Jazz On The Square 2008 Gets A Makeover
|
|
|
Contact: Chris Satney
Friday, 11 April 2008 – The 2008 showings of Jazz on Square will be shorter than were in previous years. The activity which usually includes five day shows and two evening shows, will this year host five shows—three night and two day events.
The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, organiser of the event, says it is unable to host seven shows this year because of a lack of funds. Executive Director Brian Louisy, said the event, which at one time received some $200, 000 worth of assistance from the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, was in 2007 dropped, leaving the funding of the free event up to the private sector.
Speaking directly to sponsors present at Wednesday’s launch, Louisy said, “It is because of these free shows and peripheral activities, I believe, Saint Lucians have embraced Saint Lucia Jazz. I believe it is those peripheral activities that have given Saint Lucia Jazz the particular character is has and makes it a St. Lucian thing—because everybody participates in it. We need to keep it going and I urge you to continue to support it.”
Acting Director of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board Louis Lewis said the Board has acknowledged the difficulty faced by the Chamber in hosting the event and has this year, brought some assistance to the table.
“We will be contributing $35, 000 in cash and some collateral equipment, which I think is quite vital for hosting of the event. Since last year I know you suffered some loses; it only shows you that if we are giving the amount announced, then next year we hope to improve on that,” he said.
Newly dubbed “Sunset Jazz on the Square”, the event was launched Wednesday 9th April, at the Cotton Bay Village at Cas-En-Bas. It focuses more on an evening experience of different genres, including Jazz, Reggae and Calypso.
Sunset Jazz on the Square will feature a host of artistes including Invader, Rob “Zi” Taylor, Q-Shun, Crazy, Michel Henderson, Nadine Sutherland and Piloto Climax among others. |
|
© 2008 Government Information Service. All rights reserved. Read our privacy guidelines. |
