Press Release: Island Dreamer by Giveton Gelin
Published: Monday April 13th, 2026
The Arts and Culture Program of the Central Bank of The Bahamas is proud to present Island Dreamer, a multi-layered exhibition marking the journey, book launch, and world premiere of Bahamian trumpeter and composer, Giveton Gelin’s new jazz album of the same title.
Born and raised in The Bahamas, Gelin studied at the renowned Juilliard School in New York. During his time there, he collaborated with leading figures, such as Wynton Marsalis, and performed at prestigious venues including the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Since graduating in 2021, Gelin has emerged as one of the most compelling voices of his generation; building an international career spanning concerts, recordings, and collaborations across the United States, The Bahamas and globally.
Island Dreamer brings together a photographic exhibition and the launch of an accompanying songbook, offering insight into Gelin’s creative process and his recent journey with students from Gelin’s Island Dreamer Academy. By raising funds for his Academy, the project enables Gelin to give back the mentorship he once received, creating opportunities for talented young Bahamians to travel to New York and gain exposure to institutions, such as the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School, as well as legendary jazz venues like Smalls Jazz Club in Greenwich Village.
The highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of the album Island Dreamer, featuring distinguished collaborators including Roy Hargrove, Adrian D’Aguilar, Wynton Marsalis, and Jon Batiste. Together with photographic works by Melissa Alcena, Texas based artist Rambo, and photographer Heath M. Grout, these elements form an inter-disciplinary experience celebrating music, visual arts, and performance.
With Island Dreamer, the Arts and Culture Program of the Central Bank ventures, for the first time, into the realm of a music-based multi-media exhibition. It continues the institution’s path of opening the program to a wide range of creative avenues and encouraging Bahamians to see creative professions as meaningful and rewarding pursuits.
The Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, the Honorable Glenys Hanna-Martin will give the opening remarks.
As always, the opening and exhibition are free of charge and open to the public.
Opening: 17 April 2026 | 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Location: William C. Allen Gallery, Market Street Entrance
For further information, please contact:
The Curator’s Office
Governor’s Office
E-mail: [email protected]
13 April 2026
