Event organizers of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival slated to run from May 5 to 14 –are revving up the artiste line up for performances on the main stage as the buzz for the mid-summer fiesta sizzles with anticipation.
The return of the upcoming world-renowned festival is being hailed as an enthralling mix of “fans, a 30-legacy, one stage, and one event” all unfolding at the scenic Pigeon Island National Park main stage.
According to the organizers, patrons are in for a mega jam session as the stage is set for 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.
Public Relations Manager at the St Lucia Tourism Authority [SLTA] Geraine Georges updated The VOICE on the latest line-up of artistes to perform.
“Of the artistes announced so far, we have about 14 …and the overall festival will be headlined by Sting and Shaggy who will be performing as a collaboration,” said Georges.
Patrons are being wowed to come and “let the music move you with 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 5 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 superstar 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 10.
With big name stars such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Bunji Garlin and Faye Ann- Lyons dubbed the ‘King and Queen of Soca’, Saint Lucia musical icon Luther Francois and others, added Georges: “we are really looking forward to maintaining our stellar lineup …and over the next few days we will be announcing even more artistes for the lineup.”
Interestingly, noted the SLTA official, the festival returns with the popular ‘Opening of Jazz’ event, but at this time, a location or venue has not yet been decided.
According to Georges, the festival will retain the four featured nights, namely, Kingdom Night, Pure Jazz, Caribbean Fusion, World Beat and the Ultimate Celebration—on Sunday to culminate the festival.
“The 2023 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival promises to be the best yet, as we continue our tradition of hosting the Caribbean’s premier jazz and arts event. The festival will showcase music, the performing arts, fine arts, creole cuisine and the effervescence of Saint Lucia’s creative industries,” declared Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire.
The Lineup
As of January 24, 2023, the musical lineup is as follows, with more details to be announced.
● Friday, May 5 – Kick-Off: Caribbean genres with some of the biggest names from the region headlined by reggae superstar Shenseea and Kes the Band.
● May 6-9: Entertainment & Community Jazz: Explore authentic Saint Lucian culture and people through an eclectic mix of local events.
● Wednesday, May 10 – Kingdom Gospel Night: A riveting, inspiring showcase of praise and worship with some of the best names in gospel will be announced soon.
● Thursday, May 11 – Pure Jazz: Grammy winner, pianist, and composer Gustavo Casenave and special tribute to Saint Lucia’s Luther François, the godfather of Saint Lucia jazz.
● Friday, May 12 – Caribbean Fusion: Featuring Buju Banton, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons.
● Saturday, May 13 – World Beats: Journey the globe with the best of Afro beats with Rema, Ayra Starr, CKay Joeboy and Oxlade.
● Sunday, May 14 – The Ultimate Celebration and Culmination on Mother’s Day: The most distinctive and influential musician of the century, 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting will headline the evening with Shaggy.
Coming to the mainstage is homegrown talent featuring a stellar cast of national musicians and performers including:
Ronald Boo Hinkson, Babara Cadet, Teddyson John, Ace Loctor, Michael Robinson and Kayo, and a Southern medley of musicians.
The arts scene in Saint Lucia will also be celebrated at the festival. From May 5, there will be community-based events across the island, emphasizing the jazz and arts scenes throughout key communities.
The Arts component of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will be held under the theme “Art and the City” from May 7-11. The Arts will include visual art, literary art, theater, fashion, an Icon Series, craft and souvenir markets, and a variety of events at the Derek Walcott Square, William Peter Boulevard, Constitution Park, Pointe Seraphine, and Serenity Park.
From the visual arts to the theater, visitors will be immersed in the creativity and vibrancy of Saint Lucia.
[R.A.]
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