Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival takes place on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia every May. The festival focuses on jazz, R&B, and Calypso music bringing together the best international artists. The festival was founded in 1992 inspired by the October Jazz Festival that was held one year earlier. St Lucia Jazz Festival tickets are sold online well in advance.
Line up
St Lucia Jazz Festival. showcases an exciting parade of talented Caribbean and Saint Lucian jazz musicians in such genres as smooth jazz, roots, reggae, soca, and salsa. Headliners in recent years included legendary Chick Corea with his trio featuring bassist Carlitos Del Puerto and drummer Antonio Sánchez. Chucho Valdés, a keyboard icon, saxophonist Joe Lovano, drummer Willie Jones III, singers Patti LaBelle, Lisa Simone, Sheléa, and Poppy Ajudha.
Venues
The 10-day festival has evolved into a significant event taking place at many locations. Pigeon Point National Park is usually the site for the Main Stage & Side Lawn. Concerts take place at Derek Walcott Square in central Castries, Fond d'Or Heritage Park, Rudy John Beach Park, Vieux Fort Square, Balenbouche Estate, Soufrière Waterfront, La Place Carenage, Rodney Bay Beachfront, Mindoo Phillip Park, and Rodney Bay Marina. A fashion show, Saint Lucia HOT Couture has been added to the festival. There are also events focused on dance, art, and theatre. The last day of the festival is marked by a major concert at the Pigeon Island National Landmark.
With lots of free street parties, jazz and soul concerts, and educational events, the St Lucia Jazz Festival attracts thousands of visitors every year. Some of the big-name performers throughout the festival's history included Elton John, Ciara, Harry Belafonte, Terence Blanchard, George Benson, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Boyz II Men, En Vogue, Lauryn Hill, Ocacia, Courtney Pine, Rihanna, Smokey Robinson, Santana, Gerald Albright, Ashanti, and Amy Winehouse.
