Two talented young St Lucian musicians are in the line up for this year’s Jazz and Arts Festival.Sixteen year old saxophonist, Rashaad Joseph, is an enthusiastic and determined musician who has won several musical awards. One of his greatest accomplishments was attending the Mel Brown Jazz Camp at the Western Oregon University in 2015.
Rashaad is currently playing with St. Lucian singing sensation Teddyson John, as well as The Saint. Lucia School of Music. He is also the leader of the band Dynamix, which performed at the opening of the Dr. Owen King Hospital in February.
Rashaad is very passionate about music. His message to other young persons like him is ”follow your dreams, be productive and never let anyone discourage you from the career you wish to pursue.”
Rashaad is scheduled to be part of the upcoming Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival and will be sure to serenade his audience with the sweet sounds of his sax.
Lestan Celestin started playing guitar at the age of sixteen. He was self-taught before he got the opportunity to formally study at the St. Lucia School of Music and be part of the school’s Jazz Combo.
The combo performed at the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), The Jazz Sampler, Jazz on the Bay, and St. Lucia Jazz Sidestage. Through the School of Music, Celestin also got the opportunity to study the Cuatro in Venezuela with renowned musician Miguel Siso. He taught music at the Methodist school for two years and during his stint there, he created a trio called “We3” which performed weekly at Tapas on the Bay.
Celestin is currently studying at the Division of Teacher Education of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. He works part-time, teaching music at the Boys Training Centre, the St. Lucia School of Music, the music store and tutoring centre Musicman.
He is scheduled to attend the Mel Brown Jazz Camp in the United States in the summer. A resident of DerniereRievere, Dennery, Celestin strives every day, to be the best musician that he can be.
He hopes to pursue a degree in Music Education and Performance in the near future.
In keeping with this year’s theme ‘the Master and the Apprentice’ Celestin will perform alongside Boo Hinkson at the Jazz Sampler.