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
Jazz at Lincoln Center has promised a stellar line up of artists for the 2020 St Lucia Jazz Festival. International stars will be joined by an exciting parade of talented Caribbean and Saint Lucian jazz musicians. Headliners 2020 include legendary Chick Corea with his trio featuring bassist Carlitos Del Puerto and drummer Antonio Sánchez. Chucho Valdés, a keyboard icon, will perform at various locations, including the Chucho Valdés Summit premiere featuring charming bassist-vocalist Esperanza Spalding and saxophonist Joe Lovano. A one-of-a-kind performance by drummer Willie Jones III will give a tribute to Roy Hargrove, the trumpeter who passed away in 2018. The line up will also feature prominent singers such as Patti LaBelle, Lisa Simone, Sheléa, and Poppy Ajudha.
Venues
The 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 week-long 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 of the festival have 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.
