Caruso (pronounced carry-SO) is one of the oldest musical traditions of the Virgin Islands. It was used to spread messages from one plantation to the other during the days of slavery. The songs contained news about individuals and also meetings that were planned. The complexity of the songs and the double entendre that they carried did not allow the slave masters to understand what was brewing. This form of song helped the enslaved Africans to win emancipation.

	This evening event of demonstrating the Caruso style was held on the grounds of the Whim Plantation Museum. Gail Watson Chiang spoke of the tradition that was handed down to her and her daughter Lynne Turner by the matriarch Leona Brady Watson, who received the gift from her mother. Several generations deep, we listened to the evolution of the art form and its meaning for us, today.

	And the singing began. Lynne with a deep and clear voice enraptured the audience.

	After the tune, Camile Macedon introduced Pamela Richards and Mary Moorhead of the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Foundation. Paul Chakroff of the Landmark's Society welcomed everyone to the festivities.

	The entertainment continued with Bamboula Dancing by Dr. Chenzira Kahina and Oceana James accompanied by drummers.

	And now all can join in and speak to the drums.

	And then another of the cultural bricks was exhibited. The art of African storytelling, an Ananse story was deliverd by Mrs. Samuel.

	A few jokes were given by King Derby and Paul Chakroff during intermission. Food and drinks were served under the sheltering trees and in the cook-house.

	The cookhouse offered nourishing vegetarian fare.

	The cookhouse by lamp light.

	Back out onto the grounds under the moonlight, we observe the second half of the event. The musical compositions of the Scratch Band as brought forth by Bully and the Kafooners.