81.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesSunset Jazz Could Go National

Sunset Jazz Could Go National

Feb. 3, 2006 — For five straight years, on the third Friday of every month, St. Croix residents and island visitors have flocked to Frederiksted with beach chairs and blankets in tow. Their destination, the popular Sunset Jazz concert where they come by the hundreds to enjoy the sunset and listen to local jazz artists and the occasional off-island guest. The event is the brainchild of the Frederiksted Economic Development Association (FEDA) promoting the organization's mission to promote economic activity in Frederiksted.
In a press conference on Thursday, FEDA president Rupert Ross Jr. outlined several initiatives planned to enhance Sunset Jazz and bring it to a nationwide market starting with this month's event on Feb. 17.
Sunset Jazz falls on the opening day of the 35th annual Agricultural and Food Fair in St. Croix and organizers hope to bring in a big crowd of residents and off island visitors.
The biggest announcement of the day came when Robert C. Siebengartner, managing partner and majority owner of Island Lynx, announced that ferry service would begin between St. Croix and St. Thomas in time for Sunset jazz and the Agriculture Fair. Siebengartner, who was unable to attend the press conference in person, relayed the information via speakerphone. (See "Ferry Service Should Arrive in Time for Ag Fair").
The internationally known St. Croix quelbe band, Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights, will be the featured artist.
"Jazz has its roots in folk music," said saxophonist, Olaf "Bronco" Hendricks. "We feel we can bring something to the table." Also on stage will be international jazz saxophonist Hans Leonardo Pedersen of Denmark and favorite local jazz singer Jeanette Rouse Cochrane.
WTJX channel 12 video tapes the event each month and replays it on the local station. Executive director, Osbert Potter and board chairperson, Roan Creque announced the station is in negotiations to broadcast the event to a nationwide audience. Potter said the station would be offering the program to the more than 300 public broadcast stations on the mainland.
"We are recording our history," said Creque. "This is the longest running jazz program in the history of the Virgin Islands. Some things are being done right."
Ross said that First Bank VI, Hovensa and the Economic Development Commission have contributed to the event

Back Talk

Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.