Press Room


PRESS RELEASE

3 Times Charming, Jazz Sampler Releases Lineup for 3rd Staging

Castries, St. Lucia

March 9, 2014

The 2014 lineup for the Jazz Sampler and event which has quickly become one of the Jazz season's most anticipated local talent-fueled events is confirmed for the Gaiety on Rodney Bay, on Saturday, April 5th, 2014. Organizers warrant a sophisticated, refreshing and spectacular delivery of performances in a unique, live pre-performance interview format with returning host Nikki Crosby the renowned female Trinidadian Comedian.

The cadre of accomplished and upcoming performers includes: Derede Williams, Sisterhood, Luther Francois, Ronald Boo Hinkson, Barbara Cadet, Patsy Cadet, Barbara Bully – Thomas, Ken Hardy, Stacey Iman, I'Shyne, Thaddeus Lionel, The St. Lucia School of Music Ensemble back for the second time and the Band, Alibi. There will also be some surprise performances that will WOW! patrons.

This year's theme "From Classic to Contemporary" pays homage to the essence of musical antiquity preserved and channeled through today's luminaries, who draw from its inspiration to produce music positively resonant within the ear of the young and mature alike. The flare of humorous dialogue springing from Nikki Crosby's influence is designed to draw the audience into an intimate perspective of each artiste, engaging them in live, revealing and natural dialogue- unique to any performance format in the region.

This year Pianist and Musical Producer Kenson Hippolyte has been added to the Jazz Sampler family working closely with the Artiste to develop their music and the Jazz Sampler Product. Kenson Hippolyte is also the director of KLab a local audio production house that specializes in Jingles and other audio production.

The Jazz Sampler in just its 3rd year, is already considered a staple on the Pre-Jazz calendar and is dubbed the "St. Lucian Main Stage" with a 100% Musical Lineup. Conceived by the founding members of Sisterhood in 2012, the first Sampler was designed to acquaint nationals and visitors with local talent in an environment unlike any other available. The Sampler grew from an initial audience of just under 300 patrons in 2012, to nearly 1,000 a year later, and on the backs of positive reviews and networking, is on course for yet another record breaking turnout.

Member of the organizing team Mineva Ross credits the growing support of local patrons as reciprocal to the support and exposure that the event extends to local artistes. The talented lineup and experience of the organizers leave little room for doubt of an enjoyable and fulfilling evening.

"We have had some amazing support from our people, the local media has been exceptional in their support of this venture and for that we are eternally grateful" Ms. Ross comments. "We continue to find ways to improve the product", he concludes.

The event has attracted many local businesses including; SLASPA, CALABASH TV, ALL BIZ MEDIA, the ORANGE MEDIA GROUP, Rhythm FM, Blazin FM, Radio Caribbean International (RCI), Caribbean Super Station, SCRUFFY TV & Carpet Media St. Lucia, SUNSHINE BOOK SHOP and Steve's Barber Shop who have already come on board as sponsors. The Jazz Sampler has also gotten the support of the St. Lucia Tourist Board and the Cultural Development Foundation.

PRESS RELEASE

Sisterhood Stages Jazz Sampler 2

Castries, St. Lucia

March 25, 2013

For the second straight year, the all female group Sisterhood is staging The Jazz Sampler.

Sisterhood conceptualized The Jazz Sampler last year out of the need to create visibility and opportunity for St. Lucian artistes. The event is designed to shine the spotlight on seasoned musicians as well as budding performers who have the potential to ascend to regional and international prominence.

Mineva Ross of Sisterhood said: "The long term vision is to develop The Jazz Sampler to the point where it is export ready; where groups of St. Lucian Musicians can represent us in other islands and around the world."

This year's line-up includes acclaimed Jazz performers Jab Duplessis, Alison Marquis and Rob Zi Taylor. It also features contemporary artistes Teddyson "TJ" John, Shayne Ross, Michael Robinson and Stacy Iman Charles. Emerging prodigies from the St. Lucia School of Music and the Marchand Youth Orchestra will also take to the stage.Guitarist Zack Popo will also make is debut as a solo artiste. The Musical Director for the Jazz Sampler, Mr. Luther Francois notes "There is such tremendous musical talent in St. Lucia an the Jazz Sampler will prove that in the most unprecedented way. The Jazz Sampler is making history as it is quite possibly the first time that there is a show of this nature with an all-star lineup that is 100% St. Lucian". Luther Francois will also take the stage.

