Music Festival Calendar 2016 - Caribbean Tourism Organization

CARIBBEAN
MUSIC
FESTIVALS
CALENDAR
2016
PHOTO CREDIT: ST. LUCIA TOURIST BOARD
May
Grenada
April 29th-May 2nd
Carriacou Maroon & String
Band Music Festival
Martinque
May 5th
Martinique Yole Festival
Cayman Islands
April 30 –May 7th
Cayman Carnival Batabano
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May
cont'd
St. Lucia
April 29th-May 8th
St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
Curaçao
May 6th-7th
International BlueSeas Festival
May 20th-22nd
XcapeFest
Dominica
May 8th-15th
Dominica's Jazz 'n Creole
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Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival
Feel more rhythm from
Grenada, Martinique,
Cayman Islands, and
St. Lucia
May Music Events
Maroon culture is about thanksgiving and prayers to the source of all
life, production and prosperity. Its African origins are authentically
depicted through the drumming, singing, eating of ‘smoke food’ and
other rituals practiced in the unique Carriacou way by its people.
Move to the vibrations of the heavy drumming and groove to the
sweet sounds of string band music. Three days, three venues, one
festival. For more information, call 1-473-443-7948 or visit
http://www.carriacoumaroon.com/
Martinique Yole Festival
The yole, a Martinican traditional boat, originated from the
Carib Indians, is the star of this celebration of Martinique
heritage, a colorful and intense yawl boat race festival
organized in the South of Martinique.
Event focused on this all man-powered traditional
Martinican boat, featuring also a full program of concerts,
crafts village, live performances and more. "
"
Cayman Carnival Batobano
Now in its 32nd year, Cayman Carnival Batabano – the island’s
national carnival, held annually during the first week of May – is
a vibrant highlight in the island’s entertainment calendar. Soca
heavyweights like Shai Marshall, Lyrikal and 5 Star Akil and
more are a part of this year’s pre-parade lineup. Visit website
www.caymancarnival.com or
https://www.facebook.com/batabanocayman/ for more
information.
St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
Revamped, redesigned and with a broadened artistic direction, the
Caribbean’s premier cultural event, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts
Festival 2016 will attract thousands to Simply Beautiful Saint Lucia.
Cultural enthusiasts, festival lovers and music aficionados will be
wooed by over 50 world-acclaimed entertainers and artisans over
the 10-day festival, which runs from April 29th to May 8th, 2016. For
more information and to purchase tickets online, visit
www.stluciajazz.org.
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Pages 1­4 Photo Credit: Grenada Tourism Authority, St. Lucia Tourist Board,
Curaçao Tourist Board, Discover Dominica Authority, PeopleBo­
kay.com, Batabano Cayman Carnival.
Feel more rhythm
from Curaçao and
Dominica May Music
Events
International BlueSeas Festival
Following the success of last’s year’s event, Curaçao is gearing up to
host the second annual International BlueSeas Festival May 6-7, 2016.
Seamlessly blending blues, soul, punk and rock music, this year’s
lineup includes acts by Daddy Long Legs, Lucky Peterson,
Laurence Jones, and headliner Leon Russell, who’s performed
alongside legendary B.B. King, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones.
For more information, visit www.curacaoblueseasfestival.com.
Dominica's Jazz 'n Creole
Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole is a fusion of jazz and creole music, food
and culture, all in the welcoming atmosphere of Fort Shirley in the
Cabrits National Park. It showcases local, regional and international
jazz artistes and takes place annually during the Pentecost weekend.
For more information, visit www.DominicaFestivals.com or
www.facebook..com/DominicaFests
XcapeFest
This annual island celebration showcasing the realms of music,
comedy, fashion and social media, returns to Curaçao May 20 - 22.
The event includes a Silent Disco, Comedy Show and Beach Bash,
and starts with a pub crawl in Willemstad, followed by an after party
on the iconic Queen Emma Bridge. Highlights also include an
appearance by comedian Anthony Anderson and EDM artist Walshy
Fire from Major Lazer. For more information, visit
www.xcapefest.com.
