The excitement continues to build! The band lineup is officially out!

16 BANDS | 59 ARTISTS NOVEMBER 11 & 12 2026 CENTRO DI BARIO BRAZIL

Yesterday, the official lot drawing for the ARUBA CAISO & SOCA MONARCH 2027 Prefinals took place at Glory Bar & restaurant. In a festive atmosphere, bands and fans gathered to witness the draft. Representatives from Elite Productions, Aruba Airport Authority, Balashi, UNOCA, and members of SMAC and Stichting Musica were all in attendance.

The order of appearance for both nights is as follows:

Day 1: Wednesday, November 11

1. SUONA – Krizs | Ezzzrraa
2. TSUNAMI – Big Reckless | Easy B | Galloway | Lady La Rouge | Queen Gigi | Jr Bass | Mitch Almary
3. O.R.E.O. – Lady Eyes | The Priest | Mr Unique | Queen Sashah
4. BULERIA – Queen Chanty | Master Gusto | Queen Shine | Queen Diva
5. SUNRISE CITY PLAYERS – The Scientist
6. DURO – Gilly | Mighty Campo
7. GOOD TIMES – Papi Jones | Mighty Jaoul | D Phantom | Mr Good Times | Chef Cook
8. HOT ONES BAND – Lord Lally | Queen T | The Soca Mafia | Mighty V

Day 2: Thursday, November 12

1. D’NOVA – Ashanti | Queen Jessy | Black Queen Sha | Lamar
2. KAYA – Claudy 2.0 | Mighty Talent Jr. | Ily | Joe Rock | Anamo Ra
3. CHAY – Rouzzo | Jralph
4. YX3M – M.I.K.E.Y. | Onix | Stuwy
5. GROOVE MASTERS – Diamond Chip | Magy | Buddy | Johnny Bee | Blacky | Tiptoe
6. ZETA BAND – Tattoo
7. SHINE MUSIC – Bens | J-Rich | Sidsim | Veloz
8. ‘N FUZION – The Commissioner | Aimee | Lyrod | Suhcy

Ticket Information

• Single Night Ticket: AWG 25ACSM 2027
• 2-Day Special Pass: AWG 40 (Exclusive to Pay.AW)
• Tickets available at the door or online via Pay.AW

Get your tickets via Pay.AW and come out to support our local bands and artists!

For PPV Streaming worldwide: https://ppv.setarcode.aw/

In a crowded room at The Old Cunucu House Restaurant, local artist Bertha Ivonne Wolff-Croes officially launched her latest musical album, titled “No laga bo bida pasa bay” (Don’t Let Your Life Pass You By).

The project features a powerful message conveyed through its title ballad. The launch event featured special introductory addresses by godmother Mrs. Maybeline Arends-Croes and godfather Mr. Jacinto C. Croes. Additional keynote remarks were delivered by prominent figures in Aruban culture and music:

• Dr. Joyce Pereira, President of Fundacion Lanta Papiamento
• Sra. Ruby Eckmeyer, Museologist and Cultural Specialist
• Sr. Hector Perez, Musician and Director of Coro La Escala

Production Details

Recorded at DH Music Factory under the direction of Mr. Diego Henriquez. The album consists of 10 original compositions written in Papiamento. Special thanks were extended to Ivan Quandus, who was in charge of ordering the physical media for the release.

The physical release is available in two formats:

• Vinyl LP
• USB Music cards

How to Purchase

The album is now available to the public. To order a copy, interested buyers can contact 592-3132.

Last Sunday afternoon, Hofi Seroe Janchi hosted a event with rich accordion melodies and vibrant community spirit as musicians, friends, and music lovers gathered for a special tribute honoring the legendary Aruban accordionist, the late Vicente Kelly (q.e.p.d.). During the event, his brother Chencho Kelly received the honor on behalf of Vicente Kelly and the family.

