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St Lucia Jazz Festival

The St Lucia International Jazz Festival is one of the major events on this wonderful Caribbean island. Throughout the month of May, the island moves to the beat, not only of jazz but also R&B and calypso. Over the years, the St Lucia Jazz Festival has attracted such legendary musicians as Herbie Hancock, Courtney Pine, George Benson, Santana, The Isley Brothers, UB40, Luther Vandross and Smokey Robinson.

Pigeon Island is the official home of the festival: one of the Caribbean's most historic landmarks and certainly one of the most beautiful spots in St. Lucia. Connected to the mainland by a causeway and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, it serves as the venue for the two closing days of the Festival.

But there are venues throughout the island – many of which are free - ensuring the festival is inclusive and embracing, with music at every turn. There is Pigeon Point National Reserve (where the audience sits on the lawns surrounding the stages) and Derek Walcott Square in the centre of the capital Castries ("Jazz on the Square"); or try Rudy John Beach Park, St Jude Hospital, the Fond D'Or Natural Heritage Park, the Soufrière Waterfront and the beaches around Rodney Bay.

What began 11 years ago as a straightforward marketing event to boost visitor numbers is now one of the top jazz festivals in the world - and the second biggest event in the Caribbean next to the Trinidad carnival. Highlights of this year's programme included outstanding performances from Al Jarreau, George Benson and Isaac Hayes.

The atmosphere, with the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and its warm orange sunsets, would be hard to beat anywhere in the world. At concerts in the intimate setting the Great House Theatre, for example, audiences are closer to the artists - physically and emotionally - than in most of the modern but sterile venues on the international music circuit.

If you are interested in the St Lucia Jazz festival and the other cultural hot spots then contact one of our St lucia experts by entering your details below...

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