The second annual Love City Live!, a reggae music festival that starts Thursday on St. John, runs through the weekend.
“This is a unique experience,” said Glenn Wasi Philbert of Global Venture Consultants. “These are the premier musicians in the reggae industry.”
The Saturday concert at Winton Wells Ballpark in Cruz Bay is the centerpiece of the weekend, featuring the Morgan Heritage Band, who Philbert said disbanded about five years ago but is coming back together for a reunion.
“A reunion of a major band is happening right here on St. John. That’s an accomplishment,” Philbert said.
Festivities begin Thursday with the Sandy Feet Sundown Beach Lime at Oppenheimer Beach from 3 to 7 p.m.
On Friday, the action shifts to Miss Lucy’s Restaurant in Coral Bay from 6 to 11 p.m. Those who attend will meet the Morgan Heritage Band and enjoy the live sounds of St. John’s Inner Visions Band. A $20 round-trip shuttle departs from Fatty Crab Restaurant in Cruz Bay at 6 p.m.
The Saturday concert is from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Winston Wells Ballpark in Cruz Bay. Morgan Heritage will take to the stage at 11:15 p.m. Other performers are Niyorah, Bambu Station and Melame Gange. The concert will be hosted by celebrity personality Jeanille Bonterre.
The weekend is rounded out by Splash – the Ultimate Power Boat Party from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday with a reggae beach party at One Love Bar on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands. Philbert said this event is targeted at boaters who want to head to Jost Van Dyke.
Admission is free to all events except for the Saturday concert.
Tickets run $60 in advance or $80 at the gate. On St. John, they’re available at Connections, Love City Barbers, Cases by the Sea, 212 Boutique and Love City Beach Shop. Buy them on St. Thomas at Natural Livity, Urban Threadz, International Records and Just Threads. Tickets are available on St. Croix at Riddins, Strictly the Best and Uca. In the BVI, they’re available at UMI Fashion, Road Town Fast Ferry, Mulligan’s, and Ottley’s Sandbox 45 in Lower Estate.
Philbert hopes the concert will help infuse the regional economy, bolster local tourism, and establish St. John as a premier entertainment spot.
"We believe in economic empowerment through cultural development," Philbert said. "An investment in our culture is an investment in our people that is guaranteed to pay dividends and have intangible benefits."
A portion of the proceeds from Love City Live! helps fund a free weeklong youth baseball clinic on St. John and other initiatives by Global Venture Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Global Venture Consultants.
For more information, visit www.ExperienceLoveCityLive.com.
