Barbadian promoter brings Roots and Rhythm Festival to SVG

Festivals like the inaugural Roots and Rhythm Festival, scheduled for March 31 and April 1, can help boost this country’s economy by attracting visitors to these shores and by exposing local acts to regional promoters.

That’s the view of festival promoter Orlando Newton, who says that the Roots and Rhythm Festival, which will take place at the Cruise Ship and Ferry Terminal is expected to attract a number of regional promoters and visitors.

Newton, a Barbadian, said that he has visited this country 19 times in the last two years and through his visits realized the potential of the country; so he decided to bring the festival to these shores.

He said that the introduction of the festival to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) will serve as a stepping stone for persons involved in the entertainment industry, as a number of big regional promoters come with the festival.

Among the promoters expected to be in attendance are persons associated with Reggae on the Hill in Barbados, the Dominica Creole Festival and Pure Grenada Music Festival.

“I think [SVG] is a hidden gem and … has a lot to offer and with this festival, I am hoping that the Caribbean diaspora will take to it,” said Newton, during the festival launch, which was held on March 7 at The Grenadine House.

Performing on night one (March 31), in a show dubbed “Timeless,” are Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osuana from Trinidad, Edwin Yearwood from Barbados, Rondy “Luta” McIntosh from SVG and Eric Donaldson from Jamaica, among others.

The April 1 show, named “Unplugged,” will feature, among others, Miami based Vincentian Kevin Lyttle, Jamaican Romain Virgo and Vincentians Vasita “First Lady” Cain, Abuza Cyrus and Yaphatoo.

Newton hopes that the festival will open doors to get direct flights into SVG, which he said is one of the main goals. He said that with an international airport, there is need for additional activities, so he is hoping to do more projects of this nature.

Newton has also teamed up with local hotels, Mariners Inn, The Grenadine House and Cobblestone Inn, with the intention of bringing guests to these establishments, while LIAT is also on-board.

Newton has also partnered with chief executive officer of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) Glen Beache and local producer and businessman Mark Cyrus.

Beache said that the SVGTA welcomes the festival, as since this country stopped its Blues Festival a few years ago, persons have been yearning for a show of this nature. He added that he is thrilled with the line-up, as it includes many Vincentians.

Commenting, Cyrus said that tickets are EC$45 presold and EC$55 at the door, while a VIP ticket costs EC$150 (all-inclusive).

He noted that a big void exists here in terms of festivals, outside of the Nine Mornings in December, the Easter festival in Bequia in April and Carnival in June/July.

“The SVG Roots and Rhythm Festival is definitely something to watch,” said Cyrus, who is hoping that it becomes an annual event.

Sponsors include SEARCHLIGHT, the St Vincent Brewery Ltd, Urban Vybz, Mariners Hotel, Grenadine House, Cobblestone Inn and LIAT.(LC)