| Junkanoo is a famous event and celebration | | | | sound exactly the same as it used to, but you |
| that has made Bahamas music popular. This | | | | will still enjoy the sounds. Even when they |
| celebration takes place on December 26th and | | | | made their own drums not all the drums were |
| January 1st. The event begins in the morning | | | | made out of the same thing. Instruments were |
| with a parade. The parade has people wearing | | | | home made and did not always sound the same. |
| colorful costumes, and dancing to Bahamas | | | | A violin was made out of a washtub and a |
| music. This music is also gaining popularity | | | | string with a stick as a bow. You might have |
| in the United States and Japan due to groups | | | | seen people using metal files to scrape |
| such as the Baha Men, Ronnie Butler, and | | | | across a saw as well. You see, even then |
| Kirdland Bodie.The Junkanoo celebration has | | | | there were different variations of |
| influence and promoted Bahamas music. | | | | instruments used to make this music.The |
| Although this music is very popular for the | | | | Bahamas music decrease in popularity has also |
| celebration, it is loosing its recognition | | | | not affected the Junkanoo celebration. If you |
| due to American influence. The Bahamas are so | | | | go to a Junkanoo celebration you will still |
| close to Florida that they can pick up | | | | be able to enjoy the Bahamas music. The music |
| American radio and television stations. This | | | | is played loud and proud for all who are |
| and the introduction of music such as reggae, | | | | there to enjoy. You will hear the great |
| soca, and calypso are to blame for the | | | | Bahamas music, and see the beautiful costumes |
| decreasing interest in Bahama music.This | | | | and dancers. The people who are involved in |
| decrease in interest does not discourage the | | | | the celebration really enjoy what they do and |
| Bahamas music bands. They used to use | | | | love sharing it with tourists. They might |
| goatskin drums and saws to make their music. | | | | even get you involved. They do a little dance |
| The goatskin was used to make a rolling | | | | step that is two steps forward, and one step |
| sound. Today the rake and scrape bands use | | | | back. It is a lot of fun to get involved in |
| other instruments such as saxophones, and | | | | all the festivities they have to offer. You |
| electric guitars. Although the type of | | | | are sure to enjoy yourself from the start of |
| instruments has changed, the idea is still | | | | the celebration in the morning until it ends |
| the same. It doesn't matter what instruments | | | | at dusk.Gregg Hall is an author living in |
| you use to make the music, as long as you are | | | | Navarre Florida. |
| still making the music. The music may not | | | | |