Nov. 16, 2007 — Local jazz enthusiast Carmelo Rivera was so inspired by Sunset Jazz that he conceived of something bigger for Frederiksted.
That was the genesis of the St. Croix Blue Bay Jazz Fest which began Thursday at Government House with a Hugo to Katrina benefit hosted by Gov. John deJongh Jr. and the Frederiksted Economic Development Association.
"Thanks to the Frederiksted Economic Development Association involvement, that vision of something higher became reality," said Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis.
"All the seats on flights to St. Croix are full and hotels are close to capacity," said Rupert Ross, chairman of the board of directors of FEDA. "St Croix is a sleeping giant awakening and we're making it happen."
The eight featured musicians — a number of them associated with New Orleans — mingled with the invitation-only crowd of close to 150 people in the Ballroom. Top Class catered the event, and Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights provided entertainment. There was a cameo appearance by alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, a New Orleans native who's made a name for himself with an infectious blend of acoustic swing with modern R&B, Mardi Gras music and reggae.
The rest of the musicians will be playing in Frederiksted on the waterfront throughout the weekend.
"The similarities between New Orleans and Frederiksted make this event a perfect fit," said trumpeter James Andrews, another New Orleans musician heavily indebted to Louis Armstrong. "The hospitality of the people and even the bread pudding is the same."
Rivera said he remembers back in the '60s when Armstrong and Duke Ellington came to St. Croix. Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott said he loves St. Croix' easygoing lifestyle and culture.
The crowd moved on to Tutto Bene restaurant in Christiansted for an after party with the jazz performers and New Orleans Jazz station WWOZ road crew.
Here's the schedule of free events:
Friday
Opening celebrations 5:30 P.M., New Orleans trumpet summit 6 p.m., pianist Henry Butler 7:30 p.m., Stephanie Jordan 9 p.m., Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights and Moors Ensemble 11 p.m.
Saturday
Crucian, Creole, Cajun food fair 11 a.m., Art and wine walk on the Strand 12 p.m., Mini carnival 5:30 p.m., Trombone Shorty 6 p.m., Christian Scott 7:30 p.m., Donald Harrison 9 p.m., Frederiksted Waterfront Digital Band 11 p.m.
Sunday
St. Croix Reformed Church Jazz Vespers worship service 9:30 p.m., Pier 69 breakfast buffet 10 a.m., Beachside Café brunch 10:30 a.m., Jazz on the bay 12 p.m., Divi Carina Resort party 12 p.m., Christiansted Jazz crawl 2 p.m.
For more information go to www.frederiksted.org.
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