The return of The St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival 2023 has brought about a huge increase of fringe events. The buzz is on! From May 5th St. Lucia has been ablaze with Jazz Fever and many long-time patrons are beyond thankful!

For the first time ever, the young people have their own stage to display their musical and artistic talent. The Castries Constituency Council has collaborated with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and Dove Productions to bring forth the St. Lucia Junior Jazz and Arts Festival. At the launch on April 27th, 2023, government officials and organizers shared their vision for the festival: An Opportunity for Continuity.

The festival will showcase musical talent from a number of students and school leavers from all over the island, as well as art and craft pieces from a variety of schools. This two-day event culminates on May 12th with a Carnival Themed Finale, as St. Lucia gears up to host their Carnival Celebrations in July.

The event has gained more support recently, as 1st National Bank St. Lucia became its title sponsor. Ms Sherydan Eleuthere of 1st National Bank indicated at the recent Junior Jazz and Arts Sampler, held on May 5th 2023 at Constitution Park, Castries, that they were proud to support such an initiative where talents of the youth would be showcased on such a grand scale. A handing over ceremony also took place at this same venue, as she gave the cheque of the bank’s contribution to the event, to the Mayor of Castries, Mrs Geraldine Lendor – Gabriel.

Another valuable sponsor also came on board in the name of O-Tune Radio. O-Tune Radio is a radio station out of Toronto, Canada, with a wide listenership and plays diverse programs and music from all around the world. They will be broadcasting the Junior Jazz & Arts Festival live, so that listeners the world over, can hear the raw and diverse talent the youth of St. Lucia has to offer.

The St. Lucia Junior Jazz and Arts Festival has shaped up to be one of the most anticipated “surprise” fringe event of the Jazz Season. Organizers intend on making it a yearly event, attracting more talent from St. Lucia’s Youth year after year.

Be sure to stay tuned O-Tune Radio online for live coverage, or come in person, to experience excellence at its best. “An Opportunity for Continuity”.

The return of The St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival 2023 has brought about a huge increase of fringe events. The buzz is on! From May 5th St. Lucia has been ablaze with Jazz Fever and many long-time patrons are beyond thankful! For the first time ever, the young people have their own stage to display their musical and artistic talent. The Castries Constituency Council has collaborated with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and Dove Productions to bring forth the St. Lucia Junior Jazz and Arts Festival. At the launch on April 27th, 2023, government officials and organizers shared their vision for the festival: An Opportunity for Continuity. The festival will showcase musical talent from a number of students and school leavers from all over the island, as well as art and craft pieces from a variety of schools. This two-day event culminates on May 12th with a Carnival Themed Finale, as St. Lucia gears up to host their Carnival Celebrations in July. The event has gained more support recently, as 1st National Bank St. Lucia became its title sponsor. Ms Sherydan Eleuthere of 1st National Bank indicated at the recent Junior Jazz and Arts Sampler, held on May 5th 2023 at Constitution Park, Castries, that they were proud to support such an initiative where talents of the youth would be showcased on such a grand scale. A handing over ceremony also took place at this same venue, as she gave the cheque of the bank’s contribution to the event, to the Mayor of Castries, Mrs Geraldine Lendor – Gabriel. Another valuable sponsor also came on board in the name of O-Tune Radio. O-Tune Radio is a radio station out of Toronto, Canada, with a wide listenership and plays diverse programs and music from all around the world. They will be broadcasting the Junior Jazz & Arts Festival live, so that listeners the world over, can hear the raw and diverse talent the youth of St. Lucia has to offer. The St. Lucia Junior Jazz and Arts Festival has shaped up to be one of the most anticipated “surprise” fringe event of the Jazz Season. Organizers intend on making it a yearly event, attracting more talent from St. Lucia’s Youth year after year. Be sure to stay tuned O-Tune Radio online for live coverage, or come in person, to experience excellence at its best. “An Opportunity for Continuity”.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, que no pare la fiesta!

Fresh off the heels of Grammy Award-winning Lizzo, Atlantis is keeping the party going, serving up another Grammy Award-winning international superstar – Mr. 305 Worldwide - Pitbull!

