro....thats my point. Rob needs to strike out for higher intellectual ground beyond his personal problems with TB.We all have our personal battles but we are talking about music at the airport and regardless of TB and his style ect...he is right that the airport entertainment is not up to scratch,poorly presented and a waste of money and a terrible music venue.
Posted by Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 24.11.05 at 21:33
Yes Tony the gov't has failed the entertainers in Bermuda, but their lack of effort is being missed by the voters, which is also sad.
I feel that Gene Steede's comments in the papers makes it appear that everything is rosey, and that you are a madman, when in fact quite the opposite is true, there are a handfull of musicians who work all year round the rest are only working five or six month seasons.
The gov't needs to offer incentives to bars/pubs/clubs/hotels to offer local entertainment, they've killed college weeks, they've ruined most attempts at reviving tourism, and thus put the local entertainers out of business.
There's no tourists to entertain, why should people hire entertainers, The gov't should start by reviving college weeks which was the original "introduction to Bermuda" for many a tourist from the 60's thru the early 90's. College weeks was the stepping stone to a lifelong relationship between the tourists and Bermuda, someone in Gov't has to get off their butt and take this bull by the horns.
Posted by Paul Sofianos on 24.11.05 at 21:56
"Mr. Brannon said as for the email, it was his opinion and he was entitled to it. "
the same could be said of "P" but TB ran to HR, Mr Steede could do the same thing 'ageing calypso musicians' sounds a bit like age-ism to me.
Posted by Rincewind on 24.11.05 at 21:57
As I have traveled to Bermuda with non-Bermudians, I have been able to experience the scene of joy on their faces as they hear the sounds of sweet calypso music.
Posted by W on 24.11.05 at 22:07
I think this is sad. I agree with Gene Steede. He has a right to be offended. TB is running roughshod over GS. The problem is TB has some good ideas, but he mixes them in with some very insulting language: "old-age calypso pensioners; aging calypso musicians; end your days playing at the airport," etc. This stuff hurts others. On the other hand, TB says he wants to see such musicians "truly appreciated." Well, he talks about these musicians too poorly for anyone to believe he wants to see them truly appreciated.
Where do you want to start with “aging musicians”? How about Mick Jagger? How about the Buena Vista Social Club? What Brannon said was incredibly insensitive. Bermuda does have national treasures, and mature musicians are among them.
Personally, I always feel welcomed home and happy to hear Gene Steede and his group at the airport. I actually feel grateful that they are there. The first time I saw them there, I was surprised. I wish there were more and better places for them to play as well.
We don’t hear “one or two songs” at the airport ever. We hear lots of them. We’re in that arrival area for ages. That’s the big issue. If we were truly processed through in a few minutes, things might be different, but we’re not.
Also, I don’t think Gene Steede at the airport is “a lie.” If he's the only, last calypso player on the entire island, he is not a lie. I am touched and heartened to hear how he thinks of his responsibility to his music. And I think it is important that our musicians be supported in their efforts to have work.
Why didn’t Brannon ask Gene Steede what HE thought?
Posted by Raptor on 25.11.05 at 00:15
The questions posed by Paul are good. I doubt, however, that the readership of this blog are a suitable audience. The questions need to be directed to tourists.
Personally (and I suspect most locals feel the same way), I couldn't give a damn whether there's musicians in the arrivals hall. I just want to be through the place before they've finished the first bars of their tunes.
However, if tourists like it - whether it's representative of Bermuda or not - then I'm inclined to think it's money well spent.
Perhaps we should ask them, rather than disappearing up our own back-sides debating it here.
Posted by NoVote on 25.11.05 at 01:05
Raptor....
I will repeat ...that I apologized to Gene...for the insensitivity ....I apologized to the Musicians Union.....
Except it or not...now on to the issues....
Posted by Tony B on 25.11.05 at 07:06
Gene Steede has never been at the airport when I have returned to Bermuda.Most times a sole musician has been standing there playing indifferently.I would describe the music as poorly delivered and the expense as a rip off of tax payers money.There is no display of skill or musical talent at the airport...its a complete sham.
Posted by Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 25.11.05 at 07:15
Who can blame Steede for selling out artistically given the options available? Deep down he must hate what he’s doing: playing the same few songs to a disinterested audience hustling past. But for easy work and guaranteed income to pay the bills you couldn’t ask for a better gig. I’m not surprised one bit he’s defending it like a mother bear.
Hey, if it was me I would carve even more money out of it by not paying for real instruments. Just stick a CD on every time a plane lands and mime away. Really, who would notice?
