Photo Editorial credit: YES Market Media

Credit: Caribbean Business Report

The 2023 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has rolled out across the island successful fringe events in Marchand, in Castries, Babonneau, Desruisseaux and Soufriere. Saint Lucia marked the return of the Jazz and Arts Festival for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic with huge crowds, high quality venues and exciting performances over weekend ONE of the music and arts
extravaganza.

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, the Member of Parliament for Marchand was on hand to declare the festival open. The opening act featured the best of Saint Lucian Soca music with the biggest
entertainers in St. Lucian carnival gracing the stage, in a set put together by Thygeson Penn Joseph and the back-up band the Derek Yarde Project, DYP. Former Soca Monarchs, Alpha, Arthur, Invader, Kakal and other leading entertainers relived the glory days of Saint Lucia’s Soca music. They were followed by the Jamaican sensation Shenseea and Trinidad’s Soca bard Kes
accompanied by his band.

In a pre-performance interview Shenseea spoke of having an exciting time sailing to the west coast town of Soufriere, where she picked cashew and enjoyed a Sulphur bath. The thrilling musical experiences continued Saturday at the base of the La Sorciere mountain with the Rainforest Jazz in Chassin, Babonneau, and on Sunday at Desruisseaux on the east coast and in Soufriere in the west.

The Rainforest Jazz was headlined by Midnight Groovers and the Secret Band; the Jazz La Sé Nou Mem at Serenity Estate in Desruisseaux featured WCK from Dominica, Nintus and Shorn B and Soufriere showcased Patrice Roberts and Christopher Martin, Arthur Allain, Boo Hinkson and Semi.

The fringe events continue Tuesday at Monchy.