A 5th Year for Jazz on the Pier
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Contact: John Emmanuel-NDC
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 – Commemorating its fifth anniversary, Jazz on the Pier has secured its place as one of the signature events on the calendar of activities surrounding the spectacle that is St. Lucia Jazz. The one-day event is held at the island’s largest Duty-Free shopping Complex –Pointe Seraphine, located in the Capital City Castries. Jazz on the Pier is the brainchild of officials of the National Development Corporation (NDC), St. Lucia’s principal agency responsible for economic development.
The event has grown from strength to strength since it debuted in 2004. It was born out of the need to expose the growing number of cruise ship visitors to the island's shores to the best in duty-free shopping and easy access to world class entertainment that characterizes the St. Lucia Jazz experience. Carrying the tagline “Come for the shopping, Experience the Music”, Jazz on the Pier has delivered on that promise.
In its four-year history, the event has showcased music from varying genre while providing a stepping stone for several local artistes. The 2008 event slated for May 9th will build on that platform and will showcase the talents of the reigning Groovy Soca Monarch Teddyson John, B-Sharp featuring Harvey Miller, Luther Francois Quintet, Allison Marquis Orchestra, and cultural group Mami La Caye. Headlining the 2008 card will be the much acclaimed Royal St. Lucia Police Band.
NDC’s Communications and Special Events Officer Mr. John Emmanuel says another significant outcome of Jazz on the Pier has been its ability to attract ordinary St. Lucians who, under normal circumstances would not have visited the complex. “The staging of Jazz on the Pier has dovetailed wonderfully with plans by the NDC to raise the profile of the Duty Free Pointe Seraphine Complex, making it a lot more welcoming to the average St. Lucian.
Via the vehicle of Jazz on the Pier, NDC continues to play its part in contributing towards the development of the creative industries on St. Lucia. According to Mr. Emmanuel, “A 25-minute television documentary highlighting the impact of the $350 thousand ‘Artistes Assistance Project’ was released in February. It outlined the success of the pilot initiative and the benefits which accrued to well over forty local entertainers through grant funding.”
Jazz on the Pier starts immediately following ‘Jazz on the Square’ and ends in time to allow patrons to take in the Friday evening performances at Pigeon Island. Past performers have include: Sisterhood, Emerson Nurse, Quavers, Disturbing Joan, Sally-Anne & KK Elwin, Barbara Cadet, Quiet Fire, Annexus, Rebel Soul, Monty Maxwell & Friends, Busta Emerald Steel and Prolific to name a few. |
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