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June
Curaçao
June 3rd-4th
Viva La Música Latina
St. Kitts
June 23rd-25th
St. Kitts Music Festival
Barbados
June 25th- August 2nd
Barbados Cropover Festival
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June
cont'd
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
June 24th-July 5th
Vincy Mas
June 25th- August 2nd
Barbados Cropover Festival
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Pages 5­7 Photo Credit: Curaçao Tourist Board. St. Kitts Music Festival,
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Oris Robinson via carinvalsvg.com.
Feel more rhythm from
Curaçao,
St. Kitts, Barbados, and
St. Vincent & the
Grenadines June Music
Events
Viva La Música Latina
The second edition of Viva La Música Latina will take place June 3 – 4
at the Sambil Mall. The festival will feature top names in the industry,
including Anthony Santos and Gente De Zona. Last year’s
performances included Jorge Celedón, the Guaco Group Venezuela
and more. This year, there will be performances by Elvis Crespo, and
Gente De Zona, a popular group that fuses Cuban and Reggaeton
flavors. For more information, visit
www.facebook.com/Viva-la-Música-Latina-Curaçao.
St. Kitts Music Festival
Now in its 20th year, the St. Kitts Music Festival takes place over the
course of three nights each June. It features popular local, regional
and international performers and a mix of musical styles on the
market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae and more. Past artists
have included John Legend, Jason Derulo, Ciara, Trey Songz, Michael
Bolton, Wyclef Jean, Sean Paul, Maxi Priest and more. To learn more,
visit www.stkittsmusicfestival.com.
Barbados Cropover Festival
Crop Over (formerly called "Harvest Home") is a traditional harvest
festival originally started as a celebration signaling the end of the
yearly sugar cane harvest. Today, Crop Over has since evolved into
Barbados' biggest globally loved festival, which sees the whole island
taken over by the party spirit. Events last five weeks and revelers can
expect a heavy mix of live music, dancing, carnival, markets, cultural
presentations and more. – Website: http://www.ncf.bb/ Facebook:
www.facebook.com/Barbados.Crop.Over.Festival/
Vincy Mas
One of the largest carnivals in the Caribbean, St.Vincent and the
Grenadines’ Carnival (“Vincy Mas” as it is popularly known) is a
pre-lenten festival which dates back to the 18th century. This premier
cultural event is an explosion of colorful costumes, steelpan music,
street parties, calypso and soca competitions and beauty pageants.
For more information visit www.carnivalsvg.com.
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July
Jamaica
July 1st: Int'l Reggae Day
July 17th-23rd: Reggae Sumfest
July 28th-Aug. 1st: Dream Weekend
St. Lucia
July 2nd-19th
St. Lucia Carnival
Trinidad & Tobago
July 16th-Aug. 2nd
Tobago Heritage Festival
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July
cont'd
St. Eustatius
July 20th - Aug. 1st,
Carnival Calling
Nevis
July 21st-Aug. 2nd
Nevis Culturama Festival
British Virgin Islands
July 22nd-August 6th
BVI Emancipation Festival
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July
cont'd
Grenada
July 30th-Aug. 9th
Spicemas
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International Reggae Day
Feel more rhythm
from Jamaica, St. Lucia
and Trinidad & Tobago
July Music Events
International Reggae Day (IRD) is a 5-day lifestyle experience anchored
by a July One live concert streamed from Emancipation Park. There will
be special performances complimented by exhibits, sunset yoga and a
digital art exhibit projected on the wall of the Jamaica Pegasus. All
aimed to celebrate the impact of Jamaica’s creativity on global culture.
www.ireggaeday.com
Reggae Sumfest
An anticipated annual reggae festival, Reggae Sumfest showcases the
best talents in roots, rock and reggae music from both Jamaican and
international performers. It’s the greatest reggae show on
earth! Visit www.reggaesumfest.com for more information.
