Published: February 1st 2017
By: T. J. Chapman
Basseterre, SKN PULSE – The historic early launch of the 2017 edition of Music Festival started with a Media & Sponsorship Breakfast coupled with the phase 1 release was held at the Ocean Terrace Inn early this morning.
The new initiative is geared towards boosting the marketing drive for 2017.
The early release of acts which includes Jah Cure, Movado, Shabba Ranks and Goo Goo Dolls had citizens and frequent party enthusiast glued to the official St. Kitts and Nevis Music Festival facebookpage for the live feed event.
The mini but significant ceremony began with opening remarks from the Emcee, Mr. Val Henry followed by remarks from the chairman of the Music Festival Committee, Mr. Faron Lawrence.
Photo Caption: Members of the head table: Mr.Val Henry, (center) Tourism Minister, Mr. Lindsay Grant, (right) PS Tourism, Mrs. Carlene Morton, (far-right), Chairman of Music Festival, Mr. Faron Lawrence, (left), Ambassador of Sports, Mr. Jonel Powell, (far-left).
Other person’s at the head table included Minister responsible for Tourism, the Hon. Lindsay Grant, Permanent Secretary in Tourism, Mrs. Carlene Morton and Ambassador Jonel Powell.
Chairman of the Music Festival Committee Mr. Lawrence spoke to the sustainability of the St. Kitts Music Festival and explained while other festivals withered away the hardwork and Commitment of volunteers must be commended. Mr. Lawrence also used the opportunity to extend thanks to past and present sponsors of the festival and encouraged all to come on board to make the festival even greater.
Moreover, the chairman spoke to the nightly entrance fee which remains at $100. He isisted while the costs of managing the festival are high, the aim is to increase sales by 10%.
This year’s festival would be ending early so that businesses could capitalize on the economic boom. Night spots are encouraged to organize parties so patrons can have a wide array of party venues to choose from.
Mr. Grant in his brief remarks spoke to the meaning of having a Music Festival and it’s impact on the citizenry and the economy. The purpose of the festival is to attract visitors to the island.
Grant stated that the artists chosen should be able to appeal to visitors and nationals alike. Further, he spoke about the immense benefits of the St. Kitts Music Festival. With the highest number of local acts last year, $120, 000 was paid to entertainers of the Federation while a further $22, 500 was invested in local bands for the opening night.
The tourism Minister insists that media coverage has generated great exposure for St. Kitts in the Huffington Post, the Telegraph and other major media outlets.
Ambassador Powell who serves in the capacity of Chairman of the selection Committee was the man of the moment. Powell was charged with the responsibility of revealing the first place of acts for the 2017 edition of music Festival. Giving a brief overview of the artists accomplishments, their hits on certain riddims and collaboration with other artists, Powell revealed the artists accordingly: – Jah Cure, – Movado, – Shabba Ranks and Goo Goo Dolls.
Photo Caption: The Goo Goo Dolls
Three of the four acts are Jamaican artists who have excelled in reggae and dancehall respectively while the Goo Goo Dolls are a well known American Rock Band.
Powell also spoke about new ideas which includes a foam pit or having a band clash for the Thursday night which features mostly local acts. Being an inclusive selection committee, citizens will have a say in which two bands should be included in the clash.
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