Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival launched with Barbados brunch event

By Leanne McGregor

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival was officially launched on Tuesday with a Jazz and Brunch event at the Savannah Beach Club Hotel and Spa, giving attendees a taste of the island’s musical and cultural offerings ahead of its staging at month-end.

The event, hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, revealed the lineup for this year’s festival, while invited guests were treated to live entertainment and a buffet-style brunch. 

Tourism officials said the seven events, from Opening Night on April 30 to The Ultimate Celebration on Mother’s Day, promise a diverse and wide-ranging mix of performances.

Noting that highly-anticipated acts include Capleton, Ella Mai, Brandy, Afrobeats artiste Tems, and Billy Ocean, Marketing Manager Christopher Gustave said the themed events were intentionally curated, touting the festival as among the best in the Caribbean.

“We try to cater for every musical taste… from reggae to soca to dancehall to gospel to jazz to R&B, [and] pop,” Gustave told Barbados TODAY at the launch, which ran from 11 a.m., to 2 p.m.

“No matter what you’re into, you could find at least either a night or an artiste that you’re interested in.”

Providing live entertainment was legendary Saint Lucian jazz musician Ronald Boo Hinkson, who opened with a solo rendition of “Imagine” before inviting Barbadian trumpeter Dr Ricky Brathwaite and Saint Lucian singer Christa Bailey to the stage, to rousing applause.

Among the attendees were entertainers, influencers and industry professionals. Speaking on her experience at the launch, Barbadian singer and songwriter Adrianna Mayers said she was impressed by the festival’s “inclusivity and range”.

Expressing a similar sentiment was Barbadian influencer Sharkia Pereira, who was attending the launch for the second time. Pereira said her top picks from the lineup were World Beats and The Ultimate Celebration.

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, first launched in 1992, will feature seven themed events from April 30 to May 10: Opening Night, Pure Jazz, Kingdom Night, Caribbean Fusion, World Beats and The Ultimate Celebration.

leannemcgegor@barbadostoday.bb