SK Music Festival Committee Finalises Lineup; holds media & sponsorship recognition press conference

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts Music Festival Committee recently held a media and sponsorship press conference at the Players Pavilion at Warner Park on May 14.

In attendance were a number of sponsors of the festival including Premium Platinum Partner Lime, Platinum Partner Tropical Shipping and Carib Brewery.

Minister of State with responsibility for the St. Kitts Music Festival, the Hon. Richard Skerritt and Chairman of the Music Festival Committee Faron Lawrence both made brief remarks at the press conference.

A few changes were announced, including the return of the annual event to the Warner Park Cricket ground instead of the football field - the venue at which it was held last year. 

Some new artistes have been added to the lineup and the Thursday night’s show will feature Lord Nelson, Edwin Yearwood, King Konris, Biggie Irie, Iwer George, Blade & Byke, Lejah Band and Mavado.

Friday night will see Ziggy Rankin, Beres Hammond, Burning Spear, Dagah, Odisi Band and Stephen Marley performing on stage, while the following night will feature Hans & The Hillbillies, KC5, Shakki, Regina Belle, T-Pain and KC & The Sunshine Band.

Tickets are available and if purchased on or before Saturday, June 20, the price will be EC$120 or US$45 per night. 

Lawrence said that sponsorship value has significantly reduced due to the global economic downturn, but noted that businesses still feel it was important to partner with events such as the St. Kitts Music Festival, which is needed.
“Response from the businesses has been quite motivating,” he said.

Minister Skerritt said that the stage is set for another festival for everyone to come together He also said that as long as he has responsibility for the festival, it would always be around.

LIME, the official telecommunication provider for the festival, handed over a cheque to the value of US$100 000 in support of the event.
Vice President Corporate Communications LIME, Lavern Caines said that they were happy to make a contribution and see themselves as friends of the festival.

“And as friends, we couldn’t turn our backs on the festival. We even called the regional office for more money when we learnt that Antigua would be cancelling their festival this year,” she said.

She mentioned that the festival was a way to relieve stress, as music is magical and could do so much.

Also present at the press conference were local artistes King Konris, Hans and the Hillbillies, Shakal of KC5, Shakki of d’Vybz and Dagah, who all said they were thrilled to be a part of the 13th Annual St. Kitts Musical Festival.

The festival will be held from June 25-27.