About the 2023 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival 2023.

 The Producers:

The 2023 edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is produced by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Events Saint Lucia, and the Cultural Development Foundation.

The Festival:

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is celebrating 3 decades in 2023, making it one of the longest-running jazz and arts festivals in the Caribbean! The brand has leveraged the cachet and international awareness of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival with its regional and international reputation.

The 2023 edition promises to be the ultimate celebration of music, art, and culture from May 5th to 14th. The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is an important driver of economic growth for the island, and the organizers are proud to showcase the best of Saint Lucian culture, music, and art to the world.

The event has been known to feature some of the biggest names in jazz, R&B, Reggae, Gospel, Zouk, Soca, and contemporary music, as well as traditional and modern art.

Where: From May 10-15, Pigeon Island, home of the world-renowned Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival; the largest outdoor music festival in the Caribbean, will welcome guests to a picturesque tropical paradise located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful venue with soft matted grass and breathtaking views of the ocean. Once inside, one can immerse in the cultural village.

What’s New?

The festival has this year given Saint Lucians, regional and international artists a platform to advance their artistic performances.

The organizers are committed to reducing the environmental impact of the festival and are implementing several initiatives to reduce waste and energy consumption.

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is a truly unique and special event that celebrates the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. It is a celebration of music, art, and culture that brings people together and creates an unforgettable experience. The festival has something for everyone and is sure to be an unforgettable celebration of the best of Saint Lucian culture.

The Sponsors:

Gold – Digicel

Silver – Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (Lucelec)

Bronze- 1^st National Bank,

KFC

SOL

Bank of Saint Lucia

Heineken

Barbay

Media Partners:  The Wave

RCI

Choice TV

DBS

HTS

The Lineup:

• Friday, May 5 – Kick-Off: Caribbean genres with some of the biggest names including DYP featuring a host of Saint Lucian artists. Headlined by reggae superstar Shenseea and Kes the Band ($30 US)
• May 6-9 – Entertainment & Community Jazz: Explore authentic Saint Lucian culture and people through an eclectic mix of local events
• Wednesday, May 10 – Kingdom Gospel Night: A riveting, inspiring showcase of praise and worship Headlined by Multiple Grammy Award Winner, Cece Winans, Nigerian Contemporary Gospel Artist, Dove and Multiple Album Award Winner, Sinach; and Saint Lucia’s very own, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers, Special Blend and Emrand Henry ($75 US)
• Thursday, May 11 – Pure Jazz: Grammy winner, pianist, and composer Gustavo Casenave and special tribute to Saint Lucia’s Luther François, the godfather of Saint Lucia jazz ($75 US)
• Friday, May 12 – Caribbean Fusion: Featuring Buju Banton, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons, and Ark Band. ($85 US)
• Saturday, May 13 – World Beats: Journey the globe with the best of Afro beats with Kizz Daniel, CKay, Ayra Starr, and Joeboy; performances from the best in Zouk; Kassav, Latin Jazz Salsa with Alfredo Naranjo, and Saint Lucian artists Kayo (k-yo), Michael Robinson and the Southern medley of musicians, Kalbas (100 US)
• Sunday, May 14 – The Ultimate Celebration: One of the most distinctive and influential musicians of the century, 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting and multi- Grammy Award winning dancehall/reggae icon Shaggy will headline the evening; Internationally acclaimed Saint Lucian talent will include Ronald Boo Hinkson, Barbara Cadet, Teddyson John and Ace Loctor ($110 US)

Purchase Tickets: stlucia.org/Jazz

The Box Office at Events Saint Lucia

The Cell

Saint Lucia Tourism Authority – SLU, UVF

Experience The Saint Lucia Arts Scene:

The arts scene in Saint Lucia is also celebrated at the Festival, under the theme “Art and the City.” Beginning May 5, there will be community-based events across the island, emphasizing the jazz and arts scenes throughout key communities.

The Arts will include visual art, literary art, theater, fashion, an Icon Series, craft and souvenir markets, and a variety of events at Derek Walcott Square, Pointe Seraphine, Constitution Park, and Serenity Park. From the visual arts to the theater, visitors will be immersed in the creativity and vibrancy of Saint Lucia. The calendar of arts activities includes:

• May 7: Theater Arts & folktales ($19 USD / 50 XCD; Children $8 USD / 20 XCD)

• May 8: Literary Arts and Spoken Word featuring Head Phunk ($15 USD / 40 XCD)

• May 9: Big Pan Project – select venues throughout the city, culminating at Derek Walcott Square (FREE)

• May 10: Lights, Camera, Fashion – The Heart of the City ($60 USD / 160 XCD; VIP $100 USD / 265 XCD)

• May 11: National Cultural Icon Series featuring Luther François at Pigeon Island Park ($75 USD / 200 XCD)

Beyond the Festival:

Explore the Local Culture and Cuisine: The festival is a great opportunity to explore the local culture, cuisine, and many attractions of Saint Lucia. The island is known for its lush rainforest, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, as well as its many historical sites.

Visitors can take a tour of the City of Castries, take a day cruise to the Pitons and Soufriere, or explore the world-famous Sulphur Springs.

In terms of cuisine, there are plenty of local restaurants and pubs to sample the traditional flavors of Saint Lucia. From the famous Creole dishes to the unique flavors of the island’s seafood, there’s something for every palate.

If you’re looking for something to do beyond the festival, and want to experience the nightlife, local culinary offerings, adventure, and culture within communities, then the “KABAWÉ Krawl” (Bar/Pub Hop) is for you.  Visit Stlucia.org/kabawekrawl for more information and to book your tour.

Or, take a hike in the lush, mountainous landscape, go birdwatching and catch a glimpse of some of the island’s rare species, or take a dip in the Caribbean Sea and explore the many coral reefs. No matter what you do, you’re sure to have a great time during your stay in Saint Lucia.