Photo By 2nd Lt. Christopher Garibay | Brittany “Spice” Wescott sings an original song written by Michael Bernos. Spice...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Mardi Gras festivities were extended an extra weekend at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from Feb. 13-14, with a performance by Spice and the Po Boys at the Tiki Bar and Bayview Restaurant. The Jacksonville, Florida, based band brought a New Orleans flavor to troopers and residents of NAVSTA as they played top 50, classic blues and R&B.
This was the first time the band has visited GTMO, as well as the first time some of the members of the band were afforded the opportunity to play for troops. “It’s been a pleasure being (here),” said Brittany ‘Spice’
Wescott, an American Idol contestant in 2008 and lead singer, Spice and the Po Boys. “To do something for the guys who fight for us and to entertain them, it’s been amazing.” The band is the brainchild of Michael Bernos. He said bringing all the elements of the band together and incorporating a New Orleans feel. “About three years ago I started the band,” said Bernos. “I heard Brittany singing at a recording studio and I said ‘wow.’ You’ll be hearing original music, cover music and Mardi Gras music which is the reason why we’re here.” The smoky stage, dark backdrop, and vivid color displays brought residents a sense of a New Orleans blues club and with Spice singing original music, the concept came together. Spice started the shows first set with a cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” to a receptive, but small audience.
Meanwhile, other activities across the base, including the Girl Scout’s Sock Hop event and a new movie screening, competed for participation. But as the night wore on, the Tiki Bar filled up with approximately 200 revelers. “We had two events today with the Sock Hop and the nurse event, but now I’m here at the Mardi Gras event,” said Army Staff Sgt. Maria D. Delgado, medic with the Joint Trooper Clinic. “The band is great. Events like this allow you to let your hair down and have some fun.” Delgado thanked the Morale, Welfare & Recreation program for bringing bands like Spice and the Po Boys and other upcoming events.
For some Troopers, this was their first experience with Mardi Gras. “I think it’s great that even though you’re far away from home, it’s nice to get people together to experience something new,” said Viktoriia Nevmyvakova, information technology officer with Joint Medical Clinic. “Having events like this keep you from getting bored. The band is really cool.” Festive partygoers wore Mardi Gras hats, beads and masks as the Tiki Bar crowd began to grow and flow nearer to the stage. During the second set of the show, Spice and her background singers began to throw beads into the crowd. At one point, members of the crowd were brought onto stage to do their best impression of Tina Turner. In all, the event meant a lot to the members of the band. “This a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Robbie Knopf, drummer with the band. “I’m grateful for being here. It’s not something most people get to do; to give back to troops.” Once both sets were complete, the band mingled with fans after the show.
On Sunday, Feb. 14, Spice and the Po Boys played an additional set for residents during brunch at the Bayview. The clear day and sunny skies closed out a very eventful Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day weekend.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.02.2016 10:52 |
| Story ID: | 190836 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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