Cayman's mix of bands, performers and local stars may surprise you.

There are rock n' roll bands, country and western singers, fine jazz musicians and, of course, those specialising in the tropical sounds of reggae, soca and calypso.

Local bands Heat, CocoRed, Footloose, Los Tropicanos, Musical Crew and, occasional visiting artists from neighboring islands, take turns performing at outdoor venues such as The Royal Palms, The Wharf and the Lions Centre. The Royal Palms, in particular, is a popular gathering spot where locals and visitors mingle, drink and dance.

Bed restaurant and bar features pyjama-clad servers and good rock n' roll. Here popular rockers Ratskyn pack the bar with their unplugged version of 80s and 90s hits. At Bamboo (located in the Hyatt) Gary Ebanks and Mainstream play smooth, easy-listening jazz. Gary's sax renditions of Bob Marley classics are a favourite with Bamboo's sushi addicts. A taste of jazz can also be heard at Café Med every Monday night when Sea n' B (Chuck and Barrie) take the stage. With Chuck on guitar, Barrie on percussion, Bugs on bass and lots of sweet harmony, they have created a tropical-jazzy sound that sets their music apart from the rest.

Bob Mosley usually hangs out at Sunshine Suites or Double D's. You can't miss him; he's the tall guy with guitar and cowboy hat. Bob and his two bands, Gone Country and Catch of the Day mix Nashville sounds with Buffett, the blues, and anything else he can pull out of his boots.

Don't miss Hi-Tide at Deckers. Local recording artists Shane and Sean blend acoustic guitar, congas and soothing vocals with a tropical twist to fashion their own unique sound.

Relaxing music can be found at The Westin, where George Davidson and his grand piano help a martini go down smoothly. And, let's not forget The Marriott, which feature a fire dancer, a harp player and live music by Brown Sugar. If you find Earl Lapierre performing with his steel drum you're in for a real treat; he is the master of the pan.

If you're a nostalgia buff, you may enjoy Boogie Nights at The Wharf. DJ Caz spins Saturday Night Fever and other memorable hits every last Friday of the month. Another big "TGIF" event takes place at The Ritz-Carlton every Friday after work. Lawyers, bankers and the office crowd gather for cocktails and DJ music in the Silver Thatch Lounge. This chic party is open for everyone and tourists are always welcome. Just don't forget its The Ritz, so proper attire is suggested.

Try to locate The Big Kahuna when he's performing on island. Kahuna is better than an "apple a day keeps the doctor away". This huge, barrel-shaped, funny man will have you rolling in the aisle when he makes fun of himself and skinny people. Andrew Bacon always has a long list of comedians to assist during his show at the Reef Resort. Those extra comedians are the members of the audience who sing along and laugh along during Andrew's weekday madness show. The Reef Resort is also the home of The Barefoot Man, who performs there several nights per week in the hotel's Castaways Lounge and Restaurant. Barefoot's original music is best described as being like the components of a cool tropical drink; there's a huge helping of double innuendos, splashed with calypso, reggae and country, then garnished with a dash of risqué. An evening with the Barefoot Man is a dinner-dance-sing-along event and reservations are suggested.

Next to the Reef Resort at Morritt's Tortuga Club, wannabe American idols take centre stage - or should we say Caymanian idols? Whatever!

Here, karaoke music backs up imitation Elvis Presley, Elton John and Beyonce groupies.

The Reef and Morritt's resorts are located on the East End side of the island so it's a good idea to have a designated driver or get a group together and share a taxi.

The South Coast Bar and Grill is one of Grand Cayman's newest night spots and is located in Breakers, near the Lighthouse restaurant. The bar features popular local singer and DJ "Lammie" on Friday nights and has karaoke on Thursday and Saturday nights. This casual seaside tavern is a good spot to hang out with the locals.

For a more detailed listing of entertainment, check out the Friday edition of the Caymanian Compass newspaper.

CDs by the above artists are widely available and make great souvenirs to take home.