BET J Previews St. Lucia Jazz 2008

The 17th Annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival, one of the Caribbean’s premier musical attractions, set for May 2 to 11, has already started its countdown on top cable networks BET and BET J.

The 2008 St. Lucia Jazz Preview Show is currently spotlighted on BET J’s popular “Island Lime” Saturday format and features the perfect show host duo, actresses Kim Fields and her sister Alexis Fields Jackson, as they explore the unique and idyllic attractions of St. Lucia, the island voted by industry and media sources as one of 2008’s top destinations.

During the half-hour program, Kim and Alexis take a quick break from the demands of work, parenting and red carpets, to enjoy themselves on the “simply beautiful” island. BET J cameras follow them as they shop at both upscale and local outlets, cruise along the picturesque west coast of the island, and candidly reflect on personal issues like staying grounded in Hollywood, and the importance of women loving and taking care of themselves.

“We are very excited about this production,” said St. Lucia’s Minister of Tourism Senator Allen Chastanet who noted that women are responsible for making up to 75 percent of all travel decisions, whether business, family or for themselves. He added “We are promising a high quality event as we raise the bar in our 17th year of Jazz.”

The St. Lucia Jazz performance line-up includes Michael Bolton, Air Supply, Angie Stone, Anita Baker, Dianne Reeves, Dionne Warwick, Jonathan Butler, Najee and Wyclef Jean.

Other festival acts include the Juilliard Quintet, featuring saxophonist Ron Blake, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, drummer Carl Allen and bassist Ben Wolfe. Also showcasing their skills at St. Lucia Jazz will be saxophonist Jacques Schwartz-Bart; keyboardist Alex Bugnon, guitarist Nick Colionne and neo-soul singer Ledisi; along with top local and Caribbean performers.

St. Lucia’s 10-day jazz celebration focuses on the straight jazz category but also features acoustic, new age, jazz, soul, fusion, R&B and Hip Hop held in a variety of locations and venues around the island, including Jazz on the Square in Castries and Fond d’Or Jazz in Dennery.