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Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival Lineup

Thousands of fans, Hundreds of stars, 30 years of legacy, one stage, one event…the world-renowned Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival will be smashing this year, according to organisers.

Ten Days of exhilarating performances from some of the leading names in national, regional, and international music and the finest in arts and culture on the world stage will make an appearance from May 5th to the 14th, the time period set for the festival.

The festival will be featuring Afro Beats, Jazz, Gospel, Soca, Reggae, Zouk, Pop, and an array of cultural beats and exciting rhythms. The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival opens on May 5th with an explosive concert featuring a fine mélange of Caribbean genres with some of the biggest names from the region, including Kes the Band with headliner reggae super star Shenseea.

Dancehall super star, Shenseea
Dancehall super star, Shenseea

The world-class experience moves to the main stage at Pigeon Island with Kingdom Night, a riveting, inspiring showcase of praise and worship on Wednesday, May 10th, opening with an all-star gospel cast including Shirley Ann Cyril Mayers. Topping that bill is nine-time grammy award-winner and contemporary gospel star, the incomparable Kirk Franklin.

Also in the mix with ‘Top Billings’ is gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor Tasha Cobbs who broke out in 2013 with the powerful Grammy Award-winning single “Break Every Chain.”

On Thursday, May 11th “immerse yourself in the harmonically sophisticated rhythms of Pure Jazz” with the virtuoso Gustavo Casenave, two-time grammy winner, pianist, and composer, presenting his breathtaking improvisations and exploring the world of Latin jazz. And the grand return of the Godfather of Saint Lucia Jazz, the icon, Luther Francois.

Join the party on Friday, May 12th with Caribbean Fusion featuring a compelling mix of Saint Lucian and regional talent, led by the living legend, Buju Banton, international soca royalty…the power-couple of soca… Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons, a duo of Viking proportions.

On Saturday, May 13th journey the globe with World Beats, and a power-packed night with the best of Afro Beats, led by Rema, and including… Ayra Starr, CKay, and Kizz Daniel; and the best in zouk with the band Kassav. Also appearing on the main stage is “our homegrown talent” – a stellar cast of national musicians and performers including; Ronald Boo Hinkson – Babara Cadet – Teddyson John – Michael Robinson – Kayo and friends.

One could explore the authenticity of the Saint Lucian culture and people through an eclectic mix of local entertainment and community jazz, a host of fringe activities across the island. Be imbued by the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival Arts Village, a compilation of works that celebrates the sheer creativity and astounding talent of Saint Lucian artisans.

On Sunday, May 14th is the grand climax of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, planned to take away one’s breath.

17-time Grammy award winner… STING!!! and Mr. Boombastic… Shaggy!
17-time Grammy award winner… STING!!! and Mr. Boombastic… Shaggy!

On stage will be singer, songwriter, actor, a legend who transcends age, culture, time and space, responsible for shaping the world through four decades of monster hits, the most distinctive and influential musician of the century, 17-time grammy award winner… STING!!!  …featuring Mr. Boombastic… Shaggy!

And the list goes on with more sought-after world-class artiste to be announced in the coming week.

Stay connected to thevoiceslu.com/saintluciajazz/ for more jazz updates.

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