The 10th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival held a Media launch last night, April 18, at the Royal St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Nevis conference room.
The media launch was held before various music festival officials, stakeholders and a large amount of press from both the electronic and print media.
A number of speeches were made by several persons including the Minister with responsibility for the festival Richard Skerrit.
Skerrit thanked all those who were present at the launch and spoke briefly about the two festival artistes that were present at the launch. He said that Crucial Bankie was one of the first acts announced for the festival and that he has a history of great music. He also spoke about his recent album "Shakedown" and described it as "awesome".
Masud Sadiki another homegrown reggae talent is on the rise, he said. He also said that Sadiki represented the Federation well last year while in England promoting his music and learning more about the art.
Skerrit said that the festival will be unique this year as it will pay tribute to the pioneers of the event.
"What we know now, we didn't know then, and I want to say thank you to those persons who had the idea for the festival to come to pass," he said.
He also spoke on the change of venue for the festival which was housed at the Fort Thomas Hotel grounds for the past nine years. The festival will now be held at the historic Warner Park.
"We're moving the festival to a venue designed to be a multi-purpose complex, which was designed to fit a festival such as the St. Kitts Music Festival," he said. "One cannot replace Fort Thomas, however this new location will accommodate more patrons and attract more local and regional sponsors."
Also present at the launch was Walter Elmore and a few members of his team from Turn-Key Productions, Inc. who are producers of the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival and Reggae Sumfest. Turn-Key will be giving advice and assisting with the upgrade and production quality of the St. Kitts Music Festival.
Additionally, the aim is to enhance the financial viability of the festival and strengthen its reputation as a world class production that has a direct and long term impact on Tourism.
Unoma Allen, corporate communications manager of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority briefed the media about a compact disc that was given to them, which contained all the information on the festival and artists. Including the artist's bios, photos and any other additional information on the artists.
CEO of Cable & Wireless Patricia Walters spoke about how proud her company was to be one of the
major sponsors of the event.
They have a keen interest in being involved in more cultural happenings, festivals and are happy to work along with the festival committee to ensure the festival is the best this year, she said.
Another major sponsor of the event is the Royal St. Kitts Marriott Hotel and Resort as Randol Doherty, general manager of the hotel said they are happy to be apart of the event.
Allister Williams, executive director of the festival said that since 1996 the committee endeavored "a festival of music" that is second to none.
"And to reflect our own blend of kaleidoscope of music as our mission was to bring world class music at one venue and at a reasonable price," he said.
He said that the festival need the support of sponsors and media to ensure the success of it and encourage all not to only spread the word of the festival but also the other surrounding activities. They are beach bash, after parties, front stage at the circus and more.
Surprised phone calls were made to Air Supply and Arrow, who are two major acts performing on the festival.
A male voice representing Air Supply said that they are looking forward to the festival and the sightseeing of the country. While the feeling hot, hot, hot, singer out of Montserrat promised the festival will not only be hot, but bigger and sweeter.
