For accommodation in St Kitts
and Nevis and more information, visit All
World Vacation Station
Get Jazzed Up for the St.
Kitts Music Festival by Justin Burch
 For
the eleventh consecutive summer, St. Kitts will welcome some of the world's
biggest musical acts for a three-day festival. Though the small island
of St. Kitts might seem a strange destination for an internationally renowned
music festival, this exotic local has consistently lured top talents. Representing
a wide variety of musical styles, past performers at the St. Kitts Music
Festival include The Temptations, Chaka Khan, Wyclef Jean, Eve, Busta Rhymes,
Hugh Masekala and Kenny Rogers.
This year's festival - scheduled
for June 21-23 - will feature plenty of award-winning artists, but a unique
focus sets the event apart from stateside festivals. Since the beginning,
the St. Kitts Music Festival has been committed to showcasing the finest
talent from not only the island, but throughout the Caribbean. Hence, you
will be exposed to exotic sounds that can't be found at home.
An example of this Caribbean
flavor is the Small Axe Band, a native St. Kittian reggae collective performing
on Thursday. Besides being recognized as the "best local reggae band" since
1980, Small Axe Band has been a longtime favorite of festival-goers. In
fact, these St. Kittian legends performed at the first St. Kitts Music
Festival in 1996. Led by the energetic Livingstone Samuel, Small Axe Band
consistently wows the crowd despite being virtually unknown outside the
Caribbean. Also on Thursday, be sure to catch Machel Montano HD - one of
the world's most popular soca performers.
 Even
some of the headlining acts are native to the Caribbean, despite selling
millions of records throughout the world. On Friday, the lineup features
three incredibly popular acts - all of which produce unique takes on the
Caribbean sound. Lady Saw, recognized as "the queen of dancehall," has
long been committed to the traditions of Jamaican music. However, she has
also won a Grammy for a triple-platinum collaboration with Gwen Stefani,
worked with Missy Elliot and performed extensively across the globe.
Following Lady Saw on Friday's
lineup will be Steel Pulse - one of the world's most popular reggae bands
- and Sean Paul - the chart-topping dancehall artist. Though the members
of Steel Pulse and Sean Paul are all residents of Jamaica, the lineup represents
a unique contrast of styles - a meeting of traditional reggae and the cutting
edge of today's popular music scene.
While Friday's program provides
a star-studded list of Caribbean-based artists, Saturday boasts a lineup
that would make many stateside festivals jealous. The final day of the
festival opens with two artists rooted in Caribbean musical tradition.
Much like Friday's lineup, a pair of unique Caribbean styles will be on
display. Jazzique, an incredibly gifted Caribbean jazz musician, will open
Saturday's festivities on a smooth note. Following Jazzique is Maxi Priest,
the world's most popular solo reggae artist behind the legendary Bob Marley.
 Later
in the day, the festival will feature a trio of Grammy-recognized solo
artists. First among these headliners is Ne-Yo - a platinum selling R&B
artist currently signed to Def Jam Records. Next to take the stage is Michael
Bolton, a name and voice known throughout the world. Having won numerous
awards and sold out arenas across the globe, Bolton brings his soothing
sound to the relaxed environment of St. Kitts for the first time. Big Boi
- one half of superstar rap duo Outkast - will end the festival on an energetic
note.
The St. Kitts Music Festival
is centrally located in Basseterre, the capital of the island. With many
of the most popular resorts and restaurants located within walking distance
- and many more just a short shuttle ride away - a night at the St. Kitts
Music Festival is the perfect addition to a Caribbean vacation.
Including the popular performers
mentioned above and many others, here is the complete schedule for the
festival.
Thursday, June 21
Better Band King Konris and
Queen Anastasia Royaltiez Band Crazy - with the band Lejah Alison Hinds
Small Axe Band Machel Montano HD
Friday, June 22
Pan Tribute to Boots Pluto
Shervington Tessanne Chin Richie Stevens Lady Saw Steel Pulse Sean Paul
Saturday, June 23
Jazzique Maxi Priest Ne-Yo
Michael Bolton Big Boi of Outkast
top
For accommodation in St
Kitts and Nevis and more information, visit All
World Vacation Station
About the Author: Justin
Burch writes articles about travel
in St Kitts for the Marriott Resorts. |