Sisterhood's Cheryl Pitcairn said: "We feel privileged to have Luther Francois as Musical Director of The Jazz Sampler and all of the musicians have expressed their delight in having the opportunity to work with him. Sisterhood is very excited about this partnership and we invite St. Lucians to come and support our own."

Sisterhood acknowledges the in-kind and financial support of our sponsors who include Orange Media Group, All Biz Media, Calabash TV, Bank of Saint Lucia, LIME, Gaiety, Flavors on the Grill, Phaze 1 Salon, Queen Esther of Kumba Designs, Out Source St. Lucia, Scotia Bank, GL Foods as well as media partners – The Wave, Radio St. Lucia, Radio Caribbean International, Caribbean Superstation and Scruffy TV and Courts St. Lucia. The Jazz Sampler is endorsed by the St. Lucia Tourist Board and the Cultural Development Foundation – CDF.

Mineva Ross of Sisterhood says "for the long-term goals of this project to be met, we must have the support of the St. Lucians public, the powers that be within the Creative Industries as well as Corporate St. Lucia. We invite everyone to do their part to make our stars shine bright. We are indebted to our sponsors" Artiste bios and music are available on the event website www.saintluciajazzsampler.com Tickets for The Jazz Sampler 2013 are available at Sunshine Book Shop, LIME outlets and Steve's Barber Shop. You can also state interest online.

PRESS RELEASE

Calabash TV supports Jazz Sampler

Castries, St. Lucia

March 22, 2013

For the second consecutive year, Calabash TV is partnering with Sisterhood to stage The Jazz Sampler. The St. Lucia Jazz acts as a "teaser" which whets the appetites of the public and helps build momentum in anticipation of the St. Lucia Jazz.

Calabash TV's pledge is "Once it has to do with youth, the community, your environment, projects, business endeavours or the creative sector, Calabash TV is there to provide an outlet for your activity. Calabash TV's website is calabashtvstlucia@gm­ail.com. They're also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/calabashtv.

Calabash TV supported Jazz Sampler from inception (last year) by producing television commercials, providing placements on Calabash TV, recording the event and airing it on Calabash TV. According to Bernard Fanis "Calabash TV is dedicated to promoting St. Lucian Culture and talent, and so, we find partnering with Sisterhood and the Jazz Sampler a perfect fit."

Jazz Sampler 2013 will be held at Gaiety on Saturday April 6, 2013. The line-up for this year includes acclaimed Jazz performers Jab Duplessis, Luther François, Alison Marquis and Rob Zi Taylor. It also features contemporary artistes Teddyson John, Shayne Ross and Stacy Iman Charles. Emerging prodigies from the St. Lucia School of Music and the Marchand Community Orchestra will also take to the stage. Guitarist Zack Popo will be featured alongside Luther Francois. Trinidadian Comedian and Radio Personality Nikkie Cosby will host the event.

Sponsors of Jazz Sampler 2013 include Orange Media Group, All Biz Media, Calabash TV, Bank of Saint Lucia, LIME, Gaiety, Flavors on the Grill, Phaze 1 Salon, Queen Esther of Kumba Designs, Out Source St. Lucia, Scotia Bank and GL Foods. Media partners are The Wave, Radio St. Lucia, Radio Caribbean International, Caribbean Superstation and Scruffy TV. The Jazz Sampler is endorsed by the St. Lucia Tourist Board and the Cultural Development Foundation – CDF.

Tickets for this year's Sampler are available at Sunshine Book Shop, LIME outlets and Steve's Barber Shop. There's an Early Bird Special of $55 until March 31st. Tickets purchased after that date will cost $60.

PRESS RELEASE

LIME Refreshes its Sponsorship of Jazz Sampler

Castries, St. Lucia

March 22, 2013

For the second straight year, local telecoms provider LIME has given its backing to The Jazz Sampler. LIME was one of the first sponsors of Jazz Sampler last year. This year they have refreshed their sponsorship of Jazz Sampler by providing even more support financial, infrastructural and technical. " We cannot express enough how LIME's support has helped meet some of our most crucial necessaries for the Jazz Sampler including advertising placements via their cable network, SMS blast via their mobile service, and other vital support that value of which is tremendous" states Mineva Ross member of Sisterhood – Organizers of the Jazz Sampler.

