TriniJungleJuice.com: Caribbean News and Views | Jungle Jabber - http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/tjjnews
St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2014 Review
http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/tjjnews/articles/3707/1/St-Lucia-Jazz-amp-Arts-Festival-2014-Review/Page1.html
By Candy M.
Published on 30-Apr-14
 
The 23rd edition of the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival sounded off on April 30th, 2014 with the opening at Mindoo Phillip Park seeing the likes of Jamaican Dancehall star Popcaan, Caribbean meccas Kerwin Dubois, Skinny Fabulous and the ...

>> View the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2014 Gallery

The 23rd edition of the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival sounded off on April 30th, 2014 with the opening at Mindoo Phillip Park seeing the likes of Jamaican Dancehall star Popcaan, Caribbean meccas Kerwin Du Bois, Skinny Fabulous and the Rolly Polly king himself, Mr. Killa. Local acts such as Superman HD, Ricky T and Monsgtar (just to name a few), backed up by local sensations DYP (Derek Yard Project) also shared the stage with Carimi Haitian compa band. The show attracted the largest crowd ever recorded to the point where gates had to be closed due to the looming safety hazard had the thousands left outside been allowed into the already over-congested grounds.
 
The culmination of the jazz season saw headlining acts Barrington Levi, P-Square and Maxwell gracing the weekend’s concerts. Alternative Quartet sure made their mark with their unique instrumental versions of popular pieces for those who knew nothing of them at mainstage Friday official branded “Caribbean Night”. Alternative Quartet added a surprising element to their performance when a local teenage act wowed the crowd with his Michael Jackson rendition of “SONG” on his bass violin. The Bajan-St. Lucian connection, Alison Hinds and Teddyson John started off the real soca/party segment of Caribbean night. Teddyson’s vocal abilities matched that of his drumming skills whilst the 'Faluma' lady herself Alison Hinds kept the crowd up-beat right throughout their performancesThe show ended on a satisfying note with Jamaican reggae and dancehall artiste Barrington Levy who had couples close knit and fans jamming to his sweet hits of way back.
 
The historical Pigeon Island National Landmark, widely known as the venue for St. Lucia Jazz, had an atmosphere suited for a magnificent family where one could bring anything from a cooler, to blankets and picnic supplies or just your significant other whilst you made yourself comfortable to enjoy the sounds of St. Lucian reknowned jazz guitarist Ronald “Boo” Hinkson and friends; and Detroit R&B/Soul singer KEM. Salsa lovers were jiving to the performance of Puerto Rican Latin/Merengue singer Elvis Crespo. Nigerian R&B duo P-Square had teens come out in masses screaming their heads off as the 2 brothers Peter and Paul rocked the crowd with their pulsating renditions of their chart-topping tracks.
 
Main stage Sunday saw The Commodores having patrons bumping to their Funk/soul beats. The group is best known for their ballads, such as “Easy” a hit single from the 70s and “Three Times a Lady”. Gracing the stage that night was Jamaican born and winner of NBC's Reality show The Voice 2014 Tessanne Chin. The beautiful and talented vocalist gave a stunning performance at this years festival. Patrons were dancing and singing along as she showed off the vocal range while singing hits after hits. Her winning  song 'Tumbling Down' sure left a mark on everyone's heart.
 
This year's event ended on a soulful note as the likes of the smooth ladies’ man Maxwell closed off a delightful show which left one and all reeling for more beats, sights, sounds, and flavours which captivated all senses.

- Candy for the TJJ fam

Did we forget anything?? Add your 2 cents below...

>> View the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2014 Gallery