Basseterre, St. Kitts (May 13, 2009) – Top disco group KC and the Sunshine Band is the latest act to sign on to perform at the 13th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on the island from June 25-27, 2009.

KC & the Sunshine Band was founded in 1973 and produced numerous hit songs throughout the decade and beyond.  “Rock Your Baby” became the group’s first hit song in 1974, selling 11 million copies worldwide.  In 1975, the self-titled album KC and the Sunshine Band produced the singles, “Get Down Tonight,” which rose to number one on the R&B and Billboard charts, and “That’s the Way (I Like It),” which became a number one hit in November 1975.  The 1976 album Part 3 yielded another three top five singles, “I’m Your Boogie Man,” “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” and “Keep It Comin’ Love.”  In subsequent years, the group also produced two more hit singles, “Please Don’t Go” in December 1979 and “Give It Up” in 1984, prior to lead singer Harry “KC” Wayne Casey’s retirement circa 1985.  A revival of interest in disco music brought him out of retirement in 1991, when he reformed the group with entirely new members (except the percussionist).  The new band has since released both new and compilation albums and has most recently appeared on the hit TV show, “American Idol,” performing “Get Down Tonight” as part of the show’s disco week on April 22, 2009.   

 “We are excited to be a part of the music festival and we are looking forward to a great time performing for everyone in St. Kitts,” said Harry “KC” Wayne Casey of KC and the Sunshine Band. “We’ll see you at the show!”

“KC and the Sunshine Band will further strengthen the variety as well as the international stature of the 2009 St Kitts Music Festival,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister responsible for Tourism.  “The fact that their songs have survived four decades tells me that Music Festival attendees of all ages will be able to sing along, adding to the overall festive atmosphere of the event. This promises to be a performance that should not be missed.”

T-Pain, Mavado, Regina Belle, Berris Hammond, Stephen Marley, Lord Nelson and several other top local and international performers have previously been confirmed as part of the lineup for the three-day event.  Now in its 13th consecutive year, the festival attracts both locals and visitors alike.  It features various musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music.  Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, Michael Bolton, Mario, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Ashanti, Shaggy, Eve, Bobby Caldwell, DMX, Hugh Masekala, Xtatik, the Temptations, Chaka Khan, Maxi Priest, Ronald “Boo” Hinkson and Busta Rhymes.  

Music lovers from the US and Canada who are looking for a great vacation can get to St. Kitts via non-stop service on American Airlines from New York (JFK) or Miami, on Delta Air Lines from Atlanta, and on US Airways from Charlotte as well as via connecting service through San Juan on American Eagle or via flights on regional carrier Liat from Antigua.

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.  

Tickets to the 13th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival are US $50.00 per person, per night and are available for purchase at www.stkittsmusicfestival.com.  

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit the website at www.stkittstourism.kn or follow St. Kitts on Facebook and/or Twitter.