Jazzing it up in St Lucia

Some of the world’s most iconic and legendary musicians are set to perform on the small, luscious tropical gem of Saint Lucia at the prestigious Saint Lucia Jazz 2nd – 10th May 2009.

The festival held every May brings together the rich, dusky tones of jazz, sensuous soul, cool calypso beats and world rhythms from some of the greatest artists in the music industry, and attracts music lovers from all corners of the globe. A thrilling line up this year includes Chaka Kahn, Patti Labelle, R&B star George Duke and the Original Wailers, for one of the best parties in the Caribbean.

Now in its 18th year, Saint Lucia Jazz is the Caribbean’s most longstanding jazz festival and has achieved international recognition and awards. The stunning scenery, tropical climate, crystal clear waters and world famous twin Pitons provides the perfect backdrop for the festival. The main stage is located amongst the historic ruins of Pigeon Island where the artists entertain the crowds late into the evening in a relaxed and atmospheric setting, surrounded by the palm-fringed backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. 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 Grammy-award winning soul artists, renowned jazz vocalists and not to mention the exceptional talent of musicians from the beautiful and unmatched Patti LaBelle and the elegant Chaka Khan. Patti LaBelle will continue to evolve her soulful classics with grace and style; belting out classic rhythm and blues that Patti is known and revered for. As she continues into her fourth decade of performing, the Philadelphia maven has returned to her roots with her latest project, The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle. This life inspired album was overseen by music industry veteran Jheryl Busby via his Umbrella Recordings, and the guest vocals on the album include gospel duo Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans, country superstar Wynonna Judd along with Kanye West and his latest protégé Consequence.

Eight time Grammy award winner Chakra Khan is a legendary musical icon, known for classic hits such as ‘I’m Every Woman’, ‘Tell Me Something Good’ and ‘Everlasting Love’. Khan has been a huge inspiration for many contemporary artists today and from her early days as the lead singer of 70’s group Rufus she has worked in practically every genre of music from pop, R&B and rock to jazz, hip hop and classical. This year Chakra Khan will be bringing her distinctive vocal style not to mention her energy, dynamism and passion to Saint Lucia and showing everyone that she really is a modern day Renaissance woman.

This year visitors to Saint Lucia Jazz will be able to shop and experience the jazz vibe with the ever popular Jazz on the Pier. Now in its sixth year Jazz on the Pier will once again be held at Pointe Seraphine, St Lucia’s premiere duty free shopping complex on Friday 8th May from 2pm to 6pm. The 2009 line-up encompasses music from a variety of genres including Caribbean, contemporary, classical jazz, steel pan and traditional folk music.

La Place Carenage will be hosting Teatime Jazz 2009 from 4th to 7th May. This event will run daily from 3pm and the line up for this year’s event includes acts such as Phaze, the St Lucia School of Music Jazz Band, Carl Gustave and Sisterhood.

For full line-up details go to Stluciajazz.org.

Saint 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. Saint 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. Plus there are now direct flights three times a week with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways making it even easier to reach paradise.