Music legends set to jazz it up in St. Lucia this May

St. Lucia Jazz 2008 is set to be bigger and better than ever before when this paradise island opens it’s arms to an elite line-up of international stars for the best party in the Caribbean.

The festival, held every year in May (2nd – 11th), is the island’s most prestigious and successful event bringing together jazz, soul and world rhythms from some of the greatest artists in the music industry and attracting music lovers from all over the world. With an exciting line-up this year including Wyclef Jean, Angie Stone and Dionne Warwick, St. Lucia Jazz is not to be missed.

Now in its 17th year, St. Lucia Jazz is the Caribbean’s most longstanding jazz festival and has achieved international recognition. St. Lucia’s exquisite natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for the festival. The main stage is located on Pigeon Island where the artists entertain the crowds late into the evening in a relaxed and atmospheric setting, surrounded by historic ruins and lush scenery.

With events taking place throughout the week in a variety of locations and venues around the island, visitors can experience the entire island and its culture along with outstanding musical performances.

This year’s line-up offers a mix of award winning soul artistes and Jazz vocalists not to mention the exceptional talent of musicians from the Juilliard Quartet and the ‘Jazz Package’ featuring saxophonist Najee. The first few days of the penultimate weekend will see performances from jazz vocalist Diane Reeves and internationally acclaimed soul singer and multiple Grammy Award winner Anita Baker.

Ex-Fugees star, Wyclef Jean, will headline on Sunday, ending the event on a tremendous high. This noted producer has worked with an impressive array of talent including Whitney Houston, Paul Simon and Destiny’s Child….on this occasion he’ll be closing the festival alongside world renowned artists including prolific songwriter, Angie Stone and Dionne Warwick.

Over her illustrious four-decade career, international music legend Dionne Warwick, has had nearly sixty chart hits and in 1968 she received her first Grammy Award for the classic “Do you know the way to San Jose?”. This collection of famous faces and toe-tapping tunes mixed with the relaxed Caribbean vibe of St. Lucia is sure to create an unforgettable experience for all.

Main Stage Performance Table

Thursday May 8th
Venue: Pigeon Island 7.00pm
Artists:
Diane Reeves,Juilliard Quartet feat. Ron Blake, Carl Allen, Ben Wolfe and Eddie Henderson
Jacques Schwartz-Bart

Friday May 9th
Pigeon Island
Artists:
Jonathan Butler 9:00 pm

Saturday May 10th
Pigeon Island 2.00pm
Artists:
Anita Baker, Jazz Package
feat. Najee, Alex Bugnon, Nick Colionne & Ledisi
David Sanchez

Sunday May 11th
Pigeon Island 2.00pm
Artists:
Wyclef Jean
Angie Stone
Dionne Warwick
Eric Ildenfonse Quintet
feat. Luther Francois

For full line-up details go to Stluciajazz.org

St. Lucia itself is a stunning island covered in luscious rainforest and beautiful beaches. The island offers accommodation choices to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxury resorts to intimate inns and guesthouses. St. Lucia has a wide variety of activities available so whether you’re looking for a fun-packed family trip, a highly charged activity holiday or a romantic rendezvous for two, you’ll not be disappointed.

With Jazz in May, you now have an extra excuse to book your holiday to St. Lucia! Plus, by the end of October 2008, St. Lucia will be served with its best ever direct and scheduled airlift out of the UK making it even easier to be part of paradise.