Marc Anthony, Shaggy, George Benson, Kool and the Gang, Air Supply,
Wyclef Jean, Omi and Kassav among stellar line-up!
SAINT LUCIA (April 13, 2016) – From April 29 through May 8 the renowned Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will showcase a series of cultural events including musical performances, art exhibits, and a HOT couture fashion show. Rocking Saint Lucia from the top of the Pitons to Pigeon Island, the dynamic “festivals-within-the-festival” highlight the island’s vibrant culture, local flavor and talent.
The festival officially raises the curtain on Sunday, May 29 at Mindoo Phillip Park in Castries when twelve Soca, reggae and dancehall artists from Saint Lucia and across the Caribbean kick-off the 10-day festival with high energy vibes. The party continues under the Pitons at the Soufriere Creole Jazz and Arts Festival taking place at the Soufriere waterfront on Saturday, April 30 followed by the signature musical expose on Sunday, May 1. The Soufriere mini-stadium will host Grammy award-winner Wyclef Jean and legendary international reggae artist, Maxi Priest, among other notable acts.
HOT Couture, a magnet for the Caribbean fashion-minded, hits the catwalk on Wednesday, May 4. Thirteen fashion designers from around the globe will command the HOT Couture stage at the Sandals Grande Ballroom. Dwight Eubanks of The Real Housewives of Atlanta will head the styling and make-up teams, and will also present an all-male clothing line. Leading the hair team is James Harris, whose work and styles have been featured in Vogue, Essence, Ebony and more. HOT Couture continues to expand in its fourth year on May 4 at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm, showcasing a variety of different designers.
Additional festivities taking place throughout the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts festival include:
- A tribute to Sir Derek Walcott – one of Saint Lucia’s two Nobel Laureates – will be presented on May 3 at 7:00 pm through the play Omeros, produced by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
- Two-time Grammy nominee Joey Alexander and jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr. will take the stage at the Jazz Showcase on May 5 at 8:00 pm at the National Cultural Center.
- Nestled in the shady arbor of Massav Park at Choc, the Arts Village will feature an open-access atelier where artists create, display, perform and engage. From May 2 through May 4 the village will feature a collection of Saint Lucia’s most sought after creative works.
Main stage events begin on Friday, May 6 at the Pigeon Island National Landmark and continue through Sunday, May 8 for a festival finale filled with all-star performances. Internationally renowned performers include Marc Anthony, the top-selling tropical salsa recording artist of all time, singer/songwriter Shaggy, 10-time Grammy winner George Benson, legendary Kool and the Gang, soft rock duo Air Supply, reggae pop singer Omi, French zouk masters Kassav.
For more information about the 25th Annual Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival visit http://www.stluciajazz.org.
For more information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888-4STLUCIA or visit http://stlucianow.com/.
About Saint Lucia
One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies’ Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The “Helen of the West Indies,” Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a tropical rainforest and one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Saint Lucia’s wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties. Saint Lucia also is home to world class cruise and yachting facilities. The island is continually recognized as one of the Leading Wedding and Honeymoon destinations worldwide.
