Three artistes have been announced for Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole carded for May 3 – 5, 2019, at Fort Shirley in the Cabrits National Park. Marva Williams, Festival and Events Manager (Ag) at the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) made the announcement at a concert featuring British artiste Joss Stone.
On the line up for this year’s 10th edition of Jazz ‘n Creole are Johan Chuckeree of Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica’s own Mel and The Smith Brothers.
Johann Chuckaree is a celebrated pannist who mastered the steel pan under the tutelage of Len “Boogse” Sharpe. Chuckaree is the section leader and senior member of the 7 time national panorama champs Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove Steel Orchestra. He has performed alongside Andy Narrell, represented his country in Argentina as cultural ambassador and amazed audiences in Barbados, St. Lucia, London, Germany, France, New York, Boston and Los Angeles with his stirring steel pan music.
Mel, formerly known to us as Mel C, has thrilled us with her melodious vocals as lead singer of Ti Orkest Band and as a contestant in the Miss Dominica 2013 National Queen Pageant. She has performed in Summer Heat Fest, Fete la Coudre, The Gaza Party and others. Mel has gained considerable experience performing alongside Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Munga Honourable, Popcaan, Christopher Martin and Wayne Wonder. Her popularity has grown tremendously in the French West Indies through her collaboration with artistes such as Walla, Riddla, Jmax and Warped. Mel participated in CARIFESTA XI in 2013, was awarded the most outstanding youth in music from the National Youth Council in 2015 and in 2015 was nominated as The Sun Newspaper’s best young female artiste.
The Smith Brothers have risen to local stardom with the energetic and lyrically sound deliveries of their youngest member Micah Smith. The band comprises Marxian on guitar and piano, Michaj on drums, Mighan on bass guitar and Micah the lead vocalist. The brothers have put together four productions and released their first single on December 30, 2018. They have performed at Marigot’s May Fest, Sisserou Singers Harmony Production in 2018, Kweyol Wandevou in 2018 and Colton T’s Bomb in the City concert among others.
Marva Williams of the DFC encouraged patrons to get ready for another exciting Jazz ‘n Creole lineup with two additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information on Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 767 448 2045 or Dominica Festival Committee at 767 448 4833. Or visit Dominica’s official website: www.DiscoverDominica.com, or follow Dominica Fests on Twitter and Facebook, and YouTube.
