BASSETERRE, St Kitts -- If you are looking for a uniquely Caribbean experience, the annual St Kitts Music Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that has grown naturally out of the island’s deep-rooted musical heritage, and genuine hospitality traditions.
Taking place this year from June 25-27, the Festival combines music, island culture and elements of carnival type street parties with performances from a wide variety of internationally popular music genres. The St Kitts Music Festival is therefore undoubtedly a unique event on an exciting Caribbean calendar that is a “must do” experience for summer vacationers.
Past Festival visitors have referred to “a friendly block party atmosphere” which pervades throughout the Warner Park Stadium venue as one of the biggest drawing cards. Festival-goers often arrive early to put blankets down on the great lawn to secure their space and enjoy the pre-show entertainment, including performances from local musicians and the brightly dressed folklore.
Munching on authentic West Indian dishes purchased from the vendors whose booths ring the grounds and mingling with their neighbors are all part of the experience that leads up to the main acts taking the stage. By now the crowd is ready to “lime,” as the excitement builds and the performances begin. Both inside and outside the park, people dance and sway to the music as songs fill the night air.
“Over the years the St. Kitts Music Festival has become a well loved package of entertainment and fun for the crowd as well as the performers,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State for Tourism, Sports & Culture for St. Kitts.
“The warm, lively atmosphere created by returning nationals and visitors is infectious, producing a feeling of connection to each other and to the island that all will remember long after the performances end. This positive environment creates a ripple effect for tourism, as attendees are inspired to return year after year and to recommend the St. Kitts Music Festival and the island to their friends and family.”
2008 headliner and Grammy Award winning R&B star John Legend praised the vibrant energy and warmth of the St. Kitts crowd, stating, “This was a great crowd tonight. I loved it when as soon as I walked out, the energy and the cheering and the people singing along… It’s been one of the best ones, really, for me as far as the audience and how receptive they were and how involved they were in the show. From start to finish, it really felt good for me.”
This year’s St. Kitts Music Festival will feature a unique line-up of artists that Mom, Dad and the younger ones will all enjoy. The young at heart can sing along with Regina Belle’s song from the Disney movie, Aladdin, “A Whole New World,” and might even recognize the voice of Festival host, Keith David, as the Cat in the movie, “Coraline.”
Younger adults are sure to be familiar with the hit songs of T-Pain while Mom, Dad and the entire clan can bop to the laid-back reggae rhythms of Stephen Marley, soca sounds of Nu Vybes Band International or one of the many other talented local and Caribbean artists. After enjoying Music Festival at night, St. Kitts offers a wealth of attractions during the day for those interested in exploring the island’s heritage and enjoying the wide range of vacation pastimes that it offers.
Now in its 13th consecutive year, the St. Kitts Music Festival has become a well-established Caribbean and International event attracting international visitors as well as locals with a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music while reflecting a uniquely Caribbean flavor.
Music lovers from the US and Canada who are looking for a great vacation can get to St. Kitts via non-stop service on American Airlines from New York (JFK) or Miami, on Delta Air Lines from Atlanta, and on US Airways from Charlotte as well as via connecting service through San Juan on American Eagle or via flights on regional carrier Liat from Antigua.
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