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Contact:
Julita Peter
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Dame Pearlette Louisy - Governor General
of Saint Lucia enjoying Jazz at Balenbouche |
Dr. Len Ishmael - Director General of
the OECS Secretariat enjoying the
atmosphere at Balenbouche |
Wednesday, May 12, 2004 – It was a truly relaxing afternoon at
Balenbouche (Old Sugar Estate in Choiseul) for the hundreds of locals and
visitors, who gathered there last Sunday to savour the musical treat organized
by Labowi Promotions. The ambience provided a fusion of Jazz and Cadence with
performances by the Sean Thomas Quintet, Intrin-X-ICO and Grammacks New
Generation. Balenbouche is one of four venues for Jazz in the South, and Labowi
Promotions expressed delight in what they say is becoming an increasingly
popular Jazz spot.
Yves Renard of Labowi Promotions attributes this success to intense planning and
the dedicated effort of group members, adding that one of the very encouraging
factors in the whole planning process was the response from the artistes.
“The public has responded well, I think they know that what they are getting at
Balenbouche is good Caribbean Jazz, as well as some sort of a party finale.
Caribbean musicians are beginning to understand that there is something in St.
Lucia, in terms of a venue for good Caribbean Jazz and world music,” he said.
Critical to the hosting of the fringe Jazz shows, according to Renard is the
opportunity for artiste/patron interaction. Additionally, he said the fringe
events provide the opportunity to extend the line-up to include Afro-Caribbean
music from St. Lucian and Caribbean artists.
Director of Tourism, Hilary Modeste says “the events further provide visitors
the chance to enjoy the festival in diverse venues, giving a better appreciation
of the attractiveness of the island.”
With no efforts being spared during this year’s regional and extra-regional
promotions in Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto and other US markets, Mr. Modeste and
his team expect nothing short of a tremendous turnout to what the Board has
nicknamed the biggest party in the Caribbean.
“We had major radio promotions in London; as a mater of fact, this year, I
expect the numbers out of the UK to increase significantly, based on the
increased bookings. Generally, I am looking forward to the event continuing to
please both local patrons and visitors, so that they would continue to be the
biggest marketeers,” Mr. Modeste said.
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Grammacks New Generation singing at
Balenbouche Jazz |
Huge crowd enjoying the Jazz music |
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