BCYN Helps Youth Share Xmas Cheer!

After being hit by a ravenous hurricane in November, not many St Lucians were looking forward to a jolly Christmas. That, however, did not deter the charitable youth organization, Youth Aflame, from attempting to put some smiles on faces, and Karlyn Percil’s not-for-profit, The Bellemoun Community Youth Network, was right on board for the task.

Karlyn has been helping other charities individually and now through the BCYN will be undertaking a region-wide initiative to give back. The BCYN facilitates connections between organisations in the Caribbean to individuals and organizations in Canada to build capacity for social development by providing online access and visibility to charitable organisations just like Youth Aflame. Last December, the BCYN provided much needed donations of toys and books to Youth Aflame to assist in their annual December outreach to underpriviledged communities in St Lucia. A HUGE thank you to Deborah Penuik – of Aya Life who graciously brought the boxes of toys down with her. Thank you to Air Canada as well for allowing us to send the boxes free of charge! We appreciate you both! One of the items donated were bejewelled tiaras that were given to each young girl, reminding them that they are beautiful. The little girls felt like princesses and even some of the boys wanted in on the action!

It was a very fulfilling experience to see smiles being placed on the tiny faces and lives being touched by such a simple gesture. The BCYN continues to champion the cause of groups like Youth Aflame and her friends who contributed who truly understand that giving makes them beautiful!

Jazz Profile| AUGUSTIN “JAB” DUPLESSIS

Augustin “Jab” Duplessis began his career in music at the age of 15 when he joined the Royal St. Lucia Police Band as a junior bandsman. His first instrument was the clarinet but later he developed a love for the saxophone. Jab has performed with almost every group on the island of Saint Lucia as well as the West Indies Jazz Band, which toured Europe and the Caribbean over a period of three years. After this, he formed his own group, “Third Eye.”

Jab has studied at a number of master classes with renowned musicians such as Bobby Watson from the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz and Bob Berg and the Wynton Marsalis Band. In 2002 Jab produced a music video featuring an original piece from the band’s first CD, “Awakening” entitled “Ojisten” which is the Creole form of his name “Augustin.”

In 2003, Third Eye performed at the 12th Annual Saint Lucia Jazz and has performed with other well-known musicians such as the Bernard Brothers, Four Play, and Earth Wind and Fire. Today Jab uses his imaginative arrangements in fusing Caribbean and traditional jazz together. He has earned the reputation of being one of the most talented musicians in the Caribbean, rivalled only by his mentor, Luther Francois. Jab is currently working on his next album of songs and the Jazz/Caribbean community cannot wait to hear what comes next.

Feaured with Derede Williams, Jab promises to deliver a show-stopping performance on May 5th at St Lucia Jazz 2011!

Jazz Profile| ALLISON MARQUIS & ECLECTIC PAN JAZZ

Steel Pan music is synonymous wth the Caribbean, and Allison Marquis is a St Lucian musician who is very familiar with its rhythmic beats. Introduced to the steel pan and music at the age of 13, Marquis later joined the Babonneau Superstars Steel Orchestra in the Carnival season of 1978. Two years later, he asumed the position of Music Arranger for the band, and led the group to several National Panorama competitions over the years.

Marquis’s jazz career began in 1983 in the group Third Eye and continued with performances in the Caribbean Jazz Workshop Group at the Barbados and Guadelope Jazz Festivals, with Andy Narell, the Bernard Brothers and the late Claude Sommier in the Martinique Jazz Festival. At the 2010 Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, he worked with Monty Maxwell and Harvey Millar and his own group, Eclectic Pan Jazz, performed in the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival in 2009. Marquis’s work also included recordings with Emerson Nurse, the late Adrian Clarke of Barbados and Michael Boothman of Trinidad and Tobago.

Drawing on the inspiration of another famed St Lucian musician, Luther Francois, Marquis’s burgeoning musical skill will be  an awesome display on May 4th at St Lucia Jazz event!

