The Baha Men are coming to Owensboro May 21 to headline the opening night of Friday After 5’s 25th Anniversary season, performing on the Ruoff Mortgage Party Pier. The Bahamian roots reggae band is best known for their 2000 Grammy Award-winning hit song “Who Let the Dogs Out.”
“We are so excited and honored to have the Baha Men come all the way to Owensboro to perform at Friday After 5, marking this monumental night,” said Francine Marseille, Friday After 5 Executive Director. “They will bring such great energy to our riverfront for opening night. Trust me when I say, ‘kids’ of all ages who are eager to see them live might just relive a fun youthful memory or two.”
“Who Let the Dogs Out” earned the band several awards: a Grammy Award in 2001 for Best Dance Recording; Billboard Music Awards for World Music Artist of the Year and World Music Album of the Year; and a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award for Favorite Song. In 2002, they won another Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Band.
DJ Shay will be featured at the AfterParty following the Baha Men.
Friday After 5 officials are excited to offer the community a summer full of live entertainment after cancelling last year’s series.
With the addition of the Holiday Inn Riverfront stage, FA5 will now offer a full “mile of music” downtown — with stages at the RiverPark Center’s patio, courtyard, and Canon Hall anchoring the other end.
Live music will also be at the overlook stage, the outdoor stage behind the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and the pier behind the convention Center. Marseille said FA5 will also be partnering with other venues and artists such as the VFW, Lure Seafood and Grille, and Andy Brasher.
So far, Friday After 5 has announced the following acts that will also perform on opening night: Gaslight Boys in the Atmos Courtyard; Hayley Payne on the Holiday Inn Riverfront Stage; The Underdogs on the Romain Subaru Overlook; and Aaron Goodvin on the Patio Stage.
In addition to the music, FA5 is planning to offer some other special entertainment opportunities — including working with the Owensboro Air Show on Aug. 15-17 and HydroFair on Aug. 20-22. She said there will also be Christmas in July — complete with a visit from Santa Claus — and possibly some ice skating.
“Friday After 5 is the perfect appetizer for a weekend in Owensboro,” said Dave Kirk, Visit Owensboro Destination Management Director.