The event showcased an incredible lineup of talented accordionists and musical groups who kept the crowd entertained throughout the day and into the evening:

• Jorge Wever, accompanied by Grupo Cariño
• Daniel Willems (“Ciego Vision”), performing with Grupo Cariño
• Nigel Fuentes, accompanied by Grupo Cariño
• Ramiro Hernandez, performing with Grupo Cariño
• Antonio Parreña, accompanied by Grupo Cariño
• Erik “Macamba” Bijna
• Rendy Trimon, performing with Los Hermanos
• Chino Odor, closing out the night with his Vallenato band

Special invitations also went out to Osvaldo “Maldo” Marin y su Grupo, Festus Barcues & su Grupo, and Juan van der Biezen y su Muchanan.

It was an unforgettable evening dedicated to celebrating local talent, preserving our musical heritage, and remembering the enduring legacy of Vicente Kelly.

Stay tuned to arubamusician.com for more updates, event highlights, and stories from Aruba’s local music scene!

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Renaissance Convention Center vibrated with melody, emotion, and unity as Fundacion Salud Mental Aruba (Respaldo) hosted the second edition of Let’s Sing for Mental Health 2.0. Timed around World Mental Health Day, the festival showcased how music and singing can reduce stress, bring joy, and foster deep community connection.

Accompanied by a live band led by Musical Director Danny Koolman, 20 courageous contestants took the stage across three categories to share their talent and promote mental well-being.

Festival Highlights & Winners

Beyond bringing the island together, the event crowned top talent across Youth, Amateur, and Professional divisions, as well as a crowd favorite award:

• Most Popular Award: Anne Steenhuizen (representing Respaldo), who won through ticket sales.
• Youth Category:
  • 1st Place: Aarela Ramos – “Goodness of God”
  • 2nd Place: Melody Franken – “Drenta den mi cas”
• Amateur Category:
  • 1st Place: Myroukshilane Toms – “Be My Baby” (Representing Horacio Oduber Hospital – HOH)
  • 2nd Place: Rosana Croes – “Así Fue” (Representing Praktijkondersteuner Huisartsenzorg – POH)
  • 3rd Place: Aaron Giel – “Kingston Town”
• Professional Category:
  • 1st Place: Jelitza Croes – “Hopelessly Devoted to You” (Representing Korps Politie Aruba – KPA)
  • 2nd Place: Romeo Kilayko – “Skyfall” (Representing Horacio Oduber Hospital – HOH)
  • 3rd Place: Anne Steenhuizen – “Valerie” (Representing Respaldo)

Music as Healing

Respaldo’s initiative reminds us all that mental health isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about emotional well-being,creativity, and community support. By lifting their voices, every performer helped break the stigma surrounding mental health in Aruba.

A special thank you goes out to the organizers, band members, generous sponsors, and the entire community for making this unforgettable night a resounding success.

Let’s keep singing, connecting, and supporting one another!

Aruban music talent took center stage in Venezuela on October 2 and 3, 2026, as vocalist Osdelly Lacroes and a trio Aruban musicians represented the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the prestigious 4th Euro-Venezuelan Jazz Festival (EuroJazz 2026).

Invited by the Dutch Embassy in Caracas, Lacroes delivered breathtaking performances alongside an elite trio featuring Carlos Bislip on drums, Ivan Quandus on bass, and Kyle Winklaar on keyboards.

A Two-City Musical Exchange

The delegation’s mini-tour kicked off on Friday, October 2, at the Teatro Municipal Pedro Elias Gutierrez in La Guaira, setting a high standard for the cultural showcase.

The main event unfolded on Saturday, October 3, where music lovers packed the open-air spaces of Caracas’ iconic Teatro Teresa Carreño. Performing under the theme “Caracas sounds great when music connects us,”the Aruban ensemble shared the stage with Venezuela’s famed El Sistema network, including powerful sets by the Caracas Big Band (directed by Jhosep Mendoza), the Simón Bolívar Big Band Jazz (directed by Maestro Rubén Paiva), and a special guest performance by vibraphonist Maestro Alfredo Naranjo.

Bridging Cultures Through Jazz

Lacroes’ rich vocal delivery paired seamlessly with the seasoned rhythm section of Bislip, Quandus, and Winklaar, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd and highlighting the deep artistic ties within the Caribbean and Latin American jazz community.

The successful event was made possible through the combined support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Venezuela, El Sistema, Teatro Teresa Carreño, and Oz Shows, with official event photography captured by Nicola Rocco.

