The 2015 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is into the homestretch this weekend with main-stage events at the Pigeon Island National Landmark this Saturday and Sunday. Today, Saturday, will see Flo Rida, Jon Secada, Arturo Tappin and Lucian Pan Fusion taking the stage. The grand finale on Sunday May 10 will feature Chrisette Michele, Derede Williams, Jimmy Cliff and Robin Thicke.
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival opened on Thursday April 30 at the Mindoo Phillip Park. There, thousands of music lovers were treated to a wonderful potpourri of acts like Sherwyn Dupes Brice, Invader. Arthur Allain, Sedale & Wildfire, Chronixx and Destra. From there the island was ignited with an eclectic mix of music: Soufriere with Creole Jazz on May 1 then Fond d’Or on May 2 and Vieux Fort on May 3 when several music genres filled the air.
The arts component of the festival kicked off on Friday May 1 in Gros Islet with a street parade. There was a tribute to Charles Cadet on Sunday May 3 at the National Cultural Centre.
A number of free events were staged this week including Tea Time Jazz, Jazz on the Square, Monchy Creole Jazz, and the arts village at Rodney Bay kept the buzz alive. The third annual HOT Couture on Wednesday May 6 was again a sold-out event while the Jazz Showcase at the National Cultural Centre offered Jazz purists some delicacies.
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival also offered an educational component with workshops for students and artisans. This weekend’s finale will showcase up and coming talent on the side stage.
The reviews for the events so far have been generally good and all events have been well attended.
