Rediscovering Tradition: The Jazz Festival's Return to Its Heritage

Prologue: On May 7, jazz aficionados gathered at the Pavilion on Rodney Bay for the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, celebrating an evening infused with blues, African traditions, and creole rhythms in an intimate cabaret setting. Act 1: Scene 1: Mannaseth Edward showcased Pan Jazz, mesmerizing the audience with his pan interpretations of jazz legends. Supported by musicians Rhea Drakes and Rupert Lay, Edward celebrated his 30-year jazz journey. He exceeded time limits, enthusiastically blending calypso into jazz with "Damn Proud Lucian." Act 1: Scene 2: Etienne Charles captivated the audience in vibrant attire, combining Creole jazz with Caribbean flair. Accompanied by diverse international musicians, his performance included original compositions and electrifying rhythms. Charles encouraged audience engagement, concluding spectacularly with the hit "Split in the Middle."