Erphaan Alves, WCK and Becket Headline Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest 2019

WITH LESS THAN one week to go, the excitement builds for the highly acclaimed and much anticipated Bequia Mount Gay Musicfest 2019.

THE GBK Caribbean Creole Jazz Band out of Martinique headlines the “Jazz Vibes and Candlelight” concert and dinner

The Bequia Tourism Association’s annual live entertainment Festival kicks off its now five-day long event in Bequia, running from January 30 to February 3. With 130 musicans performing in six events in five days, the festival has grown into one of the region’s premier music festivals, patronized by music lovers from all over the region and the world, who come to Bequia for five fabulous days of live music!

Sweet soca vocalist Erphaan Alves out of Trinidad headlines the Saturday Fete Night, backed by the big band Imij and Company, veterans on the regional music scene, and the legendary WCK out of Dominica. SVG’s own icon, the ABC of Calypso, Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus is back by popular demand, headlining on Soca Sunday at De Reef, in Lower Bay, along with many of our homegrown talented artistes, including pannist Rodney Small, Hance, LPank, Nicki Pierre, D’Termine, Kyron Baptiste, Andy Cruickshank, Hasani Arthur and Keido and the Vykinz Band. R & B up and coming band Lennox of Barbados headlines the Saturday afternoon, Music under the palms family event. Also featured this year will be the Rey Escobar Latin Band, Bajan bands Kevan Sahai and the Crashers, and the high energy NJ30+ with talented young trumpet player Kweku Jelani and bass guitarist Marius Charlemagne. Antiguan guitarist Joshu, Bequia Blues Band, Infinity, Bequia Kids on Pan, and the Elite Steel Orchestra complete the extensive line up of music to suit all tastes. Sound engineering is provided by Platinum Sounds.

SOCA VOCALIST Erphaan Alves out of Trinidad headlines the Saturday Fete Night

New in 2019 will be the “Jazz Vibes and Candlelight” concert and dinner concept, which kicks off the festival on Wednesday January 30. The GBK Caribbean Creole Jazz Band out of Martinique headlines this sophisticated Jazz concert, along with soulful Jazz vocalist Debbie Reifer of Barbados, the RS Essence Band of SVG, and Spanish Flemenco Guitarist Hector Belda OM. Chef Peter Ollivierre of Mustique is preparing a fabulous three-course dinner with Jazz on the side. 2019 is slated to be a thrilling programme of daily and nightly events not to be missed, taking place at three official venues, the Frangipani Hotel, Bequia Plantation Hotel and De Reef.

Thursday night takes place at the Frangipani Hotel with the 14-piece Elite Steel Orchestra, followed by DJ Tha Fugitive. Friday night Live at the beautiful Bequia Plantation Hotel’s open-air venue will feature Imij and Company of Trinidad and Tobago and guitarist Joey

Ng Wai. SVG New York resident Hasani Arthur opens on Friday, with his unique trumpet style, followed by the Cuban Latin band of Rey Escobar, guaranteed to energize patrons. Kevan Sahai’s rock and roll band promises not to disappoint what will be a magical evening under the stars.

Saturday afternoon is the relaxing vibe with music under the palms, suitable for children with five hours of great entertainment, complemented by the Plantation Hotel’s BBQ, snacks and goodies.

Tickets for all shows are on sale online at Ticket pal Caribbean or in Bequia at the BTA office.

Friday and Saturday night ticket prices are EC$80 for advance and $90 at the door, and Tickets for Sunday afternoon are EC$50. Saturday afternoon at the Bequia Plantation is $25 for adults and $10 for kids under 12; children under 5 are free. Wednesday Dinner and Concert is $190 or concert only at $90. Thursday is Free.

Show times: Wednesday January 30th, 7Pm, Thursday Jan 31st, 9pm; Friday February 1st, 8pm; Saturday Feb 2nd afternoon: 1pm; Saturday Feb 2nd night: 9pm and Sunday afternoon Feb 3rd at 2:00pm.

Sponsor Partners of the 2019 Festival are Mount Gay Rum, Hairoun Beer, the SVG Tourism Authority, the NLA, Bequia Plantation Hotel, Grenadine Sea Salt, Going Places Travel, Cocoa Cola, Tus-T water, MasterRoom Music, as well as many local businesses including Frangipani Hotel, De Reef, IK TV, Compass Publishing, Action Bequia, Outhouse Graphics, Vintages Bequia and Quik-Print (St. Vincent).

For more information visit www.bequiamusicfestival. com and www. facebook.com/bequiamusicfest or call the Bequia Tourism Office 458-3286