| As an island known for its vibrant tropical energy and | | | | included well-known classic rock bands such as |
| diverse entertainment options, Aruba is one of the best | | | | Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, Styx, REO |
| destinations in the Caribbean to experience live music. | | | | Speedwagon, Queen and Crosby Stills and Nash. The |
| The capital city of Oranjestad is known as a hotbed | | | | festival has also lured several internationally-recognized |
| of Caribbean jazz and latin music, as numerous clubs | | | | singer-songwriters such as Lionel Richie, Jackson |
| and concert halls host live bands throughout the year. | | | | Browne and contemporary favorite, John Mayer. |
| Even outside the main tourist areas of Oranjestad, live | | | | Before the headliners take the stage each day at the |
| music can be heard in restaurants and on the beaches. | | | | Aruba Music Festival, the side stage heats up with a |
| The island is also home to major music festivals, the | | | | diverse array of musical styles, most provided by |
| Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival - an annual event | | | | groups specialized in dance-friendly Caribbean genres. |
| held each May that showcases | | | | The Aruba Music Festival takes place each year at |
| internationally-renowned soul and R&B artists - | | | | the state-of-the-art Aruba Entertainment Center. The |
| and the Aruba Music Festival - a two-day festival that | | | | spacious outdoor venue allows concert-goers to enjoy |
| welcomes top-selling classic rock groups, | | | | the cool evening weather in a scenic setting located |
| up-and-coming superstars and lesser-known regional | | | | only five minutes drive from downtown Oranjestad |
| artists. While events like the Aruba Music Festival are | | | | and fifteen minutes drive from the island's Hotel Zone. |
| staged throughout the world, few festivals can boast | | | | The Aruba Entertainment Center offers superior |
| the event's unique combination of big-city | | | | acoustics and the open, but intimate design ensures |
| entertainment and inviting Caribbean atmosphere. | | | | that all concert-goers have excellent views of the |
| Though only in its 8th official season, the Aruba Music | | | | main stage. The venue features large general |
| Festival has already lured an incredible array of | | | | admission and open grass areas that allow |
| top-selling performers. Prior to becoming the Aruba | | | | concert-goers to stretch out on blankets and enjoy a |
| Music Festival, the event was known as the Aruba | | | | relaxing, picnic-like experience, while those that prefer |
| Jazz and Latin Festival. Developed in the 1980s to | | | | reserved seats will find excellent views near the stage. |
| showcase the Caribbean region's rich musical tradition, | | | | Behind the seating areas, a number of concession |
| the Aruba Jazz and Latin Festival was expanded and | | | | stands serve up food and drinks, including local brews |
| renamed in 2002. Though the Aruba Music Festival | | | | and snacks. |
| was created as a way to present top international | | | | As the Aruba Music Festival is staged just before the |
| touring acts, the festival has remained true to its roots | | | | beginning of the peak tourism season, |
| and continues to offer performances by jazz and latin | | | | budget-conscious travelers visiting the island prior to |
| artists from throughout the Caribbean region. | | | | the winter holidays are granted an excellent |
| While the lineup for this year's festival has not yet | | | | opportunity to experience the island's vibrant music |
| been announced, the event is sure to feature famous | | | | scene. Tourists visiting Aruba during the fall season will |
| classic rock acts, as well as many local, regional and | | | | also be assured of excellent weather, as the island |
| up-and-coming international performers. In recent years, | | | | falls outside the storm belt that affects many |
| headlining acts at the Aruba Music Festival have | | | | Caribbean islands. |