Dream Weekend
Dream Weekend is the weeklong annual party series which is held
around Jamaica's independence weekend. The weekend includes up
to 10 events taking place during this period in Negril with thousands
of patrons participating in themed activities. Appleton Rum is the
main sponsor and the parties for Dream Weekend include Yush,
Twisted Spiritz, Igloo, Daydreams, Dream Live and other events.
http://jamaicadreamweekend.com/
St. Lucia Carnival
Saint Lucia Carnival is a spectacular explosion of color displaying art,
culture, music and dance. The variety of events and parties that take place
in the lead up to the Carnival Parade of Bands include: Carnival Queen,
Calypso Monarch, Panorama Champions, and Party & Soca Monarch are all
awarded. The event culminates on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, where
revelers take to the streets in an array of colours, and each band strives to
capture the coveted title of “Band of the Year”
For more information, visit www.stluciancarnival.com
Tobago Heritage Festival
The Tobago Heritage Festival is an annual event created to preserve the
unique cultural traditions of Tobago. Visitors are able to visit the many
quaint and friendly villages and experience their way of life, language and
varied oral traditions, culture, dances, music, environment and, of course,
their culinary delights. For more information visit:
tobagoheritagefestival.com
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Pages 8­12 Photo Credit: Jamaica Tourist Board, St. Lucia Tourist Board,
Nevis Culturama Festival, St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation,
BVI Tourist Board, Grenada Tourism Authority
Feel more rhythm from
St. Eustatius, BVI,
Nevis, and Grenada
July Music Events
Carnival Calling
For two electrifying weeks in the month of July, he energy across the
entire island is fully charged. The line-up features a wide array of gifted
artists headlining the live shows and festivities to bring out the
‘carnivalist’ in you. For more information
visit https://www.facebook.com/StatiaCarnivalCalling/
BVI Emancipaton Festival
A celebrated two-week event honouring the islands’ emancipation in
1832. Attendees revel in the of activities that include the August
Monday parade, Miss BVI pageant, horse race, performances by local,
regional and international musicians; cultural traditions such as donkey
races and fishing competitions also take place. Visit
www.bvitourism.com for more information.
Nevis Culturama Festival
Nevis’ premier festival is a unique celebration of the most significant
milestone in our history - the Emancipation of slaves in the 1830s. It is a
12-day focus on all aspects of Nevisian Arts and Cultural events. For
more information, visit
https://www.facebook.com/NevisCulturamaFestival/info/?
tab=page_info
(
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Spice Mas
The larger of Grenada’s carnivals, Spicemas climaxes on the second
Monday and Tuesday in August. Brimming with pageantry and
expressions linked to the country’s African, French, British and
Caribbean heritage. Calypsonians, steel pan orchestras, beauty
contestants, traditional and fancy masqueraders parade and compete
for coveted Carnival titles. Spicemas is well known for its J’ouvert, Jab
Jab, and Monday Night Mas. For more information visit
www.spicemasgrenada.com.
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August
St. Lucia
Aug.12th-14th
Mercury Beach
Belize
Aug.12th-21st
Belize Int'l Jazz Festival
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Pages 13­14 Photo Credit: Mercury Beach, Belize Int'l Jazz Festival
Mercury Beach
Feel more rhythm
from St. Lucia and
Belize August Music
Events
This event takes place in Saint Lucia at Pigeon Island Beach from 8am
to sundown. Approximately 325 vessels from Martinique and over 7000
visitors from neighboring Guadeloupe, St Vincent, Barbados, Trinidad
and St. Lucia are expected at this annual event. All boats, visitors and
locals alike come together to party to a vast array of musical
entertainment, with a line-up of musical artistes from the French
territories and the other islands. For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/mercurybeach
Belize International Jazz Festival
The Belize International Jazz Festival aims to promote heritage
preservation of our multi-cultural nation. It is a collaboration with local
culture makers, small and large business enterprises, and globally
renowned artists committed to social, cultural and economic well-being.
The festival encompasses a major opening and closing concert, as well as
smaller concerts and workshops throughout the ten (10) days.
For more information visit http://facebook/ Belize International Jazz
Festival
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September
Curaçao
Sept. 1st-3rd
Curaçao North Sea Jazz
Festival
Belize
Sept. 16th
Pan Yaad Steel Band Concert
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Pages 15­16 Photo Credit: Curaçao Tourism Board, Belize Tourism Board
Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival
Feel more rhythm
from Curaçao and
Belize September
Music Events
Taking place at the World Trade Center near Piscadera Bay in
Willemstad, the 7th Annual North Sea Jazz Festival is back for another
run. During the three-day festival, a widerange of well-known
international artists will perform including Juan Luis Guerra and
Kassav’. Last year artists included performances from Enrique Iglesias,
John Legend, Usher, Lionel Richie and Wyclef Jean.
