Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 15, 2005): Independence Square comes alive for three days next week when various activities spotlighting the unique culture of St. Kitts and Nevis and the creativity of locals will take place.
Front Stage, a popular feature that debuted in 1998, returns from June 23 to 25 with an interesting lineup of performers covering dance, drum, pan and song. The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Designed to entertain music festival patrons during the daytime and to showcase local talent, Front Stage has received favourable feedback from persons who flock to the free concerts.
We have been applauded by a number of visitors and returning nationals for hosting Front Stage, chairperson Lorna Ava Henry of the Department of Culture told SKNIS. The visitors often marvel at the cultural, musical and other types of performances while expatriates talk about the old days and express pleasure that calypso and other art forms are still practiced.
Local performers scheduled to appear include Silver Stars Steel Orchestra, NG Steppers, Royalties, Aanastasia, Kollision Band, Sacrotes, Princess P and the Jingle Bells String Band. Christian La Viso from Guadeloupe is also scheduled to appear.
Ms. Henry dropped a few hints about a few surprises that are planned including the possibility of a top regional artiste appearing. Were still working on that, she said offering no additional details.
What is clear however is that the Department of Culture is committed to allowing top local acts the opportunity to showcase their talent for thousands of visitors who come for the St. Kitts Music Festival.
We expect a high quality showing from our local people, she stressed. Every year they are given the opportunity and every year they continue to perform well. We are very proud and will continue, as a department, to tap every available avenue to promote local talent.
Ms. Henry concluded by encouraging the general public to go out and support Front Stage at Independence Square.
