The annual Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, now in its 25th year, raises the curtain on April 29, 2016 with a line-up that blends island culture, famed musical talent and eclectic musical genres.
Internationally renowned performers gracing the stage this year include singer/songwriter Shaggy, 10-time Grammy winner George Benson, legendary Kool and the Gang, soft rock duo Air Supply, reggae pop singer Omi, French zouk masters Kazzav, jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr., and two-time Grammy nominee Joey Alexander. Local superstars performing on mainstage for the 25th anniversary include legendary jazz guitarist Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, R& B Crooner Irvin ‘Ace’ Loctar and Groovy Soca phenomenon Teddyson John. More names to be confirmed as the Festival draws near.
“This year’s festival commemorates 25 years of star-studded musical performances that have commanded world attention over the years,” remarked Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries Minister Lorne Theophilus. “We are honored to continue the tradition and take great
pride in providing a platform for internationally acclaimed musicians, as well as showcasing Saint Lucian artisans, entertainers and cultural enthusiasts during the two-week celebration.”
The ten day festival runs through May 8 and will feature a multitude of musical performances and art showcases throughout the island. Locations span from Saint Lucia’s iconic Pigeon Island National Landmark, where main stage events will kick-off on Friday, May 6, to various other venues island wide. With a continued emphasis on the arts component of the festival, a tribute to Sir Derek Walcott – one of Saint Lucia’s two Nobel Laureates will be presented through the play Omeros and produced by London’s Shakespeare Globe Theatre. An Arts Village with a dedicated site in the north of island will feature literary, visual and performing arts, while the acclaimed fashion show, “Hot Couture,” will return with a spotlight on Saint Lucia and the region’s cutting edge style.
Presented by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, the festival continues to attract some of the most recognizable and sought after names in the music business and has become a magnet for visitors from the U.S., according to Theophilus. Completing the line-up is a string of other local entertainers, together with more than 100 local artisans, who will perform at jazz venues island wide throughout the festival.
For more information about the 25th Annual Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival visit http://www.stluciajazz.org.