WHAT started out as a small annual festival to promote and increase the tourism industry in Saint Lucia, has now evolved into an annual mecca for thousands of music revellers scattered globally.
Over the years the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival has not only cemented thousands of solid friendships, but has increased the fan base of many performing artistes at local, regional and international levels.
According to Director of Tourism Louis Lewis “for more than two decades, the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts festival has featured legendary names in music and this year’s line-up is no exception.”
The festival, now in its twenty-fourth year has continued to increase and expand its programme. Through the creative works of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, this year’s festival focuses not only on the performing artistes, but will again incorporate ways of showcasing the island’s rich heritage by fusing an arts and educational component to the festival.
With the introduction of an Arts Village which will be staged in the north of the island between two major shopping malls at Rodney Bay, it is expected to highlight the artistry of the many local artisans from across the island alongside a cultural explosion of dancers and musicians performing spontaneously for live audiences.
A fashion show with a difference ‘Hot Couture’ in its third year will be staged displaying exciting clothing lines from top designers both local and foreign.
The Festival will again place the spotlight on the development of music, dance and culinary technical skills through a series of training workshops. These workshops will be conducted by professionals in their respective fields before and after the festival, for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
Community oriented events, which play a vital role in the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, will be announcing their various exciting line ups in the coming days. The line ups are expected to include creole music alongside many other genres that are electrifying.
In 2015 the free interactive mobile App has been totally revamped. Available via Google Play and Apple App Store, the App connects smartphones and tablet users with Android or ISOS Powered ‘ON THE GO’ devices to the complete festival line up, show dates and venues among other things.
With collaborations, partnerships and new initiatives, this year’s festival promises to be a festival with a difference!
Shut your HUGE TRAP LL