Marigot’s Marina Village presents ‘Jazz on the Bay’

For the first time in the history of the festival, Jazz lovers will get the opportunity to experience Jazz on the Bay.
On Thursday this week, the Marigot Bay Marina launched what it aptly calls “Jazz on the Bay”, the event will be presented by The Marina Village—home of Discovery Hotel and the Marigot Bay Marina—and is set for a thrilling start on Friday May 4, 2012 from 12pm to 6pm. The event forms part of the world renowned St Lucia Jazz Festival which takes place from April 30th to May 13th and is endorsed and supported by the St Lucia Tourist Board.
Speaking about the event, Manager of the Marina, Bob Hathaway says this brings refreshing scenery at the Bay and puts the Marigot Bay Marina back on the map of tourism in St Lucia.
“Over the last few years we’ve been looking and planning around the idea of putting this event together in Marigot. This year was an opportunity as a number of things came together—we had the resources, we had a fantastic season here so we had the way with all to do it and we had the time to get it done therefore, we decided to go for it this year,” said Hathaway.
He further stated: “It’s a way of putting Marigot back on the Tourism map of St Lucia—we have suffered from being second fiddle to Rodney Bay for years and years and years, not from the marina point of view but from the whole Bay.”
Hathaway says the development work done at Marigot Bay slowed down the progression of the renowned Bay that continually sees frequent visits by celebrities such as Eddie Murphy, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.
“Jazz on the Bay” will feature noted homegrown musicians who will give locals and visitors alike top class entertainment that will have them dancing on the deck! Performers include the band, “Ten–90 Duo”, featuring Mervin Wilkinson, who has performed
on the Jazz main stage many times and is a respected singer and songwriter. Wilkinson’s debut album entitled “Influences” was a blend of Caribbean Rhythms infused with R&B, Pop and Jazz. He has released powerful tracks like “Caribbean Woman” “Here to Stay” and the ever-popular “Sherrian”.
The second big line-up will be the band “Centric” featuring Shayne Ross. “Centric” is set to create the party mode with a repertoire that includes R&B, Rock and Soca while singer Shayne Ross will deliver some smooth R&B with some of his original songs.
Guests of this free event will be guided into the decorated promenade that will feature food stalls boasting a Caribbean Jazz themed menu!  Patrons can also shop while they enjoy the jazz ambience as the marina’s stores will offer great specials as part of the celebration.
Present at the launch was radio personality Superman HD AKA Pringles who is scheduled to host the event and Minister for Tourism and Creative Industries, Lorne Theophilus.