Cayman Arts Festival 2026

Jazz en Trance Big Band Concert

Thursday, February 5 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Harquail Theatre

The Jazz en Trance Big Band is one of the Cayman Islands’ most popular and dynamic local jazz ensembles, led by acclaimed saxophonist Denys Carbó Cedeño. Renowned for their electrifying live performances, the band is a vibrant force within the island’s live music scene, captivating audiences with an energetic and sophisticated blend of classic jazz traditions and contemporary flair.

The musical identity of Jazz en Trance is rooted in jazz but extends far beyond it. Their repertoire weaves together abstract and expressive elements of jazz, Latin jazz, Caribbean, and Cuban music, drawing on both ancient and modern rhythms. This rich musical tapestry is further enhanced by explorations of pop, world music, and other genre-crossing harmonies, resulting in a sound that is both refreshing and deeply engaging.

As a big band, Jazz en Trance performs jazz works spanning from the 1930s to the present day, encompassing classic big band favourites, swing, blues, and Latin and Caribbean styles. Their programmes also feature disco, rock, and pop hits specially arranged for big band performance, as well as contemporary jazz works and iconic big band music from film and television. This versatility, combined with their infectious stage presence, makes Jazz en Trance a compelling and crowd-pleasing addition to the Cayman Arts Festival 2026.

Programme

Jazz Police

Take Five

The Way You Look Tonight

Autumn Leaves

In the Mood

Moonlight Serenade

Fly Me to the Moon

What a Wonderful World

Fever

Feeling Good

I Got You

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAF Youth Camerata with Former Students of the Yehudi Menuhin School

Saturday, February 7 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Harquail Theatre

The talented young musicians of the CAF Youth Camerata have continued their dedicated practice, and the Cayman Arts Festival is delighted to present another musical offering as part of its growing tradition of showcasing their performances at the annual festival.

Representing the next generation of musical excellence, the CAF Youth Camerata highlights the remarkable talent, perseverance, and passion of the programme’s most advanced students. As the pinnacle ensemble of the CAF after-school programme, it stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of sustained music education.

For this special concert, the CAF Youth Camerata will collaborate with former students of The Yehudi Menuhin School under the direction of internationally renowned pianist and educator Ashley Wass. This inspiring international partnership promises a memorable and uplifting musical experience for performers and audiences alike.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Future Fobia and The Royals Concert

Sunday, February 8 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Harquail Theatre

One of the Cayman Arts Festival’s most successful and enduring traditions is the collaboration between outstanding local talent and exceptional international artists. For CAF 2026, this vibrant formula continues as The Royals from the Netherlands join forces with Cayman’s own Future Fobia for an electrifying concert of iconic rock and rock ’n’ roll hits.

Future Fobia is an exciting young band formed through the Jason Gilbert Recording School after-school programme. Blending contemporary and classic influences into a powerful, energetic sound, the band represents a bold new voice in Cayman’s music scene, with their debut album set for release in early 2026.

The Royals are a dynamic all-female band from the Netherlands, united by friendship, passion, and a shared love of performance. Since forming in 2022, they have performed at festivals, concert venues, and cultural events, bringing fresh energy and youthful confidence to every stage. Together, these two bands promise a high-energy collaboration that celebrates rock music, creativity, and the power of young artists coming together across borders.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jaedyn Hanna Concert

Thursday, February 12 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Harquail Theatre

Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Jaedyn Hanna is a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges music, storytelling, and film. With a voice shaped by both island roots and international training, she brings warmth, authenticity, and emotional depth to every performance.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music and holder of an MFA in Screenwriting from AMDA Los Angeles, Jaedyn Hanna has performed on renowned stages including Lincoln Center and Birdland Jazz Club in New York City. Equally committed to creative excellence and mentorship, she continues to collaborate with artists locally and internationally, inspiring audiences and young creatives alike through work that uplifts and connects across cultures.

Programme

Alive (Original)

Still Standing (Elton John)

Love Me (JeJe / Tems)

Too Experienced (Barrington Levy)

Treasure (Original)

All Is Love (Original)

At Last (Etta James)

Still Hurting (The Last Five Years)

Movin’ (Original)

Birds of a Feather (Billie Eilish)

Love Is a Game (Adele)

Nothing Sweeter (Naomi Sharon)

Today (Q)

This Sound (Greentea Peng)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Miguel Vargas Flamenco Dance Theatre

Saturday, February 14 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Harquail Theatre
Tickets available here

Miguel Vargas Flamenco Dance Theatre transports audiences into the expressive and passionate world of flamenco through a powerful collaboration of dance, music, and rhythm. Featuring dancer Miguel Vargas, percussionist Miguel Fernández, and an accomplished ensemble, the performance highlights the essential elements of flamenco, including baile (dance), cante (song), guitar, cajón, palmas, and jaleo.

Miguel Vargas is an internationally acclaimed artist whose work blends the purity of traditional flamenco with a modern, cosmopolitan sensibility. Having performed at leading venues and festivals across Spain, Europe, and the United States—including Seville’s renowned Bienal de Flamenco—his performances offer an authentic, dynamic, and deeply moving flamenco experience.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ticket Information

For more information or to purchase or reserve group tickets, please contact the Cayman Arts Festival at (345) 922-5550 or email enquiries@caymanartsfestival.com