The Jazz Sampler is a "teaser" which whets the appetites of the public and helps build momentum in anticipation of St. Lucia Jazz. Sisterhood conceptualized The Jazz Sampler last year out of the need to create visibility for St. Lucian artistes in the build-up to the Festival. The event is designed to shine the spotlight on seasoned musicians as well as budding performers who have the potential to ascend to regional and international prominence.

LIME is the original sponsor of the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, having carried the event through its first 15 years. More recently, LIME has been the Title Sponsor of Fond D'or Jazz, one of the most popular community based fringe events on the Festival Calendar. Marketing Executive at LIME Terry Comment explained: "By going into the heart of the communities and supporting targeted fringe Jazz events like The Jazz Sampler which promotes our local musicians, our investments create deep roots for growth in the Arts. LIME is delighted to be a premium sponsor of The Jazz Sampler for the second consecutive year and we are ready to go all the way to shine a light on our national Stars."

Jazz Sampler 2013 will be held at Gaiety on Saturday April 6, 2013. The line-up for this year includes acclaimed Jazz musicians Musical Director - Luther François Jab Duplessis, Alison Marquis and Rob Zi Taylor. It also features contemporary artistes Teddyson John, Shayne Ross and Stacy Iman Charles. Emerging prodigies from the St. Lucia School of Music and the Marchand Youth Orchestra will also take to the stage. Guitarist Zack Popo will also be featured. Trinidadian Comedian and Radio Personality Nikkie Crosby will host the event.

Cheryl Pitcairn of Sisterhood said: "Last year when we approached LIME, this idea was new and we weren't quite sure how it would have been received. However, LIME embraced it and their support helped make it a success. We anticipate even greater things from this partnership this year."

Artiste bios and music are available on the event website www.saintluciajazzsampler.com Tickets for The Jazz Sampler 2013 are available at Sunshine Book Shop, LIME outlets and Steve's Barber Shop.

PRESS RELEASE

Orange Media backs-up Jazz Sampler

Castries, St. Lucia

March 13, 2013

The Orange Media Group has given its backing to the 2013 Jazz Sampler slated for April 6 at Gaiety on Rodney Bay. Orange Media is providing PR and Marketing support to the event, a major component of which is the launch of a Jazz Sampler website www.saintluciajazzsampler.com which features the bios and music of all artistes on the Sampler.

The Jazz Sampler is being produced by Sisterhood for the second straight year. Special Projects Consultant at Orange Media Group, Mineva Ross, who is also a member of Sisterhood, is intimately connected to the event. She says the Orange Media Group is pleased to use its expertise in contributing to the successful staging of the Jazz Sampler this year.

The Jazz Sampler is is a "teaser" which whets the appetites of the public and helps build momentum in anticipation of the St. Lucia Jazz Festival.

The year's Sampler boasts an exciting blend of seasoned performers and rising stars. The line-up includes acclaimed Jazz performers like Jab Duplessis, Luther François, Alison Marquis and Rob Zi Taylor, to up and coming talented contemporary artistes Teddyson "TJ" John, Shayne Ross and Stacy Charles. Emerging prodigies from the St. Lucia School of Music and the Marchand Community Orchestra will also take to the stage.

The format of the Jazz Sampler, being a very unique one; features a LIVE (to audience) interview segment where there is dialogue between the artiste and the host before they take the stage to perform. This creates much excitement and interest. The ambience also allows the audience to get very intimate with the artiste.

The Jazz Sampler is endorsed by the St. Lucia Tourist Board organizers of the newly rebranded St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Sponsors of this year's Jazz Sampler include Bank of Saint Lucia, Exel Signs, Orange Media Group, Sunshine Book Shop, Gaiety on Rodney Bay, All Biz Media and Calabash TV.

Tickets for this year's Sampler are available at Sunshine Book Shop with a promotional offer of an Early Bird Special of $55 until March 31st. Tickets purchased after that date will cost $60.