NASSAU, Bahamas -- Popular local musician Johnnie Christie has formed a new band and has recently released the CD “Johnnie Christie and Floating Boats.”  They are currently in rehearsal for their CD release party to be held at Crazy Johnny’s, East Bay Street, on Saturday, May 18th.

The exciting new self-titled CD contains 13 infectious songs of passionate driving music, including the well-known and iconic “Doctor Man” along with the heartfelt “Will You?”  Both of which are gaining raving fans via airplay on local radio stations, including Y98 and Island FM among others.    

What makes this record release different from most others is that the songs were all recorded over 20 years ago when Johnnie was living and touring in New England with his then band "Floating Boats."

“These are great songs recorded over a couple of years between 1990 and 1992.  In those days there was no iTunes, no YouTube, and not even the Internet as we know it today,” reflects Johnnie.

Floating Boats gathered a following along the northeast coast of the USA, touring extensively from Maine to Washington DC.

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe welcomed hundreds attending the Radio One Annual One Love Getaway at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island from May 2 to 5, 2013.

“I am so very pleased to have the honour to welcome you here today, to invite you to be a part of our country for the next several days and enjoy all that we have to offer and to share with you all that have made our country so special,” he said.

Radio One is touted as the premier and largest gospel event because it brings together the most noted personalities from that entertainment world for an uplifting experience.

Artists on tap to perform are Mary Mary, Shirley Caesar, Rance Allen Group, Vashawn Mitchell, Kurt Carr, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy, amongst others.

The event is in keeping with the Ministry of Tourism’s thrust toward promoting The Bahamas as a religious tourism market.

Mr. Wilchcombe said it was also wonderful to welcome the guests as the country celebrates its 40^th Independence Anniversary.

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, Bahamas –– Alison Hinds, Barbados’ own “Caribbean Queen” will bring a high-energy Birthday Bash Weekend to Grand Lucayan in Freeport May 31-June 1. Hinds’ contagious Caribbean beats will be felt throughout the resort during an eventful Caribbean birthday weekend celebration.

Kicking off on May 31, guests and local residents alike are invited to join Grand Lucayan in welcoming Hinds during an intimate meet-and-greet cocktail reception and dinner in its Grand Ballroom at 7 pm. Hinds’ concert-series begins at 8pm with a saxophone performance by George Wilkinson, followed by a performance by Hinds featuring the latest hits from her Caribbean Queen album.

Tickets to the May 31 dinner and concert can be purchased at the new Aroma Café, located in Grand Lucayan’s Manor House lobby, for $120 per person.

Saving the best for last, the “Caribbean Queen” will celebrate her birthday with a rhythm-filled concert on June 1 at 8 pm. featuring Caribbean ocean views and live performances by DJ Tiko T, DJ Magician, Raquel Oliver and Jah Hem. With a stage set in the resort’s infinity pool, guests can party to the Soca tunes from the beach, infinity pool, Waves Bar or the Lanai Suites. Tickets to the June 1 birthday bash are $60 per person or $75 per person for VIP seating and can be purchased at Aroma Café.

Guests looking to immerse themselves in the musical celebration weekend can take advantage of 45% off rates starting at just $115 for travel through June 15, 2013. Promotion includes free meals for children,10 percent off spa services, 15 percent off golf and late checkout and is available for booking through May 30, 2013.

RAGGED ISLAND, The Bahamas -- Ragged Island All Age School students perform a dance to ‘On the Floor’ during the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Ragged Island Adjudications, on April 29, 2013. (BIS Photo / Eric Rose)

NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds are expected to attend Radio One’s annual One Love Getaway in Nassau, Bahamas from May 2 to May 5 at the Atlantis Resort, with scores of stars in the gospel music world set to headline the event.

The One Love Gospel franchise is the premier and largest gospel event that brings together the biggest and brightest personalities from the gospel world for an inspirational and uplifting experience that transcends souls.  The event is expected to be a boon to the country’s religious tourism market and assists The Bahamas’ efforts to be the lead destination for such events going forward.

For the past 8 years, the One Love Cruise enjoyed unprecedented growth and consistently delivered strong attendance numbers.   Inspiration Format Director Elroy Smith said Radio One wanted to bring the One Love Cruise experience to land for 2013, with The Bahamas seen as the ideal location.

“The Bahamas is a huge destination for Americans and when we announced we were coming to Nassau the phone lines went ‘bananas’ and the response is still crazy to this very day,” said Smith.  “The Bahamas is such an endearing island to many of us. We feel safe, it’s such a beautiful island and we know so many people there love the Lord and love this type of entertainment.

“When we invite these starts, there’s never a hesitation and we are excited to bring this level of star studded artists to The Bahamas.”