Comienza el Festival de Jazz 2015
Jazz, lovers rock, bouyon, and soca for 8th annual Soufriere Creole Jazz in Saint Lucia
One of each of the region’s best-known lovers rock, bouyon, soca and jazz musicians will take center stage at the picturesque grounds of the Soufriere mini-stadium during the 8th annual Soufriere Creole Jazz.
This year’s event hopes to emulate the success of 2014, when world-acclaimed compass and zouk group Kassav, thrilled the over 4,000 persons who had come out to see the headline act perform.
St. Lucian soca band Eva Lucian, Jazz guitarist Boo Hinkson, and R&B singer Shane Ross all gave a sterling account of themselves to produce a memorable show that saw the event receive great reviews and the organisers, Soufriere Foundation, much acclaim.
In order to replicate last year’s success, the Soufriere Foundation has lined up the May 1, 2015 event with big-name performers covering a wide genre of music. The buzz around this year’s show centres on lovers rock and reggae sensation Jah Cure and the Dominican bouyon group, the Original Bouyon Group (WCK). St. Lucian soca songwriter/singer Teddyson John; jazz composer, arranger and singer, Barbara Cadet and Soufriere’s very own, Future Lights, will also feature.
Since the line-ups announcement, local Facebook pages have been awash with satisfaction. “I am thrilled that Soufriere Creole Jazz has moved from an event that showcased predominately St. Lucian talent, to one that exposes people from the south western region who are unable to attend the large shows in Castries because of transportation issues to these celebrated international and regional artists,” said Soufriere Creole Jazz fan Della Flavius.
Patrons can expect the same high quality in the show’s production and decor this year. “Most of last year’s suppliers have been retained to ensure that the show’s quality is not compromised. While this is so, there are other areas we wish to improve upon this year. A noted example is the area of sanitation, where we shall be introducing portable, flushing and air conditioned toilets,” said Walter Francois, Soufriere Foundation Chief Executive Officer.
A noted feature of last year’s event was the VIP Lounge. This feature will be kept and the size increased to meet the demand. The VIP Lounge guarantees patrons a strategic view of the stage in a tastefully decorated setting with access to delectable foods and drinks. Tickets are expected to go on sale from Wednesday April 3, 2015 at Steve’s Barber Shop, The Cell outlets, Shernell’s Pizza and Soufriere Foundation offices.
Regular admittance will cost EC$80.00, while, those who want to enjoy the comfort of the VIP lounge will pay only EC$250.00. Organizers of the one-day event expect thousands of St. Lucians to converge on Soufriere to enjoy its beautiful sights and scenery, warm waters and unique attractions, before coming to enjoy what is billed to be a great show.
Soufriere Creole Jazz is also a must see for visitors who want to experience something different to the mainstream activities of the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.
Should you want additional information on Soufriere Creole Jazz you could call the Soufriere Foundation at 459-7200/7201 or look out for regular updates on the organization’s Facebook page and in the press.
2015 Jazz and Arts Festival opens with major C’bbean and local star power
Nestled in what has been termed the Capital of Castries, ‘ThePeople’s Auditorium,’ -the Mindoo Phillip Park, will again serve as the home for the official Opening of the region’s most highly anticipated musical spectacle – the 24th edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.
Carded for April 30th, thousands of festival goers are expected to flock to the popular venue for a lineup featuring an all-star cast of Caribbean powerhouses designed to jump start the festival.
Red hot Jamaican reggae superstar Chronixx will headline the Opening, which will also feature flamboyant Trinidad and Tobago Soca Queen Destra, who will be backed up by the Bakanal Band.
Veteran and decorated kaiso and soca phenomenonD Invader will lead the local cast of performers, which will also include reigning Groovy King, the versatile Arthur Allain, the melodicS herwinn “Dupes” Brice and youth heart throbs Sedale &Wildfire.
“Not only are we planning to thrill audiences with the diverse all-star cast of regional and local entertainers down to perform at the Opening, we are also seeking to create that ‘wow factor’ when patrons enter the venue,” says Tourist Board’s Special Events Manager, Dahlia Guard.
According to Guard, “From the traditional set up involving the stage, artistes’ area, VIP, accommodation and concessionaire booths, to even the public entry points we aim to re-fresh this event and kick off the Jazz Festival season by creating a feeling of palpable excitement and energy that will permeate the entire 24th edition of the festival.”
The show starts promptly at 8pm and tickets are priced at EC$50/US$20 in advance (EC$60/US$24 at the gate) and are available at Steve’s Barber Shop and The Cell in Soufriere.