Caribbean Blazing Music Festivals

Caribbean Festivals offer Bumper Music Potpourri

By William Doyle-Marshall

Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Belize, Suriname, Trinidad and Guyana are among islands of the Caribbean hosting a series of jazz and other concerts right through the year.

   The first phase of the inaugural Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari ends in Grenada in April. It was launched in Barbados in January.  It promises to be a jazz adventure like none other that will take patrons on a thrilling musical ride through the Caribbean.

  The musical journey stops in Antigua on March 1 and 2 at Jolly Beach and Block House Lookout with Canadian jazz legend Archie Alleyne and Kollage, Danny Mixon and Cameron Pierre. Then it is onto St Vincent on March 30 and 31 at Emerald Valley headlined by home grown Frankie McIntosh, Guy Marc Vadeleux, Derek McKeith and the Andy Narell/Lord Relator University of Calypso presentation.

  The first phase of the 2013 Safari ends in Grenada with live performances from performers like Betty Payne, Zack Bernard and Cuban star Alexis Baro with the incredible Shakura S’aida from April 26 to 28 at Spice Basket, Cinnamon Beach and Port Louis.

   The safari features another first for jazz offerings with the exciting ‘MUSIC is FUN’ interactive sessions for children who will be admitted free at selected outdoor venues.

   The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari moves to Jamaica in June, Belize in July, Suriname in August, Trinidad in October and Guyana in November. The Barbados leg of the inaugural Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari featured performances by T S Monk, Nnenna Freelon, Cedar Walton, Mario Canonge, Elan Trotman, Jeff Lorber and Melanie Fiona.

    Secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism  Organization Hugh Riley said that the organization is fully supportive of this new and innovative series of events which will enhance the regional tourism product and bring jazz fans special packages to experience regional and international talent in some of the most stunning outdoor venues in the region.

   The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari is the brainchild of Tom Hinds, Managing Director of Damal Investments and well known promoter of quality jazz events at his scenic Naniki Restaurant and Lush Life Resort in St Joseph Barbados. Hinds said that the Safari concept reflected the excitement of the event and its movement across the Caribbean.

   Sporting a new name complete with eye-catching logo and a redefined artistic direction, Saint Lucia is gearing up to welcome the world, as it inaugurates the next chapter in the life of  the region’s most anticipated musical festival, from April 30 through May 12.  Festival Headliner is multiple Grammy-winner R&B mega star singer-songwriter, and record producer Robert Sylvester Kelly, more popularly known as R Kelly. 

                                                    Trumpeter Etienne Charles

Other musical hard-hitters include the legendary Ojays; acclaimed Caribbean maestro David Rudder, bandleader and mambo musician Tito Puente Jr.; celebrated guitarist and singer Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson and accomplished Senegalese-American hip-hop recording artist, songwriter and record producer Akon.

 Among featured performers are Trinidadian born Trumpeter Etienne Charles; Cuban jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca; contemporary jazz bands from the French Antilles Fal Frett and electric guitarist The John Scofield Uberjam Band. Main stage activities at the Pigeon Island National Landmark will begin on Friday May 10, with performances from R&B multi-platinum American singer, songwriter, dancer and actor Ginuwine; Saint Lucian songwriter and producer ACE and The Jacksons.

   The 2013 festival which is presented by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and is supported by Platinum sponsor Digicel along with other Gold, Bronze and Collateral sponsors, For more information on the full lineup for Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2013 along with show dates, venues and ticket sales, log onto www.stluciajazz.org. 

The 17^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival produced by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, which will be held June 27-29, 2013. All lovers of music and authentic Caribbean fun are invited to mark their calendars for attending this grand occasion. Now in its 17^th consecutive year, the Festival attracts locals and visitors alike, helping to boost visitor arrivals during low season and provide a steadier year-round income for local tourism-related businesses. “Each year, the St. Kitts Music Festival combines music, Caribbean island culture and elements of carnival-type block parties with world class performances from a wide variety of internationally popular music genres,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport.

   The Festival features a wide range of musical genres, including Calypso, Soca, R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Gospel and Contemporary music, while reflecting a uniquely Caribbean flavor.  Past artists have included Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, The Commodores, Dionne Warwick, Biggie Irie, Bunny Wailer, Lord Nelson, Toni Braxton, T-Pain, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Air Supply and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds,

  From all indications whether you live in North America or elsewhere in the world, the Caribbean Islands are pulling out all stops to entice you down to their shores. When you leave, the succulent taste of the dishes and musical poturri offerings are likely to make you book return visits for the not too distant future. Visit: www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube. 

February 28, 2013