Adding to the “Serious Fun” part of the annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is the usual star-studded line up of international and local bands.

This year, for the 29th edition, Heineken is proud to announce the talented Trinidadian music group, Kes the Band, one of this year’s big headliners to fill Marigot Waterfront with music on Saturday, March 7. 

Kes, a very hot Soca group already popular throughout the Caribbean for their style of fun party music mixed a very Caribbean flare, made an easy choice to compliment the regatta party line up. The huge Heineken Regatta parties bring together sailors weary from a day of races but pumped up for fun, sailing enthusiasts and party lovers from every corner of the island. 

Formed in 2005, the band comprises three brothers: Kees, Hans and Jon Dieffenthaller and close friend Riad Boochoon. Fronted by the lead singer, Kees, the band has become one of the most popular and sought after bands Trinidad, the Caribbean, US and Toronto.

Noted for its soulful voice and high-energy performance, Kees and The Band have captured the hearts of many. For the last two and a half years, the band has been accomplishing their goals one step at a time.

They performed as the opening band for ‘Sugar Ray’; were featured as the only live act on the popular MTV series “The Gauntlet II.” The band has worked extensively with internationally renowned producer Derek Bramble on creating songs such as ‘The Calling.’ A track which was chosen by Electronic Arts Sports (EA SPORTS) to be placed on the soundtrack to their soccer game called “FIFA 2006 – World Cup Edition”. They were also on the card for SunFest in West Palm Beach; opening for Musiq Soul Child and Sean Paul.

In 2006, Kes The Band launched its first album titled “Three Baldheads and a Dread” featuring tracks such as ‘Stay with Me’ which dominated the number one spot on the Toronto website charts (www.Toronto-lime.com) for nine straight weeks, a new record and “Heads High” a Carnival favourite.

A year later, they launched their second album: “Lion.” Carnival hits “My Land” (for which Kees and Nadia placed second within the Soca Monarch Competition), “Our Prayer”, reggae influenced songs “Limin” and “Bigger Brighter Day” are featured on the album.

In the latter part of 2007, some songs with a slightly different flavour were released such as “Come a Little Closer” which was on high rotation on local radio.

Last year, Kes The Band had an amazing carnival season with the hits “Right Dey”, and

“De Remedy”. Their energetic and powerful performances left the audiences wanting more and coming back time and time again to see them. A video for their single Lion was released in May 2008.

Nila Rambhadjan, Sales and Event manager for Heineken St. Maarten adds, ”This is one of the most talked about bands in Trinidad right now, they come very highly recommended. Kes is very excited to perform here. Get your rags ready! Kes the Band is warming up for us now in Trinidad for their Carnival, so they should be red-hot for the big St. Maarten Heineken Regatta show in Marigot on Saturday March 7, 2009.”

Heather Tackling

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Last Updated ( Monday, 02 February 2009 )