BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Earlier this morning (June 23) at a press conference held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort by the St. Kitts Music Festival Committee, some of the artistes scheduled to perform tonight for the first night of the 15th Annual event, expressed their excitement and gave a teaser of what to expect.
Junie Liburd, who hosted the conference welcomed and thanked the artistes and media officials for their presence.
King Konris who was first in addressing the conference stated that he is looking forward to a wonderful time. He said his performance would be dedicated to the Rams Village Superstars, of which he is the PRO, that won the best of three finals for the SKNFA premier division final four competitions last night.
Singing since 1969, veteran singer Mick Stokes will take to the Music Festival stage for the first time in his career.
He said, “It is a great pleasure for me to have been afforded the opportunity and I’m pleased to be performing amongst the other artistes.” He promised to drop ‘it’ like a nuclear bomb tonight.
Meanwhile Gharlic, from sister island Nevis, indicated that this would be his first time as a solo act and patrons will be in for a treat from him. He stressed that he will make his mark tonight therefore, patrons should brace themselves.
Gharlic will perform alongside The Kore Band who will also back Mic Stokes, King Konris and Xman. The drummer expressed gratitude for the honour of being recognized and being featured at the festival.
“It has been a dream for many of us to be on the Music Festival; we have a great show planned and we are looking forward to support and feedback because we are new” he added.
Ali Campbell who has been the lead singer of UB40 for the past 28 years said he is lookingforward to playing with his new band and putting on a great show.
Manager of the Nu Vybes Band, David Adams told the conference that the band is happy to be part of the festival line-up once again. He said the band considers itself as a senior citizen to the event as they have performed 11 times during its 15 year existence.
Small Axe Band lead singer Mr. World made everyone laugh when he pulled out a cake of soap to promote the band’s latest chant ‘De Soap Drop’. He congratulated the committee on an impressive line-up while adding that the band is ready and would be on fire tonight.
Bunny Wailer, who was a bit late in joining the conference, declared that it would be an interesting night. He added that he is looking forward for to having the people there, as he will be giving his all.
Minister Ricki Skerritt was also present and expressed how pleased he was to welcome the artistes to the Federation. He said the event would not be possible without a number of hardworking people who have put the festival together over the years.
Skerritt noted that June is a very important month for the Federation with many events but none more important than the Music Festival. He said he feels the energy and the buzz of the festival in the air.
The festival begins at 8:00 p.m. nightly. Tonight will feature Nu Vybes Band International, Small Axe Band, Ali Campbell’s UB40, Bunny Wailer, Mic Stokes, King Konris, Xman and The Kore featuring Gharlic.
Meanwhile tomorrow will see Gyptian, Demarco, Konshens, Black Ryno, Maxi Priest, Coco Tea and Yellow Man. The Festival then climaxes on Saturday with Jah Cure, Commodores, Fantasia and East Meets West.
