Sisimito Records is hosting 2 parties at 2 locations on the last weekend of January — Heading into its third year as a growing must-attend electronic music event, Sisimito Sessions will take place on Jan. 28 and 29 on the Placencia Peninsula.
The yearly electronic music weekend is a showcase for the music of home-grown label Sisimito Records and its producers. To date, the event has attracted a combination of the local Placencia community, ticket holders from around the country and international guests. Based on growth in attendance over the past few years, organizers expect as many as 500 guests.
Sisimito Sessions will feature an accomplished DJ line up performing over a two-night period. An added element of the 2017 event will be a daytime workshop aimed at showing local artists the ropes of producing techno and tech-house.
Sisimito Records is the first Belizean based electronic music label, with an emphasis on Central American producers. The label’s music is widely available via Tidal, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other streaming services. Marcus Perigo, the founder of Sisimito, is a DJ and producer with dual citizenship of Belize and UK. He has played at many electronic music events in Central America and beyond.
“We can feel the momentum behind Sisimito Sessions building,” Perigo said. “In addition to attracting fans of electronic music, we invite people who may not be as familiar with it to join us for one great party!”
5 Things to Know about Electronic Music and Sisimito Sessions:
1. What is electronic music? Basically, music performed using synthesizers, drum machines and other electronic instruments. Nowadays, producers increasingly rely on computer programs to generate and sequence sounds.
2. How can I hear a sampling of electronic music? Take a listen to Sisimito’s playlists on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sisimito
3. Where did the name “Sisimito” come from? According to Belizean folklore, a Sisimito was a disruptive creature who appeared to be a cross between man and ape. It’s said that their heels were at the front of their feet and the toes at their back. Unsuspecting humans might think the creatures were traveling away from them, only to discover they were close by.
4. What can I expect at Sisimito Sessions? A fun, inclusive dance party on the Placencia Peninsula.
5. Ticket info: You can buy a weekend pass for $50. by going to
http://www.wantickets.com/Events/213814/Sisimito-Sessions/
1. Sisimito Records playlist on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/
2. Facebook Page for Sisimito Records https://www.facebook.com/
3. Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/
4. Tickets http://www.wantickets.com/
On Your Mark, Get Set, Paddle! – Paddle for fun, paddle for a purpose, paddle for health or paddle for a challenge at the Ambergris Caye Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge. All kayak paddlers are asked to get ready for the Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge that has been set for May 26 and 27, 2018.
The Ambergris Caye Lagoon-Reef Eco Challenge, is a 42 miles, two-day kayak race starting on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye, through the many lagoons in the North Ambergris Caye Area, up to Bacalar Chico, then down to Robles Point, where all teams camp and the race then resumes the following day and finishes at the Central Park, in San Pedro Town.
The race will start at 6:30AM from the Sunset Boulevard near the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex, heading north through the mangrove channels of the lagoon area of Ambergris Caye. The race route takes competitors on a thrilling 2-days of fun starting from the San Pedro Lagoon through more than 12 lagoons in the North Ambergris Caye area, including Laguna de Mata, Laguna de Cayo Frances, Laguna de Cantena, Los Arenales, and Laguna de Mexico. Other beautiful points that are traversed during the race are the San Juan Area, Boca Bacalar Chico, Robles Point, Basil Jones, Punta Azul, and Mexico Rocks.
Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge Route
Day 1 – 25 miles
Lagoon side behind football in town – 6:30 a.m.
Sir Barry Bowen Bridge
Basil Jones Area in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve (paddlers camp out for the night)
Day 2 – 17 miles
Basil Jones Camp site – 9 a.m.
San Pedro Town
Awards
Awards are cash prizes given to the top three finishers (along with a trophy for first place) in each category (such as three winners for Adult Female, three winners for Junior Co-ed, etc.)
The Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge aims to “promote awareness, protection and conservation of mangroves, lagoons, reefs and the diverse species found in these natural habitats off the coast of Ambergris Caye.” The idea was birthed by Elito Arceo, from San Pedro Town, who is known to be an environmentalist and community activist.
Anyone interested in giving a donations whether it be in cash or gift certificate can kindly contact Elito Arceo at 610-1690 or Seaduced by Belize Office at 226-2554.
During this free, two-day festival, Mango Fest attendees enjoy mango-themed food offerings as well as non-mango dishes, browse locally made arts and crafts, while hearing the musical talent of Hopkins as well as other talented artists from around Belize and the world.
The Hopkins Mango Fest committe’s (HMF) goal is to promote Hopkins as a tourist destination in a fashion that builds on Hopkins uniqueness and promotes cultural preservation. This is done by featuring authentic Garifuna food and music through a clean, wholesome, culinary and culturally fun festival. It also provides economic opportunities during a time that has traditionally been referred to as “maga season” or thin season.
FOOD:
Hopkins is a blessed with an abundance of good food and is quickly becoming a culinary destination as there are about two dozen restaurants in our village of 2,500. Hopkins also has many “fast food” places that sell panades, street tacos, conch fritters, tamales, pastries, and other unique food items. The festival has a fusion of foods from all the cultures in Belize—Garifuna, Creole, Caribbean, European, and North American influences. Be prepared to sample such delights as mango chimole, chicken kebabs with mango salsa, ceviche, mango chutney, mango smoothies. There will also be many other non-mango food items such as the national dish of Belize-stew chicken, rice and beans, pizza, tacos, hamburgers, sausage on a stick, and much more!
MUSIC:
The Mango Fest Committee plans on featuring live music throughout the day that showcases the best of Belize and of Hopkins. Did you know three of the five members of the Garifuna Collective are from Hopkins? Plan on hearing Paranda music (Belize’s version of the blues,) Caribbean rhythms, Ray-gay, and much more. Check the Mango Fest Facebook Page regularly to see as the acts are confirmed for the festival.
ACTIVITIES:
Mango Fest Saturday, June 2:
6am – Floyd Arana Fishing & Tours hosts a dory fishing contest.
10am – Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea hosts a yoga session for all ages and skill levels. Come stretch to the music of ocean waves.
2pm – Miss Bertie’s Hopkins Community Library is hosting children’s’ story hour.
3pm – Dory fishing contest, weigh in.
Mango Fest Sunday, June 3:
10am – Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea hosts a yoga session for all ages and skill levels. Come stretch to the music of ocean waves.
