Saint Lucia Tourist Board Press Release: Jazz In The South Set To Thrill Once More

Saint Lucia (February 23, 2014) - Major Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival stakeholder, Labowi Promotions, producers of the popular ‘Jazz in the South’ series of concerts, has announced its 2014 lineup.
Opting to consolidate into one major offering on May 4th  at the Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie, included in this year’s roster, from the south of Saint Lucia, is The Shomari and Wendell Jazz Project; from Martinique, The Gregory Privat Quintet featuring namesake pianist and composer Gregory Privat; and rounding out the unique blend of creole jazz for which Jazz in the South is known, The Jazz Racine Haiti Project of Guadeloupean Jacques Schwarz-Bart, featuring festival mainstay Etienne Charles on trumpet and “Prince of Haitian Roots Music” Erol Josué.

Since its inception in 1997,Jazz in the South has attracted some of the most recognizable names in Caribbean music, including Grammy Award nominee Orlando 'Maraca' Valle, Carimi,Strings, Kali, Barbara Cadet, Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, Eric Bonheur, Pedrito Martinez, Exile One, Michele Henderson, as well as Malavoi from Martinique, Arturo Tappin from Barbados and Monty Alexander from Jamaica.
“Jazz in the South is still about Creole infused Caribbean Jazz,” says Len Leonce of Labowi Promotions, “We’re committed to presenting Saint Lucia with a jazz product that is well rounded, and representative of our diverse culture and experiences.”

On May 4th, Jazz in the South will continue to add to its legacy of excellence with its usual blend of quality Caribbean music, mouthwatering local food, relaxing atmosphere and in keeping with the revamped nature of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, a photographic exhibition of Caribbean jazz musicians, fitting for a location which has played host to many Caribbean greats.

In addition, a number of training and educational opportunities will be offered, including a dance and music workshop conducted by Haitian Erol Josué, exploring the link between voodoo culture and artistic tradition as well as a master class conducted by saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart at the Saint Lucia School of Music.

An additional workshop will host music teachers in the South of the island.

Saint Lucia Tourist Board Press Release: Music & Art Take Centre Stage At the 23rd Edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival

SAINT LUCIA (February 6, 2014) – An all-star cast of acclaimed musicians poised to deliver the best rhythmic performances alongside artistic portrayals from accomplished artisans, are just some of the excitement that awaits patrons to the 2014 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. The highly anticipated 23rd edition of the iconic festival was launched at a gala ceremony on February 6, 2014, aired live from the Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort. The 12-day festival from April 30 to May 11 will attract thousands to the historic Pigeon Island National Landmark, where main stage events will unfold. “This year’s event is building on a resurgence of fresh artistic direction infused into the festival in 2013, thus providing the perfect opportunity for scores of local artisans, entertainers and cultural enthusiasts to command world attention at scenic vistas across the island,” remarked Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries Minister Lorne Theophilus. Many firmly established community-oriented events will form an integral part of the two week event. From the quaint and rustic village settings of Rudy John Beach Park in the southwest village of Laborie, to indoor concerts at popular bays, shopping malls, fine dining restaurants and pubs in the north; to the amphitheater setting of the Fond d’Or Heritage Park in Dennery, the entire island is expected to come alive with the sights and sounds of the festival. Artistic activities will incorporate, Drama & Dance, Steel Pan, Spoken Word, Fashion Shows and other cultural extravaganzas at key venues stretching from the northern town of Gros-Islet to Vieux Fort in the South. Director of Tourism Louis Lewis said, “The 2014 line-up is an exhilarating mix of musical genres that would again allow the festival to deliver the world class experience for which it has become renowned.”  Performances at the Gaiety on Rodney Bay on May 8 will feature Cuban composer, pianist, bandleader and Grammy nominee Omar Sosa Quintet and three-time Grammy award winning American jazz singer -songwriter, as well as Tony-Award winning stage actress Dee Dee Bridgewater. Main stage activities at the Pigeon Island National Landmark will sound off on Friday, May 9. Themed as Caribbean night, the evening extravaganza will see performances from Trinidadian string band Alternative Quartet, local heartthrob Teddyson John featuring Alison Hinds of Barbados and Jamaican reggae and dancehall legend Barrington Levy. Saturday May 10 features American R&B soul singer, songwriter and producer Kem, American-born Puerto Rican Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winning Merengue singer Elvis Crespo. His smash hit ‘Suavemente’ has become an anthem for Latin music. “Personally” sealing off the Saturday line-up is Nigerian R&B duo P-Square.  Headlining the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is American singer-songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist Maxwell. Boasting several chart toppers, the Grammy award-winning artiste music spans R&B, Funk, Jazz and Soul.  Festival patrons will dance and sing along to legendary American funk/soul band of Motown fame, The Commodores. The group is best known for their ballads, such as "Easy" and "Three Times a Lady", but has recorded funky, driven dance-floor hits which include "Brick House", "The Bump", "Fancy Dancer", and "Too Hot ta Trot". Also on the cards for Sunday May 11 is Jamaican reggae fusion recording artist, best known for winning Season 5 of the American reality TV singing competition, The Voice - Tessanne Chin. Other musical virtuosos forming the 2014 line up include Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander, St. Lucian Expo that features the up and coming emerging talents of Michael Robinson and Anesha Antoine, and funky jazz & blues band Blue Mango featuring Emiline Michel & James Germain. The Opening of Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is carded for the ‘people auditorium,’ the Mindoo Phillip Park on April 30. The line-up for that show will be announced shortly.  The festival is presented by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and is supported by Platinum sponsor Digicel along with other Gold, Silver, Bronze and Collateral sponsors. Over its two-decade history the festival has attracted some of the most recognizable and sought after names in the music business. For more information on the full lineup for Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2014 along with show dates, venues and ticket sales, log onto www.stluciajazz.org.