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Tito Jackson
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Excitement is mounting for the 14th
Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, as officials continue
to unveil top international and regional artistes
for the illustrious event.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson of the Jackson
5 is the latest megastar to be named to the growing
list of top-notch performers. The brother of Pop King
Michael Jackson will perform a tribute to the Jacksons
on the first anniversary of his younger brother's
death (June 25). Toriano "Tito" Jackson
is best known for his run with one of Motown's most
successful acts, the Jackson 5. However, the singer/songwriter
experienced his own success as a solo artiste with
hits like "I gotta play" and "Stormy
Monday."
Jackson said he is looking forward to visiting and
performing in St. Kitts for the first time.
"I have heard so much about the island, and I
have lots of surprises in store for the audience.
They are going to hear a great retrospective of Jackson
family songs, from Janet, Michael, The Jackson Five,
and some of my songs. It will be a great show and
will bring back lots of memories and create some new
ones, I am sure. I am sure the crowd will love all
of the music."
Minister of Tourism Hon. Richard Skerritt said having
Jackson perform at the St. Kitts Music Festival was
an "honour."
"It's an honour to have Tito Jackson join the
line-up for this year's St. Kitts Music Festival.
His tribute concert to the Jackson family music legacy
is certain to be memorable for the many Jackson family
fans in St Kitts and the wider Caribbean, who will
be given a wonderful opportunity to experience this
special world-class performance first-hand, while
enjoying the unique St. Kitts Musical Festival experience,"
he said.
Rounding out the list of confirmed
acts are R&B sensation Kenny "Babyface"
Edmonds, Grammy nominee Ky-Mani Marley, Soca power
couple Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, and Grammy
nominated reggae group Third World.
Festival Chairman Faron Lawrence spoke with The
Observer and said the response to the partial
line-up was incredible, adding that with more big
names to be rolled out, the event promised to be unforgettable.
"We've unveiled about five acts and already the
anticipation and buzz has reached an amazing level.
The St. Kitts Music Festival has been a mecca for
entertainment seekers since its inception and this
year promises to deliver yet another phenomenal musical
product. We have a superb blend of international,
regional and local artistes and I can guarantee patrons
will get their money's worth and a whole lot more,"
Lawrence said.
He informed that the line-up should be complete within
the next few weeks and that once sponsorship arrangements
had been finalized, tickets would go on sale shortly
thereafter.
"We have reduced the price of the tickets this
year from EC $135 (US$50) to EC$100 (US$40) nightly.
We took the economic situation into consideration
because we want to make it affordable so that everyone
can attend, whether locals or visitors. The St. Kitts
Music Festival is the place to be, and we are expecting
the usual massive turnout or more," he said.
Lawrence said it will be a double header of entertainment
for St. Kitts at that time as the nation will be hosting
a WICB test match - West Indies versus South Africa
- from Friday, June 18 to Tuesday, June 22 at Warner
Park.
The star-studded musical event will take place from
June 24-26 at the Warner Park's football stadium.
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