1^st NATIONAL BANK JUNIOR JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL 2024 – BRINGING THE NATION’S YOUTH INTO THE SPOTLIGHT

For the second year in a row, the St. Lucia Junior Jazz and Arts Festival is making its splash on May 9^th and 10^th 2024. Presented by the Castries Constituency Council, the Department of Housing and Urban Renewal and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, the festival is set to bring the young people of St. Lucia – from primary school age to young adults – to the forefront, in the areas of art, song and music.

Mr Colin Weekes of Dove Productions

The event is produced by Dove Productions, creators of a number of award winning film productions inclusive of numerous documentaries, projects like the Caribbean Youth Film Festival, and immersive online shows such as Island Ripple.

1st National Bank Representatives

The official press launch of the festival took place on Friday 26^th April 2024 at the Pallidium at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Beach Resort and Spa, where officials and members of Government were present, as well as sponsors, well wishers and of course the media.

1st National Bank Rep with Dre and KP

Featured remarks were given by Hon Richard Frederick, Minister in the Department of Housing and Urban Renewal, Hon Guibion Ferdinand, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, the Mayor of Castries City, Her Worship Geraldine Lendor – Gabriel, Mr Colin Weekes of Dove Productions, as well as representatives of the festival’s sponsors – Sandals Resorts, Massy Stores, St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd and the title sponsors, 1^st National Bank Ltd. Other sponsors include Blue Waters, The Wave Radio Station and Subway.

Government Officials and Sponsors

The winners of the Junior Jazz & Arts Festival’s online competition named Take The Stage, was also unveiled. Interested participants were asked to submit a short video of them performing a song of their choice. The competition lasted for three weeks, and followers of the Junior Jazz and Island Ripple Social Media Platforms were encouraged to vote for their favourite artiste. There were 17 entries, and after over 5000 votes, two sets of winners emerged victorious – the duo named Dre and KP (Karmron Paul and Darnel Amedee) and the solo artist named Lil Jakess (David Darius). Representatives of 1^st National Bank announced the winners for the first time, and revealed that each individual will be have a savings account opened in their name with an amount of $1,000 each, to help them continue their musical journey. They will also be performing on stage for the festival.

Mistress of Ceremonies Vanetta Phillip

In regards to performances, the Junior Jazz & Arts Festival will be hosting a number of artists, schools and groups this year. They are as follows:

Kristian. 

Melanie 

Shyyid 

Mata.

Tatiana

Starseeds.

Manasseh 

Shadowz.

Lisi Fle.

Lolani.

Maestro Gilchrist Band feat . Maleek 

Micheal Fletcher and Band

School Bands:

Anse La Raye Infant/Primary Schools Ensemble 

Corinth School Band 

St Mary’s College Band 

Vieux Fort Comprehensive/Choiseul  Secondary Band Ensemble

Micoud Secondary School Band

Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School Band 

Soufriere Primary/Secondary Schools Group

Stanley George Odlum Memorial Secondary School Band

Steel Pan Groups:

St. Mary’s College

Pantime 

SJC Steel (St. Joseph’s Convent)

BTC (Boys Training Center)

Vocalists Manasseh and Tatiana

The St. Lucia Junior Jazz & Arts Festival is set to take place at Serenity Park on Thursday 9^th and Friday 10^th May 2024, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each day. It is expected to be an enjoyable, fun – filled day of music, art and youthful energy and talent.