Following a three-year hiatus, the “Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival” returns from May 5-14, 2023. This year’s edition will include headline performances from Sting and Shaggy, besides others. Tickets go on sale February 15, 2023.
The festival showcases international, local and Caribbean music. Genres include Afro beats, jazz, gospel, soca, reggae, zouk, pop and a range of cultural beats and rhythms. The Pigeon Island National Park will form the waterside backdrop for the open-air performances.
“The 2023 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival promises to be the best yet, as we continue our tradition of hosting the Caribbean’s premier jazz and arts event. The Festival will showcase music, the performing arts, fine arts, creole cuisine and the effervescence of Saint Lucia’s creative industries,” said Dr. Ernest Hilaire, minister of tourism.
The musical lineup is as follows, with more details to be announced:
- Kick-off (May 5) – Caribbean genres with some of the biggest names from the region headlined by reggae superstar Shenseea and Kes the Band
- Entertainment & Community Jazz (May 6-9) – Explore authentic Saint Lucian culture and people through an eclectic mix of local events
- Kingdom Gospel Night (May 10) – An inspiring showcase of praise and worship with some of the best names in gospel, to be announced at a later date
- Pure Jazz (May 11) – Grammy winner, pianist and composer Gustavo Casenave, and special tribute to Saint Lucia’s Luther François, the godfather of Saint Lucia jazz
- Caribbean Fusion (May 12) – Featuring Buju Banton, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons
- World Beats (May 13) – Journey the globe with the best of Afro beats with Rema, Ayra Starr, CKay and Kizz Daniel
- Culmination on Mother’s Day (May 14) – The 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting will headline the evening with Jamaican star Shaggy
The arts scene in Saint Lucia is also celebrated at the festival. Starting May 5, there will be community-based events across the island, emphasizing the jazz and arts scenes throughout key communities.
The arts component of the “Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival” will be held under the theme “Art and the City” from May 7-11. It will include visual art, literary art, theater, fashion, an Icon Series, craft and souvenir markets, and a range of events at the Derek Walcott Square, William Peter Boulevard, Constitution Park, Pointe Seraphine and Serenity Park.
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the ministry of tourism and Cultural Development Foundation have collaborated to develop the festival that is poised to have strong appeal across the Caribbean, U.S., Canada, the U.K. and the world.
For tickets, packages and more details, visit www.stlucia.org.
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