American rapper Armando Christian Pérez, known by his stage name Pitbull will play at the resort's Casuarina Beach on Sunday, May 28 delivering some of his biggest hits, including "Give Me Everything," "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," and more. His performance will be Atlantis' latest in its Music Making Waves Concert Series as the resort continues to deliver live entertainment experiences in The Bahamas.

"For 25 years, Atlantis Paradise Island consistently delivers experiences that create lifelong memories for our guests and community. We are so happy to welcome the legendary Pitbull to Atlantis and The Bahamas next month," said Audrey Oswell, president and managing director, Atlantis Paradise Island.

"With his extraordinary showmanship and chart-topping hits, Pitbull will join our year-long anniversary celebration along with the 2023 Music Making Waves performances by Lizzo, The Chainsmokers, DJ Nick Cannon, and Ke$ha," said Oswell.

Tickets for Pitbull range from $69 plus VAT for silver seating to $189 for diamond seating and can be had at atlantislive.com.

The Music Making Waves concert grounds open at 6:30 p.m.; showtime is at 9:30 p.m.

In the concert village, guests of all ages will enjoy local food trucks and pop-up experiences such as body art and a crafts market in the Atlantis activity fun zone. A 360-degree beer garden will offer a selection of cold brews, cocktails, wines, and seating. A complimentary roundtrip shuttle service will be provided for all concert guests to Atlantis' hotel towers and parking garages.

Atlantis' latest performer is also an education advocate, business entrepreneur, and motivational speaker who invites disruption on a global scale. With countless awards, dozens of international number ones, hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, millions of single sales, 25 million album sales, and cumulative video views in excess of 15 billion, one of the most impressive careers in music history set the stage for him to make true change.

Pitbull returned to the road in 2022 with the sold out North American Can't Stop Us Now Tour, packing arenas and amphitheaters coast to coast.

He maximizes his own creative, entrepreneurial and personal freedom, yet, again, on his next long-awaited English album, coming soon.

A portion of the proceeds from the Music Making Waves concert series will support the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission of saving marine life and their extraordinary habitats throughout The Bahamas and surrounding Caribbean seas.

Pitbull will command the stage mere weeks after Lizzo rocked the Atlantis stage to a full house, on an evening capped off with an amazing firework display to kick off celebrations toward The Royal's 25th anniversary, which officially will be celebrated in December.

Lizzo brought her big diva vocals to rock the Music Making Waves stage, during an apt month, with a relatable stream of consciousness lyrics about womanhood, self-worth, and even the mundane.

Her performance took place during the month of March which serves as a reminder to celebrate women's milestones and their extraordinary roles in all spheres of society. The month is also a call for gender equality and a celebration to recognize and acknowledge women in all appearances, contributions, roles, and perspectives around the world.

The singer, who touts a message of self-love, positivity and acceptance, and helping women accept and love their bodies in the same way that she does, dropped countless anthems and her biggest hits, seaside, under the stars on the stage that Pitbull will next grace.

Hundreds of residents, international and domestic visitors enjoyed the scene at the opening night of the 17th Annual Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival, on March 16, 2023, in George Town, Exuma.  Along with musical performances from various acts, including Simeon Outten, The Village Band, "Singing Bishop" Lawrence Rolle, Bahamian food, Junkanoo education and craft work all added to the Festival.  The event runs for three nights, and will feature more musicians, performers and artisans. 

There is something sweet about 16! And this year's edition of the acclaimed Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) music festival features some of the biggest names in R&B, neo-soul, and reggae - Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Ari Lennox, Sean Paul, Jodeci, Keyshia Cole, El DeBarge, Erykah Badu, Mike Phillips and a soulful Sunday with Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, and Pastor Mike Jr.

It's a lineup that Tony Williams, Star 106 Hits programming director, described as "awesome".

And The Nassau Guardian and Star 106 Hits have partnered with Bahamasair Hotel Dello and GoGoFlorida to give lucky Bahamians the opportunity to once again take in this unique experience.

People can pick up a copy of The Nassau Guardian, fill out the printed entry form, clip it out and drop off in the entry box at The Nassau Guardian's Carter Street office to give themselves a chance at winning the grand prize package of two-day concert tickets, airfare on Bahamasair, car rental with GoGoFlorida, and accommodations at Hotel Dello, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Dania Beach.