For Aruban music enthusiasts, the festival stands as another proud moment showcasing the island’s high-caliber artistry on the international stage.

Yesterday evening, San Nicolaas was on fire with high energy, nostalgic warmth, and incredible live music as community members and music lovers gathered to celebrate a historic milestone: the 85th anniversary of Charlie’s Bar.

From start to finish, the night offered a fantastic vibe that honored both the rich history of the iconic venue and the local talent that has shaped its identity over the decades.

A Spectacular Lineup of Local Talent

The musical showcase kicked off with a captivating performance by the Scol di Arte steelband, setting the perfect Caribbean rhythm for the evening. Following the steelband, Lloyd Baptiste took the stage, delivering an impressive show that had the crowd fully engaged and enjoying every moment.

Honoring the Artists Who Built the Legacy

Beyond the music, the anniversary served as a heartfelt tribute to the creative community. During a special ceremony, Charlie’s Bar paid homage to several artists whose contributions and performances have helped define the unique atmosphere of the venue over the years.

A Finale by the Connor Brothers

To bring the memorable evening to a close, the Connor brothers assembled a powerhouse All-Star Band. Their electrifying performance brought down the house, delivering an unforgettable finale that kept the audience cheering until the very end.

It was a night that beautifully highlighted the deep connection between Aruba’s musical heritage and one of San Nicolaas’s most cherished landmarks. Here’s to 85 years of Charlie’s Bar and to many more years of great music, community, and culture

The festivities for Dia di Bonaire continued on Sunday, September 13th, as the Aruban community gathered at Club Boneriano for a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and tradition.

The day kicked off with an official protocolary ceremony honoring several Bonairean stalwarts living in Aruba for their contributions to the community. Following the formal tributes, attendees enjoyed an authentic taste of the islands with a variety of local Creole dishes and drinks available throughout the day.

Music took center stage with dynamic performances from three popular Bonairean bands—ESO, Tutti Frutti, and Formashon Musical Krioyo—keeping the energy and the crowd dancing. To wrap up the celebration, the afternoon featured a spirited mini parade powered by Aruba’s very own Rincon Boyz, bringing a high-energy musical finale to a successful Dia di Bonaire 2026.

ORANJESTAD — Aruba was filled with music and cultural unity this weekend as celebrations for Bonaire Day (Dia di Boneiro) kicked off with a packed lineup featuring three musical groups and a comedy theater performance.

Friday night set the tone for the festivities, offering three distinct events across the island that brought locals and visitors together:

• Bonaire Rhythms at Plaza Café: The stage outside Plaza Café turned into an open-air dance party as Grupo Eso from Bonaire performed alongside Aruba’s own Rincon Boyz, filling the air with festive Bonaire rhythms.
• Musical Comedy at the Conference Center: Theater lovers gathered for the popular musical play “Di Boneiro pa Aruba”, featuring hilarious local storytelling paired with live music by Grupo Tuti Fruti.
• Youth Talent at Chill Café: Representing the vibrant future of traditional music, the young musicians of FMK (Formacion Musikal Krioyo) took over Chill Café, delivering a high-energy performance that kept the crowd cheering.

The simultaneous Friday night events kicked off a memorable weekend celebrating the strong cultural bonds, shared history, and island brotherhood between Bonaire and Aruba.

Celebrations Continue on Sunday

The celebration continues this Sunday at Club Boneriano in San Nicolas from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The public is invited to join for an afternoon and evening filled with island music, delicious food, and cultural camaraderie to wrap up an unforgettable Bonaire Day weekend.

The festivities got underway early in the morning at 10:00 AM, with local food stalls offering a delicious spread of traditional dishes and sweet treats. Later in the afternoon, the highlight of the day kicked off at 3:00 PM: a vibrant parade filled with traditional music, costumes, and local heritage that marched through the streets until around 7:00 PM.

To top off an incredible day, the crowd gathered at Jardin di Bernadina for an evening of live music. Popular local group Zjeito took the stage, delivering a high-energy performance that kept the good vibes going and had everyone celebrating late into the night.

It was a fantastic showcase of Aruban culture, community, and live entertainment—a true grand finale for the Brazil neighborhood!