16th ANNUAL ST. LUCIA JAZZ FESTIVAL

The 16th annual St Lucia Jazz Festival, to be produced by the St Lucia Tourist Board, is set for May 4 to 13, 2007, says newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Senator Allen Chastanet. “St Lucia Jazz is shaping up just great,” said Minister Chastanet, whose team is finalizing arrangements for both the main stage at Pigeon Island and throughout local villages for the month of May. “The private sector has added more to the festival this year and we are very excited about the potential of this public-private collaboration,” said Chastanet, who added that the enthusiasm for the line-up of straight ahead and smooth jazz has exceeded expectations. Brazilian sensation Tania Maria will open the main stage performances on May 10 with Grammy award-winning John Legend to headline the May 11 performance. May 12 features a full roster of musical highlights, including performances by George Benson, Al Jarreau, Will Downing, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, Boo Hinkson and Friends, and others. Performances by jazz superstars Natalie Cole and Isaac Hayes will close the festival on May 13.