Posted by hotspur on 25.11.05 at 07:29
Oh man, I hope he's not making $150K+ a year!!!
My views on this, I think the calypso can be spiced up a bit. If you're going to do something make it at least enjoyable for everyone to listen, something that does get your toe tapping and make you not dread being in that god awful line. No issues with being a band there, but their selection and music is a bit drole.
As for the rest of the entertainers, then yes I think that government needs to focus on delivering a product that tourists will want to see when they are here. Some of the restaurants have calypso musicians playing such as Pickled Onion and Swizzle Inn. Governemt could also have one playing at other places around Hamilton and St. Georges, but as with everone else you need to perform for your money, not just play the same drole sets over and over again. Musicians are entertainers after all.
Posted by Full Fullish on 25.11.05 at 08:00
Bald Eagle,
Sorry response to post WAY back up top...
Actually we WERE a calypso haven. In the 60's Bermuda was a center of music and culture. Music heard in clubs and bars here was original, funny, and VERY 'Caribbean' in sound. Tourists loved it, and *gasp* bought all the records!
Unfortunately I doubt they got very rich off it, but when I talk to even my very very white & Anglo-Bermudian uncles, aunts etc, they talk about Gene Steed, Hubert Smith, the Talbot Bros, the ESSO Steel Band, etc etc in hushed and revered tones usually reserved for the likes of Elvis or the Beatles.
Part of our heritage mate. And very proud of it.
Posted by Combat Banker on 25.11.05 at 08:05
Some of you might be interested in reading the Report on Musicians and the Entertainment Industry in Bermuda that Tony B. mentioned — particularly the section on calypso music.
The full report is available online at http://www.blf.bm/MErpt.htm. It is also available on the government website through the Community Affairs pages.
Posted by Stuart J Hayward on 25.11.05 at 08:49
I think that there's entertainment and then there's ENTERTAINMENT.
I think if people walked through the arrivals hall hearing Soca (ala Byron Lee, Spice & Co., Splash Band...Soca classics so to speak) it might be more entertaining. There is only so many times they want to hear "Yellowbird" or "Jamiacan Farewell".
More importantly, Variety of music is important, this is where Gene Steede and his band excells; he can sing/perform pretty much anything, I think if Gene was down there performing more often the visitors would be more entertained than by a solo entertainer.
Posted by Paul Sofianos on 25.11.05 at 08:58
Wow Combat Banker,
Records...Now I feel old, I haven't people talk about record for a while.
Posted by Paul Sofianos on 25.11.05 at 09:01
Heh, yeah dating myself here aren't I?
Posted by Combat Banker on 25.11.05 at 09:06
If this is who we are talking about then Tony B has a valid point:
http://www.limeyinbermuda.com/latest_news/2003/12/the_jean_and_ge.html
Posted by Nicolette on 25.11.05 at 09:37
Who want's to hear stupid old calypso songs at the airport, its cheesy, boring and doesn't represent the real Bermuda anyway. It also doesn't go well with the rude and sometimes offensive bastards who greet you at customs.
Posted by Crass on 25.11.05 at 13:49
It was most unfortunate that TB's email came accross as insensitive. But that's pretty much how TB is. A little too brash and beligerent. But it was also unfortunate that Gene's name was mentioned because it really wasn't that big a knock at Gene and the main ideas behind it are quite sound. Gene obviously felt it was more directed at him, which I do not think it was.
Bermuda should be proud of the likes of Gene Steede and others like him and for that reason I enjoy seeing him at the airport when I arrive.
One thing that might help would be to follow in the foot-steps of the late great Ray Charles, Carlos Santana and BB King. The formula of hooking up younger musicians with the matured established greats is a very viable and interesting concept. Have other younger local talent play alongside Gene adding a new dimension to some of the music. This can be done all over the island including the airport.
Who knows, maybe even Tony B and Gene Steede side-by-side throwing a few love songs out to the world.....
Posted by SmokingGun on 25.11.05 at 14:29
Who want's to hear stupid old calypso songs at the airport, its cheesy, boring and doesn't represent the real Bermuda anyway. It also doesn't go well with the rude and sometimes offensive bastards who greet you at customs.
Posted by Crass on 25.11.05 at 13:49"
Crass,what songs represent the real Bermuda?
Posted by Onion on 25.11.05 at 15:26
Many local entertainers have ruined their careers as a result of DRUGS and BOOZE.