For more information, visit www.curacaonorthseajazz.com/en/.
Pan Yaad Steel Band Concert
This annual concert is an anticipated event held under Belize’s
National September Celebrations. Various bands, ranging from junior
to senior levels, come together to perform in a night filled with colors,
rhythm and movement. As a diverse populations that continues to
evolve, Belizeans’ love for the steelpan melodies remains concrete, as
the vibrant performances captivate everyone in earshot.
For more information visit http://facebook/BelizeCelebrations
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October
St. Lucia
Oct. 28th:
Jounen Kweyol Entenansyonal
(Int'l Creole Day)
Oct. 29th:
Swawe Kweyol Sent Lisi
Dominica
Oct. 28th-30th
Dominica's World Creole
Music Festival
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Pages 17­18 Photo Credit: St. Lucia Tourism Board, Dominica Tourism Board
Feel more rhythm
from St. Lucia and
Dominica September
Music Events
Jounen Kweyol Entenansyonal (Int'l Creole Day)
This day celebrates the French/African dialect that is widely spoken in
Saint Lucia. The celebrations are held in four chosen communities on
island each year and starts off with a Church Service in Kweyol followed
by the hosting of community events with demonstrations of old
traditions such as farine making, wood sawing and coal pot cooking
along with other staged performances. A mix of creole food, music,
games and folklore come together to give this festival a unique flavor.
For more information visit [email protected].
Swawé Kwèyòl Sent Lisi
Swawé Kwéyòl presents the enjoyment of all things Kwéyòl in one
venue. It takes place at one of the most historic parks on the island –
the Fond D’or Nature and Historical Park. Swawé Kwéyòl offers the
experience and diversity of Saint Lucian culture at its best. Pulsating
and vivacious rhythms will cater to all patrons. The Festival features
creole food with a focus on pork, dominantly kweyol but with an
infusion of traditional music, a kids play area, a fashion show, arts and
craft and lots more! Feel the exhilarating beats of the music and
savour the flavour of the Saint Lucian pots! For more information visit
https://www.facebook.com/SwaweKweyol
Dominica's World Creole Music Festival
Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival celebrates the creole music
and culture of the creole speaking countries of the Caribbean, Europe,
Africa and the Americas. Since its inception in 1997, Festival
headliners have included Kassav, Machel Montano, Damien Marley,
Carimi, Ti Vice, Tambo Combo, Jah Cure, Busy Signal, Third World and
Gyptian among others. Join us for three nights of pulsating rhythms.
For more information, visit www.DominicaFestivals.com or
www.facebook..com/DominicaFests
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November
Cayman Islands
Nov. 10th-12th
Pirates Week Festival
Belize
Nov. 12th
Battle of the Drums
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Pages 19­20 Photo Credit: Cayman Islands Tourism Board, Belize Tourism Board
Feel more rhythm
from Cayman
Islands and Belize
November Music
Events
Pirates Week Festival
Pirates Week 2016 will start on 10 November and finish on 20
November and will be 11 fun filled days with music, street dances and
culture galore! Locals take centre stage at the annual Pirate Star song
competition where the next big name in Caymanian music is
discovered. You can learn more at www.piratesweekfestival.com or
https://www.facebook.com/CaymanIslandsPiratesWeekFestival.
Battle of the Drums
The hypnotic melodies of Garifuna drumming are the resounding
beats of the south. Visit Punta Gorda Town and discover the “11th
Annual Battle of the Drums.”
Celebrate the pride and traditions of Belize’s Garifuna culture during
the National Garifuna month of November! This electrifying
competition features both local and neighboring Garifuna bands.
Be prepared for a memorable night in Punta Gorda Town and
experience traditional dancing and drumming such as:
Punta, Hungu, Paranda, Chumba and Wanaragua! For more
information visit https://www.facebook.com/battleofthedrums
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