Hopefuls can also enter via the Star 106 Hits website.

JITG entry deadline is Monday, March 6. The winner will be drawn on March 7.

"Once again, we are thrilled for the

opportunity to give a grand prize that will include concert tickets for both nights, for two, airfare on Bahamasair, hotel accommodations with Hotel Dello, whom we welcome for their first-year partnership, and transportation courtesy of GoGoFlorida. I am sure that our winners will definitely enjoy the 16th annual JITG," said Williams.

A number of supplementary winners will also win concert tickets to the March 11-12 festival at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

"Since 2009, The Nassau Guardian and Star 106 Hits have partnered with Jazz In The Gardens and Bahamasair and GoGoFlorida to send our readers and listeners to the most exciting festival in the Florida area. Once again, we are thrilled for the opportunity to do so," said Williams.

Woodrow "Woody" Wilson, sales and marketing consultant, Bahamasair, said they were happy to once again partner with The Nassau Guardian, Star 106 Hits and GoGoFlorida to provide airlift to Miami and Fort Lauderdale for Bahamians wanting to take in the popular music festival.

"It's been productive for Bahamasair each year," said Wilson.

Bahamasair is offering airfare to Miami starting at $263 roundtrip, taxes included; group rates are also available. Telephone 702-4140.

Wilson was also excited for the new hotel partnership with the minimalist chic Hotel Dello, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Dania Beach, and introducing them to the Bahamian public.

"I went by, looked at the hotel, and it's nice," said Wilson. "The ambiance is nice."

For Bahamians flying in for JITG, Wilson is hoping to resurrect the popular Bahamian night event hosted at the partner hotel and to which Bahamians flying in for the music festival were invited to attend.

Wilson sees the event as two-fold, bringing Bahamians together who travel to Miami and Fort Lauderdale for the music festival and introducing Bahamian culture to the market with Bahamian libations - think gin and coconut water - and light hors d'oeuvres.

Wilson, who has been a frequent JITG attendee, said he is looking forward to this year's music festival.

"Any time you have Charlie Wilson in the lineup, you don't have to say anything else. He's a draw unto himself," he said.

The electric 13-artist lineup of award-winning new and old school R&B, neo-soul, reggae and gospel artists is billed as a "sweeter-level" celebration of Black music and culture.

Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris said over the years, JITG has evolved on many levels, and in its 16th year, he said, the festival continues to showcase amazing talent and different genres of music for everyone who attends to enjoy.

"People come from all over for this unique experience. Jazz is the means by which we celebrate grandly music, food and culture, together," said Harris.

In addition to the live performances, the 2023 JITG music fest will feature exotic cuisine and offer exquisite retail buys in the Merchandise Village.

Two-day ticket prices to the music festival are $1,525 gold ambassador (two seats in first row, two restroom passes, two passes to official opening night party and one parking pass); $1,425 silver ambassador (two seats in second or third rows, two restroom passes, two passes to official opening night party, and one parking pass); $325 platinum; $335 platinum aisle; $225 prime; $235 prime aisle; $195 reserved; $205 reserved aisle; and $135 general admission.

Parking lots open at 2 p.m., gates open at 3 p.m. and performances start at 4 p.m.

JITG will also host its Opening Night Party featuring Bo Weezy, DJ Tight and more on Friday, March 10 at Hard Rock Stadium from 8 pm. to 1 a.m.

The Women's Impact Luncheon, an inspirational experience designed to inspire women (and men) to live centered, active, fulfilled and balanced lives, is back by popular demand in honor of United States Women's History Month, under the theme "Empowering Your Purpose".

Guest speakers will deliver expertise on how to create a happy, healthy, spiritual and centered existence during the luncheon which will be held on Friday, March 10 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

JITG LINE UP

Saturday, March 11

Jill Scott

Jodeci

Ari Lennox

Adam Blackstone & The Legacy Experience

El DeBarge

Sunday, March 12

Erykah Badu

Charlie Wilson

Sean Paul

Keyshia Cole

Mike Phillips

Chandler Moore

Kierra Sheard

Pastor Mike Jr.