Posted by Tony B on 24.11.05 at 20:32
True, and many musicians the world over would never have had a career without them. Dennis Leary has a great monologue about drugs and music.
Wolfie--your tooth comment was hilarious and absolutely right.
All,
The idea of having live music at the airport for arriving visitors is a good one. I was going to say I enjoyed the music we have now until I found out above it cost $150,000 a year! Yikes! Where this money is going? I'm considering taking up an instrument.
Posted by silencedogood on 25.11.05 at 16:07
$150,000 a year split between 3 or 4 people working unsociable hours for almost no recognition... hmmm... my dream job.
Posted by Yet Another Limey on 25.11.05 at 16:35
TB is right on the mark. GS, if truly such a treasure, should be playing in a hotel - but they won't have him - so his Gov't cronies hooked him up at the airport to the tune of 150K a year - which his buddies make HALF of you can be sure. Stan Gilbert is a great bass player and WASTING his talent and time standing there playing calyso is the MOST ridiculous way - musically - it is childlike and pathetic. Unfottunately , this is what most of the FEW BDA musicians worth mentioning have had to succumb to just to make a wage.
Berry - you NEVER played in BDA for real - just in your mind pal.
Gene is slighted because of TBs remarks? So what? he should be MORE slighted by his Gov't & country that forced hinm into this dismissive labor at the airport called music.
Bermuda entertainers playing more than 4 months a year? I can count them on one hand mate - most of them OWE TB THEIR livlihood at the VERY least. That show at Hawkins in the ONLY and longest running of the last decade in Bermuda entertainment that is consistent and pays WELL (only because D Morris is a loyal supporter of live music) A BERMUDIAN who actually puts his money where his business IS.
TB has been responsible for MORE musicians making GOOD wages in BDA for the last 20 years than ANY other moron who cares to talk sh*t about him.
Know what that means fruitcakes?
HE HAS ALL THE RIGHT TO HIS EXPERT OPINION ON MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT IN BDA.
I know too - I dealt with it for 15 years....
Posted by Sal Monilla on 25.11.05 at 18:47
A swizzle bar at the airport with the calypso band playing would be more credible.
We could even change it up with some reggae or whatever else we felt like. Nothing like getting one in before smiling at customs.
Posted by Ethiops on 25.11.05 at 23:13
Without being rude imo tourism needs fresh blood. Maybe someone else needs to step up as no one wants to hear tony. He could be benificial playing the side lines. Young faces full of life. Thats attractive, no one wants to hear a moaner.
Posted by Ethiops on 25.11.05 at 23:46
Face it, Bermuda has not had any real local entertainers for many years. The last really good Bermuda act was Jimmy OConner & Happining Bda. Anyone remember them?
With all due respect Tony Brannon fills a niche at Hawkins & for that Bermuda should be thankful.
There is a huge difference between an entertainer & a musician. We have a few good musicians. Robert Symons springs immediatly to mind.
The tired noise at the airport is an embarassment which does nothing to lower the blood presssure as you stand in anticipation of the grumpy immigration officer to be followed by the long wait for your bags before going through 'checkpoint Charley'. How many have noticed that the poster behind the bandstand is not even a Bermuda scene? Never looked that way have you, as you hurry by to wait.
The airport would be better served with some soca & a slide show of Bermuda scenes, not polititians, to pass the time as we wait. How often can we listen to Yallow Burd & the 6 other songs in the 'entertainments' repetoire?
Use the money to teach Immigration some people skills or, better yet, replace them with machines.
Posted by VB on 26.11.05 at 08:37
Ethiops,
Young faces full of life Hmmm
Think you may be on to something here !
Why not have some young kids join the musician and dressed in an Island outfit sing along and go greet visitors with smiling faces ?
All normal people love kids and the kids would have fun doing it and this would be a warm welcome reception that would I think be well received and prepare our children for their role as ambassadors for tourism.
It would be welcome too for the lonely figure playing to the arrivals.
This would be during summer holidays of course and many would prefer this to packing groceries.
Posted by Bill Cook on 26.11.05 at 08:40
Now we're Cooking. I really like that idea Bill.
Quit knocking down the old guys and help build the young ones.
What a great way to gain strong people skills for youngsters - pretty much how Disney operates.
Good thinking.
Posted by SmokingGun on 26.11.05 at 10:57
I am a tourist and I realy like the welcome, perhaps a few comfy sofas to relax on while the "go faster blackberries" wait in line.
Regards, BillA
Posted by Bill,A on 26.11.05 at 11:58