With a fusion of live music, culinary delights, sculpture exhibits, and artisanal markets, the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is set to position “The Square” as the epicenter of the pre-mainstage experience for Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.
According to the Executive Director of CDF, Ramona Henry-Wynne, from May 8th to 10th, Derek Walcott Square returns to its roots with a daily schedule from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “that will be reminiscent of the pre-2017 era of Jazz On The Square, albeit on a grander scale.”
On May 8th, the Saint Lucia School of Music’s 51-piece orchestra will set the stage for the Eric Preterre Creole Jazz Project featuring musicians out of France and Saint Lucia. The day concludes with the KPT Calypso Tent, offering a soulful calypso showcase that will redefine the KPT sound to their local followers.
On March 9th, vocal powerhouses Aneshar Antoine and Steffi-Ann St. Clair take center stage, followed by The Big Drum Project (with dancers), an amalgamation of the drumming groups on the island and the largest drumming ensemble to perform in Saint Lucia to date.
The lineup on closing day will also feature emotive sets from songstresses Dianna Philip and Camille Charlemagne followed by creole jazz sounds of acclaimed Saint Lucian musician Monty Maxwell and the band Kalbas.
Thanks to the support of the US Embassy in Barbados, Jazz and Arts on The Square proudly presents the Matthew Whitaker Quintet, delivering an unforgettable pure jazz experience.
Renowned for his prodigious talent and advocacy for music education and accessibility, Matthew Whitaker’s performance promises to be a highlight of the festival.
Whitaker’s remarkable journey began at the age of three, and since then he has captivated audiences globally with his extraordinary talent. With appearances on notable TV shows like Showtime at the Apollo, the Today Show, and Ellen, Matthew’s star continues to rise. Beyond his remarkable performances, Matthew is a versatile artist, producer, and composer, known for his contributions to film and television. He advocates passionately for music education and accessibility for persons with disabilities, embodying the belief that music connects us all. With three studio albums under his belt and collaborations with industry greats like Derrick Hodge, Ray Chew, and Jon Batiste, Matthew Whitaker will thrill afficionados of the jazz genre at Jazz and Arts on The Square.
Henry-Wynne emphasized CDF’s commitment to solidifying partnerships with sister agencies – the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Events Company of Saint Lucia: “We welcome the collaboration to ultimately showcase Saint Lucia’s unique cultural heritage and artistic vibrancy on the global stage,” she said.