Jazz Profile| SIXUN

Mirroring the style and musical array of the famous band Weather Report, the French European jazz band, Sixun, was created. Their debut release of Nuit Blanche was made in 1985 with the support of the CIM Jazz School, and since then the band has produced nine other albums, with the latest work entitled Palabre.

Sixun has become known for their blend of world rhythms such as African beats and Caribbean soul. The band is also notorious for the bond between members and the remarkable connection with their audiences during performances.

Listen to the awesome acoustic and electronic rhythms of this sextet at St Lucia Jazz on May 5th, 2011!

Jazz Profile| MORGAN HERITAGE

Describing themselves as “a family of artists with a mission”, Morgan Heritage is composed of Memmalatel “Mr Mojo” Morgan on percussion and vocals; Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan on guitar; Roy “Gramps” Morgan on keyboards and vocals; Una Morgan, the group’s sole female member, on keyboards and vocals, and Peetah (Peter) Morgan singing lead.

The group’s walk of fame began after an astounding perfomance at Jamaica’ Sunsplash festival in 1992, where they were immediately signed by the recording company, MCA. Apart from the release of their first album, Miracle, the group introduced a warmly welcomed contemporary roots reggae sound, and followed with chart topping hits such as “Reggae Bring Back Love”, “Down By The River” and “Don’t Haffi Dread”. Morgan Heritage continues to gain international critical acclaim througout the Caribbean, UK and Asia.

A true Caribbean festival would not be complete without the smooth reggae flows of one of the region’s legendary reggae bands, so be sure to check out Morgan Heritage at the St Lucia Jazz Festival on May 6th, 2011!

St Lucia Jazz Festival 2011- Live the Music!

If you’re up for a great party then you should be heading to Saint Lucia Jazz this April 30th – May 08th!!

Hey Guys!!

I’m Vernette Eugene, and I’ll be joining Karlyn in bringing you the latest scoop on the artists, events, and everything you need to know to get you all set for St Lucia Jazz 2011- straight from the island! As a young St Lucian and Jazz enthusiast, this festival is just one of the many facets of the island that makes me truly proud to be “Looshan” (Slang for ‘St Lucian’). It brings together all the things I adore about my island- the food, the scenery, the sunshine, the people… and of course, the music!

This year the St Lucia Jazz Festival celebrates 20 years of a rich tradition of renowned talent, outstanding entertainment and scrumptious cuisine, all against a backdrop of the island’s picturesque scenery. Termed “The Best Party in the Caribbean”, the Festival unites thousands of local, regional and international music lovers each year. With a history of award-winning talent like Wyclef Jean, Kenny G., Shaka Khan, Anita Baker, Seal, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, and so many more, the St Lucia Jazz Festival provides the perfect setting for a unforgettable vacation or staycation.

Hoping to top previous festivals, this year’s event promises a tantalizing fusion of soul, R&B, jazz, folk and reggae music from the biggest names in Caribbean, African, North American, Latin and European entertainment.

Be sure to check out the official website for full lineup, ticket and travel information and updates: http://www.stluciajazz.org/ 

~Live the Music!~

The Power Within

In February of this year I had the privilege of addressing the Caribbean Students Association at Carleton University. I was a nervous wreck, as I would be sharing the stage with seasoned speakers such as Brendon C Browne and Ewart Walters. Mr Browne is the Canadian High Commission – Designate of Dominica and Mr Walters is a seasoned journalist & philanthropist. Both were inspiring and shared quite a bit of their knowledge with me and the students in attendance.

See excerpt from my speech:
“Barriers, setback, obstacles – are too often pre conceived in one of the most dangerous area’s- our minds. It has often been said that if we believe we can’t, then most likely we won’t even try. Many people think, success or creating an impact only happens when you’re Bill Gates, or Oprah Winfrey. Success happens with you and what you believe you can achieve. It happens in the little steps that we take. When you obtained admission to this school, you were successful, Every exam you write, and passed, you are successful; Focus more on you and what you know you can accomplish and less on what others think of you”.

It always starts with YOU and what you think about yourself…so focus on the power that is within you and you will overcome your obstacles and accomplish your goals:)

Karlyn

Caribbean Week