Hosted by the Alliance Française in collaboration with the Carnival Development Corporation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines made its contribution to International Music Day (Fête de la Musique) last Friday, June 12, at Heritage Square.{{more}}

Patrons were treated to a delightful musical medley, which featured the band KRAZZ, from Martinique, and also saw performances from several local acts such as Impac Jazz Band, Madroy, and R3cka, amongst others. Registered performers included Tevin Hepburn, Papa I-ston, Bunny Rebel and Bunki.

KRAZZ, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, have performed widely throughout the region and have also toured parts of North and South America. Of the 8 current members, six were involved since the band’s inception.

On International Music Day amateur and professional musicians across the globe are encouraged to perform in the streets at free concerts. This effectively makes all genres of music accessible to the public. Two stipulations of being sanctioned by the organizing committee are that all concerts must be free to the public and all performers donate their time for free.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT, Ali Medjahed, President of the Alliance Fran̤aise, explained that International Music Day began in France in 1981 under the auspices of then Minister of Culture Jack Lang. Locally, the day has been celebrated for 8 Р10 years (not consecutive) and BDS, owned by Douglas DeFreitas, has always provided the sound system.

In his brief address to the crowd, Medjahed was full of praise for the sponsors, and retired Headmaster Lennox John, who founded the Alliance Française 40 years ago, following a trip to Paris.

At a cost of approximately $45,000, several businesses/sponsors contributed to the success of the event. Namely, the French Embassy, St. Vincent Brewery, Bottlers Ltd, Heron Hotel, Grenadine House, ADD Pro, SVG Distillers, Sweetie Pie Bakery, French Verandah, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Lotteries Authority, BDS, LIME and Gonsalves Liquors.

Oneka Morgan, Development Officer in the Ministry of Culture, and Anthony Theobalds, Director of Culture, also gave remarks. (JSV)