JUNIOR! Calypso King of Costa Rica

The music fills the air at the Lazy Mon Beach Bar on Playa Stanford in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. A beautiful golden sunset eases into a relaxing blanket of azure serenity. The tables are filled with tourists and locals who lazily sip tropical goodness and feast upon delectable Caribbean dishes. The rhythm of a calypso beat infuses the audience with energy. Feet tap, bodies sway, and faces smile. It is a music form that has come through the ages of the Caribbean culture. Before long, some listeners have given way to dancing. When the song ends, there is a wave of applause. Song after song, audiences, realize more and more that they are experiencing a rare treat. They are having the unique privilege to hear a living legend. He is Junior! He is a Calypso king!

When the music slows, it becomes a Calypso lullaby. Now the dark purple with streaks of lavender sky become the perfect backdrop to usher in the night. The moon gently lights the foam-tipped waves. Junior begins to lull audiences into a mesmerized state of reverie. Eyes close to absorb the magic. Serenading his listeners in both English and Spanish, Junior is an intoxicating entity that remains with you to savor long after the music has ended.

At times, Junior is a replica of the legendary Bob Marley as he convinces you that "every little thing will be alright." At other times, his fingers move magically across the guitar strings making sounds that are revealed by the likes of Chuck Berry, and even Elvis! When he sings, " I am proud to say, I'm on my way. I won't be back for many a day," audiences are hopeful that he does not mean the words of the old Belafonte hit. They want Junior to come back, again and again. His music is amazing!

His story is epic. His life is one of mystery, adventure and accomplishment. This is just an introduction to future entries about the legendary life of Junior y sus Calypsonians.