Many resort hotels stage their own entertainment at night, and these shows are open to the general public.
Rolling the Dice
At press time, Grand Bahama maintained only one casino, the Isle of Capri, at Our Lucaya. Set within its own free-standing building on the grounds of the Westin & Sheraton at Our Lucaya, this is the big draw for anyone looking to gamble on Grand Bahama Island. Outfitted in a neutrally modern, not-particularly ostentatious design, it contains a crescent-shaped bar, a restaurant, and games that include baccarat, Caribbean stud poker, blackjack, roulette, and aisles loaded with some 400 slot machines. It's open daily from 10am to 2am or later, and entrance is free. The Westin & Sheraton at Our Lucaya resorts, Royal Palm Way. tel. 242/373-1333.
Bahamian Theater
Instead of one of those Las Vegas leggy showgirl revues, you can call the 450-seat Regency Theater, West Sunrise Highway (tel. 242/352-5533), and ask what performance is scheduled. This is the home of two nonprofit companies, The Freeport Players' Guild and Grand Bahama Players. The season runs from September to June, and you are likely to see reprises of such Broadway and West End (London) blockbusters as Mamma Mia!, as well as contemporary works by Bahamian and Caribbean playwrights. Some really intriguing shows are likely to be staged every year by both groups, which are equally talented. Tickets cost from $10 to $20 (£5.30-£11).
The Club & Bar Scene
Located in the center of the Port Lucaya Marketplace waterfront restaurant and shopping complex, Count Basie Square contains a vine-covered bandstand where the best live music on the island is performed several nights a week, usually beginning around 7:30 or 8pm. And it's free! The square honors the "Count," who used to have a grand home on Grand Bahama. Steel bands, small Junkanoo groups, and even gospel singers from a local church are likely to be heard performing here, their voices or music wafting across the marina and the nearby boardwalk and wharves. You can sip a beer or a tropical rum concoction at one of the bars in the complex.
