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Three-Day Music Fest back on the beach!

- Committee appeals for support from business community
This year's Music Fest will be return to the beach in Cane Garden Bay. Recently it was done close to the beach but in an enclosed setting. Photo: VINO
The festival this year is expected to attract many who would have stopped attending for the sake of the openness of the event.
The festival this year is expected to attract many who would have stopped attending for the sake of the openness of the event.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Following concerns based on funding and a possible downsizing of the Musical Festival, the committee has made a very bold move- which many patrons will be happy to learn- to return the event on the beach where it used to be held and stick to the regular three-day musical extravaganza from May 25 through May 27.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, Events Coordinator Rhodni Skelton confirmed the move, and noted that the new Cane Garden Bay Music Festival Committee recognised that what separated the VI’s Music Fest from that of other countries was the fact that it was held on the beach.

The location of the stage this year will be opposite the cemetery area almost in the water, with the stage facing Quito’s. The prizes for tickets have also been reduced and will cost $20 in advance and $25 after. He disclosed that everything else will remain the same including the shuttle service.

Skelton said even the BVI Tourist Board surveys have shown that tourists, who visit specifically for the three day fest, prefer it on the beach rather than the enclosed area where it was held for the past three years.

With the reduction in Government funding from $300K to only $150K, Skelton is hoping that with more support from the private sector, the event can return to its glory days when thousands would flock the Territory just for the festival with hotels filled, restaurants and other service industries fully utilised thus bringing back millions of dollars in direct revenue into the country.

“This is a national event, it benefits the entire BVI, without this event people will suffer with the state of the world’s economy, we are appealing to the private sector to help us pull it off,” he said nothing that a variety of businesses in the Territory benefits from the vast influx of tourists who come for the event.

Skelton also explained that this year, the Committee will also be offering live feeds of the event and he encourages business owners to get on board as well where it can be done at their bars.

Asked if such a move will minimise the presence of actual patrons at the show, Skelton said it will not as persons would want to see their favourite artists performing on stage and even more so, the hotels, bars and the restaurants will also get business as the plan is to drive revenue into all aspects of the economy.

The tentative Line Up

Skelton further disclosed that the music festival will even go back to its regular formatting where the Friday night will be a soca show, Saturday will feature hip hop and reggae and Sunday R and B and soul.

Each night there will be one main international act while the event will feature a VI All Star Segment produced by Marcus Marks of Virgin Gorda. Skelton disclosed that the show will include the likes of Lincoln Ward, Quida, Shine I and Macabee. Regional bands expected are Red Eye Band out of St. Croix, Junior P and Nyora.

He also said they are working to get Iyaz to perform as well with his group ODB while they are currently waiting to hear back from Melanie Amaro.

While he could not give formal confirmation of the international acts, which he said will be formally announced shortly, the Events Coordinator said for the Friday night they are looking at either having Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, Rupee and Cheesy or El A Kru of Antigua.

For Saturday they are looking at Third World or Gramps Morgan while on Sunday, it may be R and B singer Joe, Ginuwine or D’Angelo.

The current committee comprises President Carnel Cline, Events Manager Rhodni Skelton, Technical personnel Neville Smith, Secretary/Treasurer Jennifer O’Neal, and VIP Coordinator Neil Cline.

Persons interested in being part of the festival and supporting can contact Skelton at 1-284-541-1941.

16 Responses to “Three-Day Music Fest back on the beach!”

  • home boy (04/04/2012, 08:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well well...that is all i will say for now!
  • Tsk Tsk (04/04/2012, 08:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Here we go again....Lincoln Ward and Ouida AGAIN?? What have they done as of recent???
    • Shara Parlin (04/04/2012, 09:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You all cowbirds keep saying you want local artiste now when you get it you change your tune eh?
      • Tsk Tsk (04/04/2012, 16:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        We do want look artists BUT we have a variety to choose from now. Come on get with the program
    • Ty-Rexx (04/04/2012, 12:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I urge all planning committees to continue to support our local artists. I agree . . . .many people call for them, and when they are showcased, they still complain. All artists should be supported by their home countries. Let them show their talent. Would you prefer to see them sitting on the street corner, or getting into trouble instead of working on their talents, and only remembering how they USED to be able to sing, or play, or whatever? SUPPORT THE LOCAL ARTISTS!!
      • liat (04/04/2012, 17:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        dude what damm local artiste that weekend I going St. Martin to gamble...weak fest
  • FBH (04/04/2012, 08:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What happen to chris brown me son.
  • critic (04/04/2012, 09:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    getting from bad to worst
  • Pimp (04/04/2012, 10:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lol D'Angelo is a crackhead.
    • Brap (04/04/2012, 12:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He placed himself in rehab sometime back. I can't say that he isnt on the stuff anymore, but he sounds as good as he did back then. He just needs to do something about his hair and he's set.
  • DADDY FRIDAY (04/04/2012, 11:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the NDP is in now how come they have not return this to Frank the former in law of Ira, orlando cousin????
  • CrucianDIVA (05/04/2012, 19:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please bring Ritical, his performance was off the chain in STT. Third World is a great choice, and so is Beres. Fyah Train or Blackness (sister does it so well) over Red Eye. But Ritical we ain't got to go to far to find him.
  • shamba (26/04/2012, 15:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Blessed. I feel so great about the fest being held at its original venue. Its the perfect spot once it is set up right. Sand, sun, and the sea along side good music, food, fun people and the ocean breeze; spells mini vacation in all of its naturalness. I did it four times in a row back when it started, but never went back when they changed the location. I'm an outdoor kind ah gyal. yea big-ups to Rhytical. you should get him on the card. once its being held at Cane Garden Bay, I'm There!! Raspect :-}


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